The Northeast’s coastline is a thing of legend. From rocky alcoves and sandy shores accessible by public transit to century-old lighthouses and iconic boardwalks straight out of the movies, when craving beach time, it’s the Jersey Shore or bust.
The Shore, which runs from halfway down the state’s eastern side to its southernmost tip, is more than just all-nighters in Atlantic City and the fake tans plus fist pumps that became iconic after a certain notorious MTV reality show. Each small beach town maintains its own distinct character full of laid back surf spots, party destinations, and family-friendly activities. These are New Jersey's most charming oceanfront communities.
Asbury Park
The town Bruce Springsteen immortalized, Asbury Park has undergone a revitalization to attract a younger, hipper, and more diverse crowd. Thanks to the nostalgic pull of the Silverball Museum Arcade, summer concerts at theStone Pony, and the Instagram-courting murals on the Sunset Pavilion, it’s worked. Asbury Park has even been dubbed “Brooklyn on the beach,” in case there was any doubt. Asbury’s beach is also one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly down the shore while the drive-in-style rooftop movie theater atThe Asbury makes for a perfect end to a day in the sun.
Avalon is at the north end of Seven-Mile Beach, a piece of land that juts out one mile farther into the Atlantic Ocean than any other part of the Jersey Shore. Perhaps that’s why it maintains a secluded atmosphere, attracting a wealthier, Lilly Pulitzer-sporting crowd. But just like in any other Jersey Shore town, there’s always mini golf. Check out Pirate Island Miniature Golf for the most extra experience, complete with waterfalls, suspension bridges, and a giant pirate ship.
Whether they like it or not—and apparently they don’t—Belmar has a reputation for being the Jersey Shore’s party destination. It doesn’t help those naysayers that its marina is home to New Jersey’s largest party boat fleet. Apart from that scene, there’s a town that’s been largely renovated since Hurricane Sandy, with a more relaxed boardwalk than those at Seaside or Wildwood. And the beach gets cleaned every morning, which makes for some really pristine sands… at least for a few magic hours.
Cape May
You’ll feel like you’ve entered a time warp when you reach this crown jewel of the Jersey Shore where horse-drawn carriages and trolleys fill the streets. Stop by the tasting room at Cape May Brewing Company before taking a historic ghost tour. Hit the brick-paved streets to check out the open-air Washington Street Mall, filled with one-of-a-kind gifts and sweet treats by Louisa’s Chocolate Bar, which has been serving farm-to-table dishes since 1980. Or just relax on one of Cape May’s gorgeous beaches like the Cove, a chill spot where you might even spy a dolphin taking a leap.
The LBI siren calls to surfers far and wide. So, it also makes sense that it's home to the first Ron Jon Surf Shop. The break at Holyoke Avenue in Beach Haven is the most popular, but head to the southern tip of LBI and you’ll have more space to catch a few waves. And if you’d rather hang out than hang 10, you've got miles of sandy, boardwalk-free beachfront to choose from.
Long Branch’s beach is a less-crowded alternative to its party-centric neighbors. To set the laid back vibes, you can enter through the Seven President’s Oceanfront Park, a peaceful space with a playground, skate park, and carefully maintained dunes. If you’d like to pair your beaching with some shopping, head to Pier Village Shopping Plaza, a hive-like retail complex that includes high-end stores, trendy boutiques, and an arcade featuring virtual-reality games.
Ocean City
Ocean City is the epitome of a family destination—“New Jersey’s Disney World,” in the words of the city’s mayor, Jay Gillian. At Playland’s Castaway Cove, you can ride the triple-launch GaleForce roller coaster and the Giant Wheel, a 90-foot-high ferris wheel with beautiful Atlantic City skyline views. Make sure to stop by Ocean City Coffee Company, too, where you can choose from a variety of roasts sourced from around the world. Since this is a dry town, getting high on saltwater taffy and fudge from Shriver’s—the eldest business on the boardwalk at more than 120 years old—is as crazy as things get. But hey, at least you’ll actually remember all the fun you had in Ocean City.
Founded in 1869 by a group of Methodist ministers, Ocean Grove stands out for being a “relief from the crowds, commercialism, and noise of other New Jersey beaches.” The main attraction here is Tent City, a community campground that houses families looking to relax and attend worship services.There’s also the Great Auditorium, a concert venue with acoustics that have been compared to Carnegie Hall. To learn more about the town head to the Historical Society of Ocean Grove, a museum that celebrates the town’s unique flavor.
Point Pleasant is for families. Jenkinson’s Boardwalk, which stretches a mile along the shore, offers some good old-fashioned fun by way of an aquarium, an arcade, an amusem*nt park, three mini-golf courses, and a 4,000-square-foot fun house. For a different kind of thrill, Point Pleasant is also known for antiquing. A favorite among the many shops is Point Pavilion Antique Centre, which houses some 50 sellers of furniture, jewelry, toys, and old records. This spot, coupled with the Vintage Automobile Museum of New Jersey, gives Point Pleasant its retro air. Your best bet for daytime drinking is at any one of the boardwalk bars, like Jenk’s Club Beach Bar, an ideal haunt for ocean views, live music, and a vibrant atmosphere.
The closest Jersey beach to New York City, Sandy Hook is the place to go when you’re looking for a no-fuss day trip from Manhattan. After a cruise on the Seastreak ferry, each of Sandy Hook’s six beaches present unique enclaves of relaxation for visitors. From touring the oldest working lighthouse in the country, Sandy Hook Lighthouse, to achieving that no-tan-line glow courtesy of the Gunnison nude beach, there’s something for everyone. Also, the beach sits on federal land, so booze is allowed. Sandy Hook isn’t a restaurant hot-spot, so packing a picnic from home is the way to go.
It’s hard to not immediately think of “Gym, Tan, Laundry,” when the Jersey Shore comes up. But, the Seaside Heights area is more than just its infamous reality show. Following Hurricane Sandy in 2012, the boardwalk was rebuilt and the town started pushing for more family-friendly fun like movie nights and concerts. Casino Pier now features an upgraded roller coaster called Hydrus, a neon green-and-blue coaster with a 72-foot vertical drop. Through it all, the boardwalk is still one of the busiest at the Shore, so if you’re looking to get away from it all, head south to Island State Beach Park—a 10-mile stretch of unmarred and undeveloped beach. Marking the end of an era, Karma and Bamboo Bar, the nightclubs made famous by the show, have gone bankrupt. But you can still have some fun at Beachcomber Bar & Grill, a boardwalk hangout featuring live bands on weekends.
Once a Gilded Age resort spot for wealthy New Yorkers, Spring Lake is still a vacation destination for urbanites who want a glimpse at how the other half lives. Just 60 miles from downtown NYC and accessible by train, million-dollar Victorian homes and manicured lawns make the place feel much farther away than it actually is. The beach features the longest non-commercial boardwalk in the state, two miles of pristine sand, and peaceful vibes. For longer trips, book a room at the historic Breakers, the only beachside hotel in town. For an after-beach treat, stop by Hoffman’s Ice Cream, an institution that’s been serving up unusual flavors since 1976. We recommend the signature Jersey Monkey (banana ice cream, peanut butter swirls, chocolate chips).
Stone Harbor is a quiet family escape where you can lounge alongside dunes, fly a kite above a wind-swept stretch of sand, or rent a kayak from Harbor Outfitters and paddle the bay. For more adventure, bike around the island or visit the Wetlands Institute, where you can take an eco-cruise and get to know local wildlife. End your day with a trip to Springer’s Homemade Ice Cream, which has been a Stone Harbor fixture since the 1920s.
Wildwood is engulfed in doo wop—both the music and the architecture style—and the homespun Doo Wop Preservation League won’t let you forget it with their museum and historic tours. Gaze at the retro buildings and it’s clear that the 1950s and ’60s are alive in this seaside escape, where the beach is free and wearing a poodle skirt to the local ice cream shop feels exactly right. For something a little more modern, check out artBOX, an artist colony composed of 11 brightly painted shipping containers. The three amusem*nt parks along the Wildwood Boardwalk—Mariner’s Pier, Adventure Pier, and Surfside Pier—together boast more than 100 rides and attractions for every stripe of daredevil. The bravest will want to check out the Great Nor’Easter coaster, featuring a 95-foot drop.
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Izzy Baskette is the New York City Staff Writer for Thrillist. Talk to her at izzy.baskette@voxmedia.com or find her on Instagram.
Shannon Carlin is a pop culture writer whose work has appeared on Bustle, Refinery29, and BUST. Her dream is to eat at Drake's restaurant, preferably with Drake.
Jessica Sulima is the first writer to make it though a Jersey Shore article without using the name "Snooki" in more than 10 years.
