Union Beach - Free Beach
(732)264-2277

Summary: Located not far from the Garden State Parkway on the way to Sandy Hook, this small bayshore town offers a quiet bay beach with boardwalk. Facilities for fishing, crabbing and boating are nearby.

Beach Type: Bay Beach
Amenities: Boardwalk, Fishing, Handicap Accessible, Picnicking
Map

Middletown - Free Beach
(732)615-2260

Summary: All of the bay beaches and parks feature free admission and parking. Ideal Beach and Leonardo Beach have lifeguards on duty throughout the summer, while Bayshore Waterfront Park and Port Monmouth Beaches do not.

Beach Type: Bay Beach
Amenities: Bath Houses, Lifeguards, Picnicking, Rafting
Map

Keansburg - Free Beach
(732)787-0215

Summary: Senior citizens from all over New Jersey have fond memories of the days when Keansburg competed with Coney Island as one of the finest amusement centers along the east coast. Today, there is still plenty of fun to be had at the state-of-the-art water park and Keansburg Amusement Park, as well as being able to take relaxing walks along the scenic Raritan Bay. The bay beach, while free, does NOT have lifeguards.

Beach Type: Bay Beach
Amenities: Amusements, Bath Houses, Boardwalk, Fishing, Handicap Accessible, Picnicking
Map

Long Branch
(732)222-0400

Summary: Among the nation's first seashore resorts, Long Branch served as the summer resort of choice for seven U.S. presidents and countless dignitaries. The guarded beach features swimming, surfing, fishing, and more.

Beach Type: Ocean Beach
Amenities: Boardwalk, Fishing, Handicap Accessible, Lifeguards, Lodging, Picnicking, Rafting, Surfing
Map

Manasquan
(732)223-1221

Summary: Like Belmar to the north, Manasquan has been a popular destination for the under-30 set for many years. Whether it's the exciting nightlife; the close proximity of the many bungalows, all within several blocks of the beach; or the "Manasquan Bowl" - a combination of wind and tides that creates some of the best surfing on the shore - Manasquan offers plenty for younger beach revelers. Boats of all kinds pass through the Manasquan Inlet on their way to or from the ocean. Marinas offering party-boat and charter fishing are available along the Manasquan River in nearby Brielle.

Beach Type: Ocean Beach
Amenities: Fishing, Handicap Accessible, Lifeguards, Lodging, Picnicking, Rafting, Tennis Courts
Map

Monmouth Beach
(732)229-2204

Summary: A vast beach replenishment project has helped Monmouth Beach grow from n ever-so-narrow strip of sand in the early 1990s, to a wide stretch that now attracts thousands of sun worshippers daily throughout the summer. With four beaches to choose from, there's plenty of room on the white sand for a colorful beach blanket and tons of fun.

Beach Type: Ocean Beach
Amenities: Fishing, Handicap Accessible, Lifeguards, Picnicking
Map

Ocean Grove
(732)988-5533

Summary: As quaint as it is quiet, Ocean Grove features some of the finest examples of Victorian architecture north of Cape May. The beautiful beaches are perfect for swimming, and not as bustling as some other nearby beaches. A great place to relax and unwind for a leisurely vacation.

Beach Type: Ocean Beach
Amenities: Boardwalk, Fishing, Handicap Accessible, Lifeguards, Lodging, Picnicking, Rafting, Surfing, Tennis Courts
Map

Sandy Hook - Free Beach
(732)872-5970

Summary: The Sandy Hook Gateway National Recreation Area offers miles of beaches and dune trails. Spectacular woodlands, excellent beaches, surf fishing, and over 300 species of birds are part of the seaside experience.

Beach Type: Ocean Beach
Amenities: Fishing, Handicap Accessible, Lifeguards, Lighthouse, Picnicking, Surfing
Map

Sea Bright
(732)842-0215

Summary: Sea Bright's nightlife is among the best along the shore. Recently restored beaches offer excellent fishing, surfing, and picnicking. Public beach is located at Ocean Ave and River St.

Beach Type: Ocean Beach
Amenities: Boardwalk, Fishing, Handicap Accessible, Lifeguards, Lodging, Picnicking, Rafting, Surfing
Map

Sea Girt
(732)449-9335

Summary: Much like Spring Lake to the north, Sea Girt is a wonderful destination for relaxing family vacations. Enjoy the long, white, sandy beaches. Be sure to see the Victorian Sea Girt Lighthouse, which dates back to 1896.

Beach Type: Ocean Beach
Amenities: Bath Houses, Beach Fire Permit, Boardwalk, Fishing, Handicap Accessible, Lifeguards, Lighthouse, Rafting, Surfing
Map

Seven Presidents
(732)229-0924

Summary: Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park, a county-owned park located in Long Branch, offers three bathing beaches, with playgrounds for children, picnic areas, changing facilities, and concession stands. Atlantic Ave beach offers some of the best surfing along the east coast.

Beach Type: Ocean Beach
Amenities: Bath Houses, Fishing, Handicap Accessible, Lifeguards, Picnicking, Surfing
Map

Spring Lake
(732)449-8005

Summary: A beautifully maintained Victorian resort community, Spring Lake is home to awe-inspiring homes as well as bed-and-breakfast inns. It offers beautiful beaches and a very wide boardwalk - a favorite of joggers, cyclists, and the stroller set.

Beach Type: Ocean Beach
Amenities: Boardwalk, Fishing, Handicap Accessible, Lifeguards, Lodging, Rafting, Surfing
Map

Allenhurst - Free Beach
(732)531-2757

Summary: Filled with residential neighborhoods that feature well-maintained 19th century homes, this year-round shore town has a thriving main street that offers a wide variety of shopping.

Beach Type: Ocean Beach
Amenities: Bath Houses, Beach Fire Permit, Boardwalk, Fishing, Handicap Accessible, Lifeguards, Rafting, Surfing, Tennis Courts
Map

Asbury Park
(732)775-0900

Summary: Made famous by rock-and-roll superstar Bruce Springsteen, Asbury Park jammed as a rock mecca in the 1970s and 80s. Keeping with tradition, the Convention Center on the boardwalk still hosts popular acts. You can enjoy ocean swimming, body surfing, fishing, and more.

Beach Type: Ocean Beach
Amenities: Boardwalk, Handicap Accessible, Lifeguards, Lodging
Map

Avon-by-the-Sea
(732)502-4510

Summary: Excellent beaches and a wide boardwalk make Avon a destination of choice for day trippers and vacationers alike. Avon features many blocks of well-kept homes with wide, breezy porches and colorful awnings.

Beach Type: Ocean Beach
Amenities: Boardwalk, Fishing, Handicap Accessible, Lifeguards, Lodging, Picnicking, Rafting, Tennis Courts
Map

Belmar
(732)681-3700

Summary: Belmar has been a draw for young families and singles for generations. It offers a full mile of the widest beaches along the Jersey Shore where you can swim, sunbathe and fish. Take part in kite festivals and the annual New Jersey Seafood Festival, and watch lifeguard tournaments and pro beach voleyball championships. There is even a large charter boat fleet available for offshore fishing at the Shark River Inlet.

Beach Type: Ocean Beach
Amenities: Amusements, Boardwalk, Fishing, Handicap Accessible, Lifeguards, Lodging, Picnicking, Rafting, Surfing, Tennis Courts
Map

Bradley Beach
(732)776-2990

Summary: You'll love this family-oriented town with a mile-long boardwalk that is perfect for evening walks or morning jogs. These beaches offer ideal conditions for swimming, scuba diving, and when the waves are breaking right, surfing.

Beach Type: Ocean Beach
Amenities: Boardwalk, Fishing, Handicap Accessible, Lifeguards, Picnicking, Rafting, Surfing
Map

Deal
(732)531-1454

Summary: Magnificent houses and beautiful wide beaches characterize this stretch of the shoreline. Local beachgoers near Covoner Pavilion, where there are showers, a snack bar, and a playground available.

Beach Type: Ocean Beach
Amenities: Bath Houses, Fishing, Handicap Accessible, Lifeguards, Picnicking, Surfing, Tennis Courts
Map

Highlands - Free Beach
(732)872-1959

Summary: One of the most historic towns along the New Jersey coastline offers Miller Street and Snug Harbor Avenue beaches along the bay, and South Bay Avenue Beach on the Shrewsbury River. The beach is overlooked by the Navesink (Twin Lights) Lighthouse which sits on the tallest point along the Atlantic seaboard

Beach Type: Bay Beach, River Beach
Amenities: Fishing, Lifeguards, Lighthouse, Picnicking
Map

Loch Arbour
(732)531-4740

Summary: Loch Arbour, although primarily residential, does have a pavilion on the oceanfront with a snack bar and outdoor showers, and a small commercial area. Shh, it's also rumored to be a great surfing spot!

Beach Type: Ocean Beach
Amenities: Lifeguards, Picnicking, Surfing
Map