Looking for the best family beaches in New Jersey?? Here’s the list with all the travel information you need to plan a family tour.
There are many family-friendly beaches in New Jersey. Many are less than an hour away from Philadelphia and have plenty of amenities for everyone in your family.
Stone Harbor has a beach boardwalk and is excellent for families with young kids. And Long Beach Island is an island that features plenty of activities for kids, including boogie boarding, surfing, kayaking, and jet skiing.
Also, Ocean City Beach, Brigantine Beach, Long Branch Beach, and Sandy Hook Beach are other family-friendly beaches in New Jersey.
Let’s discover the complete list of the best and most fun family beaches in New Jersey. Just check and add them to your bucket list.
Family Beaches in New Jersey
1. Family Beaches in New Jersey: Ocean City Beach
Visiting Ocean City Beach in New Jersey can be a great day trip or a family vacation.
The town has plenty to offer for everyone. But there are some things you should know before you arrive.
One of the main attractions of Ocean City is its beach. The city has eight miles of shoreline, but most people opt to stay on the 2.5-mile boardwalk area.
It gives families easy access to the beach, boardwalk attractions, and local restaurants. Plus, there are many public restrooms.
You can rent a bike to explore the town on your own. Or you can even take a stroll on the beautiful boardwalk, where you’ll find an array of shops and restaurants.
The town is also home to several attractions. There’s the Ocean City Music Pier, which features shows by world-renowned performers. It also features numerous pageants.
Another activity in Ocean City is the Oceans City Pops concert series. These concerts are held from July to October. The Oceans Pops orchestra plays popular songs and classical music at these events. So, these events are worth checking out with your family.
Address: Ocean City, New Jersey 08226, United States Phone: (609) 399-6111
Family Beaches in New Jersey
2. Family Beaches in New Jersey: Brigantine Beach, Brigantine
One of the most beautiful beaches in New Jersey is Brigantine.
This area has over two miles of pristine sandy beach with salt marsh and abundant birdlife. So, if you want to see wildlife in its natural habitat, you can visit Brigantine Beach in New Jersey.
You can camp at the large two-story viewing platform during migration season or take a hike along the shore.
Passerine birds and small mammals are also abundant in the undeveloped shrub habitat. For even more nature fun, visit the museum or the Marine Mammal Stranding Center, which specializes in the rehabilitation of marine animals.
For a more laid-back experience, take the kids to Shark Park, a fun playground for children. There is also a golf course and mini-golf center on the island.
You can also rent jet skis and bike rental equipment to explore if you love the beach. It is a great way to explore the island.
There are plenty of restaurants to choose from, and ice cream is available for all ages at the Brigantine Lighthouse Players.
The area is home to the Marine Mammal Stranding Center. The organization responds to marine mammals in distress and oversees their rehabilitation and release back into the wild. Among the many attractions in the area are the Brigantine Farmers Market, the Marine Mammal Stranding Center, and Salt Sea Studios.
Address: Ocean Ave, Brigantine, NJ 08203, United States Phone: (609) 266-7600
Family Beaches in New Jersey
3. Family Beaches in New Jersey: Long Branch Beach, Long Branch
With a sandy beach and plenty of attractions, Long Branch Beach in New Jersey is the perfect beach getaway for families.
Long Branch is a beach resort town in Monmouth County, about an hour from northern New Jersey and New York City.
The city has many great things to do, including shopping, dining, and going to the theater. And the town’s West End is a great place to grab lunch.
In addition to the shops in the pier village, there are restaurants and shops galore in the downtown area. The town hosts many events throughout the year.
Long Branch Beach is an excellent place for a family vacation with its picturesque shoreline. The water is clean, and the shoreline is well maintained. It also has many facilities and beautiful blue water, which is excellent for swimming with kids.
In addition, the beach is located in a resort town, which means that you can easily visit nearby attractions. While you’re at it, take advantage of the many restaurants and shops near the shore.
Long Branch is home to many events and wide, sunny sandy beaches during the summer.
So, plan a tour to Long Branch Beach with your family.
Address: 4 Ocean Ave, Long Branch, NJ 07740, United States Phone: (732) 222-7000
Family Beaches in New Jersey
4. Sandy Hook Beach, Highlands
If you’re looking for a place to have a day out on the beach, look no further than Sandy Hook Beach in New Jersey.
This peninsula at the junction of the bay and the ocean is a part of the Gateway National Recreation Center, which encompasses New York and the state of NJ.
Families have spent generations visiting this place for beach days, class trips, and outdoor adventures. I visited the area in April and found it to be the perfect place to explore.
The sand spit at Sandy Hook Beach is the most popular beach in the region. It is a barrier peninsula separated from the mainland by the estuary of the Shrewsbury River.
The sand spit encloses the triangular arm of Raritan Bay. This location was discovered by Henry Hudson and has been a good place to anchor ships in the past.
The island is located in Middletown, New Jersey, and is part of a federal enclave. And the northern portion of the island is home to the community of Highlands, which has a scenic view of the beach and the Atlantic Ocean.
There are many places to stay near Sandy Hook Beach.
This barrier stretch of sandy beach is perfect for water sports too. Surfcasting and other water sports can be enjoyed at this beach.
On the other hand, this area is part of Gateway National Park, so you can also enjoy hiking trails through dunes and forests.
You can also visit the Fort Hancock Museum, Nike Missile Radar Site, and Sandy Hook Lighthouse while at the beach. The beaches at Sandy Point have restrooms, and there are no entrance fees or car parking fees.
So, come with your family and have an unforgettable beach day.
Address: Sandy Hook Beach, Highlands, NJ 07732, United States Phone: (609) 599-6540
Family Beaches in New Jersey
5. Asbury Park Beach, Asbury Park
If you are planning a vacation in the beautiful state of New Jersey, consider heading to Asbury Park Beach.
With its low-bottomed chairs and blankets, this New York City neighborhood beach is an ideal location for a relaxing day. (Only one hour and fifteen min from NYC)
It is also a short stroll from the town’s legendary boardwalk, home to eclectic boutiques, funky bars, scoop shops, and family attractions.
A trip to Asbury is not complete without visiting the famous Asbury Splash Park, a wonderful waterpark that features whimsical fountains and padded grounds for kids.
Asbury Park Beach is similar to other Jersey Shore beaches, deep and light in color. But, it is safe for swimming even with kids, since lifeguards are on duty, there is no need to worry at all.
The local radio station, 94.3 The Point, broadcasts live from the boardwalk during the summer. And the artsy and eccentric vibe of Asbury Park is evident in its art galleries, restaurants, and bars.
So, this beach park is perfect for art lovers.
The beach area is covered in colorful murals, including the famous Bruce Springsteen’s. You’ll find galleries and eclectic shops throughout town. A trip to Cookman Avenue is worth a trip for its vintage treasures.
Asbury Park is a great place to spend a day shopping too. The town’s most popular boutique is Rebel Supply Co.
Address: First Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ 07712, United States Phone: (732) 502-8863
Family Beaches in New Jersey
6. Atlantic City Beach, Atlantic City
Atlantic City is a resort town on New Jersey’s Atlantic coast.
The area is popular for its wide beaches, casinos, and iconic Boardwalk. And the city, which was originally founded as a health resort, has since become a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
The glitzy high-rise hotels and nightclubs are dotted throughout the area, and you can spend the day indulging in spa treatments, performing arts, and high-end shopping with your family.
While there are several beaches in New Jersey, few are as popular as Atlantic City Beach.
With its plenty of shoreline, bustling boardwalk, and vibrant nightlife, Atlantic City is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the region.
While you’re there, take advantage of the many attractions, including a Steel Pier that features a variety of rides for the kids.
If you’re looking for a more romantic beach getaway, there’s nothing quite like an evening at a restaurant on the boardwalk.
If you’d like to do some shopping while you’re at the beach, check out the many Atlantic City Boardwalk complexes.
The city offers a variety of fun activities and is within walking distance of everything you need. There’s shopping, restaurants, casinos, and shows to enjoy, and you can even take a break from the sun with a frozen margarita or a soft-serve ice cream.
You can also sunbathe on the wooden chairs lined with umbrellas to prevent overheating.
Aside from that, you can enjoy fun water activities like kayaking, parasailing, canoeing, surfing, windsurfing, and fishing on Atlantic City Beach with your family.
Plan your family weekend getaway to Atlantic City Beach.
Address: Atlantic City Beach, Atlantic City, NJ 08401, United States Phone: (888) 228-4748
Family Beaches in New Jersey
7. Family Beaches in New Jersey: Wildwood Beach, Wildwood
One of the most popular summer attractions in the area is Wildwood Beach in New Jersey. And also, it is one of the top toddler-friendly beaches in the United States.
With its sugar-like sand and wide wooden boardwalk, it’s easy to see why this area is popular among tourists.
If you’re a first-time visitor to Wildwood Beach, you’ll be a little unsure of what to expect. It is a great place to enjoy the water and enjoy a day of sunbathing. Its water is clean, and the sand is white and fine.
Since it has a gentle slope, younger kids can safely swim. Also, there are lifeguards on duty.
Parking on Wildwood Beach is plentiful and is free for the public.
The boardwalk is full of fun, including restaurants and an amusement park. There are rides for the whole family.
For a little more adventure, you can also visit Morey’s Piers & Beachfront Water Parks, which feature hundreds of fun rides for the whole family.
The pier also features rides, water parks, and outdoor movies.
Another exciting attraction is Ed’s Funcade, a fun Amusement center. Or you can spend a day exploring the Seaport Aquarium and Historic Cold Spring Village.
Also, the pier offers excellent opportunities for sailing, boogie-boarding, kayaking, and jet skiing. During your trip to Wildwood Beach, you can also enjoy carnival games and small amusement parks on the pier.
Address: 3500 Boardwalk, Wildwood, NJ 08260, United States Phone: (800) 992-9732
Family Beaches in New Jersey
8. Family Beaches in New Jersey: Cape May Beaches
Whether you’re on a family vacation or a romantic getaway, you’ll enjoy spending time on the beautiful beaches of Cape May.
Children will love building sandcastles, and adults will love relaxing with a book and a glass of wine on Cape May beaches.
There’s also a wide variety of fun activities and restaurants to choose from. These family-friendly attractions are a great way to enjoy your time in Cape May.
When traveling with your family, consider renting bikes to explore Cape May. It is really the best way to explore the city.
You’ll love biking through the historic Victorian homes and scenic nature preserves of Cape May, and it’s a great way to get some exercise.
And if you’re on a budget, consider kayaking, which will give you the chance to see wildlife up close.
During the day, you can explore the scenic Cape May shoreline. If you’re a nature lover, you’ll be delighted to see the dolphins migrating in and out of the water.
During the day, you can also visit nearby farms local wineries and enjoy wildlife viewing.
In addition to the beaches, there are plenty of fun activities for kids and adults to explore and enjoy. So, plan your Cape May tour now.
Address: Beach Avenue, Cape May, NJ 08204, United States Phone: (609) 884-9525
Here’s the list of the best and fun things to do in Cape May, NJ. Just check and add them to your list.
Family Beaches in New Jersey
9. Beach Haven, Beach Haven
You’ve likely heard of Beach Haven in New Jersey before, but what’s it like actually to visit this borough?
This borough is located in Ocean County, right on the Atlantic Ocean. It is definitely worth a visit. Just be sure to bring a camera, because you’ll want to capture the sights.
Listed as one of the best places to live in New Jersey, Beach Haven is a small, one-hundred-fifty-person community in Ocean County.
Beach Haven is located on the southern tip of Long Beach Island in New Jersey. Beach Haven is perfect for a family getaway, featuring a sugary white sand beach with scenic views and sparkling blue waters.
It is filled with plenty of dining, shopping, and entertainment options.
Aside from that, you can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, building sandcastles, catching a frisbee, playing volleyball, and many other outdoor activities with your family.
Fantasy Island Amusement Park is also located near Beach Haven, featuring carnival rides and fun games.
Address: 420 Pelham Ave, Beach Haven, NJ 08008, United States Phone: (609) 361-3395
Family Beaches in New Jersey
10. Point Pleasant Beach, Point Pleasant
The Borough of Point Pleasant Beach in New Jersey is a small beach borough in Ocean County.
The Point Pleasant Beach Boardwalk, Jenkinson’s Boardwalk, is the perfect spot for families to spend the day. It’s also close to Jenkinson’s Aquarium, which is popular with locals and tourists alike.
Jenkinson’s Boardwalk is the perfect place to relax and unwind. And while you’re there, take advantage of the various shopping options in the town. You can find antique shops and specialty stores, as well as fine coffee shops and restaurants.
The most popular area of the boardwalk is home to two mini-golf courses. Each course is suited for beginners and professionals alike, and each offers a unique challenge.
And the lower part of the Boardwalk is home to the famous Crow’s Nest, a great place for beginners.
The upper portion of the boardwalk is a historical attraction. There is an interesting legend about the Wheeler family, who, legend has it, became shipwrecked on their voyage to America.
Its sand slopes dramatically just before the surf begins, so boogie boarding and wading out further is difficult.
Aside from that, Point Pleasant Beach features a well-maintained shoreline with clean waters and soft sands.
So, it is perfect for sunbathing, building sandcastles, playing fun beach games, flying kites, and doing many other fun things with your family.
Address: 300 Ocean Ave, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742, United States Phone: (732) 892-1118
Family Beaches in New Jersey
11. Stone Harbor Beach, Stone Harbor
Stone Harbor Beach in New Jersey offers plenty of outdoor activities during the summer months, including hiking, biking, and kayaking.
The town’s three-block main street includes a grassy median, two lanes, and a pedestrian bridge across the bay.
For more information about the area, visit the Wetlands Institute. This nonprofit group is located on 111th Street and protects coastal ecosystems and promotes environmental awareness.
Visitors can learn about the wetlands and the importance of protecting them from development and pollution.
The Wetlands Institute, located on the water tower lot at 95th Street and 2nd Avenue, offers tours of the wetlands and the surrounding area. And the organization also holds various events throughout the summer.
These events are open to the public and include road races, family festivals, and picnics. In addition to these activities, there are also plenty of local restaurants, shops, and other amenities.
If you’re interested in the area’s history, Stone Harbor is a great place to visit.
The pristine white sand is beautiful and a must-see while visiting Stone Harbor.
Address: 2 94th St, Stone Harbor, NJ 08247, United States Phone: (609) 368-6101
Family Beaches in New Jersey
12. Family Beaches in New Jersey: Seaside Heights Beach
The town of Seaside Heights is located in Ocean County, New Jersey. It is known for scenic beaches, the top attraction for residents and visitors.
This community is surrounded by water and has a unique blend of cultural and historical values.
Unlike many other beach towns, Seaside Heights is more laid-back. The community is home to the Seaside Heights Amusement Park, featuring two roller coasters, including the Skycoaster.
There are also plenty of things to do in the area. There’s plenty to do for the whole family, from swimming in the ocean to earning beach badges.
The town’s beaches are popular with families. There are several activities for families with young children, and the town’s boardwalk has a great selection of activities.
Address: Seaside Heights, NJ 08751, United States Phone: (732) 793-9100
Family Beaches in New Jersey
13. Family Beaches in New Jersey: Island Beach State Park, Lanoka Harbor
Located just south of Seaside Park, Island Beach State Recreation Area is a great place to spend the day with family.
The New Jersey Division of Forestry operates the state park. There are several great activities to participate in during your visit. You can enjoy a picnic, swim, and play volleyball.
There are also many things to do in the park. If you’re looking for a fun activity to do, try sand volleyball and beach soccer.
Visitors can enjoy the pristine beach at Island Beach State Park, just off the Garden Highway.
The park features a 10-mile-long barrier-free beach. And the water is calm and inviting, making it the ideal location for swimming and biking. While you’re there, be sure to explore the many trails available.
You’ll enjoy the scenery and the wildlife, or you can even take a class to learn how to surf.
Island Beach State Park is the last remaining barrier-island ecosystem in the northern Atlantic.
With more than 3,000 acres and ten miles of coastal dunes, the park is one of the most picturesque beaches in the region.
You can kayak and canoe in the bay during the summer months or paddle on a kayak. You can also stop by the Nature Center and Forked River Coast Guard Station No. 112 Interpretive Center.
Address: Island Beach State Park, Lanoka Harbor, NJ 0873, United States Phone: (732) 793-0506
Family Beaches in New Jersey
14. Family Beaches in New Jersey: Long Beach Island
A summer colony and barrier island located in Ocean County, New Jersey, the United States, Long Beach Island is a popular destination for vacationers and residents alike.
A thriving business district has made this summer colony a destination for all seasons. Visitors enjoy the summertime lifestyle, the beaches, and the local culture on this island.
However, the real magic of Long Bay lies within the people who live on the island.
One of the best parts of Long Beach Island is its unspoiled beauty. The 18-mile-long island is known for its natural attractions and is a summer getaway, especially for families.
In addition to its beautiful beaches, visitors will also find amusement parks, a movie theater, and several exciting family-friendly attractions.
There are several excellent LBI hotels on the island. The island’s southern tip has three miles of marsh and is home to the historic Barnegat Lighthouse.
The area is also famous for the Viking Village, a fifth-mile-long strip of wetlands.
And the south-most tip of the island is known as Surf City, one of the island’s most developed sections. Beach Haven is also located on the southern tip.
Its point of land extends into Barnegat Bay, and it is the first beach on the island to be replenished.
The beach in Surf City is huge and has plenty of parking for everyone.
On the other hand, the northern portion of the island is mostly residential, while the southern end is home to more stores and attractions.
You can bring your dog to Long Beach Island.
Address: Long Beach Township, NJ 08008, United States Phone: (609) 361-3395
Family Beaches in New Jersey
- Ocean City Beach
- Brigantine Beach, Brigantine
- Long Branch Beach, Long Branch
- Sandy Hook Beach, Highlands
- Asbury Park Beach, Asbury Park
- Atlantic City Beach, Atlantic City
- Wildwood Beach, Wildwood
- Cape May Beaches
- Beach Haven, Beach Haven
- Point Pleasant Beach, Point Pleasant
- Stone Harbor Beach, Stone Harbor
- Seaside Heights Beach
- Island Beach State Park, Lanoka Harbor
- Long Beach Island
Family Beaches in New Jersey
