2 New Jersey Beaches Named Among the Cleanest in the Country

Two New Jersey beaches just earned high marks for their clean water. A new study by Islands named Point Pleasant Beach and Stone Harbor among the cleanest beaches in the country.

Islands created its list by first having writers and travel experts identify some of America’s prettiest and most family-friendly beaches. Researchers then reviewed bacteria testing data from Swim Guide, Beach Report Card, Safe to Swim Hawaii, the U.N.’s Blue Flag program and local health department websites, focusing mainly on Enterococcus, a bacteria that can cause health concerns in ocean water.

According to Swim Guide, Point Pleasant Beach met New Jersey’s water quality standards at least 95 percent of the time during the 2025 testing season. Enterococcus levels remained below 104 units per 100 mL of water, the state’s threshold for acceptable ocean water safety.

You and your crew  can catch a free summer concert or movie, or head to Jenkinson’s Boardwalk for the aquarium, arcades, rides, mini golf, ropes course and classic boardwalk eats. Off the beach, there’s kayaking on the Manasquan Inlet, picnicking at Riverfront Park, and fishing or clamming in Lovelandtown. For food beyond the boards, try Surf Taco, Vesuvio’s Pizzeria, Point Lobster Co., The Shrimp Box or The Wharfside Seafood & Patio Bar for waterfront views.

Start the day at Coffee Talk for flavored coffee or espresso drinks, then stop by Springer’s Ice Cream for cups and cones. Downtown, shop coastal décor at The Spotted Whale, baby and kids’ clothes at Nesting, and beach gear at Pete Smith’s Surf Shop.

Stone Harbor has a Taylor Swift connection, too. Swift spent childhood summers here, and the Stone Harbor Museum has celebrated her Shore roots with a special exhibit. Check seasonal hours before visiting. The museum also has oral histories dating back to the 1930s and other local artifacts.

Look for artwork and sculptures with your older kids at Ocean Galleries. On a rainy day, check the schedule at Harbor Square Theatre. Then look – and listen – for songbirds as you take a walk through any of the four walking paths at Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary, which is open year-round. You’ll overlook the saltwater wetlands, freshwater pond, flower gardens, dunes and maritime forest.