Beach days in New Jersey are like grains of sand—no two are alike. There are quiet oceanfront promenades, bustling boardwalks with carnival rides and arcades, and white sandy beaches where it’s all about the sun and the waves. Want to know the key ingredients for a perfect beach day? For starters, it’s all about timing, tides, and weather.
- Beaches are less crowded Monday through Thursday and mornings are the best time to secure a spot on the sand.
- Low tide is better for young or inexperienced swimmers. Shallow water is also perfect for finding treasure like shells and sea glass or digging for sand crabs. Always be aware of riptide warnings.
- Sunny, storm-free days are best, of course, but also check the beach forecast for the wind direction. Westerly winds bring flies. Throw some waterproof insect repellent into the beach bag with your sunscreen.
It’s true. “Down the shore” everything’s all right. But insider tips can make beach days spectacular. Here’s how to spend a day at three Jersey shore towns like a local.
From Sunrise to Sunset—Seaside Park
There’s something magical about crossing the Thomas A. Mathis Bridge from Toms River to Seaside Park with Barnegat Bay stretching out in both directions below. Arriving in time to see the sunrise is ambitious, but well worth it. The kids will never forget the bright orange sun breaking over the horizon. As you drive into town along Central Avenue, stop by Bella’s Bagels & Subs. The shop opens at 6 am and serves fresh-brewed coffee, plus breakfast and lunch. Order ahead and pick up sandwiches for the cooler.
From there, head toward Ocean Avenue and park between N and O streets near the bathhouse, where daily beach badges, sand toys, and snacks are sold. Daily and season badge pricing is on the Kids under 11 are free. There’s also a restroom and outdoor showers for rinsing off.
From this location, it’s a short walk along the boardwalk to restaurants, food stands, arcades, and Sea Spray Park, where a two-hour passes for children are reasonably priced.
For a quieter experience, drive south along Ocean Avenue to the beach entrances at North, 2nd or 5th avenues. There are showers for rinsing off at all beach entrances, but no public restrooms. Nearby food options at 2nd and 5th avenues include Surf Taco and Windjammer Motel, which have restrooms for paying customers, and The White Oak Market sells sandwiches and beach supplies.
From the 5th Avenue beach, public restrooms are a block away at the police headquarters building, and there are shops like Shore and More General Store for sunscreen, soft drinks, apparel, and souvenirs. They also rent bikes. On the bay side of 5th Avenue, there is a fishing and crabbing pier, a small bay beach with lifeguards, and a playground. It’s a great spot to wind down at the end of the day and watch the sunset over the bay—a nightly attraction in Seaside Park.
After sunset, head for the lights on the famous Seaside Heights Boardwalk. Grab a slice at Maruca’s, a soft-serve cone at Kohr’s, or buy some fudge or candy at Lucky Leo’s Sweet Shop. At Casino Pier & Breakwater Beach Waterpark on the northern end of the boardwalk, ride the Ferris wheel and take in the gorgeous coastal views, play pirate-themed mini-golf, or take a spin on the go-kart track.
Pro Tip: Seaside Park beaches are free for veterans and their families (including spouses, children, and grandchildren.) Simply present a military ID.
Old Time Charm, Just a Train Ride Away—Spring Lake
Known as the “Jewel of the Jersey Shore,” Spring Lake offers a beach day that feels like stepping back in time. There are beautiful Victorian homes, a charming downtown, two miles of oceanfront beach and boardwalk, and Divine Park, home to the lake that gave the town its name. There are no traffic lights or parking meters in Spring Lake, adding to its timelessness. It’s also accessible by train via NJ Transit’s North Jersey Coast Line from New York Penn Station and Newark Penn Station. The walk from Spring Lake Train Station to Ocean Avenue and the beach is only 15 minutes!
For day trippers arriving by car, there is plenty of free street parking along Ocean Avenue and the sides streets. To maximize convenience, park near one of the two boardwalk pavilions to buy daily badges and take advantage of the restrooms, snack bars with breakfast and lunch options, and shaded picnic areas. Kids under 12 can get on the beach for free. Daily and season beach badge prices are on the Spring Lake website.
The North End Pavilion is between Tuttle and Ludlow avenues and the South End Pavilion is between Atlantic and Salem avenues. The pavilions have an upstairs balcony area offering shady seating and ocean and boardwalk views. It’s also a nice spot to eat lunch since food and drinks aren’t permitted on the beach.
Park at the South End Pavilion if you plan on taking a break from the beach to pop into the old-timey Sunday Times Ice Cream Parlour on Atlantic Avenue for a Cinna-Bomb Sundae or Sorbet Iced Tea. From there, stroll through Divine Park for some shade, a walk across the wooden footbridge, or to simply take in the lake views and wildlife like ducklings and turtles. From the lake, it’s a short walk to the shops on 3rd Avenue. There you can buy sweets at Jeanne Louise Homemade Candies and Third Avenue Chocolate Shoppe; a frozen vanilla latte or smoothie at Driftwood Coffee House; or an iced matcha latte at Coffee at Noon, which is inside the Noon Designs shop featuring jewelry, candles and tea towels. The downtown area also has several dining options like Honey Berry Café and Spring Lake Pizza & Bistro; both are good choices for a late afternoon or early evening meal, after you’ve packed up the Wonder Wheeler and beach blanket.
Pro tip: Though food and beverages aren’t permitted on Spring Lake beaches, storing coolers on the boardwalk is allowed so be sure to pack a picnic lunch!
Smile, You’re in Sea Isle—Sea Isle City
Sea Isle City is a true gem at the Jersey Shore—once you experience its charm, you may be tempted to keep it all to yourself. There are wide pristine ocean beaches, canals for kayaking, a variety of shops and restaurants, and the iconic promenade that stretches for 1.5 miles along the oceanfront. Start your day like so many locals and visitors do, with a stroll, walk, or jog along the promenade. Take in the sights and salt air by renting bikes. Isle Bicycles rents kids’ bikes, beach cruisers, and tandem bikes by the hour. Surf Buggy Centers lets you reserve bicycles ahead of time on their website or by phone. They also rent beach games like paddle ball and horseshoes.
If you’re hungry after all that peddling and walking, grab a smoothie or bowl at The Juice Pod on the promenade (at 43rd Street) or nearby Landis Avenue. Other favorite breakfast places include Shorebreak Café, Rick’s Breakfast House and Maryanne Pastry Shoppe. Next up? Sun and sand! Head over the dunes to set up a beach blanket and umbrella near a lifeguard chair. Sea Isle City has five miles of ocean beaches.
Daily beach tags can be purchased at the Welcome Center at JFK Boulevard, the Tax Office in City Hall at 233 JFK Blvd., or the beach tag vending machine, which is available 24/7 and is located in the City Hall lobby. See the Sea Isle website for pricing information. Kids under 12 are free.
Spend the rest of the morning and early afternoon building sandcastles with the kids, catching waves with Boogie Boards, or simply soaking up the sun with your toes in the sand. Picnic lunches are allowed on the beaches. Or for a quick bite, Giovanni’s Deli & Sub Shop has hoagies, wraps, sandwiches, and salads. Afterwards, escape the sun at one of the arcades on the promenade or play 18 holes of mini golf at Pirate Island Golf. If you prefer the water to a putting green, rent a kayak and explore Sea Isle’s marshes and back bays. Pier 88 Marina rents one- and two-person kayaks—a good option for a parent and child. It also offers eco and sunset tours and rents pontoon boats and bay skiffs, which are small boats ideal for fishing, crabbing, or taking in the sights.
If the hustle and bustle of the promenade isn’t ideal, head to Townsend’s Inlet Waterfront Park. It’s located on the less-busy “non-promenade” side of the island. It’s the most convenient place in Sea Isle to park during the busy summer months and has access to the quieter beaches. Bubba Dogs at 59th St. and the beach is a super kid-friendly, affordable lunch option. The south end of the island is also home to two iconic dining options—the flagship location of Hank Sauce on Landis Avenue and Sunset Pier at 86th St. and the bay.
For more dinner options and a taste of the town’s history, head over to Fish Alley in Sea Isle’s back bay. There you’ll find Mike’s Seafood, which celebrated its 110th anniversary in 2021; and Carmen’s Restaurant, whose owners have longtime ties to Sea Isle. End the day with ice cream from Marita’s and spectacular sunset views at Townsend’s Inlet Waterfront Park.
Pro tip: Lifeguard protected beaches that also have public restrooms are at 32nd, 40th, 44th and 85th streets. Note: Only 32nd and 40th streets have outdoor rinse stations.
Get the latest on the best things to do with your family in and around New Jersey by signing up for our newsletter and following us on Pinterest, Facebook and Instagram!
Read More:
Here’s How to Visit 6 Jersey Shore Towns Like a Local
Mini Vacations in New Jersey: 5 Short But Sweet Getaway Ideas
The Other Jersey Shore: How to Plan a Perfect Summer Day at an NJ Lake
How to Explore New Jersey’s Parks: Hikes, History, and Nearby Gems
Plan a Day Trip to Rancocas Woods: Shopping, Nature Walks & Sweet Treats
The Best Camping and Glamping in New Jersey
The Ultimate Guide to Family-Friendly Theme Parks in New Jersey
14 Free New Jersey Adventures Your Kids Will Never Forget
Popular Now:
New Jersey Ranked 3rd Best State to Live in for 2025! Do You Agree?
New Jersey’s 3 Best “Bougie-on-a-Budget” Vacation Spots, According to Survey
What Are the Best Public Colleges in NJ According to Money Magazine?
NJ Public Schools Just Ranked 3rd Best in the Country, According to New Ranking
These 2 NJ Downtowns Were Just Named Among the Most Walkable in the U.S.
Townsizing Is the New Travel Buzzword—And Cape May’s at the Top of the List
A School in New Jersey Has Been Named One of the Most Innovative in The World
