Skip the crowds and check out these off-the-beaten-path places to create a memorable vacation this summer.
New Jersey has some of the best beaches on the East Coast. From sunbathing to swimming to fishing to kayaking or simply watching the sunset, there is so much to see and do on the over 130 miles of shoreline.
Popular beaches include Asbury Park, for its culture and diversity; Point Pleasant, which draws families with young kids for their boardwalk rides, games, and snacks; and Atlantic City, which is known for its casinos and nightlife. But finding off-the-beaten-path places can make any beach day more memorable, especially when you prefer to avoid the crowds.
Here is a list of the most underrated beaches in the Garden State, including beaches located at the southernmost tip of New Jersey to New Jersey’s only clothing-optional beach.
INSIDER TIPMost New Jersey beaches charge an entry fee for a single day, or you can purchase a seasonal badge. Parking fees may also apply. Specific questions about beach rules are typically available online.
1 OF 10
Avon-by-the-Sea
WHERE: Monmouth County
In between Bradley Beach and Belmar, Avon-by-the-Sea has white, sandy beaches perfect for relaxing, swimming, or soaking up the sun. View the drawbridge from the beach. Take a stroll along the boardwalk, which is lined with Victorian lamps, benches, and pavilions, and watch the ocean waves. Go fishing or scuba diving at the Shark River Inlet, the northernmost inlet on the New Jersey Coast. When you’ve taken in enough sun, eat at The Promenade Waterfront Grill, which overlooks the ocean, or at The Columns, which has live music.
2 OF 10
Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area
WHERE: Lower Township, Cape May County
Great for fishing, watching the sunset, or a walk along the shore, Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area sits at the southern tip of New Jersey. While it doesn’t have a boardwalk or a lifeguard like traditional beaches, it offers a secluded atmosphere with wooded trails and calm waters. This protected 1,159‑acre natural habitat is made up of dunes, coastal forests, freshwater ponds, and equestrian trails. Birdwatchers will love to look for red knots, snowy egrets, and various raptors during the spring and fall. On your way home, drive 10 minutes and climb the original 199 steps of the Cape May Lighthouse.
3 OF 10
Sunset Beach
WHERE: Cape May Point, Cape May County
Sunset Beach is known for its sunset views over the Delaware Bay. It’s also a great place to go fishing, shop in the local stores, or just bring a chair and relax. Beachcombers can search for smooth quartz “Cape May Diamonds” along the shoreline.
INSIDER TIPAside from being scenic, Sunset Beach is historic because it features the remains of the concrete ship USS Atlantus, which can be seen just offshore. They also host a nightly flag ceremony to honor American Veterans.
4 OF 10
Poverty Beach
WHERE: Cape May County
A peaceful and less developed beach, Poverty Beach has a quiet shoreline with a relaxed vibe that locals love. There are lifeguards on duty, so go swimming or just stroll along the sand and watch the ocean. You might even spot a dolphin while you enjoy the sunset.
INSIDER TIPInsider Tip: There are no restaurants directly on the beach, so it’s a great place to bring a picnic lunch. Or take a short drive to The Lobster House for some great seafood.
5 OF 10
Gunnison Beach
WHERE: Sandy Hook, Monmouth County
Gunnison Beach is part of the National Park Service because it’s on federal land. If you’re comfortable hanging out in your own skin, Gunnison Beach is also the only clothing-optional beach in New Jersey. Sunbathers enjoy the relaxed vibe and eclectic crowd. To get to the beach area, there is a long walk on a flat mat from the parking lot. Lifeguards, restrooms, and showers are available. On your way home, drive a little over half a mile and stop at the Sandy Hook Lighthouse, a National Historic Landmark and the oldest operating lighthouse in the nation.
6 OF 10
Barnegat Light Beach
WHERE: Long Beach Island, Ocean County
Barnegat Light is a quiet beach town located on the northern tip of Long Beach Island (LBI), where you can enjoy swimming, sitting in the sun, going surfing, fishing, or crabbing. Savor a bite of seafood fresh from the dock at local restaurants like Viking Fresh Off the Hook. Visit for the day; parking is free in Barnegat Light. Or stay longer by renting a room for a couple of nights at quaint bed-and-breakfasts, like The Sand Castle Bed and Breakfast.
7 OF 10
Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park
WHERE: Monmouth County
With 38 acres of beach access, visitors can swim, surf, kayak, canoe, fish, and/or lie in the sun at Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park, which is part of the Monmouth County Parks System. During the summer, there is a snack bar, a shady eating area, a volleyball area, outdoor showers, and changing areas. The park also has a picnic tent available for groups of up to 50 people. Families of kids with or without disabilities will enjoy Tony’s Place, an accessible playground for kids with disabilities, located right next to the beach.
8 OF 10
Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park
WHERE: Monmouth County
With 38 acres of beach access, visitors can swim, surf, kayak, canoe, fish, and/or lie in the sun at Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park, which is part of the Monmouth County Parks System. During the summer, there is a snack bar, a shady eating area, a volleyball area, outdoor showers, and changing areas. The park also has a picnic tent available for groups of up to 50 people. Families of kids with or without disabilities will enjoy Tony’s Place, an accessible playground for kids with disabilities, located right next to the beach.
9 OF 10
Ocean Grove Beach
WHERE: Monmouth County
Ocean Grove Beach is about a mile from Asbury Park and a great place to enjoy the sand and sun in a quieter setting, with a boardwalk free of concession stands or rides. Go fishing, take a swim, or walk two blocks from the beach to downtown and view the Victorian-era houses. Check out the local restaurants, like SeaGrass Restaurant, which has fresh, sustainable cuisine. Or stop by the boutiques, like The Main Ave Collective, to pick up stylish new beachwear.
10 OF 10
Lavallette Beach
WHERE: Barnegat Peninsula, Ocean County
Lavallette Beach is a quiet beach, great for families or anyone looking to get away from the crowds. The town itself has fewer than 2,000 residents. Swim, sunbathe, or go fishing in the ocean. There are also two bayside swimming beaches, which are great if the surf is rough during high tide. The boardwalk is a little over a mile long and free of shops and restaurants. There is a shaded gazebo and boardwalk pavilions that can be rented for a fee.
INSIDER TIPCheck out the beach conditions on the live beach cam before you head out.