10 best beaches in new jersey for families: Your Ultimate NJ Shore Guide

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The best beaches in new jersey for families: Jersey Shore Guide

When planning a family beach trip, New Jersey offers some of the most beautiful, fun, and family-friendly beaches in the United States. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful spot to relax or a place filled with activities to keep your kids entertained, there’s a perfect beach for every family. From the iconic boardwalks to safe, clean beach and fun attractions, New Jersey’s coastline is a treasure trove for family vacations.

In this article, we will dive into some of the best family-friendly beaches in New Jersey, giving you everything you need to know to plan your perfect seaside getaway.

Introduction to New Jersey Beaches for Families

New Jersey is home to more than 130 miles of coastline, offering plenty of beaches for families seeking the perfect vacation spot. Whether you’re looking for a quiet escape or an action-packed destination, New Jersey beaches deliver a wide range of options that cater to families with young kids, teens, and even pets. The state’s beaches feature soft sand, gentle waves, and numerous amenities designed to make family trips stress-free and enjoyable.

Why New Jersey Beaches are Great for Families

New Jersey beaches have long been a top choice for family vacations due to their cleanliness, safety, and abundance of attractions. Many beaches are well-maintained, offering clean restrooms, playgrounds, lifeguards, and boardwalks with entertainment for kids of all ages. Whether you’re planning a day trip or an extended vacation, you’ll find everything you need for a memorable beach day with your family.

Top 10 best beaches in New Jersey for families

1. Cape May Beach

Cape May is a charming seaside town with a family-friendly beach that boasts clean sand, calm waves, and plenty of space for kids to play. The beach is perfect for young children, and the nearby Cape May Lighthouse is a fun spot to explore. The promenade offers shaded areas, restrooms, and shops, making it easy to spend the entire day here.

2. Ocean City Beach

Ocean City is known as “America’s Greatest Family Resort,” and it lives up to its name. This beach is ideal for families, with gentle waves, a wide shoreline, and a 2.5-mile boardwalk full of attractions, including amusement parks, arcades, and miniature golf courses. Ocean City’s dry town status means no alcohol is allowed, making it a peaceful spot for family fun.

3. Wildwood Beach

Famous for its wide, free beaches and vibrant boardwalk, Wildwood Beach is a great place for families with active kids. There’s no shortage of things to do here, from water parks to carnival rides. The beach is spacious, and the waves are great for boogie boarding and swimming. Don’t forget to explore the Wildwood Tramcar, which takes you up and down the bustling boardwalk.

4. Point Pleasant Beach

Point Pleasant is a classic Jersey Shore beach town, offering a family-friendly boardwalk with an aquarium, arcades, and plenty of snack stands. Jenkinson’s Beach is popular with families due to its calm waters, clean sand, and nearby attractions. Kids will love Jenkinson’s Aquarium and the amusement rides right off the beach.

5. Long Beach Island (LBI)

LBI is a laid-back beach destination known for its peaceful atmosphere and family-friendly environment. The beaches are pristine, and the island offers activities like mini-golf, fishing, and surfing. Families can enjoy a quieter beach experience here while still having access to great restaurants and shops.

6. Asbury Park Beach

Asbury Park Beach offers a combination of family fun and historic charm. The beach itself is clean and well-maintained, and the boardwalk features a mix of family-friendly restaurants, mini-golf, and an iconic carousel. Asbury Park’s lively arts scene also means there are plenty of family-friendly festivals and events throughout the summer.

7. Avalon Beach

Avalon is known for being less crowded than other Jersey Shore beaches, making it perfect for families seeking a more peaceful beach day. The gentle waves, beautiful sand dunes, and well-maintained facilities make it a favorite for parents with young children.

8. Stone Harbor Beach

Stone Harbor offers a quiet, upscale beach experience with plenty of space for families to spread out and enjoy a relaxing day in the sun. The calm surf is perfect for young kids, and there are plenty of shops and restaurants nearby for a post-beach meal.

9. Seaside Heights Beach

Seaside Heights is one of the most famous beaches in New Jersey, thanks to its lively boardwalk and amusement park. Families can spend the day enjoying carnival games, water slides, and rides before relaxing on the beach. The beach itself is well-maintained, with lifeguards on duty and plenty of space for kids to play.

10. Sandy Hook Beach

Sandy Hook is a unique beach offering both ocean and bay beaches. It’s an excellent choice for families who love nature, as it’s part of a national park with hiking trails, picnic areas, and even old military forts to explore. The calm waters on the bay side are great for younger children, while older kids can enjoy swimming and kayaking.

Key Amenities to Look For in Family Beaches

Restrooms and Showers

Having access to clean restrooms and showers is essential when traveling with kids. Most of New Jersey’s family-friendly beaches have well-maintained facilities that make it easy to rinse off after a day in the sand.

Lifeguards and Safety

Safety is a top priority for family beach trips. Look for beaches with lifeguards on duty to ensure that your kids can swim and play safely in the water.

Boardwalks with Entertainment

Many of New Jersey’s beaches have boardwalks packed with family-friendly attractions, including arcades, mini-golf, amusement parks, and restaurants.

Playgrounds and Picnic Areas

Some beaches, like those in Ocean City and Wildwood, offer playgrounds and picnic areas, making it easy to have lunch or let the kids run around between swims.

Best Times to Visit New Jersey Beaches with Kids

The best time to visit New Jersey’s beaches is during the summer months, from June to September. However, if you prefer fewer crowds, consider visiting in late May or early October when the weather is still pleasant, but the beaches are less crowded.

Things to Pack for a Family Beach Day

Be sure to pack essentials like sunscreen, towels, hats, water, snacks, beach toys, and a beach umbrella to keep everyone comfortable throughout the day. Having a cooler with drinks and snacks will also save you from constant trips to nearby food stands.

Activities to Enjoy with Kids at NJ Beaches

Sandcastle Competitions

Many beaches host sandcastle competitions, or you can simply challenge your family to a creative building session.

Beach Sports

Bring a frisbee, paddleball, or a kite to keep the kids active and entertained.

Water Activities

Older kids can enjoy boogie boarding, paddleboarding, or kayaking, while younger kids can splash in the shallow waves.

Family-Friendly Restaurants near NJ Beaches

New Jersey beaches are home to plenty of family-friendly restaurants offering everything from pizza and ice cream to seafood. Ocean City’s boardwalk is famous for its pizza, while Cape May offers a range of kid-friendly dining options.

Where to Stay: Family-Friendly Accommodations

New Jersey has a wide range of accommodations, from budget-friendly motels to full-service resorts. Many hotels near the beach offer family suites, pools, and kid-friendly activities to make your stay even more enjoyable.

Tips for Keeping Kids Safe at the Beach

Always keep a close eye on your children, especially when they’re near the water. Establish a meeting spot on the beach in case anyone gets lost, and teach your kids about the importance of swimming near a lifeguard.

Planning Your Beach Trip: Travel and Parking

Many of New Jersey’s popular family beaches have convenient parking options, though some may require a fee. Consider arriving early to secure a good spot, especially during peak summer months.

Environmental Awareness: Keeping New Jersey Beaches Clean

Teach your kids the importance of keeping the beaches clean by picking up after themselves and disposing of trash properly. Many beaches have recycling stations and encourage visitors to reduce their environmental footprint.

Conclusion

New Jersey’s beaches are the perfect destination for a family vacation, offering a balance of relaxation and fun for kids of all ages. From the lively boardwalks of Wildwood to the peaceful shores of Avalon, there’s a beach for every family in the Garden State.

FAQs about New Jersey Family Beaches

Are there any free family-friendly beaches in New Jersey?
- Yes, Wildwood Beach is a free beach and very family-friendly.
Which New Jersey beach is best for young children?
- Cape May Beach and Avalon Beach are ideal for young children due to their calm waters and family-oriented atmosphere.
What are the best boardwalks for families in New Jersey?
- Ocean City, Wildwood, and Point Pleasant have some of the best family-friendly boardwalks in New Jersey.
Can we bring our pets to the beach?
- Some beaches, like Sandy Hook and parts of Long Beach Island, have pet-friendly areas, but it’s always best to check local regulations.
What’s the best time to visit New Jersey beaches to avoid crowds?
- The best time to avoid crowds is late May or after Labor Day in early September.