Staying Local: The Best Beaches in NJ

Growing up in New Jersey meant going to the Jersey Shore every summer for vacation. There is always a feud between the best NJ beaches, so I am going to tell you my personal top 3 NJ beaches!

1. Long Beach Island (Exit 63)

I might be a little biased because I have been going to LBI since I was born. However, that doesn’t change the fact that this is the best beach in New Jersey. LBI isn’t actually one small town, but a bunch of small shore towns all in one. These towns include Surf City, Barnegat Light, Beach Haven, Ship Bottom, Brant Beach, and Loveladies. Brant Beach is where I have always stayed. You can really only go to LBI in the summer if you want to get the most out of your experience. Once it is out of season, everything is closed. And I mean everything. Each town has its own personality, but thankfully LBI is undisturbed by crazy clubs, commercial boardwalks, and loud resort hotels. LBI also has great waves for surfing! A lot of the people who go here over the summer either own a house here or have been renting the same house for years. It is a family friendly place to go with restaurants including Chicken or the Egg, Daddy O’s, Uncle Will’s Pancake House, and many more. Of course, you have to shop at Island Gypsy and at Bay Village. Bay Village has it all, from clothing shops, to restaurants, and even a fudge shop. Don’t forget to bring your family to Fantasy Island, which is the amusement park on the island. There is something for everyone there, including rides and arcade games. LBI is the best beach to go to, hands down. 

2. Long Branch (Exit 105)

This is the most north you can go if you want to be at the Jersey Shore. That is why this is such a popular beach, because people from north and south travel here for the weekend, or even just the day. Many people take the train, and it lets you off right by the beach. Unlike LBI, Long Branch has more of a year-round crowd. However, that does not stop it from being twice as packed over the summer than it is during the year. More people stay in hotels down here than they do houses. If you come to Long Branch, be sure to visit Pier Village, which is the “boardwalk” there. It is not a typical boardwalk, because there aren’t any arcades or typical boardwalk food places. However, Pier Village has many different restaurants including Stewarts, The Corner Cafe, and The Turning Point. They also have adorable boutiques including Molly and Zoey and Fresh Boutique. Whatever you need, you will find it at Pier Village in Long Branch!

3. Seaside Heights (Exit 82)

Seaside Heights is definitely one of the most well-known Jersey Shore beaches. Thanks to Jersey Shore, Seaside Heights is considered trashy, but a weekend there is something that everyone needs to experience at least once. Many high schoolers venture here for after-prom or you can see college students coming here for the bars. Its boardwalk is huge, even if it’s a little worn down and filled with a certain crowd (think Jersey Shore). Seaside is home to some of the shore’s biggest bars and clubs, including Hemingway’s Cafe, The Bamboo Bar, and Karma. This is the place to be if you’re 21 or older and are looking for a fun time. This is your typical trashy Jersey Shore experience, but it is no doubt a fun one!

The Jersey Shore might get a bad reputation for those who do not live in NJ, but I promise that each beach holds something special. Everyone needs a Jersey Shore experience at least once in their life, no matter which beach you happen to choose.

XOXO,

Have Some Wanderlust