Whether you live in southern New York or in northern New Jersey, or if you have plans to visit the area, you can enjoy some seaside water fun by traveling to some of New Jersey's beautiful beaches along North Jersey's Atlantic seaboard. Regional beaches include those on harbors, coves, inlets and bays off the Atlantic Ocean. These beaches provide the public with opportunities to enjoy a wide variety of water activities.
New York residents can easily access the Sandy Hook beach, located on a barrier peninsula just 10 miles north of Long Branch New Jersey and 40 minutes from midtown Manhattan. The popular beach fills up quickly during vacation times as its seven miles of bay and ocean beaches allow visitors to swim, surf cast and relax on the sand. Hikers and bird-watchers have a large expanse of beach area and holly forest in which to walk. Visitors who come to Sandy Hook beach can view up to 300 species of migratory birds that arrive during migration season. Vacationers must make their way to Monmouth Beach on the southern edge of the Sandy Hook barrier peninsula and then drive north up the peninsula to reach the beach.
Bradley Beach, located a one hour drive southeast of Newark, offers a wide beachfront for vacationers to swim and relax along the sandy waterfront. Vacationers can walk or jog along Bradley Beach's boardwalk and guests can bring food and beverages to the beach. Wheelchair accessibility for beachgoers exists at Newark and Second Avenue and the beach provides chairs for people with disabilities. Other amenities include food concession stands and changing rooms with showers, as well as restrooms.
Manasquan Beach, nine minutes east of Lakewood, provides beachgoers with a clean beachfront that allows easy access to Manasquan town where vacationers can find plenty of vacation rentals, shopping and eateries. The beach maintains a lifeguard and allows repeat visitors to buy a seasonal badge to save on daily pass costs. In addition to swimming in the ocean, vacationers can stroll along the beach's boardwalk or play volleyball at one of the nets set up. In addition to swimming, visitors can surf at Manasquan Beach.
Point Pleasant Beach, north of the town of Point Pleasant, has beaches for both public and private access. The private access beach sells daily and seasonal beach passes and provides lifeguard service. Visitors can access the private beach from Ocean Avenue. In addition to swimming, boating and fishing opportunities, the summer season at Point Pleasant Beach includes beach events such as Sunday worship services, Monday childrens' activities, concerts, fireworks, and car cruise nights.
