Choosing the best among New Jersey's many beaches is a daunting task. Jersey Shore beaches attract people for a host of different reasons, including wide sandy stretches, family-friendly boardwalk areas, bird watching along major migratory routes, historic architecture, picturesque photography subjects and excellent saltwater fishing. A visitor to the Jersey Shore can choose his or her own "best beach" from among numerous favorites, all conveniently accessible from the Garden State Parkway.
The beaches at Ocean City were ranked as New Jersey's No. 1 in 2009. [Reference: http://www.njtoptenbeaches.org/past%20winners_09.html] The honor is well-deserved; Ocean City has 42 individual beach areas, covering more than eight miles of waterfront, that draw visitors from all over the Northeast. Since its boardwalk was built in the late 19th century, Ocean City has been a popular summer destination. [Ref. http://www.ocnjmuseum.org/ochm_06_pages/exhibit_pages/first_25.html] In addition to the traditional beach activities of swimming, sunbathing, surfing, shell collecting and boating, Ocean City has a famous boardwalk with two amusement parks and other entertainment venues. Ocean City Music Pier, constructed in the 1920s, continues to be a year-round site of musical entertainment. Due to Ocean City's "dry" status (no alcohol sales), it has gained a reputation as a family-friendly resort area.
Metered municipal parking is available, as are private pay lots. All beaches are staffed by lifeguards during the summer season, but guarding of certain areas does not start until the last week in June. Restrooms are located at multiple street locations along the boardwalk. Privately managed pay showers and changing rooms are available on 13th Street and Ocean Avenue. For the 2010 summer season, per-person beach fees are $5 (daily), $10 (weekly) and $20 (season). Children aged 11 and younger are admitted for free.
One of three adjacent Jersey Shore communities with similar names, Wildwood was ranked No. 3 of New Jersey's top 10 beaches in 2009. [Reference: http://www.njtoptenbeaches.org/past%20winners_09.html] In addition to sunbathing and swimming on the white sandy beaches, visitors can take advantage of attractions on Wildwood's boardwalk, which runs continuously through the three Wildwood towns, and fishing charters. The boardwalk in the Wildwoods is famed for having "more rides than Disneyland." [Ref. http://www.wildwoodsnj.com/wildwood-NJ-boardwalk.cfm] Away from the beach, visitors can explore the "Doo-Wop" resort architecture that made the area famous in the 1950s and 1960s.
Metered, on-street parking is available, as are private pay lots. Beaches are staffed by lifeguards during the summer season. Restrooms are located at several street locations along the boardwalk. There are no showers or changing rooms. In 2009, there were no beach fees in Wildwood.
Located on a coastal barrier island that it shares with the town of Stone Harbor, Avalon is an upscale community with a beach that was ranked No. 10 of New Jersey's top 10 beaches in 2009. [Reference: http://www.njtoptenbeaches.org/past%20winners_09.html]
The five miles of broad, beautiful beachfront are a major draw for visitors from as far away as Philadelphia, but Avalon is also quite popular with local New Jersey residents. Swimming is permitted only in areas patrolled by lifeguards. Avalon is famous for its system of high dunes---one of the last such systems on the eastern seaboard. The half-mile boardwalk allows bicycles but is not open to skaters, skateboarders or motorized vehicles. There are public docks and charter fishing venues for saltwater anglers.
Public parking is available in municipal lots and on several streets near the beach. Beaches are staffed by lifeguards during the summer season, but the number of lifeguards decreases during the latter part of the season. Restrooms are located in several public buildings (hours vary) and at several street locations near the beach. There are no showers or changing rooms. For the 2010 summer season, per-person beach fees are $6 (daily), $12 (weekly), $25 (season) and $20 (season, purchased before May 31). Children aged 11 and younger are admitted for free. Avalon beach tags are honored at the beaches in the adjoining borough of Stone Harbor.
