The Jersey Shore has long been famous for its beaches, which have drawn visitors from surrounding states since the nineteenth century. The Shore region is also a popular destination for New Jersey residents, who benefit from having such a superb escape so close to home. Day-trippers visit New Jersey's beaches to take advantage of the many opportunities for sunbathing, amusements, bird watching, fishing, boating, entertainment venues and cultural pastimes.
Located in Neptune Township, the beach at Ocean Grove---one of New Jersey's few "dry" areas (not selling alcoholic beverages)---has long been a draw for those desiring a quieter shore experience. Ocean Grove's boardwalk contains no commercial venues, and the flowering sand dunes allow for peaceful, meditative beach excursions. The surrounding town area is famous for its Victorian architecture, quaint shops and tent-revival village. On Sundays during the summer season, the beach does not open until 12:30 p.m.
On-street parking is available, as is a paid parking lot. The beach is staffed by lifeguards during the summer season. Restrooms and showers are available in the beach office; additional restrooms are located on Middle Beach. Changing rooms are located in the beach office. For the 2010 summer season, per-person beach fees are $7 (daily), $35 (weekly special), $12 (weekend special), $70 (season, standard) and $65 (season, purchased by May 15). Discounted season badges are available for youths ($35, ages 12 to 17) and senior citizens ($40). Children aged 11 and younger are admitted for free.
The city of Asbury Park has been undergoing a renaissance after decades of decay. Its beaches, however, have long been a popular destination; in 2009, the beaches were ranked No. 5 of New Jersey's top 10 beaches. Asbury Park's famous, wide boardwalk is at the same level as the beach, not elevated above it, and is home to a number of amusement activities. Fishing off Asbury Park is a popular pastime, with good opportunities for striped bass in recent years. The city has a famous musical heritage and hosts a number of entertainment venues throughout the year, many of them right on the boardwalk.
Asbury Park instituted paid parking along the waterfront in January 2010. The beach is staffed by lifeguards during the summer season, but note that some of Asbury Park's beaches do not open until near the end of June and are not staffed by lifeguards until that time. Restrooms are located on the boardwalk, at Ocean Avenue and at 1st Avenue. Showers are located at the beaches at 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th and 7th Avenues. No changing rooms are available. In 2009, per-person beach fees were $5 (daily), $50 (season, standard) and $15 (season, children aged 13 to 17 and adults 63+). Children aged 12 and younger are admitted for free. Active-duty military personnel and their dependents, with proof of status, are admitted for free.
No discussion of New Jersey day trips would be complete without a mention of Atlantic City. Thousands of people come every year to visit its famous casinos and hotels, but the beach at Atlantic City is a principal attraction. Swimming and sunbathing are major tourist draws, as is Atlantic City's famous boardwalk, one of the oldest in the world. Surfing, kayaking and windsurfing are permitted in designated areas, and boogie boarding (leashed) and body surfing are allowed at all beach areas. Ocean fishing is a popular activity from the jetties. Atlantic City's beach has multiple access ramps for the disabled.
Metered, on-street parking is available, as are many private parking lots. The beach is staffed by lifeguards during the summer season. Restrooms and showers are available in multiple locations along the boardwalk and at lifeguard district stations; ADA-compliant restrooms are available at Caspian Avenue. City changing rooms are located at Albany Avenue and South Carolina Avenue. In 2009, there were no beach fees in Atlantic City.
