The New Jersey coastline stretches from the calm curve of Sandy Hook to the elegant "painted ladies" of Cape May. In between these two points lie some of the most visited and adored beaches on the East Coast. The Jersey Shore, as locals call it, is where thick Atlantic waves hit miles of fringed white sand. During the summer the beaches come alive with travelers from hundreds of places. In the off-season the beaches remain open, a quiet and restful retreat with recreational activities that anyone can enjoy.
Sandy Hook
Sandy Hook is a seven-mile crescent that serves as the northern entrance to the Jersey Shore. Much of the area is public park. Visitors can traverse wildlife trails that will lead them across holly forests and allow views of migrating birds. The Henry Hudson Trail begins here and allows for horseback riding and cross-country skiing. Beach goers will find five fine-sand beaches with gentle waves and free summer concerts to attend at night.
Spring Lake
Spring Lake has more than two miles of public beaches. Adjacent to the beach is the longest stretch of noncommercial boardwalk in the entire state. The boardwalk, which is actually made of plastic, attracts crowds both during the summer and winter. Bikers and strollers are encouraged to admire the grassy dunes that border the boardwalk. Much of the area is calm and residential with winding streets. A short distance from the boardwalk are paths where you can find rock gardens, shaded nooks and the famed Spring Lake. The lake offers recreational opportunities that include boating, windsurfing and fishing. Each spring runners come to Spring Lake to participate in the Spring Lake 5-Mile Run. The race takes runners through the entire town and ends at the boardwalk.
Long Beach Island
Long Beach Island is a barrier island that dangles from the mainland of New Jersey like a thin rope. Travelers can take in the Barnegat Lighthouse State Park, where a red and white lighthouse stands guard over the ocean. The lighthouse park has a trail that leads hikers through a maritime forest where dozens of species of birds make their home. Farther along the island are beaches where some of the best surfing can be found. Lessons are available for those who've never set foot on a board before. Experienced fishermen come here during the fall to participate in the Long Beach Island Surf Fishing Classic and catch the biggest bluefish or striped bass they can find.
The Wildwoods
The Wildwoods are three beaches in one. At one end you'll find North Wildwood, where a thick layer of sand slopes off into the ocean. In North Wildwood you can swim out from shore safely and practice your backstroke on the way back. In the middle of Wildwood is Wildwood proper. Here you can stroll the boardwalk or grab a bike and cycle from one end to another while enjoying sea views. At the southern end of Wildwood is Wildwood Crest. Recreational fishermen can catch all the fish they want at the end of the fishing pier. Kayakers have their very own launching pad and park away from the Atlantic on Sunset Lake, where the New Jersey wetlands can be explored close-up.
Cape May Point
Perched at the southernmost end of the New Jersey shore, Cape May Point State Park is an ideal destination for beach-goers and those who simply love nature. The beach itself has miles of interrupted sand where children and adults alike can walk and swim. During the summer months, schools of dolphins play just offshore and can easily be seen without binoculars. Behind the beach lie acres of guided trails that lead past ponds, dunes and grasslands filled with wading birds. In the fall birders come here to spot large flocks of migrating hawks as they trek southward.
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