Spending the summer months at the Jersey Shore is an excellent way to enjoy some quality rest and relaxation. Whether you're renting a place for the summer or playing the weekend warrior and escaping the office for a holiday in the sun, knowing which beach is right for you can make or break your time spent in the sand and surf.
Public Beaches
Public beaches are an ideal destination for anyone visiting from out of town or whose workweek limits their free time. Day passes usually cost between $5 and $8, and seasonal passes also can be purchased, often with discounts for seniors and children. The beaches are owned and maintained by the town or city, ensuring beach cleanliness, food and restroom facilities, and the protection of certified lifeguards. Some notable public beaches are Long Branch Public, Sea Bright Public, Asbury Park, and Long Beach Island.
Private Beaches
Private beaches, also known as beach clubs, are tailored toward families who spend their whole summer on the shore. These clubs include swimming pools, snack bars, beach access, and private cabanas and lockers. Memberships to these clubs can run to nearly $4,000 per family. While the prices seem steep, the clubs come with the added benefit of existing as a tight-knit community, providing members with a feeling of belonging. Examples of beach clubs include: Deal Casino, Allenhurst Beach Club, Big and Little Monmouth, at Monmouth Beach, and Driftwood Cabana Club in Sea Bright.
Coastal State Parks
Coastal state parks are an excellent choice for people who want the benefits of a public beach with the added bonus of recreation and additional facilities. The parks are owned and operated by the state and receive more funding than public beaches. Entrance into these parks cost between $7 and $10, with some parks, such as Sandy Hook, charging by the carload. Additional recreational activities include skateboarding parks, boat rentals, sponsored marathons or triathlons, and guided tours of historic sites. Coastal state parks include Sandy Hook, near Atlantic Highlands, Seven Presidents at Long Branch, and Cape May Point.
Boardwalks
Boardwalk beaches are excellent for nightlife. Places such as Seaside Heights, Wildwood, and Point Pleasant provide both public beach access and the boardwalk atmosphere that includes amusement park rides, carnival games, mini golf, shops and bars. Typically areas for a younger crowd, boardwalk beaches are a fun place for high school and college students to spend the weekend. An abundance of beachfront motels and night-time activities make these places ideal overnight getaways for any occasion.
Free Beaches
Free beaches are very rare on the Jersey Shore, and are often well kept secrets by locals. However, outsiders can find them if they know what to look for. Any beach that isn't managed by the town, state, or private club is free up to the mean or ordinary high tide line, where the private ownership of the beach begins, according to New Jersey State law. These beaches don't have facilities or lifeguards on duty, so come prepared. Free beaches are a well guarded spot amongst surfers, fishermen, and other locals, so remember to be considerate when visiting these coastal utopias. You can enjoy free beach access in both Atlantic City and the Wildwoods.
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