Life Is Better At The Beach
Summer is finally here! Our county offers the best sun, sand and surf, and there’s much more. Here’s your guide to what’s new at 15 local beaches, including tips for parking and picnicking, snacking and shopping, and more!
ALLENHURST
Description: Beach club members have access to the pool, cabanas and other amenities. Daily passes are available, giving nonmembers access to the beach.
FYI: The borough dyes the ocean green for good luck on Labor Day, an annual tradition since 1943.
Beach fees: For non-members, club fees are $10 weekdays for adults, $12 on weekends; children ages 12 and under are free. Beach parking: Free street parking
Pets: No pets allowed.
For more information, call 732.531.2700.
ASBURY PARK
Description: Beyond the sand, there’s plenty to enjoy here, including eateries and shops along the boardwalk and events at the iconic Convention Hall.
FYI: Water bottle refilling stations are located along the boardwalk at 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th and 6th avenues as well as at the restroom entrances at 7th Avenue and Deal Lake Drive.
Beach fees: $6 daily for adults (Monday–Friday), $10 weekends and holidays, free for ages 13 and under as well as active military members and veterans with military ID.
Beach parking: Payable at kiosk or ParkMobile app
Pets: Dogs are allowed only on the dog beach (use the Deal Lake Drive north entrance) from 6 p.m. to 8:30 a.m. now through Sept. 14. However, dogs are not allowed on the boardwalk at any time.
For more information, call 732.502.8863.
AVON-BY-THE-SEA
Description: This family-oriented town has a little bit of everything, from quaint, Victorian-esque bed and breakfasts to a boardwalk with live music and street fairs. FYI: Summer concerts take place at the boardwalk/ pavilion Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Programs are free, but chairs are not provided, so plan accordingly. Beach fees: $12 per person for ages 11 and older (cash or check). Daily passes can be purchased at tag booths at the beach. Beach parking: Free street parking Pets: Pets are only allowed in the off-season, October through May. For more information, call 732.502.4510.
BELMAR
Description: This family-friendly beach is one of the most popular along the shore, and for many reasons. It spans 1.2 miles and includes a vibrant (but not overcrowded) boardwalk with food options and umbrella and chair rentals. Additional food and refreshment vendors are situated across the street along Ocean Avenue.
FYI: Though the oceanside is picturesque, the small beach along the Shark River features a marina, restaurants and paddle boat rentals.
Beach fees: $12 daily for adults, free for 13 and under, active military members and veterans. Passes can be purchased at Borough Hall or online at belmarbeachbadges.com.
Beach parking: Payable via ParkMobile app for beachfront; free on side streets—but arrive early as the free spots tend to fill up quickly.
Pets: Dogs are prohibited on the beach until October. Dogs are prohibited on the boardwalk any time of the year. For more information, call 732.681.3700.
BRADLEY BEACH
Description: Want to escape large Jersey Shore crowds? This beach has a serene boardwalk with shops and restaurants—and plenty of space for visitors to walk, bike or jog. Those interested in fishing can find spots along the water where the sport is permitted.
FYI: Bradley Beach continues to improve its accessibility with ADA-friendly lockers, AccessMats and wheelchairs available for rent.
Beach fees: $12 for adults; kids 11 and under are free. Admission is free for active military members and their spouses, as well as for veterans with proper ID.
Beach parking: Paid parking is available on the entire east side of Ocean Avenue and the east end of Bradley Boulevard. Pay station kiosks are located on Ocean Avenue and Sylvan Lake. There are five numbered spaces that border Avon-By-The-Sea and are paid spots.
Pets: Dogs are not allowed on the beach or boardwalk at any time now through Sept. 30.
For more information, call 732.776.2999, ext. 3310.
DEAL
Description: Everyone can enjoy the public beach at Conover Pavilion, or members can enjoy the sun, sand and ocean access through the Deal Casino Beach Club.
FYI: Without a boardwalk in the area, the beach here remains relatively quiet. If you plan to stay awhile, remember to pack plenty of water and snacks—otherwise you’ll have to drive to the nearest shop.
Beach fees: $10 for weekday admission or $12 for weekends and holidays; children under 12 and vets are free.
Beach parking: Free street parking
Pets: Dogs are banned from the beach through Labor Day.
For more information, call 732.531.0404
LOCH ARBOUR
Description: Though it’s one of the county’s smallest beaches—it’s only two blocks long and covers one-tenth of a square mile—the area has plenty of daily fun without the crowds. For instance, the Village Beach Club is a great stop for refreshments, a snack and a bathroom break.
FYI: Before heading over, check out the beach’s Instagram, @locharbourbeach, for updated conditions such as UV levels and ocean temps.
Beach fees: $10 per person Monday through Thursday; $12 Friday through Sunday and holidays.
Beach parking: Most streets offer free parking, but there are a few streets near Ocean Place that are metered.
Pets: Dogs are not allowed on the beach through Sept. 15.
For more information, call 732.531.4740.
LONG BRANCH
Description: This destination has a lot going on beyond the sun and sea. The Pier Village promenade features a variety of beachfront restaurants and shops and two miles of boardwalk starting at Seven Presidents Beach, a 38-acre beach park for sand and surf.
FYI: The state’s longest-running fireworks show is Oceanfest, Long Branch’s annual July 4th celebration along the beach at Pier Village.
Beach fees: $6 on weekdays, $9 for weekends and holidays. Teens ages 14-17 are $3 every day, and kids under 13, seniors over age 62, military members, veterans and disabled individuals are always free.
Beach parking: There is a muncipal lot across from Ocean Place Resort (arrive early) as well as lots and metered spaces at Pier Village and Great Lawn. Parking is free for residents with proof of residency.
Pets: Pets are not allowed on the beach or boardwalk through Sept. 30.
For more information, call 732.222.7000.
MANASQUAN
Description: A destination for families, the main beach in Manasquan has plenty of food options and an arcade. At the nearby Manasquan Inlet, there are opportunities to surf and fish. FYI: Another way to enjoy the day is to get on the water. Rent a canoe, a kayak or a paddle board at the Inlet for more adventures.
Beach fees: $10 for everyone ages 12 and over; veterans and active military personnel and their families are free.
Beach parking: Manasquan Beach offers free on-street parking. The free spots will fill up early, so arrive in the morning. However, there are five municipal lots that, if you’re not a season pass holder, require a daily fee of $15 on weekdays or $20 for weekends and holidays.
Pets: Pets are not allowed on the beach or boardwalk now through Sept. 30. Your leashed furry friend is allowed on the east portion of the beach at nearby Fisherman’s Cove.
For more information, call 732.223.2514.
MONMOUTH BEACH
Description: You’ll find plenty of space to spread out at Monmouth Beach Bathing Pavilion, an immaculate and well-kept beach.
FYI: The beach doesn’t have a boardwalk nor are there many eateries, so you’ll have to travel— though not too far—to find a bite.
Beach fees: $12 for adults 12 and over.
Beach parking: Street parking is free but limited, so arrive early. Otherwise, try the free municipal parking lot near the pavilion. Pets: Pets are not permitted on the beach through Labor Day.
For more information, call 732.229.2204.
OCEAN GROVE
Description: Escape the hustle and bustle of busier Shore spots at this quaint town. Just a couple blocks from the beach awaits Ocean Grove’s charming downtown, where you can grab a bite or indulge in some retail therapy.
FYI: Though there are many places to dine, expect to travel outside of town if you want a cocktail— Ocean Grove is a dry town.
Beach fees: $12 per person; children 11 and under are free.
Beach parking: You can park for free on the street or in a lot if you purchase a beach badge. Pets: Dogs are not permitted on the beach through Sept. 30.
For more information, call 732.988.5533.
SANDY HOOK
Description: Part of the National Park Services’ Gateway National Recreation Area, this 7-mile-long peninsula features public beaches, salt marshes, a holly forest and numerous historical landmarks.
FYI: There are no trash receptacles in Sandy Hook’s beaches and parks, so bring your own garbage bag from home. It’s part of the federal park’s carry-in/ carry-out policy.
Beach fees: Free with vehicle parking
Beach parking: $20 per day
Pets: Leashed dogs are allowed on bayside beaches; all pets are prohibited on ocean beaches through Sept. 14.
For more information, call 732.872.5970.
SEA BRIGHT
Description: The borough of Sea Bright has seven free public beaches along Ocean Avenue. There’s also Sea Bright Municipal Beach in the center of town, which includes lifeguards, parking, restrooms and locker rentals. Municipal Beach’s boardwalk doesn’t have activities nor concessions, but it’s within walking distance to Sea Bright’s downtown.
FYI: Don’t want the kids to get too sandy? There’s a playground here along the beach.
Beach fees: $8 for ages 12 and over; kids under 12 and military and family members are free.
Beach parking: $2 per hour every day from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Pets: Dogs are prohibited through Sept. 15. For more information, call 732.842.0099.
SEA GIRT
Description: Beyond the white sand and quiet boardwalk, this beach offers gazebos, seating areas and the Historic Sea Girt Lighthouse. Just a quick stroll from the beach are charming restaurants and shops with turn-of-the-century architecture.
FYI: You don’t have to walk far if you get hungry— there’s a snack bar at the end of Beacon Boulevard.
Beach fees: $11.98 daily; children 11 and under are free. Admission is free after 4:30 p.m.
Beach parking: Parking is free, if you’re lucky enough to snag a spot on the four-block stretch of parking along the boardwalk.
Pets: Dogs are prohibited through Sept. 15.
For more information, call 732.449.9335.
SPRING LAKE
Description: There are two miles of pristine beach in Spring Lake, and a quiet boardwalk for an easy stroll or bike ride. If you’re looking for restrooms and concessions, you’ll find them at the North End Pavilion and South End Pavilion.
FYI: Food and coolers are not allowed on the beach. Visitors can enjoy snacks and lunches on the benches and picnic tables at the pavilion.
Beach fees: $12 for a daily pass; kids 12 and under are free.
Beach parking: Free along Ocean Avenue, but come early as spots are first come first served.
Pets: Now through Sept. 30, dogs are only allowed in the fenced-in area near Pitney Avenue from sunrise to 9 a.m. They are not allowed on the boardwalk.
For more information, call 732.449.0800.
