New Jersey Communities Ideal for Your Next Beachy Summer Getaway

Atlantic City | Arya Dubey

New Jersey sees a huge wave of visitors seeking to enjoy its amazing sandy beaches during the summer. There are many New Jersey cities along the coast to choose from when planning a getaway. We’re here to help with a look at some of New Jersey’s best waterfront communities for a summer vacation escape.

Brigantine

Brigantine is a charming island town known for its pristine beaches, notably the gorgeous Brigantine Beach. An abundance of wildlife inhabits the area, including seals and migratory water birds. Comprising resorts and vacation rentals, a main town area with shops and restaurants, and a renowned public links-style golf course, Brigantine has it all.

Cape May

Cape May, a quaint resort community on the water, is one of New Jersey’s most-visited summer destinations. The preserved Victorian architecture throughout the town creates a classic atmosphere. And come summer, many flock to Cape May’s expansive beaches and boardwalks. Visitors can sunbathe along its shoreline, boat through its deep-blue water, or surf its crashing waves. Cape May is also an excellent town for shopping and dining, particularly along Washington Street, which houses many of its restaurants and shops. 

Cape May | Rod M

Asbury Park

Asbury Park’s renowned boardwalk hosts restaurants, carnival-style games, and touristy stores, evoking a classic beach-town environment on the Jersey Shore. Known as a hub for live entertainment, the appealing seaside city boasts acclaimed music venues, such as the iconic Stone Pony, and a quality theater scene. During the summer, Asbury Park’s vast beaches buzz with activity, and the city stands out for its lively nightlife and fantastic dining options.

Asbury Park | Ryan Loughlin

Ocean City

Ocean City, a bustling epicenter along the Jersey Shore, is a top pick for families seeking summer fun. Its multiple amusement parks by the water, including Playland’s Castaway Cove and Gillian’s Wonderland Pier, draw many looking for family-friendly entertainment. Ocean City Beach is known as one of the Shore’s cleanest beaches, and its expansive size ensures that crowds are a non-factor. Also, Corson’s Inlet State Park is a protected beach in Ocean City that is ideal for oceanside hikes, fishing, and boating.

Ocean City Boardwalk | Jesse Gardner

Atlantic City

Atlantic City has long been one of New Jersey’s most famous destinations. This resort city on the water is renowned as the center of New Jersey’s gambling industry. Featuring high-end casinos and high-rise hotels, Atlantic City has served as the East Coast’s answer to Vegas for over a century. With its vibrant nightlife and abundant delectable dining destinations, it certainly lives up to its reputation. Also, Atlantic City’s boardwalk stands as one of the most iconic in the state, offering thrilling rides, enticing shops, and tasty eateries.

Atlantic City | Bruce Emmerling

Sea Bright

If you are searching for a tranquil beach getaway removed from busy crowds, Sea Bright might be the ideal choice for you. Sea Bright is a quiet oceanfront paradise on a barrier peninsula home to a small population. Sea Bright Public Beach is just one of the town’s seven public beaches, many of which look out on the Manhattan skyline.