UPDATED March 21, 2022
The state of New Jersey has a lot of beaches to visit, but which ones are the best beaches for families? I know some may say that sand is sand, and they’re all for families, however, we’ve found quite a few that are more suited for families because of amenities, features, or layout. This is our list of the best New Jersey family beaches. In this list, we will run the gamut of beach types. So whether you are looking for an all inclusive option with lots to do or a quiet place to relax, we have you covered.
DISCLOSURE: THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS, WHICH MEANS WE MAY RECEIVE A COMMISSION IF YOU CLICK A LINK AND PURCHASE SOMETHING. PLEASE CHECK OUT OUR DISCLOSURE POLICY FOR MORE DETAILS.
Table of Contents
How We Chose the New Jersey Family Beaches
For a beach to qualify on our list of family beaches, they had to meet a few criteria. First, the beach had to have decent quality sand and be relatively clean. Most of the beaches on this list have lifeguards on duty.
We also considered if the beach had some sort of additional convenience amenities like bathrooms, stores, food vendors, and the like. The idea would be that you can go to them if you’re staying in the area or could make a day trip there without difficulty. These extra amenities also make things easier when traveling with kids adding to the value of it being a “family beach.”
The Wildwoods
This is one of the few “free” beaches in Southern Jersey. No beach tags are required. The Wildwoods beach also has a huge boardwalk if you’re looking for food and drinks or if you need to use the bathroom. They have all sorts of things that beaches for families need to keep everyone happy. They also have a variety of shops, many of which offer things like beach toys, chairs, boogie boards, suntan lotion, or anything else that might have been forgotten for the trip.
The beach is very large so there is plenty of room to find a good spot, however, the massive size of it means that walking to the water does take a bit of time. That also means a simple trip to the bathroom is a ten-minute event. They do offer lockers if you’re staying multiple days so that you don’t need to carry your stuff quite as far.
While the beach is free, you will have to pay for parking. We recommend using one of the nearby lots as refilling the parking meter means taking the long trek back up the beach. The prices at the lot often change throughout the day. We have found that if you arrive in the morning, you usually end up getting the best rate.
We have found that if you arrive in the morning, you usually end up getting the best rate.
Cape May
Cape May offers a much smaller beachfront. You can walk down to the ocean in just a couple minutes and be back up to the street quickly. They do have a few areas where there are shops and restaurants at the top of the beach but don’t have a traditional boardwalk.
The beach here does require a beach tag. Those are available to purchase as a day, week, or season pass. You’ll also have to pay for parking in most of the areas, and Cape May doesn’t offer pay to park lots.
This means you’ll have to continue to walk up and “feed the meter” throughout the day. Some of the meters can be reloaded through an application on your smartphone, so you may be able to do it without leaving the beach. There is some free parking available, but it is a bit further away from the beach itself so be prepared to walk.
Ocean City
Ocean City is another one of the best New Jersey beaches for families because of the things that are offered immediately off the beach. The beach itself is nice and of adequate size. Similar to some of the other beaches on the list, the boardwalk is full of food and activities with lots of public restrooms for access. The boardwalk is relatively large and has all the staple “boardwalk foods” as well as shops for any forgotten sundries.
avoid walking too far to get to the sand. For the beach tags, they are required for everyone 12 and older. The tags are available as a daily, weekly, or seasonal option and can be purchased online or when you arrive. The daily rate for a beach tag is the lowest of the “pay beaches” on this list at only $5 per day. As for the parking, there are flat-rate parking lots as well as meters. Most of the meters offer a smartphone app as well.
Similar to some of the other beaches on the list, the boardwalk is full of food and activities with lots of public restrooms for access.
Avalon
Avalon is a bit of a quieter beach experience. There are fewer people in the town, so fewer people on the beach. Most of the beach doesn’t offer a boardwalk of any kind but there is a boardwalk that spans about ten of the 50 streets of beach in Avalon. It’s mostly just boards with no shops.
There is a small section that spans about 2 blocks that offers a couple of shops including a great ice cream place that we often frequent. There are also public restrooms and a playground in that section. Beyond this area, there are limited public restrooms available.
You’ll have to pay for a beach tag here as well, but parking is free in Avalon. Day passes are $6 a day with weekly and seasonal options available.
Stone Harbor
Stone Harbor is basically an extension of Avalon. The beaches are connected, and the street numbering just continues as you head down the island. The beach is the same as well. More laid back and without the typical boardwalk scene. There are some shops as well as bathrooms that are not far off the beach when you get around the 96th street area.
Stone Harbor, like Avalon, requires beach tags. One thing that is good to know, Avalon and Stone Harbor Beach tags are reciprocal so you can use them for either beach. There are parts of Stone Harbor near the shopping area of 96th street that do require you to pay for parking.
While Avalon and Stone Harbor made the list of best New Jersey family beaches, they would be considered less of a “destination” beach. They cater more to families that are staying in Avalon and Stone Harbor and would not necessarily be our choice for a day trip due to their being less amenities. That said, part of the appeal is the quieter and more laid back feel of the beach as it helps you avoid all the hustle and bustle of some of the other beaches on the list.
One thing that is good to know, Avalon and Stone Harbor Beach tags are reciprocal so you can use them for either beach.
Seaside Heights
Seaside Heights finds its spot on our list of beaches for families because it also offers a lot of the things you might need if you’re heading to the beach with kids. There’s a big boardwalk with lots of stores, restaurants, and of course bathrooms.
The Beach itself is a nice size and there are plenty of places to spread out. There are life guards if you plan on swimming in the ocean.
Like most beaches in New Jersey, Seaside Heights does charge a fee to access the beach. If you are going for the day, it is $9 a day for anyone over the age of 11. They do offer weekly, monthly, and seasonal options as well. Seaside Heights also charges for parking. They offer flat rate lots and meter parking.
Villas
The beach along the Villas, New Jersey isn’t on the ocean. It’s actually on the Delaware Bay. This is a nice choice because the waves are smaller and there’s usually less rip current. Families with small children will find it easier for the kids to enjoy the water. However, if you are looking for surfing or boogie boarding, these beaches would not be ideal.
The nicest thing about this beach is that it’s a lesser-traveled beach, so it never gets too crowded. So, if you’re looking for a beach without all the extra stuff, this is the beach for your family. It will provide you all the basics of sand, sun, and water without the crazy crowds or having to fight for a parking space.
ape May-Lewes Ferry comes in. This is a nice little spot with port-a-potties, and you get to watch the ferry boats when they are running.
cess the beach in Villas from most of the streets. The good news is the beach is free to sit on, however, make sure you bring any snacks or drinks you may want as there aren’t a lot of options immediately off the beach to get anything. There are also no fees to park, so this is a very inexpensive option for families that are just looking to enjoy the sand and water.
So, if you’re looking for a beach without all the extra stuff, this is the beach for your family.
Sea Isle City
Sea Isle City is another nice family beach. Like Avalon, it doesn’t have a full boardwalk. It features a concrete “promenade” that runs for almost 30 streets, but only features shops and restaurants for about 9 streets. The public restrooms are along that 9 street stretch as well.
Sea Isle does require beach tags as well and does charge for parking in most of the area. They do however have parking lots available so you can pay a flat fee instead of having to reload the meters.
Some Products that make the beach a little easier with kids!
Trips to the beach with children can be quite a challenge. In order to make the day easier, it is best to be prepared and have all the things you might need to make it work. Here are a few of the items we use that make our trips to the beach more successful with kids.
Final Thoughts on Family Beaches in New Jersey
This isn’t an all-inclusive list but does cover beaches that we have first-hand knowledge of from visiting ourselves. Please note, all beaches listed that require beach tags require them from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. We love going to these family-friendly beaches for a week, long weekends, or just the day.
If you’re spending the weekend in South Jersey check out West End Garage and Nauti Spirits Distillery!
Do you have a favorite New Jersey family beach?
We love beaches , but sadly in current situation traveling seems impossible, will save this for later! Thanks
We spent a few days at Cape May when the kids were younger. The beach was beautiful–you could easily spy dolphins from the shore. Cape May also has a free zoo, dolphin watching cruises, and so much more. The kids loved looking for Cape May diamonds. It was a great place for families.
I grew up near the beach in New Jersey, and you have picked out a few of my favorites! We loved spending weekends at Seaside Heights, enjoying the boardwalk with its adorable salt water taffy and custard stands. I spent many weeks in Sea Isle City as well, and always loved the walkable small town as a kid. Now you have got me craving a slice of boardwalk pizza and cheese fries!
I love spending time on beaches. Thanks for this list I’ll check out in my next tour to New Jersey.
Thank you for your reco about the beaches! Have been to NJ on road trips on the way to NY but never been to beaches. Will def refer to your post when we visit next for a vacation. We have beaches in Houston but these look amazing.
Wow I just love beaches. Great pictures. Would love to visit here
What a blessing to be able to visit and comment on so many beaches in NJ. I was born and partially raised in NJ and I don’t think I went to one beach there! How sad.
This is a great list of things to do while at the Jersey Shore!
I’m a fan of beaches. Loved the pictures. Would definitely love to visit post pandemic. Pinning to my bucket list
I miss NJ so much. I miss teh beaches, Atlantic City. Thanks for writing this and helping me revisit my childhood.
I’ve heard great things about the beaches in New Jersey. Who knew they’re are so many amazing beaches in the state! Thanks for letting us know.
I’ve never been to New Jersey but I love the beach. Growing up in SoCal it was often our escape from the summer heat. Your post brought back great memories.
I have lived in Jersey for 8 years and I haven’t been to all of the beaches on this list! Guess I need to get going! I love Cape May and my family goes to Seaside Heights a lot – both great options!