SHORE GUIDE

Shore Thing

NJ’s beaches will be open with safety measures in place this summer and we’re so ready to catch a wave. We love a trip to the Shore, whether that means boardwalks and fried foods or relaxing on the sand and playing in the surf. With more than 130 miles of beaches, the Jersey Shore is the place to be. Here are our favorite family-friendly beaches to visit.

By Ronnie Koenig

Asbury Park

This city is known for its vibrant music, arts and food scene. A record number of beach badges were sold last summer despite having to maintain social distancing. The good news: City officials don’t anticipate limiting the number of beach badges this summer. During your visit, make sure to grab a ridiculously over-the-top scoop from Coney Waffle, bring the kids to the playground on the sand, take a pinball break indoors at the Silverball Museum and have dinner at one of many restaurants with ocean views like Robinson Ale House or Langosta Lounge. Daily rates for beach access: $6 weekdays, $9 weekends and holidays. $70/season for adults, kids 12 and under are free.

Bradley Beach

This family-friendly beach town with free parking is just a short walk from the ocean. “The beach and Atlantic Ocean have kept kids entertained for ages,” says Amy Hall, Bradley Beach’s director of tourism. “Build a sandcastle, collect some shells or head up to the spacious boardwalk for a game of mini golf and play on our brand-new beach front playground.” Afterwards grab a bite at the laid back family-friendly spot The Elbow Room. Badges are $12 daily. Season passes are $80 for adults and $30 for juniors (13-15) and seniors (65+).

Island Beach State Park

Put this quiet spot on your must-visit list for the summer. At press time, the plan was to continue with reduced parking to allow visitors to maintain social distancing. Be aware that the beach may close earlier, more often and for longer than usual. Swimming is only allowed when lifeguards are on duty at the one mile stretch of beach known as Swimming Area 1 and 2. You can surf or windsurf just south of the swimming beaches, or walk the 10 miles of white sand non-swimming beaches. If you like birdwatching or want to teach the kids about the environment, there are plenty of nature activities and viewing spots around the park. Visit from 10 am to 6 pm. Weekday entrance fees are $6 for NJ residents, $12 non-resident, weekends and holidays $10 NJ residents, $20 non-residents.

Ocean City

This NJ shore spot is a dry town, which is ideal for families looking to avoid college crowds. The beach and boardwalk are open, and public restrooms are sanitized throughout the day. Hand sanitization stations have been installed all along the boardwalk. Gillian’s Wonderland Pier has indoor and outdoor rides for all ages. If you’re brave, try the 130’ Drop Tower for amazing aerial views of the shore before you drop at 47 miles per hour. Or visit the bay side of Ocean City, where you can try your hand at stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking. Beach tags are required for anyone 12 and older and are $5/daily, $10/weekly and $25/season. Active military and their families and veterans are free. There is limited free street parking and pay-to-park lots.

Part of the Gateway National Recreation Area that spans NY and NJ, this spot in Highlands is great for fishing and windsurfing at Lot C, hunting for seashells on North Beach and swimming in lifeguarded waters at Beach Area A-E. Bring your bikes and catch the ocean breeze on a post-swim ride. “Our parking lots do sometimes fill up, so we recommend visiting earlier or later in the day,” says Daphne Yun, a supervisory park ranger for the National Park Service. The parking fee is $20 per day or $100 per season.

Point Pleasant

This popular family-friendly beach is known for Jenkinson’s Boardwalk and fun rides. A limited number of beach badges were sold last year, but that’s expected to change this summer. The kids will love the new 7D Dark Ride and Adventure Lookout Ropes Course at Jenkinson’s Amusement Park, which has roller coasters, carousels and rides for toddlers to teens. There’s also an aquarium, games, arcades and multiple mini golf courses. Plan ahead for beach fees and limited street parking. $11 weekdays, $12 weekends & holidays. Children 5-11, $3 weekdays, $4 weekends & holidays under 5, free. Season, $110; seniors 65+, $80; children 5-11, $55; under 5, free.

The Wildwoods

These sparkling clean beaches stretch for five miles across the shores of North Wildwood, Wildwood and Wildwood Crest and the beaches are completely free! The Wildwoods opened last summer with a “Mask Up!” and social distancing campaign. Morey’s Piers will reopen this summer with three piers of amusement rides and water park action. Don’t miss noshing on Curley’s Fries while watching out for tram cars that pass by, or kick back at Wilhelm’s Bier Garten while the kids soar on coasters. Staying over? We love the stunning Pan American Hotel in Wildwood Crest for its retro glam feel. Want more? Go to njfamily.com/ beaches for more Jersey Shore fun.

Free Beaches

These spots always have free admission to swim, play in the sand and soak up some sun: Atlantic City, Atlantic City Cape May Point State Park, Cape May Ideal Beach, Middletown Twp. Keansburg Beach, Keansburg Leonardo Beach, Middletown Twp. Jennifer Lane Beach, Manahawkin Wildwood, North Wildwood & Wildwood Crest, The Wildwoods William Morrow Beach, Somers Point

By Grace Walter-Cardinal

LAKES Great

If you want a day on the sand minus the crowds, NJ has beautiful lakes to explore.

Often overlooked for our ocean beaches, New Jersey’s lakes have trees that offer a shady break from the sun, no salt water in your eyes, a chill atmosphere and all the boating, swimming and fishing you love. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite lakes to spend the day. Remember to keep your distance and wear masks to bathrooms and indoor areas. Plan ahead to get a good spot before the lake reaches capacity.

Hooks Creek Lake

Inside Cheesequake State Park in Matawan, this lake spot is an incredible example of two ecosystems coming together in harmony. In this combined freshwater-saltwater compound, the lake is open for swimming from 10 am to 6 pm, while lifeguards are on duty. There’s also a beach complex with changing areas, restrooms, a first-aid station and a concession stand offering snacks, novelties and beach gear. Pack your own lunch and plan to eat at one of the many picnic areas throughout the park. For folks who like to get active, try freshwater fishing and crabbing.

Lake Hopatcong

Head to Hopatcong State Park in Landing for a glimpse of the largest lake in the state. A few years back, this gorgeous gem was plagued with harmful algae blooms, but is now safe for swimming. This beautiful and scenic area is filled with a bountiful history, having been discovered by the Lenape Indians 12,000 years ago. Lifeguards are on duty 10 am to 6 pm through Labor Day weekend, and the bathhouse is available for changing, restrooms, first-aid and concessions where food and beach necessities are available. The area’s hilltop picnic areas are each equipped with a grill for a barbecue by the lake. They also boast two playgrounds and a large playing field perfect for soccer or Frisbee. For those who like the lull of the lake underneath their feet and the patience and relaxation of waiting for a bite, the lake is also open for boating and freshwater fishing.

Lake Marcia

This Sussex spot inside High Point State Park boasts 20 acres of crisp and refreshing spring-fed waters, and has gorgeous Appalachian views that will take your breath away. The lake is open daily from 11 am to 5:30 pm. Adjacent to the beach is a bathhouse and food stand. Visitors can also take in surrounding nature by hiking up to High Point Monument (currently closed due to COVID restrictions) which stands a whopping 1,803 feet above sea level and whose view provides a gorgeous panorama of the lush surrounding farmlands and forests. Nearby attractions at High Point State Park include Sawmill Pond and Steeny Kill Lake, where families can watch seasonal boat launches.

Round Valley Recreation Area

Located in Lebanon, the boat launch is back open this summer, along with the rest of their facilities. The Round Valley Reservoir, stocked with lake trout to inhabit its beautiful freshwater, also has a beach complex complete with changing areas, restrooms, showers, a first-aid station and a concession building. Beachfront volleyball nets provide the perfect opportunity to get a family game going before the tired gang heads over to one of three picnic areas to eat and relax. Each picnic area has a grill, restrooms and a playground for the kids.

Wawayanda State Park

Located in Hewitt, this Sussex and Passaic county park has a quiet lake which will charm swimmers and boaters alike. Lifeguards are on duty from 10 am to 6 pm, and facilities adjacent to the beach have changing areas, restrooms, a first-aid stand and a concession area. Visitors can rent canoes, rowboats and paddle boats, or bring their own watercraft to launch, including sailboards. The lake is teeming with fish including trout and landlocked salmon. The park is also home to a 19-mile stretch of the Appalachian Trail, so it’s a great for hikers, too.