Completely OT: Can you recommend a beach in NJ?

[iNTeNSeBLue98]

A friend and I and our daughters want to go to the beach for a day. We'll be driving from Reading PA to a beach in New Jersey, but we would like to visit one WITHOUT a boardwalk so as to disuade any temptation of spending more money than we have to spend.

We will pack a cooler of drinks and take snacks. We do not have the need to shop, play games or go on rides. We'll be content to simply soak up the sun and cool off in the ocean water. I have been to Stone Harbor once and I've heard that Avalon is nice, but other than those two I don't know of any other beaches. I'm familiar with Ocean City, Wildwood and Seaside Heights, and one time I was to Sea Isle City and Cape May, so any beaches if you could, recommend one near one of these.

TIA.

 

[mom2of2]

go to Cape May!!!! it's beautiful and IF you did decide to hit a boardwalk....Wildwood is right up the way.

 

[puffkin]

For a day trip from Reading, I would pick a beach that is north of AC. Otherwise you will spend your whole day driving, especially if you hit traffic. I know a lot of people from this area who say Long Beach Island is doable for a day trip, but I have never been there so don't know the cost.

Also, don't forget to factor in the costs of tolls, parking and beach tags. It can add up quick!

 

[DisneyGirl421]

I'd definately have to go with Avalon. I live in Toms River, which is right near Seaside and Point Pleseant, but I prefer Avalon's beaches anyday.
My grandparents own a summer house there, and I've been going down there for weekend trips ever since I was a baby (actually before then... lol)
We don't go to the beach area by the Avalon Boardwalk as it's always crowded... we go about 10 blocks further, around 35th street. The beach is HUGE (so much bigger than any around where I am).

Another suggestion is Cape May, it's very nice there.

 

[sweet angel]

I would say Island Beach State Park -- near Seaside (Exit 82 on the Garden State Parkway)

Island Beach

Or Manasquan (which would be exit 98 on the GSP)

Neither have boardwalks...but both are near enough to boardwalks (Island Beach -> Seaside; Manasquan -> Point Pleasant) if you wanted to change your mind.

Long Beach Island would be a longer trip, as would anything south of Atlantic City.

 

[BirdsOfPreyDave]

Growing up, we'd always vacation in Ocean City, NJ. It has a boardwalk, but it doesn't extend the entire length of their beachfront. The reason my parents originally picked it is because it's a dry city. There are no bars or places to purchase alcohol. This gives it more of a family feeling. (What group of rowdy college kids is going to want to come to a dry town.)

 

[frndshpcptn]

Definitely Long Branch, NJ. Beautiful beach, good snack bar - no boardwalk.

There is a great "village" near by that has a Stewarts root beer restuarant, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory and cute stores.

 

[JerseyJanice]

For strictly doing a beach north of AC, I agree with Sweet Angel's pick of Island Beach State Park.

You pay for parking, but there is no separate beach fee.

 

[Princess89]

I would suggest, Avalon, Island Beach State Park, Belmar (my favorite, especially since its right up the road ) and I also like Sandy Hook.

 

[lUVTOGO]

Island Beach State Park.They do have restrooms. I do prefer Seaside Park. Less crowded than Island Beach.... But you can see the boardwalk in the distance.

 

[thewishfire]

I'm partial to Manasquan myself. My great-grandmother used to own a house down there and I'd go every summer. I haven't been there in years, but I always enjoyed myself. Plus, as another poster said, it's not too far from Point Pleasant if you change your mind about the boardwalk.

Have fun!

 

[MareQ]

Another vote for Island Beach State Park!

 

[NewJersey]

Long Beach Island!!! Exit 63 off the parkway.

 

[iNTeNSeBLue98]

For strictly doing a beach north of AC, I agree with Sweet Angel's pick of Island Beach State Park.

You pay for parking, but there is no separate beach fee.

Island Beach sounds lovely and No beach fee! But the website posted says there's an entrance fee of $10 on weekends through Labor Day, but walkins and bicycles are free. Is this per person or vehicle?

 

[mmausse]

Sorry to disagree with the majority but my vote is for Spring Lake. Altho it has a boardwalk, there is no need to worry about spending money as there are no stores, or shops on it. It is a very picturesque town, but I'm a little biased - I was born there. It's quiet too, even in the summer. Good luvck in your choice and I hope whatever beach you choose, there are no Man'O War jellyfish (like in RI)!

 

[sweet angel]

Island Beach sounds lovely and No beach fee! But the website posted says there's an entrance fee of $10 on weekends through Labor Day, but walkins and bicycles are free. Is this per person or vehicle?

I'm 99% sure the fee is per vehicle.

 

[iNTeNSeBLue98]

Thanks Sweet Angel.

mmause. Spring Lake looks like a quiet little town from the few pictures I saw online. What's the beach like there?

 

[sweet angel]

Spring Lake is a pretty beach (also exit 98 on the GSP) -- I'm not sure if they have potty facilities though, and it's really residential -- not sure if there's anywhere to eat.

 

[Hannathy]

Island Beach State Park! No question. As someone who goes for a day trip with kids it is the place to go for several important reasons
Bathrooms!
Parking
Showers
Bathrooms- I know I said this twice but at many other beaches you have to go a long way to find a municipal bathroom and most are with out changing facilities.

This park also has a few natural areas the kids can see and a lot of pre-commercialization wildlife and dunes. Ask for a copy of the guide weekly listings and it will tell you if there are any Ranger programs while you are there.

Many other beaches are lovely but if you aren't staying anywhere it is hard to find a place to change after swimming and who wants to ride 3 + hours salty and sandy. It is also hard to tell a kid you have to walk 4 blocks to go to the bathroom which in some places is very dirty. We have taken day trips for 20 yrs and this is our first choice. You can always go up to the boardwalk after if you want or not even see it if that is what you want. It also isn't as far south as Cape May or Wildwood. Can stay on major roads almost the whole way to.

 

[mom2boys77]

Island Beach sounds lovely and No beach fee! But the website posted says there's an entrance fee of $10 on weekends through Labor Day, but walkins and bicycles are free. Is this per person or vehicle?

Island Beach is awesome but it's not ever free..it's 6 dollars per carload during the week and I think 10 dollars on the weekends!