Jersey Shore Vacations: Best Beach Towns

When planning a vacation for this summer, plan to go to the Jersey Shore. New Jersey has some of the most beautiful beaches on the east coast. Whether you want to enjoy a quiet day in the sand, scream in excitement down a water ride, or discover the endless supply of shopping and restaurants, you will be able to do all that here on the Jersey Shore. There are many different towns to choose from, so its important to know where to stay and what each town offers.

Sandy Hook/ Highlands
Sandy Hook is a 7 mile long stretch of ocean and bay beaches. It is actually a National Park home to a military base and a lighthouse. Inland you can walk for hours on trails through the woods and navigate through the remains of old barracks. On the beach you can enjoy the sun and the surf. There is even a separate beach which is clothing optional, South Gunnison Beach, which is more separate from the park. Sandy Hook is not a beach town, so most people stay in the Highlands, which is actually the highest point on the eastern seaboard and is located on a hill across the bay. Highlands has great seafood restaurants, fun stores, and an exciting nightlife. Both Sandy Hook and the Highlands have beautiful views of the Manhattan skyline. There is even a 40 minute ferry ride which travels to and from Highlands and New York.

Keansburg
The attraction to this beach town is definitely Keansburg Amusement Park and Runaway Rapids Family Water Park. It is the oldest amusement area on the boardwalk in New Jersey. There is a great selection of rides, games, and food. This is a great place for a day trip but I wouldn't suggest staying there. Although the beaches are mobbed during the day, the neighborhood is known to be a bit dicey after dark.

Sea Bright
Sea Bright is a cute little stretch of beach town home to a variety of great restaurants and bars. There is truly nothing like having a drink with your feet in the sand. Sea Bright has a choice of two views, the bay of the Navesink River or the Atlantic Ocean. The beaches are also very clean in this area. Sea Bright is surrounded by water but still minutes away from Red Bank, a bustling little city inland.

Long Branch
This city grows and grows every summer. Its actually the largest city on the Jersey Shore. With new condos going up every month, there are many places to stay, eat, and drink including an abundance of Spanish, Portuguese, and Brazilian restaurants. Long Branch recently renovated their entire boardwalk and it looks beautiful. Pier Village is the latest hot spot with many upscale restaurants, clubs, and shops. Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park, which is operated and maintained by the Monmouth County Park System, provides playgrounds, a skateplex, volleyball, fishing, and an activity center. Long Branch is a very diverse community with expensive areas as well as affordable areas.

Asbury Park
Formerly known as "The Crown Jewel" of the Jersey shore, this town is slowly making a comeback. Asbury Park used to be a seaside resort, the abandoned casinos are proof of how busy this city used to be. The boardwalk was recently redone, and it looks great. Asbury Park has a great nightlife. Interesting bars and diverse restaurants pop up everywhere. Slowly, condos are popping up also. Asbury Park is a starting point for many musicians, and you can see great shows and concerts at the famous Stone Pony or Convention Hall. There is also a great gay community, which is actually a big financial part of Asbury Park's resurrection. This town is also a bit dangerous after dark and is more targeted towards young adults rather than families.

Ocean Grove
The town full of dollhouses. Ocean Grove is a quirky little town of historic Victorian homes which house many inns and bed and breakfasts. Ocean Grove has a strong religious background and was founded by a Methodist pastor. The Great Auditorium seats 5,500 people and worship services are held on Sundays in the morning and evening. There are many specialty shops which sell everything from surfing and beach supplies to hand crafted jewelry and homemade cupcakes. Ocean Grove has many restaurants which seat outside. There is no alcohol in this square mile, but bringing your own is permitted. This town has a strong gay community as well as a strong religious community. Dog lovers are also welcome, absolutely everyone in this town owns one. Ocean Grove is family friendly and very safe.

Belmar
Belmar is one of New Jersey's most popular beach destinations and is considered one of the best surfing spots on the eastern seaboard. Every summer, Belmar is packed with visitors. Great bars, restaurants, and shops cover every corner. Belmar and the neighboring town, Lake Como, actually host one of the biggest St. Patrick's Day Parades in New Jersey. If your looking for a younger, party crowd, this is the place to be.