Upscale family beach town with pristine beaches, upscale shopping, and dining. Features a walkable downtown area with boutiques and the Wetlands Institute for nature education. Beach tags required.
Beaches for Family-Friendly
Margate Beach
Residential beach community home to Lucy the Elephant, a six-story elephant-shaped building and National Historic Landmark. Features well-maintained beaches with seasonal lifeguards. Beach tags required.
Avon-by-the-Sea Beach
Charming Victorian beach town with a non-commercial boardwalk and family atmosphere. Features well-maintained beaches with seasonal lifeguards and pavilion. Beach badges required with strictly enforced quiet hours.
Manasquan Beach
Popular beach at the southern end of the North Jersey Shore featuring a dog-friendly beach area, designated surfing spots, and family atmosphere. Known for fishing jetties and waterfront dining options. Beach badges required.
Bradley Beach
Family-oriented beach town with a mile-long beachfront featuring a miniature golf course, seasonal concessions, and grassy areas with gazebos and benches. Wider beaches than neighboring towns with seasonal lifeguards. Beach badges required.
Fair Harbor Beach
Family-oriented Fire Island community beach with a small downtown area including restaurants and shops. Accessible only by ferry from Bay Shore. Features both ocean and bay access.
Sea Isle City Beach
Family-oriented beach town with extensive beachfront and promenade. Features various water sports, free summer concerts, and special events. Beach tags required with rentals available for beach chairs and umbrellas.
Zach’s Bay Beach
Protected bay beach within Jones Beach State Park offering calmer waters ideal for families with young children. Adjacent to the Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater and picnic areas.
Harvey’s Beach
A small town beach on gentle Long Island Sound waters perfect for families with young children. Features a playground, concession stand, and picnic area in a charming coastal town setting.
Third Beach
A gentle beach on the Sakonnet River with calm waters perfect for families with small children. Popular for windsurfing, kayaking, and other water sports with boat launch facilities available.