One of the best perks about living in Monmouth County is how close we are to the beach! We’ve updated our beach guide from last year listing all of our favorite spots with current beach badge and daily pass sale information and some great places that are open for business to visit! Make sure to visit their websites before you leave for capacity updates, and how each town is adhering to COVID-19 social distancing guidelines! Enjoy!
Belmar
Belmar Beach is always a family favorite. It was ranked the highest in NJ in the “Testing the Waters” report done by the Natural Resources Defense Council. Have a child interested in surfing? There’s a surf camp offered at 3rd Ave beach. Click here for more info. It’s also incredibly easy to wheel strollers and gear onto the beach, as they were one of the first towns to install Mobi-Mats. Didn’t pack lunch? There’s lots of great spots including a pizzeria, Playa Bowls, Dunkin’, and 7-11 for snacks!
Season badges: $70
Daily passes: $9 (16 and up)
Sea Girt
Our family has been heading to Sea Girt beach for years. It’s beautiful, quiet, and family-friendly. There’s a great boardwalk to bring the running stroller, or take the kids for a walk. You can also walk a block or two and grab some lunch on the patio at the infamous Parker House (currently says opening soon- fingers crossed!). Sea Girt is a great spot to relax and enjoy the family.
Season badges: $115
Daily passes: $11
Long Branch
Long Branch beaches are packed with things to do with the family. It’s home to Pier Village, a ‘city by the sea.’ Take a break for lunch at Stewart’s Rootbeer, Sirena, Playa Bowls, and McLoone’s Pier House, to name a few! There’s also great shopping! Long Branch beaches also have concessions throughout the boardwalk. Look out for their Family Fun Day every Sunday, check out the details here!
Daily passes:
– $5 M-F
– $7 weekends/holidays
– $3 every day for ages 14-17
Annual passes:
– $45
– $30 for 14-17
Always FREE for 13 and under/62 and older with ID and for disabled individuals!
This is for municipal beaches only and does not apply to Seven Presidents (North of Seaview Avenue).
Asbury Park
This historic shore town is home to some great beaches and family-friendly fun. Spend the morning on the beach, and take the kids up to the splash pad on the boardwalk to break up the afternoon. Bring the stroller and check out some unique shops and delicious lunch spots. End the day with some ice cream at Coney Waffle!
RATES-SEASONAL
Check with the Asbury Park Beach website to learn more about how to access daily passes to Asbury Park Beaches. Beach badges are not currently being sold.
Sea Bright
Sea Bright is an adorable beach town in Monmouth County, and definitely one of our favorites. Grab lunch walking distance at Woody’s Ocean Grille, Yumi, or Tommy’s Tavern + Tap. Don’t forget ice cream at Gracie & The Dudes!
Season badge: $100
Daily pass: $8
Under 12: Free
Sandy Hook
With seven miles of ocean and bay beaches, there’s a lot to do while visiting this national park. Take the kids on a bike trail, bring the dog for a walk on the bayside, plan a picnic for lunch, and go on a hike (perfect for your nature enthusiast!). Sandy Hook is also home to the oldest continuously operating lighthouse in the U.S. Parking fills up quickly on the weekends, so make sure to leave early!
Beach parking is $15 per day
Spring Lake
Dubbed the “Jewel of the Jersey Shore,” Spring Lake is by far the cutest beach town in Monmouth County! The beaches are clean and pristine, family-friendly, and offer plenty to do. Downtown is a short walk from the shore where you can stay at adorable B & B’s, shop in their infamous shopping district, dine for lunch, or just take a stroll down the tree-lined, picturesque streets of this cozy beach town.
Seasonal badge: $110(12 & up) Full Season and $75 late season (8/1-Labor Day)
Daily pass: $10