Reader Mail: Good NJ Beaches?
Today we have 411 reader “Old Hickory” wondering what you think a good “day trip” beach is in NJ.
I for one, like to go to Asbury Park for day trips, because the beaches are usually very sparsely populated, and it’s rather close to Hoboken. No “riff raff”. Spring Lake is nice too, just a bit further.
See what he has to say below. What are your recommendations for a simple day trip with a youngster?
“Hi,
I’ve lived in Hoboken for over a little over a year but haven’t yet been to any beaches here in Jersey. We’re planning on hitting the beach for the day in mid-August and was hoping to get recommendations for nearby beaches that would be suitable for a day-trip.
We’re not really beach people but our daughter just is a year and a half and has never been to the beach so we’re thinking it will be a fun (if not different) experience for her. Proximity is the most important because we’re going on a Sunday and don’t want to get caught up in bad traffic on the way back or spend hours in the car. Other than that, a simple beach where we can park and hang out for a couple of hours.”
36 Responses to ** Reader Mail: Good NJ Beaches? **
August 6th, 2007 |
I think Point Pleasant is great for families. The boardwalk has rides, ice cream shops, games, restaurants, mini golf, and an aquarium. There are close parking lots where you will have to pay but you can also find free parking on the street.
I do recommend leaving early though. I went down there on Saturday and left Hoboken at 9:30am. We didn’t get there until 1p because the traffic was so bad going to all of the Jersey Shore beaches. We did have a good time though and it only took us 50 minutes to get home.
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August 6th, 2007 |
Brick Beach is where it’s at.
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August 6th, 2007 |
Besides the fact that LBI is a long haul for a day trip, it’s a nightmare to deal with if you head down on a Saturday. Saturdays is the transition for weekly renters, so you have traffic going both ways.
In all seriousness, to find the best beach, it’s trial & error and asking around, other than this site. The beach I go to is never crowded, free to get on, and I’m 50 yds from my car, free parking too. Unfortunately it’s a secret spot amongst us surfers & locals, so I can’t divulge that information. I know its a tease but keep looking. There’s several spots around.
Also after Labor Day the beaches are free and since the renters are gone, getting there isn’t a problem. It’s the best time to go
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August 6th, 2007 |
you mean when all the Benny’s are gone.
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August 6th, 2007 |
Yes, and shoobies
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August 6th, 2007 |
I would agree that Asbury park is a good choice. I have been there a few times and it isn’t ridiculously crowded and fairly easy to get to from Hoboken. Long Beach Island is the best in my opinion, but a fairly long trip (nearly 2 hours without traffic).
No matter what Jersey shore location you choose, I recommend traveling during non rush hour times. Leave town very early in the morning, let’s say between 7:30 and 8:30.
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August 6th, 2007 |
In response to strand tramp who said:
If you live in Hoboken and you’re “going down the shore,” you’re a Benny.
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August 7th, 2007 |
very good homeworld, you get a nice gold star on your forehead. and if you have owned the shore house for +10yrs then you are a…..clam digger!
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August 7th, 2007 |
Hey, I’d like to thank everyone for their input on my question. I was really loathe to randomly pick a place or just “drive until we find something” because that never works out well for me.
Seems like the preponderance of evidence has me leaning toward Belmar, Spring Lake, or Asbury Park.
After all this, I’m sure my kid will either hate the sand or it will rain.
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August 7th, 2007 |
I day trip a lot- and my favorites in this order are:
1. Seven Presidents at Long Branch- its actually great on Sunday and you don’t have to pay for parking if you park on the street. It also has Strollos Lighthouse for Ice Cream just across the street, which is always good before the drive home.
2. Spring Lake- much better than Point Pleasant which is fine but PACKED all the time. I think with a little kid you’d probably like Spring Lake Better.
3. Sea Girt is also very nice.
The best of the best is LBI- but it is far for a day trip unless you leave super early. It’s also hard to find bathrooms/showers etc. so if you aren’t staying there, its hard to clean up when its time to go home.
Try Seven Presidents. It’s the best!
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August 7th, 2007 |
http://www.state.nj.us/dep/cmp/access/paoceanbrick.htm
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August 7th, 2007 |
I was about to point out that the map omits Sea Bright. Then I remembered that Sea bright is more bunker than beach.
Asbury Park: Newark-on-the-Sea.
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August 8th, 2007 |
Asbury is great empty clean beaches tons of police The resturants have gotten better And a really cool glass blowing place right on the boardwalk Took lessons there last week way cool!
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August 8th, 2007 |
“Beaches, man… beaches”
- Say Anything
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August 8th, 2007 |
Island Beach State Park is my favorite.
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August 8th, 2007 |
In response to rag246 who said:
finally, someone with true knowledge speaks. this is the best, and only accurate assessment here so far. Or put another way, this is the sweet spot that is too far south for the Outer Boro and Greater Newark/Northern Jersey Guidos, and too far north for the Philly Guidos.
Most of the rest of you are obviously neophytes in this state. lol
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