Secret Coves Along the New Jersey Coastline

2. Holgate Beach

Secret Coves Along the New Jersey Coastline

Alright, it ain't the end of the world, but lemme tell ya, this hidden beach sure feels like it. This 1.5-mile stretch of Long Beach Island south of Beach Haven's bustling cityscape is way more peaceful and less crowded than other LBI hot spots. You'll find plenty of parking and restrooms in the lot at the south end of Long Beach Boulevard. Lifeguards are keepin' an eye out, and beach badges are required. If you're feelin' peckish, grab a late breakfast or lunch at Bowker's South Beach Grill, a family-friendly eatery just a short stroll away.

Want some more family fun? Check out Jersey Shore Boardwalks and Amusement Parks.

Higbee Beach looks out over Delaware Bay. Photo courtesy of Cape May Beaches

3. Higbee Beach

Run away from the crowded beaches at Higbee Beach, a secluded 1.5-mile stretch along Delaware Bay. It's popular for bird watching and it's one of our fave FREE Jersey Shore beaches. Dogs are welcome and it's kinda hard to find - you got to drive down a dirt road to reach it, and there's limited parking in a small gravel lot. Then it's a bit of a trek through the woods and hilly dunes. A heads up: The only bathroom is a port-a-potty. Pack a picnic lunch since there are no restaurants nearby. Also, no lifeguard on duty, but the bay waters are calm for little kids.

4. Ortley Beach

Sandwiched between Lavalette to the north and Seaside Heights to the south, this small square of Toms River beach offers a quiet respite for families who would rather chill than experience the thrill of other Jersey Shore beaches. The beach is easily accessible with FREE street parking, but if you don't get there early, you may have to walk a few blocks to find the hidden beach. No words even for the kids, it's totally FREE!

5. Pearl Beach

Named one of the least crowded Jersey Shore beaches by USA Today, Pearl Beach is located at Cape May's southern tip. You won't find a boardwalk or any concessions here, but there are plenty of butterflies, birds, dragonflies, and little-bitty crabs in the sand. Keep an eye out: You might even spot some dolphins. The vast beach offers lots of room to spread out. A lifeguard's on duty for swimmers and it'll cost ya $10 for the beach pass, or $11 for those aged 12+ if ya buy it online ahead of time. Street parking's plentiful.

Want more family fun without the cost? Check out Free Beaches in New Jersey.

Follow the path through the dunes to Ocean Grove Beach. Photo courtesy of Ocean Grove Beach, NJ

6. Ocean Grove Beach

Ocean Grove's 2.5-mile stretch of wide, flat beach and fewer crowds make this hidden beach in Monmouth County a breath of fresh air. Kids under 11 get in for FREE, daily passes for everyone else are $13 and must be purchased online. Head over to the boardwalk for fun beach events like a sandcastle building contest, scavenger hunt, and movie nights. After chillin' on the coast, the charming Ocean Grove downtown's just two short blocks away for a quick bite and some shoppin'!

7. Sea Isle City

Sea Isle City offers a combo of a small town feel and Jersey Shore excitement. Located between Ocean City and Wildwood, it's got miles of clean beach, a boardwalk for strollin', and FREE family nights with character visits, movie nights, and several local playgrounds. Food choices abound, and you can choose between pizza, hot dogs, tacos, healthy spots, ice cream, and loads more. Kids under 12 always get in for FREE, weekdays it's $10, weekends $15 for the beach.

8. Sea Girt

Monmouth County folks know how to keep secrets, and one of 'em's Jamaica's awesome Sea Girt beach. This small, beautiful beach is a fave among locals for a quiet and qualitative family time. You can collect shells, walk in the water, soak up the sun, and build sandcastles. Insider tip: Enter the beach on the western end of the boardwalk, away from the restrooms and snack area, for even more peace and quiet. Beach passes must be purchased online ahead of time and are $11. Younger kiddos get in for FREE.

9. Seaside Park

Think of Seaside Park as Seaside Heights' more relaxed cousin. Located across Barnegat Bay from Toms River, the 2-mile stretch of public beach is ideal for little kids and offers a ton of fun activities: movie nights on the beach, kids fishing tournaments, and kite nights. Kids under 11 get in for FREE; daily badges are $13. Beyond the beach, you'll find a modest amusement area with kiddie rides, water-gun games, and a small arcade. It's just enough to keep your little ones entertained for a bit. Don't miss the jumbo slices at The Sawmill, a local favorite since 1977, and there's a Playa Bowls here too!

10. Sunset Beach

Adjacent to Higbee Beach in Cape May, find Sunset Beach, which offers a picturesque view of the sunset. This quiet beach is a favorite spot for families who want to park for free close to the beach. Young treasure hunters enjoy digging for Cape May "diamonds" or sparkly quartz crystals in the sand. Take 'em home or turn 'em into jewelry at one of the neighboring stores. History buffs can see the remains of the S.S. Atlantus, one of 12 concrete ships built during World War I, sticking out of the Delaware Bay. Don't miss the daily flag ceremony at dusk. It's been a tradition for over 40 years!

Want more family-friendly swimmin' spots? Check out Best Freshwater Lakes in New Jersey.

11. Spring Lake

Where else on the shore can you find a quiet beach and boardwalk? Super clean and peaceful, the 2-mile stretch of white sand gives kiddos lots of room for sandcastles and wave fun. Food's not allowed on the beach, but you can leave a cooler on the boardwalk for snacks and drinks. Or, hop over to the shopping district on 3rd Avenue for a meal or ice cream. Need a break from the sand? Take a calming stroll along the boardwalk without the neon lights, bells, or whistles (but if you need the bright lights of a big boardwalk, Asbury Park's just five minutes away). Beach passes are $12 and must be bought online ahead of time for crowd control; younger kiddos get on the beach for free.

12. Strathmere Beach

Tucked between Ocean City and Sea Isle City, this teeny shorefront community (Population: 158) boasts a rare free beach with a lifeguard on duty, plus free street parking. Located at the northern tip of Ludlam Island, the 7-mile sliver of land occupies less than one square mile. The quaint, peaceful atmosphere makes it a serene getaway from its livelier neighbors. Behind the high dunes at the southern end of Strathmere is Whale Beach, which gets its name from the whales that sometimes beach themselves there. No lifeguards patrol here, so the crowd's thin; however, the parking's limited.

While enjoying the peaceful ambiance of Holgate Beach, you might also consider exploring other attractions in the area. Visit the Jersey Shore Boardwalks and Amusement Parks for some fun family activities that complement your lifestyle. Additionally, for those with a passion for home-and-garden, consider spending a day at some of the Best Freshwater Lakes in New Jersey, making it a perfect travel destination for families.