Must-Visit Beaches at the Jersey Shore This Summer

There’s no better time of year for Jersey Shore residents than summer, and now a major publication has released a new list of the best beaches.

The Best New Jersey Beaches For 2026

We'll go over the top 5 beaches in New Jersey, according to that report, and compare them to our favorites. Let's see how many match up.

We all choose a beach for different and personal reasons, but if you need help finding one, TripAdvisor is a great resource.

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Here's a look at the top 5 New Jersey beaches according to this trusted website. See how many you agree with.

Top 5 New Jersey Beaches According to TripAdvisor

#5 Point Pleasant Beach

#4 Gunnison Beach

#3 Sunset Beach

#2 Wildwood Beach

#1 Cape May Beach

Those beaches are excellent, and I do have some of those beaches on my top 5. Here's my list. Who do you think did a better job?

Photo by Anton Sharov on Unsplash

We couldn't possibly get everyone's favorite beach on the list, but we did our best. So, with due respect to all of our Jersey Shore beaches, here's my list.

#5 Island Beach State Park

#4 Manasquan

#3 Asbury Park

#2 Cape May

#1 Point Pleasant Beach

I love all New Jersey beaches, but I think you can't beat the rides, the aquarium, the boardwalk, and the beach at Jenkinson's in Point Pleasant Beach. Throw in the boardwalk food and games, and it's an amazing summer destination.

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In conclusion, I think beaches are like pizza. Even pizza that's not amazing is still better than most foods. It's the same thing with a day on a Jersey Shore beach...any Jersey Shore beach.