Travel and Leisure names 10 best beach town in New Jersey

And it doesn’t escape notice.

“The Garden State supplies 130 miles of beachfront real estate, from the top of Sandy Hook to the top of Cape May, Travel and Leisure recently wrote. “And while a certain MTV reality hit series may have depicted one particular — raucous — side of the Jersey Shore, that’s far from the whole picture. Just take it from the millions of families, couples and relaxation-seeking groups of pals who catch rays on the sandy beaches and hit the boardwalks each summer.”

The travel magazine took to local experts to determine its list of New Jersey’s 10 best beach towns. Check out how many of Monmouth and Ocean counties’ towns made the cut.

Escape the crowds: Explore 9 unique small towns in New Jersey this summer

New Jersey’s top beach towns

The list, according to Travel and Leisure, is:

1. Cape May: “This storied coastal playground boasts an impressive concentration of Victorian architecture, beautiful beaches and ample attractions that make it a multigenerational family destination,” Travel and Leisure wrote. It also points to the seaside promenade, trolley tours of the historic downtown, excellent shopping and restaurants.
2. Ocean City: “Visitors flock to the wooden walkways for rides, mini golf, arcade games, classic crowd-pleasing eats — from hot dogs and burgers to fries and pizza — and sweet treats,” Travel and Leisure says. Also highlighted are the shops along Asbury Avenue and Corson’s Inlet State Park for hiking trails and wildlife spotting.
3. Beach Haven: The travel magazine points out the plethora of outdoor activities available, like surfing, fishing and boating. It also points out the great restaurants for seafood and family friendly fun at Fantasy Island Amusement Park.
4. Spring Lake: “While this storied coastal resort is past its Gilded Age heyday, that sense of grandeur and exclusivity remains with million-dollar mansions, well-groomed beaches and a lengthy boardwalk,” says Travel and Leisure. It highlights the sweet treats at Hoffman’s Ice Cream.
5. Stone Harbor: “Quiet and charming with a slower pace and nice family vibe, Stone Harbor, Avalon’s southern neighbor on Seven Mile Island, is very much a place to get away with the kids. However, that’s not to say couples won’t find plenty of appeal, too,” the travel magazine says. It points out the beaches are rarely packed, and activities like bike riding and paddleboarding on the bay are available, and sweet treats are available at places like Springer’s Homemade Ice Cream and Douglass Candies.
6. Asbury Park: “Back and better than ever, Asbury Park recently underwent a major revitalization that restored it to its former glory and even upped its cool factor,” Travel and Leisure says. The sandy beaches, boardwalks, live music venues like the Wonder Bar, Stone Pony and Saint are noted for their legendary histories, while the pinball machines and games at Silverball Retro Arcade also get a shoutout.
7. Avalon: “Situated on Seven Mile Island, which it shares with Stone Harbor to the south, this Cape May County borough feels like an upscale Jersey Shore vacation option with a sandy shoreline and well-heeled atmosphere,” the magazine said. While the amusements are minimal, that plays into the vibes of the area, it says, while there’s still mini golf and ice cream available.
8. Margate: A small-town atmosphere and laid-back feel are key to this town’s appeal, according to Travel and Leisure. “Everyone seems to know each other — people have been going for generations,” ToursByLocals guide Maria Gorshin told the magazine. “Picture dads pushing big-wheeled wagons loaded up with sand toys, chairs, umbrellas and coolers full of snacks. Crews pack into Betty’s Seafood Shack for the lobster rolls. The Margate Dairy Bar is the ultimate classic after-dinner gathering spot,” she adds.
9. Point Pleasant Beach: “Families flock to Point Pleasant Beach in the summer for good old-fashioned fun in the sun,” Travel and Leisure says. Draws include Jenkinson’s Boardwalk with amusement rides, mini golf, arcade games and an aquarium, as well as wide, sandy beaches and great restaurants. It points to Hoffman’s Ice Cream as the best way to end the day.
10. Ocean Grove: “Anyone looking for a little R&R will enjoy peaceful Ocean Grove, a pint-sized dry town and summer resort. Known for its Victorian houses, sandy beach and booze ban, it’s a lovely place to bring the whole family,” according to Travel and Leisure. The boardwalk is great for biking and strolling, with ice cream parlors and souvenir shops for all your beach needs.