The 7 Least Crowded Beaches in New Jersey

New Jersey is a great destination for beachgoers and city-dwellers alike, as it offers an immense array of sunny activities along with historical and cultural charms. Of course, the famed Jersey Shore and endless coastline around the Atlantic can get packed during peak months, but it’s entirely possible to find idyllic seclusion away from the crowds in any season.

While some of the more famous beaches are still well worth visiting, like in Cape May with its gorgeous scenery and nearby Victorian architecture, there are countless beaches in New Jersey that remain more secluded and hidden from the tourist crowds. Below, we detail the seven least crowded beaches in New Jersey to help you best plan for your upcoming trip.

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Seaside Park is a sprawling stretch of Jersey coastline that has free public access along with a more private area called Funtown Beach, which does have an entry fee per person. However, even the public section is much calmer than the nearby Seaside Heights, which can have considerable crowds.

This is one of the better options for families with kids due to the adjacent boardwalk where you can enjoy pizza, seafood, desserts and have access to numerous other amenities and shops. There’s even an expansive arcade with games for all ages.

While not nearly as secluded as some options on this list, Seaside Park is a perfect family destination that has everything you need for a great day while still being less crowded than other nearby attractions.

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If Seaside Park is too busy for you, then check out the nearby beach town Lavallette for a truly relaxing atmosphere without the bustle of boardwalks or endless attractions. This pristine stretch of coastline and sand dunes is great for relaxing, sightseeing and simply enjoying the outdoors. The surrounding town has some nice charming restaurants and activities, but the beach still feels completely unspoiled, making it a great option for families, couples and anyone wanting to take a break from city life.

However, there is a fee for anyone 12 or older. Daily beach badges can be purchased onsite and there are discounts available for weekly or monthly badges as well. While the price may be off-putting, especially for larger groups, it’s also another factor that helps to keep this beach more private and secluded than nearby destinations.

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With incredible views of Manhattan, gentle hiking trails, plus a historical lighthouse, Sandy Hook is a picturesque and less crowded beach in New Jersey you can explore today. While the drive may be a bit out of the way compared to other beaches on this list, Sandy Hook is well worth visiting if you’re looking for a more relaxing experience.

This beach is also great for families since it includes large picnic areas and numerous trails to explore, along with bathrooms and other amenities.

Although the beach is free to enter, there is a $20 parking fee in the summer and on some holidays. Within the park, there is also Gunnison Beach, which is a fully nude beach for adults. However, you won't have to worry about accidentally entering this area, as it's fairly out of the way and has signage beforehand.

Along with the great natural scenery and dramatic skyline in the distance, there are a number of onsite activities, including:

• Fishing

• Boating

• Bicycle riding

• Camping

• And more

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Five Mile Island is known for its boardwalk attractions and rides and it can get quite busy during peak months. However, venturing further into the North Wildwood beach town can help you to escape the crowds and enjoy natural tranquility while still being a close drive to all the restaurants and amenities you desire.

At North Wildwood, enjoy soft white sand along with gentle waves that are great for swimming or surfing. There are numerous trails and paths along the coast and sand dunes and you can even spot some beautiful historical architecture right nearby. Once you’re done relaxing, head into Wildwood for a more energetic night out or check out the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse for a gorgeous photo opportunity.

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As one of the most secluded beaches on Cape Island, Higbee Beach is a nature lover’s dream with 1.5 miles of soft sand, tumbling waves, plus incredible bird watching that brings in enthusiasts from around the world. Walk through tall sand dunes on the way to the beach and take note of the many fragrant flowers, including rare brambles, along with colorful roses and more. Once you’re done walking along the fauna-filled paths, enjoy sunbathing and crisp air along the sandy coast.

Plus, the beach has free parking and is free to enter, although there are no public bathrooms directly on-site, nor are there any picnic tables. For these reasons, it may not be best for smaller children or those planning to spend a long time at the beach. However, the rural nature of the area, along with its great sunset views and unique landscape, makes it worth a visit during your trip to New Jersey.

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Sunset Beach is close to Higbee Beach in Cape May and while it shares the same gorgeous coastal scenery, it may be a better choice for families and those wishing to lounge at the beach for longer periods of time. For starters, this beach has close access to public bathrooms along with small restaurants and a cute gift shop. Despite the amenities, the beach still remains less crowded than other nearby New Jersey destinations, which can get quite rowdy.

However, what makes Sunset Beach truly special is its namesake: the sunsets here are simply fantastic and are worth experiencing at least once during your New Jersey vacation.

Along with the soft sand and rolling waves, you can also catch a glimpse of the SS Atlantis shipwreck for some neat local history. Another perk is that parking is abundant and free, with no entry fees to the beach as well, making this a great New Jersey beach to visit for low crowds.

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The surprisingly uncrowded Brigantine Beach is perfectly situated near the casinos of Atlantic City, along with nearby aquariums, restaurants and the historical Absecon Lighthouse. While not nearly as secluded as others on this list, it still provides a much quieter atmosphere than many of the most popular New Jersey beaches that tourists generally head towards. The beach has an abundance of parking for a small fee along with endless nearby attractions, yet it never gets too packed with crowds, which makes it perfect for families with kids in any season.

Enjoy water and sand activities or simply lounge in the soft sand and soak up the sun. Even if the beach gets more crowded throughout the day, the coastline is wide enough to claim your own space and enjoy a picnic without feeling overwhelmed. At night, couples can head into the Atlantic City casinos and families can choose from a number of larger or more quaint restaurants to complete the day.

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