- Sandy Hook Beach (Gateway National Recreation Area): This unique stretch of barrier island offers diverse experiences, from popular swimming beaches (beaches D, E, G, Gunnison Beach – which is clothing-optional) to quiet natural areas, historic Fort Hancock, and the Sandy Hook Lighthouse. There’s an entrance fee per vehicle during the summer season.
- Highlands Beaches: (Miller Beach, Snug Harbor Beach) These are smaller bay beaches, offering calmer waters, often popular for kayaking and paddleboarding.
- Sea Bright Beach: Known for its mix of public beaches and private beach clubs. There are several public access points. Beach badges are required for the municipal beach.
- Monmouth Beach: Features the Monmouth Beach Bathing Pavilion with a guarded beach that requires badges, as well as some free, unguarded public access areas.
- Long Branch Beaches: Home to the popular Pier Village, Long Branch offers wide beaches with a bustling boardwalk, restaurants, and shops. Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park, a Monmouth County Park System beach, is also located here and offers family-friendly amenities.
Central Monmouth County Beaches:
- Deal Beach: A more residential beach town with a quieter atmosphere. Beach badges are required.
- Allenhurst Beach: Known for its stately homes and beautiful beach. Beach badges are required.
- Loch Arbour Beach: A small, charming borough with a well-maintained beach. Beach badges are required.
- Asbury Park Beach: A vibrant and iconic beach with a revitalized boardwalk, live music venues (like The Stone Pony), diverse restaurants, and unique shops. Beach badges are required.
- Ocean Grove Beaches: Adjacent to Asbury Park, Ocean Grove offers a more serene and family-friendly beach experience, known for its Victorian charm and strict no-alcohol policy. Beach badges are required.
- Bradley Beach: A popular family beach with a lively boardwalk. Beach badges are required.
- Avon-by-the-Sea Beach: A clean and picturesque beach known for its beautiful promenade. Beach badges are required.
- Belmar Beach: One of the most popular beaches in Monmouth County, known for its active boardwalk, fishing, and surfing. Beach badges are required.
Southern Monmouth County Beaches:
- Spring Lake Beach: Often called the “Jewel of the Jersey Shore,” Spring Lake is known for its pristine, non-commercial boardwalk, elegant Victorian homes, and quiet, upscale atmosphere. No food or drinks are allowed on the beach. Beach badges are required.
- Sea Girt Beach: Another serene and family-oriented beach, known for its clean sand and quiet surroundings. Beach badges are required.
- Manasquan Beach: The southernmost beach in Monmouth County, popular for surfing (especially around the Manasquan Inlet), fishing, and family outings. It has a boardwalk and requires beach badges.
Bay Beaches (less common for ocean swimming but offer bay access):
- Union Beach: A Raritan Bay beach, offering views of the NYC skyline. It’s calmer than the ocean beaches, popular for crabbing and fishing.
- Keansburg Beach: Another Raritan Bay beach, adjacent to Keansburg Amusement Park.
- Leonardo/Middletown Bayshore Waterfront Park: A Monmouth County Park System beach on the Raritan Bay, offering calmer waters, a playground, and fishing.
- Keyport Waterfront Park: A bayside park with a small beach area on Raritan Bay.