Top Beaches, Waterfalls & Swimming Spots in New Jersey
New Jersey has 2,983 listed water destinations, including beaches and lakes. Browse them by type below, with ratings, photos and directions for each.
🏖️Top Beaches in New Jersey
6 locations
4.5(3,734)Seaside Heights Beach
Seaside Heights Beach sits along one of New Jersey's most iconic boardwalks, stretching over a mile along the coast. Casino Pier offers 30+ amusement rides including four roller coasters, a 1910 carousel, and the Breakwater Beach water park. The boardwalk buzzes with arcades like Lucky Leo's, classic Jersey Shore eats from pizza to funnel cakes, and a lively nighttime atmosphere with rides and lights. The beach draws up to 65,000 visitors during peak summer.
4.7(2,525)Avon-by-the-Sea Public Beach
Well-maintained sandy beach with surfing & swimming areas, seasonal lifeguards & restrooms.
4.7(973)Cape May Beach NJ
Standby featuring a boardwalk near restaurants, Victorian-style homes & seasonal lifeguards.
4.7(893)Island Beach State Park
Narrow, 10-mile barrier island for swimming, biking, nature walks, fishing, diving, surfing & more.
4.7(333)Brigantine Beach
In addition to its wide sand beaches, this scenic destination abuts a wildlife management area.
4.7(266)Sea Girt Beach
White-sand beach with lifeguards & a historic lighthouse, plus a boardwalk with gazebos & benches.
🏞️Top Lakes in New Jersey
6 locations
4.6(1,318)Echo Lake Park
Park with lots of room for sports, from ice-skating to softball, plus a snack bar for refueling.
4.6(319)Lake Hopatcong
Bustling recreational lake for boating, water skiing & swimming, with waterfront eateries & bars.
4.6(270)Atsion Lake
Boating, swimming & fishing are popular at this big lake, along with hiking & cross-country skiing.
4.6(92)Lake Carasaljo
Prominent lake featuring multiuse trails, ice-skating, fishing, swimming & a place in urban legend.
4.8(38)Indian Lake
This popular, 99-acre lake features 3 beaches with seasonal lifeguards, boating, fishing & swimming.
4.5(24)Wanaque Reservoir
Constructed in 1928, this manmade lake is 6.6 miles in length & is surrounded by dense forests.
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