NJ seashores closest to New York: All of the must-know particulars

“Sizzling city, summer season within the metropolis. Again of my neck getting soiled and gritty…” 

These lyrics ring true for any New Yorker coping with the sweltering metropolis life in June, July and August. So, slightly than sweat by means of one other day with out air con, pack up the household and head to the Jersey Shore to chill off, both for the day or a weekend.

Sugar-like sand, the cool ocean breeze and refreshing waves, the boardwalk, the rides, and a lot extra could make for an ideal day.

That will help you begin planning a visit to the Jersey shore, listed here are the perfect seashores to hit which are closest to New York Metropolis

Keansburg Seashore 

At Keansburg Seashore, you are not removed from New York Metropolis. In actual fact, there is a cool view of the Massive Apple from this small, free seaside.

There’s a boardwalk and a fishing pier however it’s most well-known for its amusement park and Runaway Rapids Waterpark.

Rides on the boardwalk embody Frogger, Twister, Pharaoh’s Fury, Moby Dick, Lopping Star, Wave Swinger, and extra. Cool off at Runaway Rapids on the Lazy River, Castaways Creek, VooDoo Encounter, Volcanic Revenge, and extra. Go-Karts, batting cages, and an arcade are additionally out there.

There are not any lifeguards on responsibility. Seashore fires and grilling are prohibited on the seaside.

How do I get to Keansburg Seashore from New York?

Whereas the easiest way to get to Keansburg Seashore is by automobile which takes about an hour, there’s a bus and a practice from New York Metropolis that may get you there. Take the bus from NYC Port Authority Terminal to Keansburg (Route 36 and Palmer). It is about 1 hour 4 minutes lengthy. By practice, hop on the North Jersey Coast Line from New York Penn Station to South Amboy to South Broadway at Augusta Avenue to Essential Avenue at Port Monmouth Street. That is a few 1-hour 45-minute trek.

Sandy Hook Seashore 

Sandy Hook Seashore might be one of the crucial in style seashores in New Jersey and often, the primary one New Yorkers hit. The Gateway Recreation Space is a federal park that attracts tens of millions of holiday makers yearly.

At Sandy Hook, you may nonetheless see the Verrazano Bridge and Brooklyn. There isn’t a boardwalk so you will be surrounded by dunes and blue skies.

The parking heaps refill early, particularly on a Saturday and Sunday through the summer season, so plan your journey accordingly. For those who’re driving in, attempt to get there by 10 a.m. if you would like to spend the morning or early afternoon on the seaside.

Sandy Hook is technically a free seaside. But it surely prices $20 a day for seaside parking or $100 per season.

Sandy Hook has many bay seashores excellent for swimming, fishing, browsing, and picnicking. There may be can also be many mountaineering trails, bike paths, and salt marshes for nature lovers.

There isn’t a alcohol or smoking allowed at Sandy Hook.

Gunnison Seashore is for adventurous adults the place clothes is optionally available. It is New Jersey’s solely nude seaside.

The Spermaceti Cove Boardwalk at Sandy Hook Unit of Gateway Nationwide Recreation Space results in an statement deck overlooking the marsh space of Spermaceti Cove.

Be happy to experience a motorcycle alongside a 7-mile path that begins on the park entrance and loops by means of Fort Hancock.

Launch a ship at Horseshoe Cove and Bayside Seashore Space C. Leases can be found by means of Sandy Hook Kayaks.

Remember to go to the Sandy Hook Lighthouse and Moby’s.

Once you go away the park and cross over the Route 36 bridge, you will hit Moby’s the place you may order seafood from the window.

How do I get to Sandy Hook from New York?

Driving is all the time finest. It takes about 1 hour 13 minutes to get to Sandy Hook from New York Metropolis. The closest New Jersey Transit Bus cease to Sandy Hook is on the 834, which is 7 miles from the doorway. Academy Traces bus service operates from New York Metropolis to Highlands.

The Seastreak Ferry additionally gives guests a method to Sandy Hook from Manhattan between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day.

Taking the practice can also be an choice. NJ Transit’s North Jersey Coast Line to Pink Financial institution, then NJT Bus 834 to Highlands. The drop-off is 7 miles from the doorway to the park. There isn’t a transportation on to the doorway of the park. Rideshare might turn out to be useful at this level.

Lengthy Department Seashore 

Lengthy Department is conveniently situated about one hour and alter from New York Metropolis. It’s a in style Jersey Shore vacation spot for not solely the seaside, however for recreation, eating places and purchasing.

The point of interest is Pier Village, an upscale neighborhood alongside the seaside that encompasses the boardwalk, boutiques, eating places and even condos overlooking the ocean.

Three public parking areas price about $10 a day.

Each day seaside passes might be bought on the level of entry. They price $5 Mon-Fri, $7 on weekends/holidays, and $3 on daily basis for ages 14-17.  Annual passes price $45 and $30 for 14-17. The seaside is all the time free for 13 and beneath, 62 and older, and disabled people. For extra info, contact the Leisure Division at 732-571-6545.

Lockers, seaside cabanas, and bathhouses might be rented for the 2022 season. It is a lottery system, nevertheless. Lockers are $400 for the season. Bathhouses price $1,050 for the season and seaside cabanas are $3,000 for the season. For extra info, go to: https://www.longbranch.org/departments/Seashore/lockers-bath-house-cabanas.

After absorbing some rays and catching some waves, get pleasure from a pleasant stroll on the Lengthy Department seaside boardwalk, seize a chew at a restaurant, and bask in some retail remedy.

There are numerous retailers and eating places at Pier Village. Take the household to Boardwalk Enjoyable Video games, a high-end arcade.

How do I get to Lengthy Department Seashore from New York?

It is all the time finest to drive. It takes about 1 hour 12 minutes to get to Lengthy Department seaside from the Massive Apple.  However New Yorkers can take a bus from the NY Port Authority to Lengthy Department. It is about 1 hour 22 minutes. The bus prices round $20 and leaves twice every day.

The NJ Transit practice on North Jersey Coast Line departs from NY Penn Station. It prices about $10 to $20 and takes about 1 hour 37 minutes to get to Lengthy Department.

Asbury Park Seashore 

Lovely Asbury Park seaside and its boardwalk are stuffed with a lot historical past. The mile-long seaside has been drawing swimmers and sunbathers for years. The boardwalk is dwelling to mini-golf, eating places, retailers, music, and playgrounds.

Asbury Park seaside admission prices $5 weekdays; $7 weekends and holidays; free for kids 12 and youthful, in addition to disabled veterans and active-duty troopers and their households. Season badges price $70; $20 for these 13 to 17 or 62 and older.

Parking on the seaside is in heaps and meters each monitored by “parking police” year-round. Heaps might be round $20 a day based mostly on time of 12 months and occasions. Meters are by time.

There are not any rides on the Asbury Park boardwalk however there’s numerous eating, purchasing and leisure close by such because the legendary Stone Pony (dwelling to native musicians corresponding to Bruce Springsteen, Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes and Little Steven Van Zandt), The Surprise Bar, Silverball Museum, Asbury 18 mini golf course and Asbury Splash Park.

There’s a tiny psychic sales space on the boardwalk that is been there since 1932. Identified to many, each locals and guests because the “Gypsy Queen of the Boardwalk” Madame Marie Castello has been telling fortunes till she died in 2008. She even instructed fortunes to a younger Bruce Springsteen, who has been frequenting the boardwalk since he was a child. At the moment the sales space is run by Marie’s granddaughter.

Then after all there’s Conference Corridor, additionally very a lot related to The Boss. Because the late Nineties, Springsteen and the E Avenue Band has held rehearsals there for upcoming excursions with scores of followers standing outdoors to pay attention, and get a glimpse of Bruce and the band as they entered and exited the place. For those who’re fortunate, perhaps you will be on the seaside someday and get to listen to a snippet of Bruce Springsteen and the E-Avenue band training from inside Conference Corridor.

How do I get to Asbury Park seaside from New York?

Driving is all the time finest. It is about 1 hour 12 minutes by automobile from New York Metropolis to Asbury Park seaside. However New Yorkers can take the bus from the Port Authority Terminal to Freehold Middle to Asbury Park Transportation Middle to Ocean Avenue at 4th Avenue (Asbury Park). Your complete trek is about 2 hours 27 minutes. These eager to take the practice can use New Jersey Transit on the North Jersey Coast Line from New York Penn Station to Lengthy Department to Asbury Park. The experience takes about 2 hours 18 minutes.

Belmar Seashore 

The 1.3-mile seaside at Belmar Seashore incorporates a lengthy boardwalk, browsing, and different actions to get pleasure from.

A every day seaside go admission prices $9. People 15 and beneath are free. Seasonal badges price $70; $30 for seniors. Seashore admission is free to energetic members of the army and their households. Each day seaside badges have to be ordered by way of cellphone or cellular machine earlier than heading to the sales space. Wristbands will then be given out by an attendant.

Beachgoers should purchase every day seaside badges at www.belmarbeachbadges.com or TEXT “Badges” to 833-956-2440.

Parking is mostly free all through Belmar. However charges are required for parking on the east aspect of Ocean Avenue, Silver Lake, North Blvd, and within the parking zone on the Marina.

Obtain the app — http://parkmobile.io — to assist navigate the parking system in designated zones.

Seashore chair and umbrella leases can be found at www.belmarbeachsupply.com.

Boat leases can be found on the Belmar Marina and the boardwalk is open all 12 months spherical.

How do I get to Belmar Seashore from New York?

Driving is all the time finest because it solely takes 1 hour 13 minutes by automobile from New York Metropolis to Belmar seaside. However Belmar can also be simply accessible by bus and practice. New Yorkers can take the bus out of the Port Authority Terminal to Freehold to Asbury Park after which to Belmar. The experience is prolonged, taking about 3 hours and 43 minutes.

Belmar can also be accessible by way of New Jersey Transit’s North Jersey Coast Line. The practice leaves New York Penn Station which is able to then cease at Lengthy Department, Bay Head, and Belmar. That’s a few 2 hour and 20-minute experience.

Particular seaside promotions are sometimes supplied by New Jersey Transit that helps save as much as $6.50.

The Belmar practice station is situated between tenth & eighth Avenues and the seaside is a few 6-block stroll away.

Manasquan Seashore 

One other stunning Jersey Shore seaside identified for its swimming and browsing is Manasquan Seashore. There may be additionally a mile-long boardwalk which is ideal for a pleasant afternoon or night stroll.

Each day seaside badges price $10 for these 12 and older. Weekly badges for 12 and older price $45 and every day entry to the seaside is free for energetic army and their households.

Season seaside badges price $85 for ages 17-64; $40 for ages 12 to 16 and $30 for seniors.

Umbrella leases price $10 and might be rented on the Sea Watch constructing.

Whereas on-street parking is free, there’s a price to park within the 5 municipal heaps. Each day parking charges price $10 Monday-Friday and $15 on Saturday, Sunday, and holidays.

Gee Gee’s pizzeria, deli, and arcade are stapled at Essential Seashore and a must-visit.

There’s additionally a browsing seaside on the sound finish of Manasquan seaside, by the inlet.

How do I get to Manasquan Seashore from New York? 

Driving is all the time finest. It’s about 1 hour 17 minute experience from the Massive Apple to Manasquan seaside. However New Yorkers can even take a bus from the Port Authority Bus Terminal to Lakewood by way of Freehold Middle to Lakewood Bus Terminal to Asbury Park to Taylor Avenue at Essential Avenue. It is a lengthy journey, nevertheless: 3 hours and 22 minutes.

By means of New Jersey Transit trains, New Yorkers can take the North Jersey Coast Line practice from NY Penn Station to Lengthy Department, in direction of Bay Head to Manasquan. The entire experience ought to take 2 hours 25 minutes.

Level Nice Seashore 

Most likely one of the crucial well-known seashores on the Jersey Shore and a giant vacationer attraction for these close to and much is Level Nice Seashore. Dwelling to the well-known Jenkinson’s Boardwalk stuffed with eating places, candy retailers, countless arcades, bars, amusement park rides, mini-golf, and reward retailers, there’s each public seaside entry in addition to personal seashores.

Each day seaside passes price $4 for ages 5 to 11 and  $12 for ages 12 and up. Add a greenback extra for weekends and holidays.

Full season seaside badges price $55 ages 5 to 11; $120 ages 12 and up and $90 for seniors. Half-season badges are additionally out there from Could 22 to July 18 after which once more from July 19 to Labor Day. These price $35 for ages 5 to 11 and $90 for ages 12 and up.

Seashore chair leases price $11, seaside umbrellas are $12 and lounge chair leases are $15 every or 2 for $25.

The municipal parking zone is metered and 1 / 4 sometimes buys you 20 minutes. Relying on the crowds, there are additionally a number of personal pay heaps that cost wherever from $4 to $12. Metered parking can be discovered on Ocean Avenue and some adjoining streets.

There may be free parking on the streets, however be ready to stroll a number of blocks carrying all that seaside gear.

Additionally on the Jenkinson’s Boardwalk is the well-known Martell’s Tiki Bar, host to most of the Jersey Shore’s hottest bands. It is also a favourite for beachgoers to get pleasure from their favourite grownup beverage.

Jenkinson’s Aquarium, additionally on the boardwalk, is dwelling to sharks, penguins, seals, coral reefs, and extra. There are additionally contact tanks that enable guests to the touch dwell sea creatures like stingrays and sea stars. A must-see when visiting the seaside!

Climate allowing, there are often fireworks on the seaside each Thursday night time.

How do I get to Level Nice Seashore from New York?

Driving is all the time finest and may solely take 1 hour quarter-hour from New York Metropolis to Level Nice seaside. But when New Yorkers must take public transportation, there’s a bus and a practice. However it is going to take some time to succeed in Level Seashore. The bus leaves the Port Authority Bus Terminal and heads to the Lakewood Bus Terminal towards the Level Nice Station to the NJT Rail Station Bus Station. From there it is only a quick stroll to the seaside. However the bus takes virtually three hours.

There’s a direct practice departing from New York Penn Station and arriving at Level Nice. Companies depart twice every day and function Monday to Friday. The journey is a bit shorter than the bus, roughly 2 hours 3 minutes.

Seaside Heights Seashore 

One other in style seaside for residents and vacationers is Seaside Heights Seashore, the place many prefer to swim, surf, and sunbathe.

Moreover the seaside, the Seaside Heights boardwalk is a large attraction, stuffed with retailers, eating places, rides, arcade video games and a lot extra.

Each day seaside passes price $9 for the ocean seashores and $5 for the bay seaside on Saturday, Sunday, and holidays. The weekly payment for Seaside Heights seaside tags is $35.

Seasonal badges for Seaside Heights are $45 every if bought earlier than Could 15. After that date, the worth jumps to $60.

Kids 11 and beneath, veterans and active-duty army are free with correct ID.

One of many largest sights on the Seaside Heights boardwalk is On line casino Pier and Breakwater Seashore Waterpark, an amusement park and a state-of-the-art water park with a big interactive play space.

Among the predominant sights at On line casino Pier embody the Centrifuge, Loopy Crabs, Hydrus Curler Coaster, Shore Shot, Skycoaster, Tremendous Slide, and different thrilling rides. At Breakwater Seashore, guests can bask in The Harbor, Revere’s Wild Trip, Patriot’s Plunge, The Excellent Storm, and plenty of extra water rides. There’s something for everybody, younger and previous to get pleasure from.

Different sights close to the well-known Seaside Heights Boardwalk embody Retrocade Basic Video Arcade, EJ’s Faucet Home, and Van Holten’s Candies and Candy Store.

How do I get to Seaside Heights Seashore from New York?

Driving is all the time finest. This can be a little longer of a automobile experience, taking about 1 hour half-hour from New York Metropolis to Seaside Heights seaside. However New Jersey Transit operates a bus from the Port Authority Bus Terminal in New York to the Toms River Park and Trip each half-hour. The bus then continues to Seaside Heights. It is a few two-and-a-half-hour experience.

Alternatively, there’s a practice from New York Penn Station to Newark Penn Station to Bus Lanes (Raymond Blvd Facet) to Toms River Park and Trip to Seaside Heights. It is best to arrive inside 2 hours 45 minutes.

Island Seashore State Park 

One other Ocean County seaside that will get extraordinarily crowded through the summer season is Island Seashore State Park stuffed with dunes, salt marshes, and tons of trails.

The swimming seaside has lifeguards, bathhouse pavilions, and concessions. Surfers are welcome on the south finish of the seaside space.

The principle gate of IBSP opens at 8 a.m. and closes at 8 p.m. However through the summer season weekends and holidays, the park opens at 7 a.m.

The park prices in-season entrance charges per car. From Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend, it prices $6 on weekdays and $10 on weekends for New Jersey weekends. It prices $12 on weekdays and $20 on weekends for non-residents. It additionally prices $5 for bikes for Jersey residents and $7 for bikes for non-residents.

Pedestrians and bicyclists are admitted free on the predominant gate.

At Fisherman’s Walkway, there’s a $3 payment for each residents and non-residents.

There are not any umbrella leases on the seaside however there are a lot of retailers close by to purchase seaside paraphernalia.

Again for 2022 — Weekday Solely Cellular Sportfishing Car Permits at Island Seashore State Park! That is out there beginning April 1 at $150 for NJ residents and $175 for non-residents. Permits might be bought at https://yourpassnow.com/ParkPass/nj.

Weekday-only permits enable anglers to drive their 4×4 or all-wheel drive autos on the seaside simply to fish between 6 a.m. on Mondays by means of 8 p.m. on Fridays.

How do I get to Island Seashore State Park from New York?

Driving is all the time finest. It takes 1 hour 46 minutes by automobile. However NJ Transit does provide a bus that departs the Port Authority Bus Terminal in New York to the Toms River Park and Trip to Island Seashore State Park in about two hours.

By practice, beachgoers can get on the North Jersey Coast Line practice at NY Penn Station to Lengthy Department to Bay Head to IBSP. That’s over a 3-hour journey.

Completely satisfied summer season!

Jen Ursillo is a reporter and anchor for New Jersey 101.5. You’ll be able to attain her at [email protected]

Click on right here to contact an editor about suggestions or a correction for this story.

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