Discover the quieter side of the Jersey Shore at these scenic state park beaches, which have plenty of natural beauty and ample opportunity for outdoor recreation.

As summer winds down and the crowds thin out, there's no better time to soak up New Jersey's state park beaches. These shorelines offer a unique blend of natural beauty, preservation, and managed facilities that you don’t always find at more crowded waterfronts. They also offer recreational activities like swimming, sunbathing, and (sometimes) boating or fishing. 

New Jersey technically has one state park with a designated ocean swimming area: Island Beach State Park. That said, several other New Jersey state parks are also located near the shoreline, such as Corson’s Inlet State Park, Cape May Point State Park, and Barnegat Lighthouse State Park. These locations focus on scenery and recreation rather than swimming. 

Whether you’re looking to ride the waves or admire the dunes, consider visiting one of New Jersey's state park beaches this summer.

Island Beach State Park

Our top recommendation for summer fun is Island Beach State Park. This 3,000-acre nature preserve, managed by the New Jersey Division of Parks and Forestry, is located between the Atlantic Ocean and Barnegat Bay in Ocean County. The pristine shoreline stretches for 10 miles.

People often visit Island Beach State Park for its natural beauty. Visitors will find grass-covered dunes, a maritime forest, freshwater wetlands, tidal marshes, and white sandy coasts. 

Island Beach State Park is also perfect for recreational activities, as some areas allow fishing, kayaking, surfing, windsurfing, and paddleboarding. From mid-June through Labor Day, about one mile of beach is designated for swimming in lifeguarded zones, with amenities like changing areas, concession stands, and bathhouse pavilions.

Wildlife enthusiasts will enjoy osprey nests, bird observation blinds, herons, blue crabs, foxes, and a rich variety of coastal flora. If you’re into hiking, the state park has several short beach hikes with scenic views—and horseback riding is available on six miles of ocean coast from October through April by reservation only.

Island Beach State Park opens around 8:00  a.m. (7:00  a.m. on summer weekends and holidays) and closes at dusk. During the summer, vehicle entry is $6 weekdays / $10 weekends for New Jersey residents, and $12 weekdays / $20 weekends for non-residents. Off-season rates are $5 for residents and $10 for non-residents. 

Cape May Point State Park

Located on the Cape May peninsula, this 244-acre state park is a beloved destination during the summertime. It has a small beach area without a designated swimming area, but it’s the perfect spot for sunbathing and picnicking near the waves.

Cape May Point State Park is actually one of the most popular bird-watching locations on the continent, thanks to its migratory bird population in the spring and fall, according to the New Jersey State Park Service. You’ll also find forests, dunes, freshwater meadows, and other natural wonders. Hikers can access a few different trails, providing access to scenic views and local wildlife.

As a bonus, the Cape May Point State Park is located near the iconic 157-foot Cape May Lighthouse, which dates back to 1859. Climbing the 199 steps lends panoramic views of the Cape May peninsula—coastline, wetlands, and all. 

The park is open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; you don't need to pay an entrance fee.

Barnegat Lighthouse State Park

At the northern tip of Long Beach Island, Barnegat Lighthouse State Park is best known for its historic lighthouse, built in 1859. The Barnegat Lighthouse—affectionately called “Old Barney”—has 217 steps leading to the top, where visitors are met with stunning views of Barnegat Bay, the Atlantic Ocean, and the surrounding barrier islands.

After climbing the lighthouse, explore the park’s 0.2-mile Maritime Forest Trail, which winds through a unique coastal ecosystem. Like many New Jersey state parks, Barnegat is a popular spot for bird watching, especially during migration seasons.

Barnegat Lighthouse State Park offers picnic areas and a peaceful beach where you can take in the natural beauty of the Jersey Shore. There’s no designated swimming area, but you can still spend an afternoon sunbathing near the salt water.

This park is open daily from sunrise to sunset. The lighthouse itself is open for climbing from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., weather permitting, from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Corson’s Inlet State Park

Located in Cape May County, Corson’s Inlet State Park is a hidden gem along the New Jersey coast. This 341-acre park offers a protected stretch of natural shoreline known for its peaceful atmosphere and slower pace, though it doesn’t have lifeguarded swimming beaches.   

One highlight of Corson’s Inlet State Park is the abundant wildlife. It’s a natural habitat for migratory birds and marine life, and it’s also a hotspot for catching striped bass, flounder, and bluefish.

Visitors to Corson’s Inlet can go kayaking or paddleboarding, wander through the sand dune systems, explore tidal pools, or relax next to the Atlantic Ocean. It’s also a popular area for fishing, boating, and soaking up the sun.

The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset, and there’s no entrance fee.