Exploring water sports at New Jersey’s best beaches
Ready to make a splash in the Garden State? New Jersey has approximately 130 miles of Atlantic Ocean coastline, with beautiful beaches, charming coastal towns and classic boardwalks. In the sunny summer months, water sports enthusiasts of all types flock to New Jersey to enjoy surfing, kayaking, paddleboarding and more. Pack your sunscreen, grab a beach towel and join us as we check out the 8 best beaches for water sports in New Jersey. 1. Avalon What it’s like In a subtle dig to the area’s other nearby beaches, Avalon’s town motto is “cooler by a mile,” referencing their position one mile farther into the Atlantic than nearby barrier islands. While we’ll leave the rivalry to the locals, Avalon’s enviable location means there are plenty of ways to enjoy a sunny day. Watersports in Avalon Known for its expansive beaches and clear waters, Avalon is a hub for watersports along the Eastern Seaboard. Fun is the name of the game in this upscale beach town. Pick your favorite local outfitter and spend summer days kayaking, paddleboarding, inner tubing, wakeboarding or water skiing. The younger set will love the opportunity to bounce around in the bay on Island Watersports’ Aqua Park, which features the “famous blob launchpad,” a rock climbing wall, jungle gym and more, all floating in the warm waters of the bay. 2. Cape May What it’s like Located near the southern tip of New Jersey, Cape May is big on charm and history. Known as America’s Original Seaside Resort, Cape May has lovingly restored Victorian homes, a charming boardwalk and an iconic lighthouse. Watersports in Cape May Cape May offers a little bit of everything in terms of watersports. Options range from mild to wild, whether you’re interested in kayaking and paddleboarding the area’s calm bays and inlets or getting your adrenaline pumping with a jet ski or parasail excursion. The bay that surrounds Cape May is rich with marine life, so whale-watching excursions are another popular way to get out on the water. The town is also a great spot for surfers, and you’ll find multiple surf shops offering gear rentals and lessons. Summer is a great time for beginners to give it a try, as the waves tend to be smaller. Broadway Beach is the most popular spot for surfing, but during the busy summer months, surfing is only allowed during certain times of day, since the beach is so crowded. You’ll find locals at the Cove, on the westernmost end of the Promenade. Stop by to watch them ride the waves and you’ll be rewarded with views of the iconic Cape May. Serious surfers return to Cape May in winter to enjoy bigger, more consistent waves — just don’t forget your wetsuit. 3. Sandy Hook What it’s like Sandy Hook is a barrier peninsula that juts out into the Atlantic from the northeast corner of the New Jersey. The entire area is part of the Gateway National Recreation Area, giving visitors the serenity of a natural reserve and plenty of opportunities for exploration. Flora and fauna abound, yet the park is close enough for you to enjoy views of the New York City skyline. Watersports in Sandy Hook The calm waters of Sandy Hook Bay are perfect for paddleboarding. Rent some gear and head out on your own or take a tour with an experienced guide who can point out local plants and wildlife while sharing the history of the area. For those who want to get under the water, Sandy Hook is a popular area for snorkeling and scuba diving — intrepid divers can see shipwrecks, historical remnants and a variety of marine life. The steady winds and expansive waters of the bay also make Sandy Hook a great place for windsurfing and kiteboarding. Watch in awe as the pros make it look easy, or take a lesson to try it yourself. Be sure to take the advice of your local rental shop. On the coast, weather conditions can change quickly and winds can be unpredictable. 4. Belmar Beach What it’s like Situated on the famed Jersey Shore, Belmar Beach is a lively and welcoming beach town. During the summer months, you’ll find wide, sandy beaches (and the nearby boardwalk) brimming with families, groups of friends and solo travelers. The town prides itself on its clean, safe and well-maintained beaches, made possible by a dedicated group of lifeguards. Watersports in Belmar Beach Because Belmar Beach features both Atlantic Ocean coastline and a network of bays and inlets, there are a wide variety of water sports opportunities available. Shark River Inlet is a popular location for kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding — especially if you prefer calmer waters and the opportunity for bird watching. Prefer something more adventurous? You’ll find multiple tour companies offering parasailing, jet ski rentals and surf rentals. The epicenter of watersports in Belmar Beach is undoubtedly 5. Long Beach Island What it’s like Long Beach Island is an 18-mile-long barrier island off the coast of New Jersey. You’ll find multiple beach towns stretching from north to south, including Barnegat Light, Harvey Cedars, Surf City, Long Beach and Beach Haven. Because the island is so narrow, towns are small and you’ll enjoy a welcoming atmosphere and laid-back vibe. Watersports on Long Beach Island Surfing is the most popular water sport on the island. You’ll find multiple surf schools and rental shops, plus surf spots that appeal to many different skill levels, from Beach Haven to Surf City. It’s also an area popular with fishing enthusiasts. Surf fishing, crabbing and deep-sea fishing charters are all fun ways to spend a day. Great fishing can be found among shifting sand bars, pristine inlets and public docks. Stop by a local bait and tackle shop to ask the experts for tips on the best locations given the currents. 6. Ocean City What it’s like While many of New Jersey’s beaches have a reputation for rowdiness, Ocean City prides itself on its family-friendly atmosphere. Known as “America’s Greatest Family Resort,” the town boasts eight miles of beachfront and eight blocks of family amusements, including a waterpark, arcade and music venue. Watersports in Ocean City Watersports in the area revolve around the award-winning beach itself. Ocean City has been named Best Beach in the Northeast and New Jersey's Favorite Beach, among other accolades. It’s a great place to go for a swim — clean and well-maintained beaches are staffed by almost 200 lifeguards. If you’re in pursuit of a more active day than just splashing in the waves, head to the Bay and Marina District for boat rentals, jet ski rentals and more. Or grab a surfboard and catch some waves on the designated surfing beaches throughout town. Sailing is also popular. The nonprofit 7. Island Beach State Park What it’s like Unlike many of New Jersey’s other popular beach destinations that are located in populated areas, Watersports in Island Beach State Park Embrace a slower pace of life in the park. Enjoy kayaking and paddleboarding in and around the bay. Explore on your own or have a local guide teach you about the wildlife as you paddle. There are a myriad of animal and bird species in the park, as well as more than 400 species of plants. Surf fishing is popular here, with opportunities to catch striped bass and bluefish. Crabbing and clamming are options in nearby bays, and you can set up a trip with a local tour company. The state park is also popular with surfers who want to enjoy consistent waves and wide beaches, without all the crowds. 8. Wildwood What it’s like Affectionately called “Wildwood by the Sea,” this town boasts the widest beaches on the Jersey Cape. It’s a popular summertime destination for its endless family-friendly amenities, vibrant nightlife, action-packed boardwalk and summer events that include outdoor concerts, classic car shows, parades and a kite festival. Some nine million tourists visit each year, and the three shore towns that make up “The Wildwoods” appeal to a broad swath, whether you’re looking for a party vibe or quieter, family accommodations. Watersports opportunities abound in Wildwood, where you can rent wave runners, get scenic views from a sky-high parasail, challenge yourself to a stand-up paddleboard yoga session or rent a pontoon boat with friends. Fishing and crabbing are popular here, and multiple local outfitters will rent you boats fully equipped with everything you need for a successful day at sea, from crab pots to fishing poles. Soak up the sun in New Jersey With your own vacation home on your favorite New Jersey beach, you’ll be mere steps away from your favorite watersports activities. As the co-owner of a Pacaso second home, you never have to worry about the details. We’ll take care of the maintenance, cleaning and upkeep. You just have to show up, unpack and dive into all the sunny fun.
