Best Beaches for a Jersey Shore Vacation

The Jersey Shore has a reputation of being a recuperative vacationing spot for those who are weary of the big city and, at the same time, enjoy their share of glamour. The fact that the area is dotted with celebrity homes is a marker of the fact that it is by no measure devoid of the glitterati of the Big Apple. Yet, it offers a range of options for all kinds of tourists. There are some beaches that are known especially for their night life and parties, while others are better suited for families and their dogs.

In 2013, the tourism industry in Monmouth and Ocean counties was worth $6.4 billion, according to Tourism Economics, published in the Courier Post in May 2014. There was some concern regarding the extensive damage that the area had suffered owing to Hurricane Sandy in 2012, but it has now recovered from that and is reported to be 'back on its feet'. October 2015 marks three years since the storm and bears testimony to the resilience of the Jersey Shore towns.

The best way to spend a refreshing vacation at the Jersey Shore is to rent a picturesque country house with a view of the waterfront, so that you can simply walk down to the beach. If you wish to leave behind the hustle bustle of the city in favor of the peaceful charm of a bygone era, this borough in Ocean County should be your preferred choice for a vacation. “The quaint village atmosphere of Bay Head has been particularly well preserved,” says Donnelly Real Estate.

Although the Bay Head beaches have a fee, they usually offer free parking for those who are looking to drive down. The main roadway through Bay Head is the two-lane highway, Route 35. Celebrity Bobbi Brown, who lives in Mont Clair, owns a renovated Victorian house facing the ocean at Bay Head.

The borough of Mantoloking was one of the worst affected beaches by Hurricane Sandy. It suffered a severe wash-over and there were two new temporary inlets created. Even now, although Hurricane Joqaine stayed within the sea, the beach felt its repercussions in the first week October 2015, reported CBS New York. However, Mantoloking Beach has its own appeal for those looking to vacation here.

From musical events to celebrity sightings, it has been a happening beach and the weather has not managed to dampen that. Celebrities who have favored this beach include Katherine Hepburn, James Gandolfini and even Richard Nixon.

In between Monmouth County and Seaside Heights, falls a set of beaches collectively known as Point Pleasant. Of these beaches, the biggest and most popular is called Jenkinson's. The boardwalk there offers a host of activities, which are perfect for family vacationing with children. From amusement rides to aquariums, this beach ensures that children are well entertained.

While renting at Point Pleasant Beach, one may find several properties that are pet friendly, thereby making it the perfect getaway for the whole family. Not only does it provide the expected water sports, like parasailing, jet skiing and kayaking, its specialty lies in the large selection of shops and boutiques that offer antiques, according to the official website of Point Pleasant Beach.

When you think of a family beach, think of Long Beach. The 18-mile long barrier island has beautiful white sandy beaches that are perfect for families to explore on their vacation. There are 17 towns that constitute Long Beach Island and can only be accessed by driving over the Barnegat Bay Causeway. One of the main attractions here is the 150 year old light house, commonly referred to as the Old Barney, which offers panoramic views of the whole area. It offers perfect picture postcard views and has an old world charm about it that is very endearing.

The Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge on the southern tip of the island is open to public since September and promises to be a treat for bird watchers, according to the Long Beach Island official website.