The Best New Jersey Beaches With Boardwalks

Wildwood, New Jersey, in the southern portion the state, is a beach town composed of North Wildwood, Wildwood and Wildwood Crest. Its boardwalk is about 3 1/2 miles long, with three large piers full of rides and games to play. The entire length of the boardwalk is lined with retail shops and restaurants; it also features a movie theater.

Wildwood has five miles of sandy beach, and gentle slopes leading into the ocean. Wildwood's beaches were named among "America's Top Beaches" by The Travel Channel, and number one in "New Jersey Star-Ledger's" list of Top 10 Family Beaches. Wildwood beaches offer plenty of sporting activities including fishing, boating, volleyball, and surfing.

Because the hotels and restaurants are privately owned, and are not part of large chains, Wildwood has a small-town feel to it. Wildwood is located just 20 minutes from Cape May, and an hour from Atlantic City.

On Ocean City's beaches, which are larger than those in the north of the state, you can enjoy playing volleyball as well as beach soccer, and there are plenty of fishing piers.

Its boardwalk, which measures 2 1/2 miles long, provides plenty of entertainment. Gillian's Wonderland Pier runs the majority of the amusement rides in Ocean City. The pier even hosts unique events during the year for the family, such as a beauty contest for dogs; it is also the site for the "Miss New Jersey" Pageant. Other entertainment on the boardwalk includes shopping and dining along the entire length, as well as the Music Pier, which holds concerts throughout the summer.

Ocean City is different from its surrounding vacation areas in that there is no alcohol served.

Atlantic City is known for its casinos, but it also appeals to families looking to get away for a beach vacation. Atlantic City's beaches are narrower than those in Wildwood and Ocean City, but span a length of more than 11 miles. These beaches offer activities such as surfing, volleyball, horseshoes, and bocce ball.

The boardwalk, at close to 4 miles in length, is the longest among these three beaches. One pier offers rides and games of skill and chance for children and adults alike. A few piers in the middle of the boardwalk provide plenty of dining and nightlife options. The majority of the shopping and dining is located in the middle 50 percent of the boardwalk.