Visit: Island Beach State Park {Seaside Heights, New Jersey}

Even though the calendar has officially closed the door to summer, I’d like to believe we still have a few more weeks that you can potentially visit the beach so I’m going to share one of our favorite Jersey Shore beach spots with you.

And when I say “we still have a few more weeks that you can potentially visit the beach,” I’m not thinking bathing suits because the weather isn’t quite warm enough for that. But this is also New Jersey, so anything is possible. Even with swimming potentially off the table, there is still lots to do in beach areas, just ask my kids.

Last weekend, we headed over to Island Beach State Park in Seaside Heights. Our goal: find sea glass. Both kids, inspired by their grandmother a few years ago, love to collect sea glass and each have their own small collections. It’s a fun, free activity, and a great way to spend an afternoon along the sandy shores.

Relatively easy to locate, Island Beach State Park is one of the state’s well-kept secrets, and even though I’m telling you about it, mum’s the word, ok? The beaches are seriously pristine. The bathrooms are spacious and clean. There are no concession stands or stores. This is pure, unadulterated beach in its best possible form. Sand dunes as far as the eye can see.

When you arrive at the property, there is a gatehouse where you pay a small admission fee (for your car, not per person). Off season, it was a bargain $5. When the various parking lots are full, you won’t be able to enter, so during the hey day of summer, arrive early.

Beyond the beaches, there is a nature center, hiking trails and walking paths, kayak tours, bird watching, surf fishing, and more. You can even ride your horse or bring your (leashed) dog!

Serene.

Peaceful.

Pure perfection.

And well worth a visit should you find yourself in the area.

Island Beach State Park
Central Avenue
Seaside Park, NJ 08752
(732) 793-0506