Jean Lee There are few things better than having your toes in the sand and looking out over crashing waves at the shore. However, loud beach neighbors or having nowhere to set up your towel and chair can be really annoying. In New Jersey, most beaches require a fee or beach tag to step past the dunes; however, a select few are free. Make sure to check the websites below to see how to see when the beach tag season is, as well as if the prices change. While they aren’t strictly “private,” keep reading for a list of quiet beaches to try at the Jersey Shore.
Allenhurst Beach Club | 1A Allen Avenue, Allenhurst
Allenhurst Beach Club offers memberships for residents and non-residents, including a personal cabana to use on the beach, at the restaurant, and in bathhouses. For those who are looking to just visit for the day, there are day passes available for $12 on weekdays and $15 on weekends + holidays. The pass allows use of the restrooms, but not the restaurant, so make sure to pack a sandwich. Visitors appreciate this quiet beach for its amenities and lovely ambiance.
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Brigantine Beach | 1417 West Brigantine Avenue, Brigantine
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Just north of the hustle and bustle of Atlantic City, in Brigantine, is a nice quiet beach that even has a stretch where drivers can take their cars on the sand with a permit. Visitors appreciate Brigantine Beach for its quiet and quaint vibes. There is a section with lifeguards, which tends to get a bit busier since it is safer to swim with these trained professionals looking out.
Cape May Point State Park Beach | Lighthouse Avenue, Cape May Point
Cape May Point State Park is a peaceful spot for beachgoers who like their shore days with a side of birding, lighthouse views, and nature trails. The park includes dunes, beach, freshwater meadows, ponds, and forested areas, making it a quieter alternative to the busier Cape May beaches. Swimming may be limited in some areas, so this one is best for walking, wildlife watching, and soaking in the calmer side of the shore.
Diamond Beach | 9701 Atlantic Avenue, Diamond Beach
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Wildwood can get pretty, well, wild during the summer months, but at the southern tip of town is one of the only truly private beaches in New Jersey. Staying at the resort gives guests access to the beach club, where attendants set up chairs and umbrellas, though guests are encouraged to bring their own beach towels. There is even a seasonal, heated pool to try if the beach gets too sandy. Icona Resorts has a few passes available for non-guests, but make sure to visit the website to learn more.
Holgate Beach | 7910 Long Beach Boulevard, Long Beach Township
Located at the southern end of Long Beach Island, Holgate Beach feels a bit more tucked away than the busier LBI towns. This stretch is ideal for visitors looking for a quieter beach day with ocean views, soft sand, and a more residential feel. Since parts of the area are near protected wildlife spaces, beachgoers should check access rules and seasonal updates before visiting.
Higbee Beach | 1 Higbees Beach Road, Cape May
Higbee Beach is a Department of Environmental Protection Wildlife Management Area because it is considered an important stop for millions of birds migrating each year. This beach has amazing bird-watching at any time of year. It’s extremely quiet and on the Delaware Bay side of the Cape May area. Beachgoers say it’s a great place to find some Cape May Diamonds, which are actually just quartz deposits and not as costly as actual diamonds
Ocean Grove Beach | Ocean Avenue, Ocean Grove
For anyone looking for a quaint beach that has lovely town streets as nice as the sandy shores, look no further than Ocean Grove, New Jersey. The beach itself is great and quiet, which may be, in part, because the town is dry (meaning no alcohol is sold within town limits). The daily beach badge costs $12.
Pearl Beach | 205 West Central Avenue, Cape May Point
Visitors agree that Pearl Beach is one of their favorite beaches in New Jersey. With its beautiful, sandy shores, guests are going to experience one of the quietest beaches in Cape May. Technically, it’s not a private beach, but it definitely seems like one of New Jersey’s best-kept secrets. There are lifeguards, and swimming is allowed on this stretch of beach.
Sandy Hook | 100 Hartshorne Drive, Highlands
Part of Gateway National Recreation Area, Sandy Hook is a scenic escape for anyone who wants a quieter beach day with a little extra nature mixed in. The area has miles of shoreline, walking and biking paths, historic sites, and views of the NYC skyline, making it feel more like a full-day coastal adventure than a standard beach trip. Beach access is free, but there is typically a seasonal parking fee, so make sure to check before heading out.
Sea Girt Beach | 2 Ocean Avenue North, Sea Girt
Sea Girt Beach has that classic, polished Jersey Shore feel without the boardwalk chaos. The beach and boardwalk are clean, quiet, and residential, making it a favorite for anyone looking for a slower beach day with ocean views and plenty of room to stroll. Visitors should check seasonal beach badge details before planning a summer trip.
Spring Lake Beach | 410 Ocean Avenue North, Spring Lake
Spring Lake Beach is one of the calmer, more picturesque beaches along the Jersey Shore. With two miles of sandy shoreline, a peaceful boardwalk, and a town filled with historic homes and tree-lined streets, it’s an easy pick for anyone craving a more refined beach day. It can still draw a crowd in peak season, but the overall vibe is much more laid-back than some of its neighboring shore towns.
Sunset Beach | 502 Sunset Boulevard, Cape May
A top spot to watch the sunset, this beach is located where Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean. The beach doesn’t have the softest shores to lie out and tan. However, it is a great place to look for Cape May Diamonds and enjoy some peace.
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