Explore Island Beach State Park

For $12 per vehicles (for non-residents of NJ), one can enjoy the white sandy beaches of Island Beach-- just south of Seaside Heights. This barrier island allows access to some of New Jerseys most pristine and natural beaches. The water is a beautiful green free of garbage and the sand lacks the gray grit found on other beaches along the Jersey Shore.

The park is less than two hours from New York and Philadelphia. It offers guarded beaches, showers/changing rooms, and a concession stand. Other areas permit fishing and beach buggy access with a $90 3-day permit (non-residents of NJ) for AWD or 4 wheel drive vehicles.

After enjoying the swimming area for the day, head to the southern part of the island where beach fires or charcoal grilling is allowed in the sand. Watch the sun set over the dunes or head bay-side to witness the oranges and purples as the sun sinks behind the mainland.

If you have a boat, take advantage of docking at Tices Shoal on the bay side and pay a walk on fee of $3 to access the swimming area if you choose to cross the island. There are even several canoe/kayaking routes in the park area.

Wind surfing and/or surfing is also permitted in the southern section of the swimming area while scuba diving is allowed for registered divers in the Barnegate natural area, the southernmost part of the island.

There are several natural interpretive centers that offer programs along the trails which criss-cross the island. While these trails aren't well suited for normal hiking, they are a perfect opportunity to explore the natural phenomena of the well preserved barrier island environment.