Comparing Beaches in New Jersey

In the summer, the most common beaches people visit are Sea Isle, Ocean City, or Belmar. Perhaps it’s a tradition that is the make or break for you, but let’s break it down and see if you want to try something new. 

Are you tired of Ocean City? Try Sea Isle, home of the community’s famous Lou Dogs, where you can get hot dogs with mac and cheese, chili, and loads of other options. You can also try James Fudge for your homemade candy, Mrs. Brizzles for, again, homemade cinnamon buns, or Carmens for your classic beach dinner: seafood. It is also not a dry city meaning if you’re 21 or older, you get the pleasure of bar hopping.  Sea Isle is also most commonly known in the New Jersey area for its family environment, so you’ll see fewer crowds on the five miles of sandy beaches. Places to stay include The Dunes or the Sea Isle Inn. As one of the Spinnaker’s condos collapsed and killed someone this February, it’s not recommended to go there. Debbie Moyer compares The Spinnaker to The Dunes, “The Dunes are much more up-to-date. I find that the kitchen appliances are more modern, which is important to me.” If you like to surf, the surfing beaches are 26th St., 37th St., 42nd St., 48th St., 53rd St.,63rd St., 74th St., and 82nd St. Beach Tags are required for all beaches.

Well, maybe you love Ocean City. The boardwalk is drastically different from Sea Isle, with the range being 2.5 miles. On this boardwalk, you can get cheesy t-shirts with your significant other, devour pizza, ice cream, fries, you name it, play mini golf, or hang out with all of your friends on the music pier. You are going to find larger crowds of kids walking around, so it is less of a family environment. If you want to beat the crowd, go farther north, away from the boardwalk, for a quieter experience. Ocean City is dry, so no alcohol is sold in the city or allowed on the beach. You can try three wineries before Ocean City: Cream Ridge Winery, Four JG’s Vineyard, and Laurita Winery.

Regarding safety, Sam Link says from personal experience, “I am not afraid of theft around here.” A fan-favorite place to stay is The Beach Club which offers rooming and a restaurant right on the beach. Jen Peoples reflects on her stay, “When I woke up in the morning, I didn’t have to worry about walking a mile or half a mile to the beach. It’s right there!” Surfing is permitted on 7th Street, 16th Street, and Waverly Beach. Beach tags are required for all individuals 12 years or older from June through September 6, 2021.

Belmar is just an hour and a half from Pennridge high school, so if you’re looking to go as soon as you get out of school, or god forbid, a senior skip day, that is the quickest route. Catie Stritzl agrees, “It is close, less than two hours away from home, perfect for a day trip.” The boardwalk here isn’t as popular but still offers your much-needed pizza, ice cream, or Playa Bowls. Belmar beach tags are required for everyone age 14 and older.

No matter where you decide to reside this summer, Belmar, Ocean City, or Sea Isle, The Pennridge Pendulum wishes you great memories and safe travels. And always remember to wear your sunscreen!

Sources:

https://www.vacationinbelmar.com/post/visitor-guide-belmar-beach-tags-parking-more

https://theshoreblog.com/ocean-city-beach-information/

https://traveltips.usatoday.com/new-jersey-shore-11561.html