Elizabeth's Coastal Escapes: New Jersey's Surprising Beach Day Trips Revealed

Let me tell you about Sandy Hook - this 7-mile stretch has become my go-to recommendation whenever anyone mentions they're near Elizabeth with kids and a car. It's about a 45-minute drive, but feels like you've teleported to a completely different state. The Gateway National Recreation Area here gives you pristine beaches with the Manhattan skyline playing backdrop.

What makes Sandy Hook my top pick for families is the combination of calm waters and ranger programs that'll actually keep your kids engaged. My nephew still talks about the time a ranger taught him how to identify horseshoe crabs. The beaches here are clean, well-maintained, and—brace yourself—FREE parking after 5pm if you're looking for a sunset beach picnic option.

I always pack my beach shelter because the sun exposure here is no joke. It weighs next to nothing, pops up in seconds, and has saved my Swedish-pale shoulders more times than I can count. The area near Beach B tends to be less crowded, even during peak season, which is crucial intel for anyone who values personal space as much as I do.

If you've got teens or tweens who roll their eyes at the mention of 'family beach day,' Asbury Park is your salvation. This isn't your typical Jersey Shore scene (thank goodness). Instead, it's this perfect mix of retro boardwalk vibes and modern cool that somehow pleases everyone.

The beach itself requires beach badges (about $6 weekdays, $9 weekends), but the people-watching value alone is worth the price of admission. The revitalized boardwalk has everything from pinball machines at the Silverball Museum to indie food stalls that'll make you forget boardwalk food is supposed to be mediocre.

After working corrections for over a decade, I've developed a sixth sense for spotting trouble. Asbury Park feels genuinely safe for families during daylight hours, though I'd recommend sticking to the main areas after dark if you're with kids.

My waterproof speaker has become a beach day essential here - it's tiny enough to clip onto my bag but powerful enough to create our own little music bubble without disturbing others. When the kids need a break from the sun, the Silverball Museum's all-day wristband (around $15) gives them unlimited plays on vintage pinball machines in air-conditioned glory.

When my sister visits with her three kids under 10, Point Pleasant Beach is our non-negotiable day trip from Elizabeth. It's about an hour's drive, but delivers that quintessential Jersey Shore experience that out-of-towners expect (minus the reality TV drama, thankfully).

Jenkinson's Boardwalk is the main attraction here - complete with an aquarium, amusement rides, and enough sugar-laden treats to fuel a small army of children. Beach badges run about $10 for adults and $3 for kids, which isn't bad considering the entertainment value.

The beach itself is wide and well-maintained, though it gets crowded on summer weekends faster than the commissary during visitation hours. My move is to set up camp near the northern end where families tend to congregate, rather than the southern section which draws a more... energetic crowd.

After years of beach days with nephews and nieces, I've learned that sand toys are essential but bulky to transport. My game-changing purchase was this collapsible beach wagon which handles everything from coolers to towels to cranky toddlers when their legs get tired. It folds flat in my trunk between trips and has saved my back countless times.

For lunch, skip the overpriced boardwalk food and walk two blocks inland to Mueller's Bakery for their legendary crumb cake - a Point Pleasant institution that's worth every calorie and every penny.

About 50 minutes from Elizabeth sits Belmar - what I consider the perfect balance of amenities and authenticity without the tourist circus. The beach badges here run $9 for adults and $3 for kids, but the cleanliness and organization make it worthwhile.

What sets Belmar apart is the vibe - it feels like a real community rather than a tourist trap. The wide, clean beach never feels as packed as Point Pleasant, even though locals might disagree with me. The municipal staff runs a tight ship here - the bathrooms are actually usable (parents, you know this is worth its weight in gold), and the beach is raked daily.

The food scene along Ocean Avenue beats most beach towns in the area. Skip the chains and hit DJ's Delights for breakfast sandwiches that'll fuel your entire beach day. For lunch, my move is to order ahead from 10th Ave. Burrito Company and pick it up on the way to the beach.

When my correctional officer buddies visit with their families, this is where I bring them - it's got that perfect mix of safety, cleanliness, and normal-people prices that we appreciate after years of seeing the worst of humanity's decision-making skills.

One essential I never forget for Belmar is my beach umbrella anchor because the ocean breeze here means business. I've seen too many beach umbrellas tumble down the sand like windblown tumbleweeds, and after nearly taking out a toddler with my flying umbrella years ago, I invested in this anchor and never looked back.

Let's talk transportation logistics, because nothing kills beach day vibes faster than spending half your day in traffic or circling for parking like a vulture.

From Elizabeth, you've got options. If you're car-free, NJ Transit offers beach packages that include round-trip transportation and beach badges for some towns. The North Jersey Coast Line can get you to Asbury Park or Belmar without parking headaches. But honestly, having your own wheels gives you the freedom to bail if one beach is packed and try another.

For parking strategy, I use the parking app to reserve spots in advance at garages near Asbury Park and Point Pleasant. It's usually 5-10 bucks cheaper than day-of rates, plus the peace of mind is worth it.

As for beach gear, after years of hauling too much stuff, I've perfected the minimalist-but-prepared approach. My essentials include:

• A insulated cooler backpack that keeps drinks cold all day without the bulk of a traditional cooler
• Microfiber beach towels that shake off sand and dry quickly
• Reef-safe sunscreen (the Jersey sun is deceptively strong)
• A mesh bag for wet swimsuits for the ride home

Pro tip from someone who's dealt with enough contraband in his day job: most Jersey beaches prohibit alcohol, glass containers, and oversized tents/canopies. The beach patrol does regular sweeps, and nothing ruins your day faster than a fine or getting kicked off the beach.