The Beaches Are Back in NJ (With Some Restrictions) – What You Need To Know
Residents of New Jersey went into May thinking that beaches or boardwalks across the state might be closed for Memorial Day weekend. Last week, Governor Murphy announced that NJ beaches are open. Many beaches across Atlantic, Cape May, Monmouth, and Ocean counties will be flooded with people itching to get their beach fix after the stay-at-home order was put into place.
There are some restrictions, however, so here is a list of beaches and boardwalks throughout New Jersey that are open to the public and what you should know about them.
Living Well with Robin Stoloff
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1. Atlantic City
The beach and boardwalk in AC have remained open to the public throughout the stay-at-home order. AC will remain open as long as people are cautious and practice social distancing.
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2. Brigantine
Cove Beach recreation area, Brigantine Sea Wall, and the North Beach Observation Tower have been closed since April 9. However, the remaining beach areas in Brigantine are open as long as social distancing guidelines are followed, as usual.
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3. Longport and Margate City
Longport’s beaches are open for walking, jogging, and other exercising on the beaches. Lying on the beach sunbathing, sitting in beach chairs, or gathering with groups of people to play sports is currently prohibited.
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4. Ventnor
Exercising is permitted, as well as surfing, paddle boarding, rowing, or kayaking.
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5. Avalon
Exercising, fishing, and surfing are permitted. You can not purchase beach tags at the Beach Tag Booth. Guidelines for getting beach tags can be found on the borough website, although residents are able to enjoy the beach right now without the worry of acquiring beach tags as the requirement to have them has been waived.
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6. City of Cape May/Cape May Point
As usual, exercise, including surfing and fishing is permitted. The Promenade has the same restrictions and patrons are encouraged to keep off the benches. Pavilion Circle is open, but only for passive recreation.
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7. City of Wildwood
Walking and running are permitted on both the beach and the boardwalk. Outdoor activities on the beach are permitted as long as it is with immediate family members, romantic partners, or caretakers.
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8. Ocean City/Sea Isle City/Upper Township/Wildwood Crest
These beaches are open with no restrictions. All beach activities can be accessed. Social distancing guidelines will still be in effect and groups should be limited to 10 people or less.
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9. Stone Harbor
All stationary activities on the beaches are prohibited.
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10. Allenhurst
Beach and boardwalk remain open with social distancing guidelines in place.
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11. Asbury Park
Beaches remain open, but the boardwalk has been set up for one-way traffic in each direction. Benches have been removed so people refrain from gathering or sitting along the benches.
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12. Belmar
The beach and boardwalk are open for exercise purposes. Social distancing is still expected. No dogs are allowed on the beach or boardwalk.
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13. Bradley Beach/Deal/Long Branch
The beach and promenade are only open for exercise purposes. Police in Deal are monitoring beaches to assure that social distancing guidelines are being followed. The boardwalk in Long Branch along with the promenade are also open.
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14. Manasquan
Seasonal pass holders alone have access to the beach. Each day, capacity will be monitored to reduce masses of people from gathering.
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15. Monmouth Beach/Ocean Grove
Beaches in both Monmouth Beach and Ocean Grove are open. The boardwalk in Ocean Grove is also open as long as individuals follow social distancing.
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16. Sandy Hook
Ocean and bayside beaches of the Gateway National Recreation Area are accessible for passive activities only, like running, kayaking, hiking, or fishing. Stationary activities are prohibited.
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17. Sea Bright/ Sea Girt
People have full access to Sea Bright and Sea Girt beaches. The boardwalk in Sea Girt remains closed.
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18. Spring Lake
The beach can be accessed at Pitney, Lorraine, Tule, Washington, Sussex, Salem, Union, and Brown Ave. Spring Lake Boardwalk is, however, closed.
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19. Bay Head, Mantoloking, and Point Pleasant Beach
All three reopened Friday, May 15th.
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20. Brick
Beaches 1, 2, and 3 are open for passive recreation.
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21. Lavallatte
Boardwalk remains closed, however individuals are permitted to walk, run, or fish at the beach.
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22. Seaside Heights
Activities like walking, jogging, and surfing are permitted. Individuals are not allowed to be stationary or swim on the beach. You can access the beach at: Blaine Avenue, Franklin Avenue, Hiering Avenue, and Hancock Avenue.
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23. Seaside Park
The beaches are open with enforced social distancing restrictions. The boardwalk remains closed.
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24. Toms River
Boardwalk remains closed. Outlet beach can be accessed at: 2nd Avenue, 3rd Avenue parking lot, 4th Avenue, 5th, 7th, 8th, Fielder, Fort and Harding avenues.
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25. Barnegat Light/Beach Haven
Beaches are open with social distancing guidelines.
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26. Harvey Cedars
Beaches are open for exercise. Congregating on the beach is prohibited.
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27. Long Beach Township/Ship Bottom/Surf City
All are open, but with social distancing restrictions.