There are two wonderful family beaches on the Jersey Shore where my family spent many a summer vacation. Whether you like the quiet of Island Beach State Park, the lively boardwalk scene at Seaside Heights, or would enjoy a combination of the two, I can guarantee a wonderful getaway.

Quiet Island Beach State Park

Island Beach State Park, located on the southern tip of the central shore area, between Seaside Park and Barnegat Inlet, is a 9-mile stretch of beach and one of the only areas of the New Jersey shore that remains mostly untouched by developers.  The park is separated into three sections: the northern and southern parts are “natural areas” and the central part is the recreation area.  A bird and wildlife sanctuary, as well as a great place for fishing (striped bass and bluefish), Island Beach State Park is perfect for the outdoor, nature-loving family.

Portions of the beach are designated for surfing, sail boarding and scuba diving, and there are eight self-guided nature trails, each under a mile.  Other activities include canoeing, horseback riding, a five-mile bike path, and a bird blind (a camouflaged bird-watching area) to observe the osprey.

Lifeguards watch over swimmers from 8 am to dusk, and the beach’s amenities include modern bathhouses (with bathrooms and changing areas), outdoor showers and handicapped ramps on the beach.  Keep in mind that while the beach is free, parking is not and during the summer season, expect to pay up to $10 per car.  Also, be sure to bring a picnic, because Island Beach has no restaurants.  This beach remains one of the most unspoiled, quiet, and secluded beaches for a restful vacation or day trip.

Lively Seaside Heights

If you want a little more action, Seaside Heights, a 10-minute drive north of Island Beach, provides countless attractions and plenty of noise.  The fun-filled boardwalk offers a variety of rides and games sure to entertain kids of all ages.  For the adventurous, a new water park has twisting waterslides that travel at fast speeds, and there is a soft play area designed especially for toddlers.

The beach itself is always filled with visitors who come to catch the best surfing waves in New Jersey and families who come to play in the sun.

In Seaside, there are many dining options for families, from boardwalk fare to sit-down restaurants.  Two family-friendly restaurants are On Top of Spaghetti at 701 Boulevard ( 732/854 9400) and Bobber’s Family Restaurant at 906 Boulevard (732/830 2086).

Every Wednesday and Thursday in July and August, Seaside Heights holds Family Fun Days at Hiering Avenue.  From 1-3pm on both days, children can participate in an arts and crafts program with Jenkinson’s Aquarium.  On Wednesday nights there is a fireworks display at 9pm, and admission to the beach is free on both Wednesdays and Thursdays---another reason to take a mid-week mini-vacation.

From either beach, if you decide to stay the night (and try the other one), the Seaside Colony Motel (732/830 2113) and the Sunburst Motel (732/793 2889) are frequently recommended, and the Charlroy Motel (732/793 0712) offers a family suite, which can accommodate seven or more people with two bedrooms, two full-bathrooms, a living room, and a kitchenette.

Gia interned for Family Travel Forum while an English major at New York University.  She now works for True Romance Magazine. She likes to read, write, sing, golf, and of course, travel. One of her favorite places is Rome, and she hopes to live there for at least part of her adult life.