Did you know that the Atlantic City area has eight beaches? These are one of the main draws to the Jersey shore in the summer months. People flock to the shore to watch the waves roll in and warm their toes in the soft sand. If you’re an early bird you can sit on the beach and watch the sun rise in all its splendid glory. So now you know that there are 8 Atlantic City Beaches that provide something for everyone! And here’s a little information to help you pick the beach that’s right for you!
Read to the end to see what visitors enjoy doing on the beaches in the off-season.
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Brigantine Beach
This popular beach is just a hop, skip and a jump from downtown Atlantic City, actually a 12-minute drive. It’s known for its cleanliness and privacy. Beach tags are required.
This beach’s sands are easily accessible because they are firm and clear and easy to traverse. This keeps visitors returning year after year.
Lifeguards are on duty beginning June 19th and through Labor Day so swimming is permitted during that time. Other activities include water scootering, bonfires, kayaking, kite flying, barbecuing, fishing, sailing, surfing and boating.
Of course, you can always find a great restaurant, hotel or shopping if that’s what you’re in the mood for.
As you relax in the sun or play in the ocean or on the beach you can enjoy the sunrise or sunset and the beautiful Atlantic City skyline.
All-in-all a fun or relaxing day to be had on Brigantine Beach!
Atlantic City Beach
This beach is not where you think it would be. It’s small and sort of “hidden” and is sometimes known as the Caspian Avenue Beach. It faces the Absecon inlet rather than the main southeast facing oceanfront and is located off of North Maine Avenue. Locals know this as Atlantic City’s first beach. It’s great for swimming and kayaking because the waters are calmer. The views are spectacular! You’ll find public restrooms and a beach station on the northern end.
Margate Beach
Margate Beach is located to the south of the main resort area. It’s one of the most popular beaches due to its beauty and pristine stretches of sand. Also referred to as Jefferson Avenue Beach, there is plenty to enjoy here including a sandbar that you can sometimes stroll out to. Nearby you’ll find Lucy the Elephant. Lucy was built in 1881, is made of wood and stands 65 feet tall. For a real treat you can take a tour of Lucy and even book one of several guest rooms.
You’ll need to purchase a beach badge to visit the beach from mid-June through Labor Day. The tags are sold at the Martin Bloom Community Pavilion and at the Municipal Building beginning April 1st. Show your military ID for free admission to the beach.
Lifeguards are on duty from Memorial Day to Labor Day as well as at other times when the weather cooperates.
Activities include sailing, surfing and kayaking in addition to other common beach sports and of course there is shopping and dining nearby.
Maybe you just want to take a slow stroll along the beach and enjoy the warm sand and salty ocean breeze. Margate Beach might be just what you need.
Located at the end of Jefferson Avenue.
Longport Dog Beach
If your dog is in need of a good run this is sure to be the perfect place! Here your dog can romp in the surf and sand and make new furry friends. People get a kick out of watching their own pets and others play in the water. Be sure to bring your camera!
The beach is free, but there are no lifeguards so swimming is not advised.
A portion of this Malibu Beach Wildlife Management Area is protected due to it being a nesting ground for certain species of endangered birds, so watch out for restricted area signage.
Location: Egg Harbor Township, NJ
Atlantic City Downtown Beaches
Take Raleigh Avenue to the main Downtown Beach or Delaware Avenue to the Delaware Avenue Beach. Then there’s the Crystal Beach where New Hampshire Avenue meets the ocean.
You can access these beaches from the boardwalk or the end of any eastbound street! Surfers enjoy the good waves here and as such this area is designated for surfers.
There is also plenty of fun to be had by families, and lifeguards are on duty in the summer from 10am to 6pm.
Location: Atlantic City
North Brigantine Beach
This gem is known to be one of the wilder beaches on the Jersey Shore. On this northern stretch of beach you’ll see more of the larger waves of the Atlantic Ocean.
On the back side of the northern stretch is the North Brigantine State Natural Area Wildlife Refuge which is a go to for the bird loving community and is known as a breeding ground for the piping plover.
Home to many species of shorebirds, this area promises a tranquil seascape and calm waves. In the fall you’ll find monarch butterflies stopping on their way south to enjoy the seaside goldenrods.
Location: North Brigantine, NJ
The Cove on Brigantine’s Southwestern Tip
Weekenders love the Cove of Brigantine beach because it’s perfect for those wanting to get away for a couple days and recharge. What could be more relaxing than barbecues on the sand watching the sun rise or set over the skyline of Atlantic City?
You can reach the cove from the center of Atlantic City by way of the boulevard and bridge, or by foot or 4×4 if you’re already in Brigantine. Look for the inspectors on duty to purchase a beach tag to access The Cove on the beach.
The calm waves make this a family friendly beach where you can let the kids run and play on the sand or swim and burn some energy! While they’re playing, and you’re keeping an eye on them, you can get the barbecue going for lunch or dinner. A perfect day or weekend awaits!
Location: South Brigantine
Chicken Bone Beach
If you guessed that there’s some history behind the name of this beach you would be right. This section of the coast was once racially divided. African Americans who were segregated from the rest of Atlantic City frequented the area between the 1930’s and 1960’s. They were not privileged to dine in Atlantic City’s restaurants, so they brough their own food here, mostly fried chicken, hence the name Chicken Bone Beach.
This book contains a great pictorial history of Atlantic City’s Chicken Bone Beach!
Today this beach offers the same sand, waves and fun that the rest of the Atlantic City shore does. You’ll find a memorial plaque on the boardwalk with black and white photos. One of which shows the famous musician Sammy Davis Jr. enjoying himself on the beach.
Location: The beach between Missouri and Mississippi Avenues
Off Season at the Shore
Don’t discount the three seasons other than summer for beaches in the Atlantic City area. The beaches are still there, still beautiful and the perks are abundant!
- You’ll find the beaches much less crowded in the off-season
- Shell collectors love this time of year, especially after a storm when unique and beautiful shells have washed ashore
- You’ll often see treasure hunting enthusiasts combing the beaches when the crowds have lessened
- Some just like to sit in their beach chairs on a nice fall or winter day, maybe with a blanket covering their legs and a favorite book on their lap and read or just watch the ocean and listen to the sea gulls and other sea birds
- On occasion you can catch a pod of dolphins or watch the fishing or pleasure boats pass by
- How about catching a glistening and glimmering sunrise or sunset over the Atlantic?
The beaches of the Atlantic City area are Mother Nature’s gift to enjoy!
Another article that might give you some ideas is our Things To Do in and Around Atlantic City with the Kids. Maybe a dolphin watching cruise would fascinate them. I know it would me!
Lucky you . . . you just got married in Atlantic City and want to brighten up your tan on your honeymoon, here are a few things to do to get you outside in the sun: Romantic Escapes: Fun Things to Do in Atlantic City for Couples
If you like beaches, we’re guessing you probably like pools as well. Here’s a guide to some of the Best Pools in Atlantic City to Beat the Heat.
