Acupuncture in Ideal Beach, NJ

It's hard to deny that we live in a world where health issues seem to be increasingly common. From allergies that baffle doctors to chronic pain that never seems to go away, it's no secret that many individuals struggle to maintain good health. Respiratory issues, reproductive complications, and other conditions add to the mix, making it clear that we're all susceptible to some kind of malady.

Unfortunately, many modern doctors still believe that throwing pills at the problem or scheduling surgery is the best way to provide long-term relief. While certain serious conditions can warrant such extreme treatments, a large percentage of Americans are looking for something far less harmful and much more holistic. They're looking high and low for a reliable, well-studied solution that doesn't require time off work or sketchy pain medications.

At NJ Sports Spine & Wellness, one of the most effective and exciting treatments we've seen work for such patients is acupuncture in Ideal Beach, NJ - a modern take on an ancient treatment that has been used for thousands of years.

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If you're new to holistic healing, acupuncture may seem intimidating. You might be wondering how needles pressed into your skin could possibly make you feel better. Wouldn't someone pushing a needle into your back be painful? As it turns out, acupuncture is far from painful and is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after treatments for chronic pain and for regulating issues relating to:

Digestion
Hormones
Breathing
Muscles

Nerves & Brain
Sex & Libido
Body Circulation
Organs & Heart

In fact, acupuncture has been studied and practiced for over 2,500 years and, more recently, has been researched and supported by many scientific studies. While acupuncture may not be a "miracle" treatment for every type of pain or condition, it has been shown to be effective in treating a wide range of issues, from depression and allergies to morning sickness and cramps.

Covering the Basics of Acupuncture in Ideal Beach, NJ

Acupuncture is a therapy in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that aims to balance the body's energy, called qi, which flows through pathways called meridians. This balance is crucial for overall wellness, as disruptions to qi can lead to health concerns. According to TCM, inserting small stainless-steel needles into specific points called acupoints along the meridians can help rebalance the flow of qi and restore overall health.

These acupoints are believed to release certain chemicals when stimulated, which can trigger an immune response and promote physiological homeostasis. Recent research suggests that this therapy may help alleviate symptoms of various health ailments.

In fact, the National Institute of Health conducted a survey on complementary health approaches, revealing that acupuncture usage in the United States has increased by 50 percent between 2002 and 2012. As of 2012, 6.4 percent of American adults have reported using acupuncture as a form of treatment.

Is Acupuncture in Ideal Beach, NJ Actually Legit?

One of the most common questions from new patients interested in acupuncture typically revolves around whether it really works or whether it's all "new age" malarky. We get it - for most folks, the thought of inserting stainless-steel needles into one's back, arms, or neck sounds loony. However, with the ever-increasing popularity of acupuncture in New Jersey and other locations, numerous studies centering on acupuncture's effectiveness have taken place.

Extensive research has been conducted on the effectiveness of acupuncture for various conditions. A February 2022 analysis published in the BMJ, which evaluated over 2,000 scientific reviews of acupuncture therapies, revealed that acupuncture's efficacy is strongest for:

Neck Pain
Back Pain
Post-Stroke Aphasia
Muscle Pain
Lactation Issues

Lower Back Pain
Asthma
Allergies
Vascular Dementia
More

Additionally, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), acupuncture is most effective for pain relief in cases of chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis, lower back pain, and tension headaches. Additionally, a review of 11 clinical trials found that acupuncture may also alleviate symptoms associated with cancer treatment, as noted by the NIH.

What Happens During an Acupuncture Session at New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness?

When meeting with your acupuncturist for the first time, they will discuss your condition with you before conducting a physical examination to identify areas of your body that might respond to acupuncture. The needles used in acupuncture are incredibly thin, sterile, and disposable, with your acupuncturist inserting them at different depths ranging from a fraction of an inch to several inches.

Acupuncture needles are less painful than medical needles used for vaccines or blood draws. This is because acupuncture needles are thinner and solid, not hollow. During the treatment, you may experience some muscle sensations like dull aches or tingling.

Your practitioner will ask you to report any deep heaviness or numbness, which are positive signs that the treatment is working. Depending on the condition you're treating and the supplemental treatments you're undergoing, like physical therapy, acupuncture needles will remain in place for several minutes or up to 30 minutes.

Once your first acupuncture treatment is finished, it's normal to feel extra relaxed and calm. For that reason, some patients like to arrange for a ride home after their first or second session. With that said, you shouldn't experience much pain at all, and it's quite possible for you to return to work after acupuncture.

How Many Treatments Until Acupuncture Works?

This is another common question that we get at New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness. The simple answer is, "It depends." While we understand that that's not a satisfying answer for some, it's important to understand that every patient is different. Everyone has different bodies and, by proxy, different bodily conditions and issues that need to be addressed.

During your initial consultation at our office, your licensed acupuncturist will go over your needs and goals as it relates to acupuncture therapy. Once your therapist has a good sense of the scope of your needs, they can give you a loose idea of how many sessions you'll need.

Generally speaking, most patients have appointments once a week. Others may require more or less frequent sessions. It's important to note that the full benefits of acupuncture may not be immediately evident after the first or even the second session. It's common for normal patients to undergo up to five treatments to realize the full benefits of acupuncture.

What Conditions Are Treated with Acupuncture in Ideal Beach, NJ?

There's no question that acupuncture is more popular than ever as a non-invasive, non-addictive way to reclaim balance and well-being. But what types of conditions can this traditional therapy help alleviate in the modern world? Advances in acupuncture techniques and applications have resulted in some very promising benefits.

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Relief from Chronic Pain

Did you know that regular acupuncture treatments can help reduce the pain associated with osteoarthritis? In May 2017, a meta-analysis was published, which studied approximately 18,000 patients with chronic pain, such as low back, neck, and shoulder pain, knee OA, and headache or migraine. The analysis found that the benefits of acupuncture therapy in reducing pain lasted for more than 12 months.

That's wonderful news for athletes and other people who push their bodies daily to accomplish goals or bring home money for rent and bills. In fact, many medical experts consider acupuncture as a viable option for managing chronic pain in conjunction with traditional methods like physical therapy and chiropractic care. The idea behind this approach is that acupuncture may trigger the body's natural healing response to alleviate pain.

When a licensed acupuncturist in New Jersey inserts an acupuncture needle, it penetrates your fascia, a connective tissue that wraps around your organs and muscles. Like a slight tickle on your arm, your body realizes that something is happening and responds by delivering lymph fluid, blood, and other important nutrients to speed up healing in affected areas like your knees, back, neck, joints, and more.

Migraine Headache Relief

If you're like other people who suffer from migraines, you know that once one of them hits, it can be next to impossible to function properly throughout the day. Fortunately, acupuncture in Ideal Beach, NJ may be a viable solution if you have to endure migraines often.

A study conducted in 2009 by the Center for Complementary Medicine at the University of Munich analyzed 11 studies involving 2,137 patients who received acupuncture treatment for chronic tension-type headaches. The researchers concluded that acupuncture could be an effective non-pharmacological solution for frequent headaches.

The study compared the effects of acupuncture sessions with sham acupuncture and no treatment at all. Both groups that received acupuncture treatment, whether needles were placed randomly or strategically, reported a reduction in headache symptoms, while the control group reported no change. The group that received real acupuncture treatment also reported a decrease in the number of headache days and intensity of pain in a follow-up survey.

Improved Sleep

For individuals who struggle with insomnia and other sleep disturbances, acupuncture is a promising therapy. Although sedatives are commonly prescribed for insomnia, long-term use can lead to negative side effects such as dependence and excessive drowsiness.

A study conducted on 72 participants and published in Sleep Medicine in 2017 found that individuals who received acupuncture three times a week for four weeks experienced significant improvements in sleep quality and anxiety compared to those who received sham acupuncture.

Similarly, a review of 30 randomized, controlled trials found that acupuncture was more effective in improving sleep quality and daytime functioning than sham acupuncture.

Better Recovery from Surgery

While many patients choose acupuncture as a way to avoid surgery altogether, those who need surgery also use it for improved recovery. Because, at the end of the day, recovering from surgery is no easy feat. Patients may experience various symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, pain around the incision, restlessness, sleep troubles, constipation, and sore throat.

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, healthcare providers may use acupuncture as a way to alleviate some of these symptoms and help with healing. A study published in Integrative Cancer Therapies in January 2017 involving 172 participants found that patients who received acupuncture after surgery reported significant improvements in sleep, anxiety, pain, fatigue, nausea, and drowsiness.

The Surprising Benefits of Supplementing Physical Therapy with Acupuncture

Did you know that supplementing physical therapy with acupuncture and vice versa can have profoundly beneficial effects for patients in New Jersey and across the country? If you're like most, chances are you didn't.

The truth is that acupuncture and physical therapy have both been proven effective in reducing pain and inflammation. While many people view them as separate methods, combining the two modalities can produce a synergistic effect that enhances pain relief and delivers long-lasting benefits to patients.

Physical therapists work with patients of all ages and abilities, from children to elderly adults, to help them overcome physical limitations and improve their quality of life. At NJ Sports Spine & Wellness, our physical therapists help treat a wide range of conditions, from neck pain and spinal cord injuries to back pain and arthritis.

To effectively reduce pain and treat tissue injury, a combination of acupuncture and physical therapy can be very helpful. Acupuncture helps to reduce inflammation and release muscle tightness and trigger points, allowing the patient to better receive manual therapy or exercise-based physical therapy techniques. In doing so, acupuncture can actually create a window of time that allows your body to respond better to other treatments at New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness, such as physical therapy and chiropractic care.

There are many benefits of combining physical therapy with acupuncture in Ideal Beach, NJ, including the following:

Increased Range of Motion
More Effective Long-Term Pain Relief
Enhanced Tissue Repair & Healing
Better Response to Physical Therapy Due to Pain Reduction
Less of a Need for Pain Medications
Boosted Mood & Energy
Better Quality of Life Overall

You may be wondering, "Are there any studies showing these benefits?" As it turns out, there are many. One such study, published on the NIH's website, was conducted on patients suffering from frozen shoulder.

Patients who received acupuncture experienced a significant reduction in pain, while those who underwent physical therapy saw an improvement in range of motion. However, the best outcome was observed in patients who received a combination of both treatments, with reduced pain, increased their range of motion, and improved quality of life. This study highlights the potential benefits of using acupuncture and physical therapy as complementary treatments for frozen shoulder.

It makes sense, then, that people from all walks of life are combining acupuncture with chiropractic treatments at New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness, including:

Professional Athletes
Football Players
Soccer Players
Baseball Players
Construction Workers

Landscapers
Accountants and People Working Office Jobs
Public Officials
Police Officers
More

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Combining Acupuncture with Chiropractic Care for Pain Relief and Wellness

At New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness, our doctors, practitioners, occupational therapists, and physical therapist specialize in a range of therapies and treatments. Much like physical therapy and acupuncture, combining chiropractic care with acupuncture therapy gives patients a new way to reclaim their mobility, reduce chronic pain, and maintain a healthy quality of life.

Chiropractic care and acupuncture in Ideal Beach, NJ are natural healing practices that don't rely on drugs to improve the body's health. They focus on correcting imbalances in the body's structural and supportive systems, promoting natural healing, and ultimately leading to better health. These practices have a proven track record of helping patients improve their quality of life and overcome physical difficulties.

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What are the Benefits of Using Acupuncture with Chiropractic Care?

Integrating chiropractic and acupuncture as a dual-modality treatment offers the most efficient solution for removing blockages from the body, promoting balance, and accelerating healing. Rather than using these treatments sequentially, a combined approach allows for maximum benefits at one time.

Chiropractic targets subluxations in the nervous system through manual adjustments, facilitating the central nervous system to promote healing, while acupuncture removes blockages that may hinder the body's internal balance. Together, these treatments work synergistically to optimize energy flow and restore harmony in the body.

What Conditions Can Be Treated with Acupuncture and Chiropractic Care?

When our physical well-being becomes imbalanced, and our innate healing mechanisms are compromised, illnesses can manifest. The integration of acupuncture and chiropractic practices can effectively address a wide range of health conditions that they individually target, such as:

Sports Injuries
Headaches
Sciatica
Lower Back Pain

Neck Pain
Insomnia
Chronic Conditions Like Diabetes
More

Curious if combining chiropractic care or physical therapy with acupuncture is right for your body? The best way to find out is to make an appointment at our sports rehab clinic in New Jersey. Once our team of medical professionals has a chance to evaluate your conditions, we can explore the best options to provide the most relief in the shortest amount of time possible.

The Premier Choice for Professional Acupuncture in Ideal Beach, NJ

New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness consists of a team of athletic trainers, chiropractors, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and other professionals. We're very proud and passionate about caring for our patients, many of whom are suffering from debilitating conditions like back and neck pain, plantar fasciitis, sports-related injuries, and more. If you're trying to get on the road to pain relief and recovery, acupuncture may be the non-surgical solution you need to reclaim your life. Contact our office today to learn whether this exciting treatment is right for you.

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13 Popular Beach Towns in New Jersey to Live in 2023

With its location along the Atlantic Ocean, New Jersey is known for its coastal towns, boardwalks, and summers of fun. You’ll find sparkling seas, white sands, boating, and fishing – and these scenic New Jersey beach towns are some of the best you’ll find. There are lots of beach spots to check out in New Jersey, whether you’re moving to the state or hoping to move to the coast.But if you’re not sure what seaside towns in New Jersey to check out, we’ve got you covered. From ...

But if you’re not sure what seaside towns in New Jersey to check out, we’ve got you covered. From Atlantic City to Ocean Grove, Redfin has collected a list of the 13 best beach towns in New Jersey. Let’s dive into some of New Jersey’s top coastal cities, listed in alphabetical order, so you can find the right place for you.

#1: Asbury Park

Median home price: $529,500 Asbury Park, NJ homes for sale Asbury Park, NJ apartments for rent

Starting off our list is Asbury Park. About 15,200 people live in this coastal New Jersey town where you’ll find beaches like Asbury Park Beach. Living in Asbury Park, you can check out the beachfront activities like playing at the Silverball Retro Arcade and stopping for a meal at one of the many restaurants in town.

Interested in moving to the area?

Partner with an experienced agent who knows the local market. Contact a Redfin agent #2: Atlantic City

Median home price: $175,000 Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,050 Atlantic City, NJ homes for sale Atlantic City, NJ apartments for rent

Another one of New Jersey’s iconic coastal towns to consider moving to is Atlantic City, home to 38,500 people. There are plenty of beaches to visit, particularly Atlantic City Beach. Some popular things to check out in Atlantic City include exploring the Atlantic City Boardwalk, checking out Steel Pier, and stopping by the Absecon Lighthouse, among many other favorites for locals and tourists alike.

#3: Avalon

Median home price: $1,587,500 Avalon, NJ homes for sale Avalon, NJ apartments for rent

With just about 1,200 residents is the town of Avalon. There are lots of beaches to explore on a sunny New Jersey day, like the popular Seven Mile Beach. If you move to Avalon, make sure to birdwatch at Avalon Seawatch, explore the shops and restaurants along Dune Drive, and visit the Avalon Dunes and Beach Trail.

#4: Belmar

Median home price: $1,761,000 Belmar, NJ homes for sale Belmar, NJ apartments for rent

With beautiful beaches like Belmar Beach and L Street Beach, there are countless places to spend a beach day in Belmar. About 5,900 people live in Belmar, where you can also grab a bite at a waterfront restaurant, visit Maclearie Park, and explore the charming downtown.

#5: Brigantine

Median home price: $505,000 Brigantine, NJ homes for sale Brigantine, NJ apartments for rent

The quaint coastal town of Brigantine has about 7,700 residents, making it a great place to consider moving to in New Jersey. In Brigantine, you can spend the day exploring North Brigantine Natural Area or have a beach day at Brigantine Beach.

#6: Cape May

Median home price: $557,500 Cape May, NJ homes for sale Cape May, NJ apartments for rent

Home to roughly 2,800 people, Cape May is a great beach town to consider buying a home in. If you’re looking for a beach to explore, you can visit Cape May Beach. There are plenty of other things to do in Cape May, so make sure to also tour the Emlen Physick Estate, check out the Cape May Lighthouse, and take the ferry to Lewes, DE.

#7: Long Beach Island

Median home price: $1,500,000 Long Beach Island, NJ homes for sale Long Beach Island, NJ apartments for rent

With a population of close to 8,600, Long Beach Island is an awesome coastal town to live in. There are plenty of beaches to explore like 68th Street Beach, Bay Beach, and the various public beaches. Make sure to spend the day exploring the downtown area and Fantasy Island Amusement Park, head to the north part of the island to see Barnegat Lighthouse State Park, and check out all the cities on the island once living here.

#8: Ocean City

Median home price: $1,040,000 Ocean City, NJ homes for sale Ocean City, NJ apartments for rent

Ocean City has picturesque beaches such as Ocean City Beach, Peck Beach, Surf Road Beach, and Waverly Beach, perfect for a picnic. Once moving to Ocean City, you’ll want to explore the Ocean City Boardwalk where you’ll find restaurants, rides, and games, tour the Ocean City Historical Museum, and check out Gillian’s Wonderland Pier.

#9: Ocean Grove

Median home price: $680,000 Ocean Grove, NJ homes for sale Ocean Grove, NJ apartments for rent

Roughly 31,200 people live in this coastal city where you’ll find beaches like Ocean Grove Beach and South End Beach. Some other fun activities to do in Ocean Grove include walking along Parousia Promenade, checking out downtown Ocean Grove, and seeing a show at The Great Auditorium.

#10: Point Pleasant Beach

Median home price: $630,000 Point Pleasant Beach, NJ homes for sale Point Pleasant Beach, NJ apartments for rent

This seaside city has a population of 19,200 and there are lots of beaches to enjoy a picnic at like Point Pleasant Beach. You’ll also have plenty of activities to explore during your free time in Point Pleasant Beach, like exploring Gull Island, grabbing a meal along the waterfront, or checking out the shops downtown.

#11: Sea Isle City

Median home price: $1,585,000 Sea Isle City, NJ homes for sale Sea Isle City, NJ apartments for rent

In Sea Isle City there are lots of beaches you’ll want to spend time at if you decide to move to this quaint town, like Ludlam Beach and Sea Isle Beach. This town is home to 2,100 inhabitants and you’ll find many other activities to do like exploring the charming downtown streets.

#12: Stone Harbor

Median home price: $2,937,500 Stone Harbor, NJ homes for sale Stone Harbor, NJ apartments for rent

Stone Harbor has lots of beaches to explore, perfect for a sunrise or sunset view. Some famous places are Hobie Cat Beach and Stone Harbor Beach. If you’re looking for a different activity, be sure to visit the Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary or grab some fresh seafood for lunch or dinner.

#13: Wildwood

Median home price: $449,000 Wildwood, NJ homes for sale Wildwood, NJ apartments for rent

There’s plenty of beachfront spots to explore, like Wildwood Beach, if you decide that Wildwood is the right area for you. In this town of 5,100 residents, you can also explore the Wildwood Boardwalk where you’ll find amusement rides, shops, and restaurants, have a meal at one of the many waterfront restaurants, or fish at Back Bay West.

Note, this list is not comprehensive of all the beach towns in New Jersey. Median home sale price data from the Redfin Data Center during June 2023. Average rental data from Rent.com June 2023. Population data sourced from the United States Census Bureau.

If you are represented by an agent, this is not a solicitation of your business. This article is for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for professional advice from a medical provider, licensed attorney, financial advisor, or tax professional. Consumers should independently verify any agency or service mentioned will meet their needs. Learn more about our Editorial Guidelines here.

Alison is part of the content marketing team and enjoys writing about housing affordability and home interior design ideas. Her dream home is a cottage-style house with a chef’s kitchen and a cozy room to store and play vinyl records.

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Perfect Beach Day NJ, a company run by local teens, takes the hassle out of shore trips

One of the few inconveniences that can arise during a day trip down the shore — besides losing your sunglasses in the ocean or stepping on a jellyfish — is lugging unwieldy beach gear to and from the car. Thankfully, a group of local teens launched a business to remedy that hassle.Perfect Beach Day NJ, a Jersey Shore beach gear rental company, was founded last year by Lower Merion High School students Sam Abella and Jude...

Perfect Beach Day NJ, a Jersey Shore beach gear rental company, was founded last year by Lower Merion High School students Sam Abella and Jude Vaughan. In its second summer, the business has doubled its reach by adding more employees and beach towns to its repertoire.

Abella and Vaughan, friends since kindergarten, have traveled down the shore all their lives and saw the need for a way to ease the beach experience for families.

"The main thing we strive for in our business is the convenience and leisure because we know how difficult, obviously, it can be putting your kids in the car, getting your stuff together," Abella said. "So we really just want to take away the hassle of a beach day and make it as fun as possible."

The company now serves Brigantine, Long Beach Island, Margate City and Ocean City. To accomplish the expansion, the Perfect Beach Day NJ team welcomed two "franchisees" — Elias Toren, who previously attended Upper Dublin High School in Fort Washington before moving to Florida with his family, and Palmer Zarzycki, who attends Harriton High School in Bryn Mawr. Each employee is in charge of a different shore town territory.

Together, the four rising high school seniors provide beach gear rental packages. The base package costs $80 and comes with a cabana, two chairs, a cooler with ice and two beach tags, while the upgraded package costs $120 and comes with a cabana, four chairs, a cooler with ice, four beach tags, a boogie board and toys. Customizable packages are also available.

There are no time limits for the day rentals; when customers are finished at the beach, they can contact the team who disassembles and removes the items.

"We strive to really form a relationship (with the customers), because I think a big part of our business is the trust factor," Abella said. "Our communication sets us apart and we make sure that everything's okay."

Courtesy of/Sam Abella

Perfect Beach Day NJ is also offering caddying this summer, meaning employees will carry customers' beach gear for them. The service's base price is $40.

"Last year, we were doing rentals of the beach supplies. And what set us apart was the fact that we're kind of combining two different services that we saw on the Jersey Shore previously, which would be setting up people's stuff and also renting the stuff to them," Vaughan said. "But this summer, we're also getting into the field of just simply caddying other people's stuff ... because we saw a lot of requests for that last year."

The company serviced over 70 customers and groups last summer. This year, it has expanded its inventory and is looking to continue growing by partnering with companies, real estate agents and rental services down the shore to get the word out to vacationers.

With summer 2023 in full swing, Perfect Beach Day NJ has already catered to several customers and received multiple inquiries. In Ocean City, the team will soon handle one of its biggest requests yet: a 40-person beach birthday party.

"Not only are we doing individual setups, but we can also acclimate to be able to handle larger groups like that," Zarzycki said.

The teenage entrepreneurs feel "pretty comfortable" running the business now, but they did initially face challenges in generating demand and reaching their target audience. Luckily, the team has received support from adults in their lives, including sharing social media posts.

"One disadvantage that I had with being younger was the fact that I didn't really have Facebook," Toren said. "And that's what most of the parents and the customers are on. So I don't really have a following. ... But my mom, because she has been on Facebook for a while, that's really helpful."

The team plans to run Perfect Beach Day NJ at least through college; some members plan to study business as they run their own company.

"I think it's set up really nicely, since it's a summer business," Vaughan said. "So as we continue through college; we'll be able to come to the Jersey Shore each summer and still run this."

"Yeah, I totally agree," Abella said. "And with the success we've currently had, why not continue? I mean, it's working out so far. And I think it'll continue as we continue to expand."

To book a rental with Perfect Beach Day NJ, potential customers can contact the team at the company's website, Instagram or Facebook.

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The Best Beaches in New Jersey

Imagine old-timey boardwalks, no-party zones, and space to sprawl out on the sand.New Jersey may not be the first place you think of for a beach vacation — in fact, it most definitely isn't — but locals know the Garden State is home to some of the East Coast’s best beaches. Most of New Jersey’s sandy shores are blanketed by lively boardwalks, many renovated or reconstructed after 2012’s Hurricane Sandy, hosting diverse dining options, shopping, arcades, ice cream shops, and more.Whether you’r...

Imagine old-timey boardwalks, no-party zones, and space to sprawl out on the sand.

New Jersey may not be the first place you think of for a beach vacation — in fact, it most definitely isn't — but locals know the Garden State is home to some of the East Coast’s best beaches. Most of New Jersey’s sandy shores are blanketed by lively boardwalks, many renovated or reconstructed after 2012’s Hurricane Sandy, hosting diverse dining options, shopping, arcades, ice cream shops, and more.

Whether you’re a fist-pumping EDM enthusiast or a family of five, there's probably a New Jersey beach to suit your style. Read on to find out which is the best one for you.

New Jersey Beach Tags, Badges, and Passes

Visitors will need what's called a beach tag, badge, pass, or token to visit most beaches in New Jersey. Though the name of it varies from beach to beach, it's ultimately an admission pass that helps the state regulate the number of visitors to each beach and to raise funds for their maintenance and lifeguard staffing. The beach tag system sometimes restricts tourists from beaches that locals frequent, but there are still plenty of options for non-New Jerseyans — and the passes (available for the day, week, or season) are pretty easy to obtain through the mobile app Viply or from the respective beach fee offices (online or over the phone).

Higbee Beach & Poverty Beach, Cape May

Known for its colorful Victorian mansions that line the seashore, Cape May’s two connected beaches are rare East Coast places where the sun sets right over the water thanks to their westward orientation. Other highlights? The town’s pedestrian-only Washington Street, lined with the most photogenically nostalgic local shops, and the famous Cape May Lighthouse, built in the mid-1800s and still in use today.

Higbee Beach stretches a mile and a half and is home to the Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area, where birds and other wildlife abound. Poverty Beach is a quieter option for those looking to get away from the crowds.

Ocean Grove Beach

Locals love to tout Ocean Grove — Asbury Park’s quieter, less-frequented counterpart — as New Jersey’s best beach. While you may not find hawker stalls and craft biergartens here, you will find a much quieter, clean stretch of white sand. Attentive lifeguards and a lack of music-blasting day drinkers makes this beach perfect for families. Don’t forget to explore the town, only a few blocks off the boardwalk, which gives off a charming, Hamptons-esque vibe. Or, take a drive through the quaint streets lined with Victorian mansions. At the end of the day, get your fill of seafood at SeaGrass Restaurant, a popular BYOB haunt with on-theme nautical decor.

Spring Lake Beach

If you like a peaceful beach vibe, you'll love this pristine Jersey pick, which is often called the Shore’s cleanest beach. The no-coolers-on-the-beach rule keeps partygoers (and pesky seagulls) away, leaving ample room for sun worshippers to enjoy two miles of magical sunset-viewing spots and unpolluted waters. Lifeguards are on duty daily from June through Labor Day, which also means safe swimming. If you venture into the resort town, you'll find historic inns and fine dining establishments catering to the sophisticated beach-going bunch.

Point Pleasant Beach

Another excellent option for families, Point Pleasant has a nostalgic boardwalk with ice cream shops, food stalls, rides, and arcade games. Kids of any age can indulge in a game of miniature golf or take on the challenge of a ropes course steps from the sand. The beach itself is unique in that there are palm trees — yes, palm trees in New Jersey — but it’s also known for its beachfront tiki bar, Martell’s, which is great for live music and dancing.

Belmar Beach

Belmar Beach is a tourist hotspot that's worth visiting for all-ages activities like volleyball, surfing, kayaking, and playgrounds scattered throughout for the little ones. Along the mile-long stretch of sand, you're likely to see fellow tourists lounging under colorful umbrellas and surfers attempting to ride some of the East Coast's most prized waves. The beach aside, though, Belmar’s boardwalk is consistently rated one of the best in New Jersey.

Asbury Park Beach

Asbury Park’s famous boardwalk thrives partially thanks to the city's LGBTQ-friendly culture and vibrant music scene. Wander a few blocks off the boardwalk, however, and you’ll experience some of the town’s infamously gritty vibe. When you’re not sunbathing or sipping cold beers on the beach, head to old-school music haunts like The Wonder Bar and The Stone Pony. Looking for something a little bit more upscale? Nearby restaurant Pascal & Sabine serves up top-notch cocktails and French comfort food.

This NJ town was named one of the best beach towns in the country

There are a lot of really cool beaches to choose from at the Jersey Shore; I mean, a LOT. Narrowing it down to one “best” is really a fool’s errand, because it can change depending on the person, their mood, the time of year, personal preferences…the list goes on and on.Well, the people at Travel and Leisure had no problem coming up with a list of the top 17 beach towns in the US...

Well, the people at Travel and Leisure had no problem coming up with a list of the top 17 beach towns in the US.

Their criteria are kind of vague:

For beach lovers who prefer quaint cottages, custard stands, and historic wharves over beachfront go-karts and megaresorts, these are some of the best beach towns the American shoreline has to offer.

Ok, that eliminates some of the more built up boardwalk towns at the Shore. I can tell you that only one New Jersey beach town made the cut. That picturesque beach town is:

Yes, America’s first seaside resort (or so they tell me) has been named one of the top beach towns in the country.

Travel and Leisure points out that Cape May is perfect for both fans of history and of architecture:

The town is filled to the brim with textbook Victorians — cottages, hotels, summer homes — and the vibe is appropriately vintage. Stroll the brick sidewalks (or take a horse-drawn carriage tour) to see colorful gingerbread architecture and poke in the mom-and-pop shops for saltwater taffy and local finds.

Cape May Beach (Photo: Tommy Kwak, Unsplash)

Some of the other beach towns that made the cut are Block Island, RI, St. Augustine, FL, San Clemente, CA, and Provincetown, MA.

Opinions expressed in the post above are those of New Jersey 101.5 talk show host Bill Doyle only.

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New Jersey’s Best Free Beach Is Right Outside Of Ocean City

Have you been to the beach enough this summer?Get our free mobile appThere's nothing better than a beach day in the Garden State. With so many to choose from and each one having something different to offer, you're sure to have a good time no matter on which beach you choose to spend your day.Still, wouldn't it be nice to not have to purchase so many beach tags? It's actually common for New Jersey families to acquire multiple beach tags for various beaches within an acceptable driving distance. While most beaches in the ...

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There's nothing better than a beach day in the Garden State. With so many to choose from and each one having something different to offer, you're sure to have a good time no matter on which beach you choose to spend your day.

Still, wouldn't it be nice to not have to purchase so many beach tags? It's actually common for New Jersey families to acquire multiple beach tags for various beaches within an acceptable driving distance. While most beaches in the Garden State do require tags, there are a few beaches that remain free to enjoy.

One beach, in particular, is perfect for families who aren't interested in the commercialized feel that comes with more than a few of New Jersey's beach towns. If you're looking for more of a natural feel, you have to check out Corson's Inlet State Park. It's right at the end of Ocean City, right before Strathmere.

Corson's Inlet is great for fishing and for relaxing on the sand without having so many people around. Truthfully, it's got an epic Outer Banks vibe, but it's right here in the Garden State. The best part? It's free, so no beach tags required!

For rules and regulations to follow when visiting Corson's Inlet, click HERE.

Source: NJ.gov