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 South Belmar, NJ - a modern take on an ancient treatment that has been used for thousands of years.
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:
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 South Belmar, 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.
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.
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.
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 South Belmar, NJ, including the following:
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:
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 South Belmar, 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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
732-526-2497I live in Belmar, and I love surfing off Belmar beach. The waves were huge the other day, and I am pumped to say that I snagged some of the best waves of my life. This isn't me but look at this wave one dude caught a few miles south of Belmar.Congratulations to pro surfer and New Jesey native Ben Gravy for catching this wave! Watch below!Get our free mobile appAnyway, after I was done having a blast in the ocean, I saw a promotional sign h...
I live in Belmar, and I love surfing off Belmar beach. The waves were huge the other day, and I am pumped to say that I snagged some of the best waves of my life. This isn't me but look at this wave one dude caught a few miles south of Belmar.
Congratulations to pro surfer and New Jesey native Ben Gravy for catching this wave! Watch below!
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Anyway, after I was done having a blast in the ocean, I saw a promotional sign hanging outside of D'jais. I am happy to share information about the event, I think it will be fun for all Jersey Shore locals.
The water is starting to get warm, but it's still a perfect temperature to do a polar bear plunge. Are you ready for 49-degree water temps?! This Saturday, April 23rd the Sons of Shillelagh will host their first annual polar bear plunge. Thanks to the Sons of Shillelagh, all the details are below!
The Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh membership has participated in many polar bear plunge events over the past twenty years. Our membership wants to now create its own event where we can focus on raising money for local charities or organizations at the Jersey Shore. We plan on making this an annual event to occur each April. We appreciate the town of Belmar partnering with us to allow the event to take place. We also appreciate the support of our sponsors, members, and friends.Our net proceeds from the event will be donated to local charitable causes, including AutismMVP, as well as supporting the Belmar Junior Lifeguard program. AutismMVP is an outstanding local organization and with April being National Autism Month, it is a great time to support this charitable organization. About 1 in 44 children has been identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) according to estimates from CDC’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network. AutismMVP has a mission to increase the number of autism-focused educators and therapists to meet the current and future needs of students on the autism spectrum. They accomplish this by supporting unique training and professional development programs for teachers, therapists and paraprofessionals, and by providing scholarships to graduate students.Any monetary sponsorship, gift cards, or donations of supplies would be greatly appreciated.Post plunge party at D'jais with The Holme Band playing at 2PM.Please feel free to contact us with any questions via email or phone below. Thank you for your consideration.Sincerely,Dan Reilly - Irish0361@aol.com - 732-829-1711
Craig Coyle - coyfive@aol.com - 732-963-5987 Rob Defelice - Robertd1960@gmail.com - 732-996-4725
Anthony Kelly - anjackel@hotmail.com -732-859-8444
Buy tickets and go have a blast this Saturday! Help support kids with autism, for tickets, CLICK HERE! Also, if you love Belmar check out the fun list below. It's the 15 places I am most thankful for in the town...
Local photographer Nancy Orlowski snapped a photo of this snowy owl on the Belmar beach, as well as recorded a video as it took flight over the ocean on December 8. See full video in story below. Photo Credit: Nancy OrlowskiBELMAR, NJ — The snowy owl made an appearance yesterday afternoon along the Belmar oceanfront.Local photographer Nancy Orlowski was on the 16th Avenue beach at about 1:30 p.m. on December 8 when she captured the regal bird’s visit in both a photo (see above) a...
Local photographer Nancy Orlowski snapped a photo of this snowy owl on the Belmar beach, as well as recorded a video as it took flight over the ocean on December 8. See full video in story below. Photo Credit: Nancy Orlowski
BELMAR, NJ — The snowy owl made an appearance yesterday afternoon along the Belmar oceanfront.
Local photographer Nancy Orlowski was on the 16th Avenue beach at about 1:30 p.m. on December 8 when she captured the regal bird’s visit in both a photo (see above) and the video below as it was taking flight over the surf.
The snowy owl migrates south this time each year in search of food, including making stops along the Jersey Shore. Its most recent known sighting was last week at the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge in Galloway (click here).
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Another popular spot to see the owl this time of year is at Island Beach State Park in Ocean County, where they like to perch themselves high on its dunes. On the N.J. Division of Parks & Forestry, State Park Service’s Facebook page, resource interpretive specialist Kelly Scott offers this overview:
“As winter approaches, so does the anticipation of seeing the majestic snowy owl in New Jersey. Native to the arctic tundra, snowy owls can migrate south for thousands of miles during the winter months in search of food. The typical winter migration area for snowy owls is along the southern border of Canada. Irruptions, or sharp population increases, of snowy owls in areas outside southern Canada are usually seen in only a few northern states on the East or West Coast. New Jersey is lucky enough to be one of those states.
The regal snowy owl is the largest owl in North America and when in New Jersey, is often seen perched high on the crest of the dunes. In their native habitat, these owls feed primarily on small rodents the size of hamsters called lemmings. Here in New Jersey, they feed on prey like mice, rabbits, ducks and gulls. They are known for their bright yellow eyes and pristine white coats. Adult males are usually all white, while females have dark brown/black markings. It is well known that snowy owls are primarily nocturnal, as undisturbed owls rarely move during the daytime. Most of the time, if they are observed flying from one location to another, it is a response to pressure and/or harassment. In New Jersey, the only real threat to these animals is humans!”
Scott’s advice: When you see the snowy white owl, takes as many photos as you like, but give it plenty of space.
Editor’s Note: When photos tell a story, “In the Snap-Light” will shine the spotlight on projects, events or activities in Belmar and Lake Como. If you have photos you’d like to be considered, email cgoetz@tapinto.net.
TAPinto Belmar/Lake Como is the official electronic newspaper of both municipalities. As a locally owned and operated news organization, TAPinto through its advertisers is able to publish online, objective news 24/7 — free of charge.
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Have a news tip or a story idea? Email editor and publisher Cathy Goetz at cgoetz@tapinto.net.
There has been a lot of activity involving some of our favorite businesses.Openings, closings, and everything in between.Get our free mobile appWe learned this week that the very popular Belmar Bagels closed for good on February 12 after a big sendoff from loyal customers and friends.The owners said on Facebook that both of them ...
There has been a lot of activity involving some of our favorite businesses.
Openings, closings, and everything in between.
Get our free mobile app
We learned this week that the very popular Belmar Bagels closed for good on February 12 after a big sendoff from loyal customers and friends.
The owners said on Facebook that both of them will be looking for new jobs outside of the restaurant business.
A very popular burger chain is eying up a spot in Freehold in the Elton Plaza.
There are already signs of a drive-thru.
Have you ever had a Smashburger? Yum! They are legit.
Finally, a super sweet eatery has a grand opening date for its Brick Plaza location after having to push it back.
They will be opening the doors on Friday, February 17 at 8 am.
I don't know if we're ready for this.
The hugely popular Crumbl Cookies is ready to give us a sugar rush.
Now, when it comes to diners, we don't mess around.
New Jersey is very picky about its diners, and rightfully so.
There are so many that have been around for decades and decades.
With that comes tradition. Maybe your favorite "greasy spoon" is a weekly stop for you.
When I was younger, we always stopped at the diner on Sunday mornings after church.
Can you imagine if you caught word that your favorite diner was closing? It would be devastating news.
That news was broken this week when the owner of Acropolis Diner on Main Street in Belmar announced that after 23 years in business, the final omelet had been served.
Star News Group reports, the Belmar government approved the Seaport Redevelopment Plan in 2022.
That allows the entire block that Acropolis Diner and its parking lot sit on to be transitioned into retail space and condos.
It's still unknown whether developers will allow another party to purchase the diner and keep it running.
Owner Andy Pendondjis told Star News Group:
The people of New Jersey have spoken — not only is Central Jersey a place, but it's more than 3 million residents and 170 towns strong.Last week, we asked you to help us define the oft-debated boundaries of North, Central and South Jersey. We received more than 91,000 responses and used them to map out the state's unofficial kingdoms....
The people of New Jersey have spoken — not only is Central Jersey a place, but it's more than 3 million residents and 170 towns strong.
Last week, we asked you to help us define the oft-debated boundaries of North, Central and South Jersey. We received more than 91,000 responses and used them to map out the state's unofficial kingdoms.
It didn't come without some heated debate, but the results were fairly clear.
For one, NJ.com readers overwhelmingly agreed that Central Jersey does, in fact, exist. More than 50,000 of the votes received went toward categorizing Central Jersey towns, far outweighing those received for North and South Jersey.
In most towns, the vote was clear cut and the section in which they resided was decided easily.
But there were a few dozen towns that remained disputed right up until the very end, receiving less than a 60 percent majority for one section or the other. Mainly these towns set up along two corridors — Interstate 78 and Interstate 195 — not coincidentally one of the most popular dividing lines for North-Central and Central-South Jersey.
Overall, however, each of the border towns were well-debated and some distinct boundaries were set.
Based on the responses, North Jersey reaches as far south as northern Hunterdon and Somerset Counties, cutting eastward across most of Essex County through Hudson.
Central Jersey crept as far north as Millburn and includes most of Union County. The notable exceptions there were Elizabeth, Berkeley Heights and New Providence, which remained North Jersey until the very end.
The southern border of Central Jersey extends well below Interstate 195. Towns like Jackson, Toms River and Berkeley in Ocean County each remained Central Jersey throughout the vote and Florence, Bordentown and Plumsted ended up there after a lot of back-and-forth.
Everything south of those points was nearly undisputedly considered South Jersey.
So now that these sections of New Jersey have been defined, what can we say about them?
North Jersey has the highest population at 3.86 million residents, followed by Central Jersey with 3.04 million and South Jersey at 1.92 million, according to U.S. Census data.
At 3,300 square miles, South Jersey covers more than 42 percent of the Garden State's total area, which Central and North Jersey splitting the remainder almost evenly.
Central Jersey boasts the highest average property taxes though North Jersey has a higher average property value.. It was also the biggest stronghold for Gov. Chris Christie during the last election.
But all of that is ultimately secondary. We asked, you voted in overwhelming numbers. Here are the final results of the North vs. Central vs. South Jersey border battle:
Click on towns for voting details.
Stephen Stirling may be reached at sstirling@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @sstirling. Find him on Facebook.
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This FREE beach on Sandy Hook Bay is less than an hour from New York City. The town has beautiful views of both the Atlantic Ocean and the city skyline and can be reached by car or ferry from Manhattan. Stay late to check out "Dock and Dine" options for dinner.RELATED: Hidden Beach Gems Along the Jersey ShoreThere are plenty of ways to spend money in Atlantic City, b...
This FREE beach on Sandy Hook Bay is less than an hour from New York City. The town has beautiful views of both the Atlantic Ocean and the city skyline and can be reached by car or ferry from Manhattan. Stay late to check out "Dock and Dine" options for dinner.
RELATED: Hidden Beach Gems Along the Jersey Shore
There are plenty of ways to spend money in Atlantic City, but a trip to the beach doesn't cost a dime. Photo by Shinya Suzuki/CC BY 2.0
Bet your bottom dollar that AC offers excitement for both adults and kids. Take a stroll along the flashy, 4-mile boardwalk, lined with casinos, restaurants, Steel Pier rides, and outlet shops, then take a break from the action on AC’s spectacular, admission-free beaches. You’ll find plenty of other ways to spend that money while in town!
This quiet beach on Manahawkin Bay is guarded from 10am-5pm during the summer and is admission-free.
Pack the sand toys and spend a peaceful day of play at Middletown’s low-key bay beaches. Without boardwalks and restaurants, these pet-friendly beaches are great spots for chilling out, building sandcastles, and strolling with the dog. Restrooms are open during the summer months.
RELATED: 100+ FREE Things To Do With Kids in New Jersey This Summer
Gorgeous Keansburg Beach boasts a beautiful view of NYC. Photo courtesy of Keansburg, NJ
If you’re looking for beach and boardwalk fun without sitting in hours of traffic, check out Keansburg off the Parkway’s exit 117. Keansburg’s boardwalk has arcades, restaurants, snack bars, and plenty of children’s rides, along with the popular Runaway Rapids water park. Enjoy playtime in the sand and cool views of New York at Keansburg’s FREE beach. Note that there is no lifeguard on duty.
Take a day trip to Lakewood’s Ocean County Park, where you can spend an active summer day without spending money. The sprawling park houses a playground, dog park, sports fields, and hiking trails. Best of all: The park’s sandy, lakefront beach is FREE and guarded from Father’s Day through Labor Day.
There's plenty to do at this Middlesex County freebie, which houses newer playgrounds at both the Laurence Harbor and Cliffwood Beach entrances, a scenic 1.3-mile boardwalk, a shady gazebo, and plenty of FREE parking. The sand and water are a bit rougher than other Jersey Shore destinations, but the waterfront park as a whole provides a few hours of sunny fun away from typical beach crowds and traffic.
RELATED: Best NJ Swimming Pools with Day Passes for Families and Kids
When you're done at the free Wildwoods beaches, hit the bustling boardwalk. Photo courtesy of Wildwoods
My own family’s summer vacation spot, the Wildwoods consists of 5 miles of beautiful beaches, all with no entrance fee. Aside from the FREE admission, the beaches of Wildwood, North Wildwood, and Wildwood Crest host free events throughout the summer, such as concerts and fireworks. From the bustling boardwalk with rides and games to various hotels and restaurants, Wildwood is the ideal Jersey Shore getaway for spending time with the family without spending on beach fees.
You'll find this little-known FREE beach nestled between Ocean City and Sea Isle City in Cape May County's Upper Township. With no boardwalk, this quiet beach is a perfect spot to relax, play, and take in the scenic shoreline. There's a lifeguard station at Williams Avenue, and the beach is seasonally guarded between Seaview Avenue South and Nelson Avenue. The quaint beach town also features seaside restaurants and boat rentals. Just as a note, the only bathrooms that I know of at this beach are a few port-a-potties in the parking lot.
This low, flat beach on Raritan Bay has calm waters and a small boardwalk. Parking is a mere $1 an hour, but be prepared to use port-a-potties.
Located in Somers Point, the beach is open to the public on weekends from Memorial Day through mid-June, then open daily through Labor Day. The seaside experience includes lifeguards, restrooms, a playground, and FREE parking. Adding to the allure is the town's annual music festival (also free) each Friday night through September.
With the exception of July 4th, Sea Isle City beaches are FREE on Wednesdays through the summer and are FREE every day for children under 12. Enjoy the boardwalk, which hosts free events throughout the summer. Driving into Sea Isle you will also see a giant playground on JFK Boulevard the kids will enjoy, though it does get hot when the sun is beating down.