Advanced Knee Pain Treatment in Ideal Beach, NJ

Courtesy of/Sam Abella

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 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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Franki Rudnesky PhillyVoice Staff

franki@phillyvoice.com

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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 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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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. In addition to these beach towns, there are plenty of affordable places to live in New Jersey.

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.

Middletown's beaches are being inundated by New Yorkers fleeing COVID, the mayor says. Here's what the town is doing about the problem:

Patch Staff

|Updated Mon, Jul 27, 2020 at 9:21 pm ET

MIDDLETOWN, NJ — Middletown's mayor and local residents have a message for out-of-towners: Stop using our beaches as a trash can.

Reports have been pouring in of unprecedented amounts of litter, public drinking, illegal parking and people "using the dunes as bathrooms" at Ideal Beach, beaches in Keansburg and along Bayshore Waterfront Park.

One Highlands resident even posted a photo of a couple participating in a graphic sex act on the sidewalk one recent hot afternoon, near the entrance to Sandy Hook.

Middletown's beaches are being inundated by New Yorkers and North Jerseyans fleeing COVID, the mayor says, but license plates have been seen from as far away as Baltimore and Illinois.

"This is a problem that is a direct consequence of COVID-19," Middletown Mayor Tony Perry told Patch Monday. "New York's beaches are closed, and Sandy Hook's beaches are limited to 25 percent capacity. So that's why we're seeing folks coming in greater numbers to Ideal. That's why we're seeing the problems that we're seeing now."

Find out what's happening in Middletownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

(Update: As of July 27, Sandy Hook no longer has any limitations, and is only closing when parking lots are full.)

The secret is also apparently out that Middletown's beaches are free, and with free parking.

"COVID-19 has shown that this is the place for people to come. People see it as a free beach; they see it as free parking and they are utilizing that quite frequently," Perry said last Thursday night, speaking at an emergency meeting held specifically to address the Ideal Beach problem.

"Sad things occur when people are cooped up in their home for too long. They need an escape," he continued. "But unfortunate things are occurring ... folks coming in with giant tents, their coolers, their bags of fireworks and bonfire kindling. This is a residential community and the folks coming in from anywhere have to respect the community that surrounds them."

Here's what Middletown is doing to address the problems:

Closing the beaches at 8 p.m.: All Middletown beaches will close at 8 p.m., except for passive use such as walking along the beach and star gazing.

Closing off the Weehawken Ave. entrance: Middletown has now closed off the Weehawken Avenue entrance to Ideal Beach. The beach walkway between the dunes will be filled in with sand.

Closing off the area by the pump station on the Middletown/Keansburg border: People have been setting off illegal fireworks in and around Ideal Beach all July long, well past Independence Day. They are being launched from the pump station.

"The pump station will be chained off. It will no longer be a quasi-parking lot for those from out of town," said Perry. "We believe that the majority of fireworks that are being launched are from that facility. They are entering from that entrance, walking onto the Middletown-Keansburg border and launching fireworks from there."

Lifeguards: Middletown is working with the National Park Service and the town of Sea Bright to explore putting paid lifeguards at Ideal Beach. "The more people we have out there, that will be a deterrent for the bad things that are happening on Ideal Beach," said Perry. Lifeguards would not be in place until summer 2021.

Middletown may implement beach badges, starting next summer: Middletown may launch a beach badge program, where you would need to pay for a beach badge to access Ideal Beach from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The Township Committee has not made any decisions on this, and is seeking public comment and feedback from Middletown residents. If beach badges are created, residents would start buying them in early 2021, for summer 2021.

Charging for parking at Middletown beaches: All Middletown beaches, and parking near them, are free. But the town seeks to change that, either before this summer ends or after. All the parking lots near Middletown beaches will become paid parking, and residents may have to get a parking permit.

Click here to get Patch email notifications on this or other local news articles or get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our app. Download here. Follow Middletown Patch on Facebook. Have a news tip? Email the Middletown Patch reporter, Carly.baldwin@patch.com

It’s summertime and the living is sandy. During the warmer months, as is Philadelphia tradition, many locals decamp to the beach—better known as going down the shore—for sunbathing, boardwalk fudge, and salty air. And lucky for us, there are plenty of nearby shore towns to check out, each with their own personality, amenities, and, of course, beaches.

Whether you’re a beach tag collector, are ready to brave the lengths of Wildwood shores, or want to sneak away to Cape May for historic sites and some time on the sand, the top beaches in the area offer something for everybody. Don’t forget to pack your coolers, umbrellas, and loads of sunscreen—here are the best beaches within two hours of Philly to visit this season.

Sea Isle

Cape May CountyFive miles of the Jersey Shore’s well-maintained waterfront belong to Sea Isle, ideal for visitors of all ages. Grab a beach tag from an inspector on the beach and splash in the waves at one of the 30 spots designated for swimming. For the adventurous, there are four kayaking beaches and two areas for kiteboarding. Or for something more relaxing, Beachside yoga can help you find some zen. On the promenade, enjoy an arcade, shopping, and bike rentals.Distance from Philly: 1 hour and 10 minutes

Brigantine

Atlantic CountyClose to Atlantic City without all of the casinos, Brigantine is a beach-lover’s delight. Seventeen beaches are dedicated to swimming while five areas are dedicated for fishing. Yup, you’ll need a beach tag (you can pay right on the beach via an inspector who comes around looking for them). For more quaint, small-town vibes, hit up the Saturday farmer’s market during summer, a mini golf course, and waterfront seafood restaurant.Distance from Philly: 1 hour and 10 minutes

Ocean City

Cape May CountyOffering eight miles of sand, walk along Ocean City’s beaches and you’re likely to find everyone from surfers and skimboarders to sunbathers and sand castle-builders. You’ll need beach tags to gain access, but you can grab one from a city employee working on the beach for $10 for the day (or $20 for the week and $35 for the season). For calmer waters, fishing and kayaking is available on the bay side of the city or at Corson’s Inlet State Park. Come nighttime, hit the boardwalk for arcade games, rides, tons of beach eats, including legendary fudge and candy shops.Distance from Philly: 1 hour and 10 minutes

Asbury Park

Monmouth CountyConsistently named one of the best beach towns in the country, Asbury Park is the perfect combination of day and nightlife. Buy a beach tag online and nag a spot on the milelong beach to see why tons of tourists flock here season after season. Things only get more exciting once the sun goes down and there’s time to explore the over 150-year-old boardwalk. There you’ll find the legendary music venue The Stone Pony, a museum of classic pinball machines, and, naturally, a ton of great bars and restaurants.Distance from Philly: 1 hour and 20 minutes

Avalon

Cape May CountyStone Harbor’s neighbor to the north, Avalon comprises the northernmost part of what’s known as Seven Mile Island, the barrier island containing several miles of white, sandy beaches. Sure, you’ll need beach tags here but there are designated areas for any activity you could imagine: surfing, kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, and fishing.Distance from Philly: 1 hour and 20 minutes

Stone Harbor

Cape May CountyDubbed a member of the Main ShoreLine—the summering hotspot for well-to-do folks from the Main Line—Stone Harbor boasts clean and quiet beaches (which require beach tags) and quaint shore town vibes. If you’re looking for a nature-infused beach getaway, check out Stone Harbor Point, a conservation area strictly used for nature walking, fishing, beach combing, and bird watching (and no swimming or picnicking). But speaking of food, there are a lot of great eats in the area that run the gamut from Italian fare to summer favorites like seafood and ice cream to enjoy by the water.Distance from Philly: 1 hour and 20 minutes

Cape May

Cape May CountyFamous for its Victorian homes (some of which are now available to stay in as B&Bs), the southernmost shore town in New Jersey offers two-and-a-half miles of sandy beach. Beach tags are required, but fret not, you can grab one at any of the 16 beach entrances in town. Take a stroll on the not-at-all rowdy promenade (it’s paved so technically not a boardwalk) and revel in the sights of land and sea. As the sun starts to go down, head to Cape May Point to the appropriately named Sunset Beach for spectacular views. Plus, there’s delicious eats, historical sites, and shore paraphernalia aplenty.Distance from Philly: 1 hour and 30 minutes

Wildwood

Cape May CountyThese notoriously long beaches mean there’s more space to spread out. Plus, no beach tags are necessary here. Definitely suited to a younger crowd, the 38-block boardwalk’s always hopping with food, rides, games, stores shelling out iconic shore garb, and, of course, the Tram Car, a service that’s been in operation since 1949 that can transport you up and down the boards.Distance from Philly: 1 hour and 30 minutes

Beach Haven

Ocean CountyOn the southern part of Long Beach Island sits Beach Haven, where you’ll find 11 guarded beaches (tags required) for swimming and surfing, and non-guarded areas for fishing and kayaking. Tire the tots out at Fantasy Island Amusement Park, chock full of rides, boardwalk games, and a 12,000-square-foot arcade perfect for wasting away the afternoon. Then you can cool off with a few brews at Ship Bottom Brewery, hit up a delightful all-day diner, or grab a well-deserved ice cream cone.Distance from Philly: 1 hour and 40 minutes

Mauch Chunk Lake Park

Carbon CountyThe Jersey shore isn’t the only place to find a stellar beach. Jim Thorpe’s Mauch Chunk Lake has daily swimming hours Memorial Day through Labor Day and a cozy sandy beach for sunbathing. While you’re probably used to staring at the endless horizon along the Jersey shore, here you’re treated to tree-filled vistas and plenty of warm lake water for afternoon dips. Make a whole thing of it and spend a few nights camping, too.Distance from Philly: 1 hour and 40 minutes

Rehoboth Beach

Sussex CountyWhile technically breaking our under two-hour rule, Rehoboth Beach is too nice to pass up. Another nationally top-ranked shore town, Rehoboth has all the hallmarks of a great beach destination: boardwalk, amusements, and plenty of places to ride your bike after a day of soaking up sun on the free beach. As for the eats and bevs, enjoy everything from sushi to Dogfish Head’s Rehoboth location.Distance from Philly: 2 hours and 10 minutes

Ocean CountyTucked between the Atlantic Ocean and Barnegat Bay, this 10-mile state park offers white sand beaches that are equally equipped for soaking up the sun or taking part in more active activities. Island Beach State Park is New Jersey’s largest osprey colony, along with peregrine falcons, wading birds, shorebirds, waterfowl, and migrating songbirds, so there’s plenty to explore. One mile of the beach is staffed with lifeguards—which means it’s open for swimming—while southern parts of the beach are reserved for surfing and windsurfing.Distance from Philly: 2 hours

New Jersey offers an abundance of beautiful beaches. Our neighbors from surrounding states love to take advantage of that (as do we) and the shores in towns like Point Pleasant, Seaside Heights, Asbury Park, Ocean City, and Wildwood can get pretty crowded. One way to avoid throngs of tourists is to visit some of our more serene beaches without big commercial boardwalks. These beaches will provide a wonderful escape and some relaxation. Here are a few of the best hidden NJ beaches where you’ll probably be able to find a spot on the sand.

Enjoy A Weekend Getaway On The Water In Lovely Hopatcong, New Jersey

The hidden NJ beaches offer oodles of fun in the sun, particularly at these hidden destinations. Which of these scenic spots do you like best? Please let us know your favorite beach in the comments.

If you want to avoid crowds, use our interactive Google Maps link for directions. For other hidden beaches around the state, check out this list of 10 little-known beaches in New Jersey.

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More to Explore

Nikki Rhoades | July 26, 2019

What are the prettiest beaches in New Jersey?

Along the state’s 130 miles of coastline, you’ll find countless incredible beaches, but a handful are particularly adored by visitors. Some of the prettiest beaches in New Jersey include:

Check out this helpful guide that can help you select the perfect beach for your getaway.

What are the best beach towns in New Jersey?

The best beach towns in New Jersey include:

What beaches have the clearest water in New Jersey?

For the clearest water in New Jersey, find the crispest, bluest water in and around the state’s Blue Holes. While their beaches attract visitors for their incredible hues and beautiful scenery, these waterways are not ideal for swimmers – their temperatures can cause cramps or shock your muscles, and sudden changes in depth make these lakes particularly dangerous places to swim.