Every true New Jerseyan has a favorite beach and strong opinions about why it's THE best of the bunch.Enter into the fracas U.S. News, which has gone so far as to crown the top seven beaches in our great state in its latest analysis.The magazine chose the top seven spots at the Jersey shore using factors like "accessibility, amenities, cleanliness and the opinions of travelers and experts."Did they get it right? We know you have an opinion about this. Tell us in the comments.
7. Atlantic CityLucky number 7: A.C. juuuust made the list with points for its historic boardwalk, casinos, salt-water taffy and FREE beach access.
6. WildwoodAlso earning points for free beach access, Wildwood gets kudos for fun. "With Ultimate Frisbee tournaments and adrenaline-pumping amusement park rides, this energetic town isn't for those looking for quiet relaxation," U.S. News said.
5. Barnegat PeninsulaThe whole 22-mile swath from Point Pleasant to Island Beach State Park landed at number five. Have you ever heard friends say they were heading down the Shore to their favorite beach called "Barnegat Peninsula?" But anyway...Says the ranking: "The northern end of the peninsula draws sun-seekers and surfers, while its southern end attracts photographers and nature-enthusiasts to Island Beach State Park, New Jersey's longest stretch of undeveloped coastline."
4. Asbury ParkThe highlights in Asbury, according to U.S. News: "hip culture," various music venues, "trendy, one-of-a-kind eateries" and "unique hotels."Just don't let any Asbury Park locals hear you call it trendy.
3. Ocean CityO.C. gets the number three spot for having "one of the most recognizable boardwalks in the country" and status as "America's Greatest Family Resort." But make sure to BYOB, of course.
2. AvalonU.S. News likes: Avalon's "stunning sunrises" and wheelchair accessibility with their "surf chair" program. I like: ice cream at Avalon Freeze, morning yoga on the beach and dancing the night away at the Princeton.
1. Cape MayCape May is cuter than a basket of puppies, so no wonder it grabbed the top spot — crowned for its "colorful 19th-century architecture, oceanfront dining options and beautiful beaches."
7. Atlantic CityLucky number 7: A.C. juuuust made the list with points for its historic boardwalk, casinos, salt-water taffy and FREE beach access.
6. WildwoodAlso earning points for free beach access, Wildwood gets kudos for fun. "With Ultimate Frisbee tournaments and adrenaline-pumping amusement park rides, this energetic town isn't for those looking for quiet relaxation," U.S. News said.
5. Barnegat PeninsulaThe whole 22-mile swath from Point Pleasant to Island Beach State Park landed at number five. Have you ever heard friends say they were heading down the Shore to their favorite beach called "Barnegat Peninsula?" But anyway...Says the ranking: "The northern end of the peninsula draws sun-seekers and surfers, while its southern end attracts photographers and nature-enthusiasts to Island Beach State Park, New Jersey's longest stretch of undeveloped coastline."
4. Asbury ParkThe highlights in Asbury, according to U.S. News: "hip culture," various music venues, "trendy, one-of-a-kind eateries" and "unique hotels."Just don't let any Asbury Park locals hear you call it trendy.
3. Ocean CityO.C. gets the number three spot for having "one of the most recognizable boardwalks in the country" and status as "America's Greatest Family Resort." But make sure to BYOB, of course.
2. AvalonU.S. News likes: Avalon's "stunning sunrises" and wheelchair accessibility with their "surf chair" program. I like: ice cream at Avalon Freeze, morning yoga on the beach and dancing the night away at the Princeton.
1. Cape MayCape May is cuter than a basket of puppies, so no wonder it grabbed the top spot — crowned for its "colorful 19th-century architecture, oceanfront dining options and beautiful beaches."