Island Beach State Park is the Jersey Shore Without the Chaos

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March 13, 2025

You know the routine if you’ve ever spent a summer at the Jersey Shore.

You sit in traffic, circle the lot looking for parking, pay for a beach badge, and squeeze onto the sand between a dozen other beach umbrellas.

It’s how it goes—unless you head to Island Beach State Park, NJ, that is.

This 10-mile stretch of protected shoreline is one of the last places on the Jersey Shore where you can still find a quiet beach, open space, and a view that isn’t blocked by condos or boardwalk shops.

Today, you’ll learn everything you need to know about Island Beach State Park—what makes it special, what to do when you get there, and how to make the most of your visit.

Getting to Island Beach State Park

For a place that feels so far removed from the usual Jersey Shore crowds, Island Beach State Park is surprisingly easy to get to.

You don’t have to drive hours into the wilderness—it’s a straight shot past the last beach houses of Seaside Park, where the road thins out, the buildings disappear, and suddenly, you’re at the entrance to one of the last undeveloped stretches of shoreline in the state.

The most direct route is Garden State Parkway Exit 82.

From there:

Take Route 37 East through Toms River, crossing the Thomas A. Mathis Bridge toward Seaside Heights.
Stay right onto Route 35 South, driving past Seaside Park.
Once the road narrows and the dunes take over, you’ll see the entrance to the park.

For those coming from South Jersey or Philadelphia, the best bet is Garden State Parkway Exit 63, then:

Follow Route 72 East toward Long Beach Island, but don’t turn onto LBI.
Instead, take Route 9 North, then connect to Route 37 East and head toward Seaside Heights.
From there, take Route 35 South straight to the park entrance.

Once you arrive, you’ll go through the gatehouse, where there’s a per-car entry fee:

Memorial Day to Labor Day: $6 on weekdays, $10 on weekends (NJ residents).
Off-season: $5 on weekdays, $10 on weekends.
Non-residents: $20 per car in peak season, $10 off-season.
Walk-in or bike entry: $2 per person.

If you plan to visit often, a season pass is available—$50 per car for NJ residents and $75 for non-residents—which covers unlimited visits.

Seniors, veterans, and active military members might qualify for free or discounted entry, so check with the New Jersey State Park Service for details.

Island Beach: What to Know Before You Go

Some beaches feel more like a competition—a race to claim your spot before the crowds take over.

Amazingly, that’s not the case here.

The shoreline at Island Beach is wide, clean, and, if you time it right, shockingly quiet for a Jersey Shore summer.

Where to Swim & What’s Available

There’s just one designated swimming area inside the park, and it’s the only spot where lifeguards are on duty.

So, if you’re planning to hit the water, here’s what you’ll find:

Lifeguards from 10 AM to 6 PM during the summer season.
Two bathhouse pavilions with showers, restrooms, and changing areas.
A small snack stand, open seasonally, but don’t expect a full menu—packing your own food is the better move.
Picnic tables if you’re looking to eat by the beach.
Beach wheelchairs are available for free at the first aid station from 10 AM to 5 PM (first come, first served).

Outside of the main beach, swimming isn’t allowed anywhere else—but if you’re into surfing or sailboarding, there are designated spots further south.

Best Time to Go

Summer weekends are busy, as you can imagine.

And once the parking lot is full, the park entrance closes—sometimes as early as 10:30 AM.

If you’re coming in July or August, plan to arrive early, or you risk being turned away at the gate.

But I’d say the best time to come is after Labor Day since the weather stays warm, the water is still swimmable, and the crowds are long gone.

Surfing, Fishing, and Kayaking at Island State Park, New Jersey

Some beaches are great for swimming, others for fishing, and some for kayaking.

And you’ll be elated to know that Island State Park has spots for all of it.

Surfing & Windsurfing

If you’re planning to surf, the southern end of the designated swimming beach is the place to go.

It’s separated from the lifeguarded area, so surfers have plenty of room.

Waves are usually small and clean, which is better for a relaxed session.
It’s much less crowded than other Shore breaks, especially compared to Seaside Heights.
Windsurfing is also allowed, though conditions depend on wind and tides.

Fishing: Where to Go and What You’ll Catch

Island Beach Park, NJ, is one of the best surf fishing spots in New Jersey.

Anglers line the Shore year-round, but the park is best known for its fall striped bass run.

Depending on the season, you can also catch:

Striped bass (best in fall)
Bluefish
Fluke
Weakfish
Black sea bass

Fishing is allowed along most of the shoreline, but the best areas to cast a line include:

The beach near the southern end of the park, where the current attracts bass and bluefish.
Tice’s Shoal on the bay side, a popular spot for clamming and light tackle fishing.
The jetty at Barnegat Inlet, right at the park’s southernmost point, where deeper water draws a variety of fish.

If you want to drive onto the sand to fish, you’ll need a Mobile Sport Fishing Vehicle Permit, which allows access to designated 4×4 entry points along the park road.

Bear in mind that tire pressure must be lowered before driving onto the soft sand.

As fishing permits and regulations change by season, check with the park office before you go.

Kayaking & Paddleboarding on Barnegat Bay

On the bay side, the water is calmer, shallower, and perfect for paddling.

The marshes and tidal creeks make for a scenic and quiet route, especially in the early morning or evening.

Best launch spot: Near Tice’s Shoal, where the water stays smooth.
Best area for exploring: The Sedge Island Marine Conservation Zone, with its winding creeks and salt marshes.
Expect to see Ospreys, herons, and other coastal birds that nest in the bay.

A tip from me to you: paddling through the backwaters is probably the best way to see the park and all its beauty.

Accessibility & Visitor Tips for State Island Beach

Spending the day at State Beach Park, NJ, is easy, but knowing a few key details ahead of time will likely save you some hassle.

From ADA-accessible paths to park policies on dogs and beach gear, here’s what you need to know before heading out.

Getting Around: Accessibility & Beach Wheelchairs

While most of the park is made up of natural sand dunes and trails, there are a few spots designed to be more accessible:

Fisherman’s Walkway – The park’s ADA-accessible boardwalk-style path leads from the parking lot over the dunes to the ocean. It’s a short, easy route for visitors using wheelchairs, strollers, or anyone needing a smoother walk to the beach.
Beach wheelchairs are available for free from the first aid station at the main swimming area. They can be used from 10 AM to 5 PM on a first-come, first-served basis. You’ll need to return the wheelchair before leaving the park.

Restrooms & Shaded Areas

There aren’t many structures inside the park, but you will find bathrooms and changing facilities at key spots.

The two bathhouse pavilions at the main swimming beach have restrooms, showers, and changing areas.
Additional restrooms are available at Lot P7 (Fisherman’s Walkway) and a few other seasonal locations marked on the park map.
There are no permanent shaded picnic shelters, but the picnic tables at the main beach area are available for use.

Park Rules: Dogs, Beach Gear & Conservation Guidelines

Since the park is a protected coastal area, there are a few key rules to keep in mind:

Dogs are allowed, but only in non-swimming areas. They must be leashed at all times and aren’t permitted at the designated swimming beach during peak season.
A carry-in, carry-out policy is enforced—there are no trash cans on the beach, so you’ll need to bring all your waste with you when you leave.
Stay off the dunes. The rolling dunes are a critical part of the park’s ecosystem, and walking on them is prohibited.
No alcohol is permitted anywhere in the park. Rangers patrol regularly, and violations can result in fines.

The Wild Side of Island Beach State Park, NJ

Most people come to Island Beach State Park, NJ, for the shoreline, but if that’s all you see, you’re missing half the experience.

Beyond the beach, a whole side of the park is just as worth exploring—hidden trails through coastal forests, quiet marshes where wildlife outnumbers people, and some of the best birdwatching on the Shore.

Hiking Trails and Boardwalk Paths

The park’s trails aren’t long, but they’re full of variety, and that’s their beauty.

Some take you through thick maritime forests; others cut across salt marshes, and a few lead straight to the water.

Most of them are short enough to do in under an hour, and they’re serene little walks, so it’s worth checking out while you’re there.

Reed’s Road & Coast Guard Trail (1.1 miles round trip) – A simple but scenic walk that lets you cross the park from the bay to the ocean. A great trail if you want to see both sides of the barrier island without much effort.
Fisherman’s Walkway (0.7 miles round trip) – The only Island Beach State Park boardwalk-style trail, this ADA-accessible path makes it easier to cross the dunes, especially if you’re carrying gear or pushing a stroller.
Cranberry Trail (0.3 miles round trip) – A quick, sandy path through thick coastal shrubs.
Johnny Allen’s Cove Trail (1.1 miles round trip) – A tunnel-like walk through a maritime forest leading to an open beach. The bay side of this trail is sometimes washed out, so it’s better as an out-and-back walk.
Spizzle Creek Trail (1.4 miles round trip) – If you’re here for wildlife, this is the best trail in the park. It winds through salt marshes and wetlands, offering views of Sedge Islands and the bay. It’s also the most likely place to see birds, foxes, and other wildlife.

Most of these trails are flat and easy, but walking on sand can be tiring.

A heads up: the easiest routes are the Fisherman’s Walkway or the Spizzle Creek boardwalk sections.

Wildlife to Watch For

This park is easily one of the best spots in New Jersey for seeing wildlife up close.

The mix of dunes, forest, and bayfront habitats means different animals show up depending on where you are—and when you visit.

Ospreys – These are the park’s most famous residents. Look for them near the bay, circling high before diving into the water. Nesting platforms are scattered throughout the park, so if you see a giant stick nest on a pole, it’s probably theirs.
Red foxes – They roam all over the park, but early mornings and evenings are the best times to spot them.
Snowy owls (winter only) – A rare sight, but a few have been spotted perched in the dunes during colder months.
Diamondback terrapins – These turtles nest in the park’s marshes in late spring and early summer. If you’re walking near the bay, keep an eye out for one crossing the trail.
Horseshoe crabs – During May and June, they crawl onto the bay beaches to spawn.

If you’re into birdwatching, this place is a goldmine.

Along with the ospreys, you might see great blue herons, egrets, falcons, and shorebirds feeding along the waterline.

Pro tip: If you really want to catch the action, bring binoculars and head out early in the morning or at sunset.

Sedge Island Marine Conservation Zone: The Park’s Quietest Escape

For an even quieter side of State Island Beach, head to the Sedge Islands.

This section of the park sits on the bay side and is only accessible by kayak or canoe.

It’s an entirely different experience—no roads, no crowds, just open water, salt marshes, and tiny islands teeming with wildlife; yes, it’s as sublime as it sounds.

This area is known for:

More birdwatching – Herons, egrets, and falcons are common here.
Prime fishing and clamming spots – You’ll often see clammers wading in the shallows or small boats anchored in the calm waters.
Peaceful paddling – With protected waters and no motorized boats, this is one of the best places in the park for kayaking.

Historic & Scenic Landmarks

For a place left mostly untouched, this state park has its fair share of history.

Some of it almost didn’t survive, and some of it was never meant to exist at all.

From a weathered old fishing shack to a lighthouse standing just across the inlet, these landmarks tell the story of what this stretch of coast used to be—and what it could have become.

Judge’s Shack: A Relic of the Old Jersey Shore

If you’ve ever wondered what the Jersey Shore looked like before high-rises and boardwalks took over, Judge’s Shack is about as close as you’ll get.

Built-in 1910, this tiny, off-the-grid fishing shack has been sitting in the dunes for over a century.

It’s one of the last of its kind, a reminder of when fishermen built these simple shelters up and down the coast.

It was originally located near the park entrance, but in 1952, federal judge Richard Hartshorne ordered it moved five miles south to its current location, on a dune with views of the ocean and bay.
There’s no electricity, heat, or running water—just a wooden shack built for escaping into nature.
Despite looking like a stiff wind could take it out, it survived Hurricane Sandy in 2012 with minor roof damage.

Hartshorne used the shack as a fishing retreat for decades before the land became a state park.

Today, it’s managed by the Judge’s Shack Association, a small group keeping its history alive.

You can’t go inside, but you can walk up and take a look at what’s probably the last best-preserved fishing shack on the Jersey Shore.

Barnegat Lighthouse: The Park’s Best View (That You Can’t Walk To)

Look south from the tip of the park, and you’ll see Barnegat Lighthouse, better known as “Old Barney.”

It’s been standing on Long Beach Island since 1859, marking the entrance to Barnegat Inlet for sailors navigating the rough waters offshore.

It’s not actually part of the park, but it’s one of the most recognizable sights from the shoreline.
If you want to visit, you’ll have to drive 52 miles—up the Parkway, around the bay, and down onto LBI. There’s no direct way to cross the inlet.
The lighthouse is open for climbing, and at the top, you’ll get a full view of the park and the surrounding coastline.

It’s a bit of a trek to get there, but it’s worth the detour if you want a different angle on the park.

The Resort That Never Happened

If history had gone a little differently, this NJ state park wouldn’t exist at all.

In the 1920s, Henry Phipps, a business partner of Andrew Carnegie, had a vision: a luxury resort town stretching across this entire barrier island.

His plans included golf courses, tennis courts, yacht clubs, and rows of houses, with the dunes flattened to make way for development.
It wasn’t just an idea—there’s a 1927 map showing exactly how the land would have been carved up.
But before construction ever started, the 1929 stock market crash wiped out the project.

After Phipps’ death, the state eventually purchased the land, and the resort never happened.

Today, a copy of the original map hangs in the park’s interpretive center—a glimpse of the Shore that almost was.

What to Pack & Where to Eat Near Beach Island

When you take a trip to Beach Island, you’ll want to come prepared.

While there’s a small snack stand at the swimming beach, it’s not the place to rely on for a full meal.

Packing smart and knowing where to grab food nearby can make or break your day.

What to Bring

Since this isn’t a fully developed beach town, you won’t find rental kiosks or a lineup of restaurants waiting just off the sand.

If you want to stay comfortable, bring what you need.

Sunscreen & Bug Spray – The sun can be strong, and the marshy areas mean mosquitoes are a possibility, especially near the bay.
A Good Beach Chair – The park doesn’t have chair or umbrella rentals, so if you want shade or comfort, bring your own.
Food & Water – There’s no food allowed in the dunes, so if you’re packing lunch, stick to the picnic tables near the swimming beach.
A Beach Read – If you like the idea of reading in peace without a boardwalk speaker blasting pop music nearby, this is your kind of place.
Fishing or Kayaking Gear – If you plan on hitting the water, don’t forget your own equipment. Rentals aren’t available inside the park.

Where to Eat Nearby

If you’re heading out hungry, Seaside Park is your best bet for a quick meal without driving too far.

Here are a few local spots worth checking out:

Red Fox Beach Bar & Grill – Located by Bathing Area 1, this spot serves casual beach food like burgers, fish and chips, and tacos. Outdoor seating is available, and there’s often live music.
Park Seafood Bar & Restaurant – A low-key, seafood-focused spot just outside the park entrance, serving fresh fish, clam strips, and lobster rolls.
Chef Mike’s ABG – For a sit-down meal, this oceanfront restaurant in Seaside Park is known for its locally sourced seafood and great sunset views.
Betty & Nick’s – A classic Jersey Shore breakfast joint that also serves lunch. If you’re heading to the park early, this is the place for pancakes and coffee before hitting the sand.

Hidden Gems a Short Drive Away

If you don’t mind driving a little further, there are some great, under-the-radar food spots within 15-20 minutes of the park.

The Arlington (Ship Bottom, LBI) – A gastropub with craft beer and fresh seafood located just across the bridge on Long Beach Island.
The Crabs Claw Inn (Lavallette) – A no-frills seafood spot with steamed clams, crab cakes, and much more.
Lenny’s Pizza & Italian Grill (Lavallette) – A go-to for classic Shore pizza and Italian comfort food.

Final Tip: If you want to eat without a wait, go early. Most of these places get busy fast by mid-summer, especially the seafood joints.

Island State Park, New Jersey, Is Worth the Effort

There’s no overthinking a day here.

You show up, set up, and do whatever you’ve come to do.

And if that means fishing before sunrise, walking a trail, or stretching out in the sand with a book, great—nothing is stopping you.

The only real mistake is not planning ahead.

The park hits capacity fast in the summer, and if you’re late, you’re out of luck.

So, pack what you need, get there early, and if you want the best experience, wait until after Labor Day.