Living in Ocean County NJ I have found that many of us "locals" do not take advantage of what we have to offer. I was going to meet one of my Real Estate Agents (who is much more of a friend than just a business partner) for happy hour but we decided to bring a bottle of wine to the beach instead.
Why don't I do that more often... is all I could keep thinking. NJ has some of the prettiest beaches, especially if you get away from the boardwalks. We have people that come down to our area and spend thousands of dollars on rentals... (She had just rented a house on the beach to a client for $13,000 for just 1 week, to give you an idea of how crazy it can be). Yet locals miss out on a lot of what our area has to offer when we take it for granted.
My favorite beach in Ocean County: Island Beach State Park, but it all depends on what you think of as when you picture a beach. IBSP is pretty much untouched, natural dunes, no board walk, and in some areas minimal facilities. But you can find a spot to truly relax with out being stacked in like cord wood and no one kicking sand in your face.
If you like the crowds and the board walk.... For Kids, Point Pleasant Beach is the place to go. For the crazier side and probably not the best kid friendly spot, than you would want to be in Seaside, which is just north of Island Beach.
Last night I was on Long Beach Island in Ship Bottom. We sat looking at crystal clear water, 4 kite surfers and not much else. Life is good, and it is the simple things that are free that are worth the most! I just wish we had more than one bottle with us!
Rob
Robert Rauf
Disclaimer time: do not get caught with the adult beverage, it is frowned upon!
and: Thank you to my BFF for a great suggestion, and a great night.
Robert~ I LOVE the beach. I especially like NJ beaches, I guess because I grew up in PA. But moved away in the 80's. I go to Margate beach frequently because my cousin, Barbie, has a place in Margate, NJ.
I have been to beaches all over the world, and with the exception of a few tropical spots... NJ stands out as some of the best I have visited
I moved to Hawai'i from the Jersey Shore. Big difference. I always loved Island Beach State Park but for the green flies... they are horrible at times. The beaches here are always emptly, but for Kailua Kona beach off the main drag. And, in Hawai'i they don't charge you to go on the beach. What's a boardwalk? Don't have those either.
Patrick,
that is where local knowlede kicks in.... West breeze = flies on the beach! The typical south east in the summer keeps most of them away.
oops, left out the "g" in Knowledge...
I love the Jersey Shore, but I really don't visit much between Memorial Day and Labor Day. September and October are beautiful, fewer crowds, warmer water and at Island Beach you can bring your dog!
Sounds great...Where are the pictures?? I would love to see more!!
Andy Laughlin
Connect Realty
Sorry Andy, did not think to take pictures! but I have a few from last night I will post in a bit... sunset over the water... Sailboats.. fun stuff!
Sounds like a nice night - bottle of wine on the quiet beach with a good friend - treasure times like that :)
I, too, like the solitude and 'naturalness' of IBSP. My other favorite beaches are at Assateague, VA (wild ponies) and Nice on the French Riviera.
there are some sweet spots out there :) glad you found one :)