Best beach for kids (Long Branch, Point Pleasant: oceanfront, rentals, houses)

[stephanese]

Hi I have family visiting from out of the country and wanted to take their 3 little boys, around age 8-10 to the beach.

I do not want to take them to crowded beaches like Seaside where there are lots of high schoolers/college kids partying.

Could you recommend a beach that is filled more with families, younger kids, etc?
Preferably a less crowded one please & possibly more north (like near Belmar, Avon, Bradley) than the very southern nj beaches!
Thanks!!

[Mom2tnx]

We love the south side of Point Pleasant beach....we go way past the boardwalk. It's always nice, quiet, clean and family friendly.

[Taliana]

Try Manasquan in Monmouth County.

[TheGambler]

Well, you named one town: Avon. That would seem to work for you. The aforementioned Manasquan is a family-oriented town. Spring Lake is a bit high brow but it's tranquil and the crowds are light.

[hudsonhawk]

Avon very nice but i have noticed a Ghetto element that come on the beach late in the afternoon when the badge checkers go off duty. Such a shame, wish they would stay in NYC beaches or at Sandy Hook.

[TheLuckoftheDraw]

Gunnison Beach in Sandy Hook. It will be a great experience for them that they'll never forget.

[TheGambler]

Originally Posted by hudsonhawk

Avon very nice but i have noticed a Ghetto element that come on the beach late in the afternoon when the badge checkers go off duty. Such a shame, wish they would stay in NYC beaches or at Sandy Hook.

Same thing is happening at Belmar. The place looks like Orchard Beach in The Bronx after 5 p.m. Really sad thing, especially since (ironically) all of the old rental houses are being knocked down and it's becoming quite an expensive, upscale year-round town.

I'd take the party-animal group rentals in a second over who's increasingly there these days.

[hrjersey]

I haven't been there in a while but Belmar around 4th-5th avenue used to traditionally be families. The further up the beach you go the crowd changes to more older teens/college age.

[Mightyqueen801]

Seven Presidents in Long Branch. It's more north--Take Exit 105 off the Parkway and just follow Route 36 right to it.

Monmouth County Park System Parks Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park, Long Branch

[NJGOAT]

Anywhere on LBI. Decent beaches and although there isn't a boardwalk there are many nice restraunts and a good amusement area with mini-golf, water park and rides all kid oriented. My wife and I were long time Ocean Beach folks who made the switch a couple years ago and for the younger kids, it seems to be the best beach town. There are certainly bars and party areas, but since not everything is jammed on the boardwalk, you can go where you want and avoid the party scene.