There are some incredible spots along the Jersey Shore to catch a tan, squawk as loud as seagulls with your fellow girls and gays, and roam the busy boardwalks along our scenic beaches.
Although New Jersey may be one of the few states that charge folks to use the beach, there’s no question our clean coastlines are worth the price of entry. Snag your sunscreen and bring a few towels because we’ve compiled a list of the most LGBTQ-friendly beaches in the Garden State. Keep this list handy for your upcoming summer adventures.
Asbury Park
Perhaps the gayest place in all of New Jersey is the 5th Avenue beach in Asbury Park. The town has developed its inclusive reputation from years of affirmation. The city has been a safe haven for the LGBTQ community for more than a century. Support from locals and businesses led to the beach town evolving into a beloved spot for queer people to meet up and be themselves. Go for the annual Jersey Pride parade and festival (the first Sunday in June every year) or see a show at the Stone Pony, where queer artists like Orville Peck and Fletcher have performed.
Take selfies by the colorful collection of murals along the walkable waterfront. Recent RuPaul’s Drag Race contestant Crystal Envy, our April/May cover star and winner of “Miss Congeniality,” is from Asbury Park! She brought her Jersey sass and wisdom to the stage, even prompting Ru to lovingly say she’s from “Ass-bury Park.”
You can also plan to party at Georgies or Paradise, two fun-fueled gay bars right here in Central New Jersey. A revolving door of talented DJs and drag queens are featured at these spots, so you can always find new art to enjoy.
Gunnison Beach on Sandy Hook
This (optionally) nude beach has its fair share of summertime visitors. Some ogle and stare, but most are down to stay out of your way. It’s a great place for anyone who likes to show off a little, too. Whether you have more wrinkles than the dress shirt at the bottom of my closet or your skin is as smooth as a shot of Patrón, everybody should enjoy the freedom Gunnison has to offer. Since nudity is a choice here, you can start (or stay) in clothing. Be mindful of other visitors; this isn’t a cruising spot, folks, just a fun way to see beautiful people with various body types.
Atlantic City
Atlantic City’s famous boardwalk is great for people watching and playing carnival games. It even has one of those slingshot rides that always go viral, when the scared dad faints on ascension. Win an oversized plushie for your date (and then keep it for yourself) or hit the giant light-up Ferris wheel that casts an LED glow over the neighboring ocean.
You can roll the dice by seeing My Big Gay Italian Casino Adventure at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, a new show coming soon. Icons to the gay community, like Cher and Lady Gaga, all have fascinating memorabilia to tour around the venue. Finish your night right with a party at the new gay bar, ByrdCage, to taste great drinks and dance among actual go-go cages. Out in Jersey media will be partying it up in AC this June, as there’s even a Pride flag-raising ceremony on this year’s agenda.
Other fun New Jersey beaches
Point Pleasant
Point Pleasant has everything you need for an unforgettable night. Great vibes by the pier, deliciously greasy snacks, and a bustling amusement park are sure to keep your serotonin levels high. Not much can match the joy of winning a giant stuffed animal or the relief of escaping the trippy Fun House on Jenkinson’s Boardwalk. Other fun activities to round out your visit include pirate cave-themed mini golf or a trip to Jenkinson’s Aquarium. Pop by the penguin exhibit for us, a species known to have plenty of same-sex romantic relationships in the animal kingdom. With tons of activities and things to do, it’s clear Point Pleasant is a preferred beach for nights out with friends or dates alike.
Seaside Heights
Way down south is a genuine Garden State institution — the birthplace of Jersey Shore: Seaside Heights. Who could forget the messy yet beautiful camaraderie shaped by this coastal city? Snooki and Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino would want you to party in the town that launched their careers. Although the beloved club Karma is no longer around, there are plenty of gay-friendly spots to check out. You can also tour the original Shore House from the series and make all your Instagram friends jealous with a picture by the infamous duck phone. Funny gay T-shirts are along the boardwalk; rainbow merch is on full display for you to grab with friends.
Island Beach State Park
Island Beach State Park is a long isthmus that’s perfect for the beach purist. If you want to read a book, you’re sure to find enough quiet spots throughout the crowdless dunes. Love photography? Adventurers can stroll trails along the 10-mile parkland with guided paths and posted explanations on the animals, plants, and ecosystem. There’s picturesque lighthouses, muddy marshes, and you only have to pay per car driven in.
When you finally get your toes in the sand, take the time to think about queer ecology. There are so many ways the natural world embraces and exhibits LGBTQ qualities. While you may not see the sex-changing clownfish or male birthing seahorses under the murky Jersey water, or a lesbian albatross flying in the far-off sky over the ocean, just note: you’re natural, normal, and known. Even the aforementioned penguins often couple up in same-sex pairings, proving our planet is inherently gay and beautiful.
When bigoted folks complain about how homosexuality or transness is unnatural, the Shore can remind you how wrong they are. Through the steady repeat of inhales, let the salty sea air wash over you with the knowledge that everything about you is of the Earth. There’s truly no change required. You are natural and wonderful.
Take a look at our 2018 New Jersey Gay beach article here.
