Ah, the Jersey Shore. Is there any better place? It’s usually my home away from home as soon as the weather gets warm—that is, if I can beat the crowds. Many of my favorite haunts, like Point Pleasant Beach and Asbury Park, are crammed with locals and tourists alike from the minute the season begins until the leaves start turning. There’s a certain joy to that, being with my fellow beach-lovers, but sometimes you’ve got to get away. That’s when I love to head to a hidden beach town in New Jersey, one of those places where you’re not going to be competing for a spot on the sand. Welcome to Sea Girt, one of the true hidden gems of the Jersey Shore.
Located right next to Manasquan, not far from some of the most popular towns on the shore, Sea Girt is a great, quiet beach town in New Jersey, with under 2,000 full-time residents and some of the most pristine beaches you’ll find on the shore. Along with the natural beauty, there’s plenty to do here—hiking trails, great eating, and even a historic building that’s a true must-visit for any New Jersey beach-goer.
What Makes This Beach Town So Special
Sea Girt is what I like to call “the Goldilocks zone” of beach towns. You won’t find the huge crowds you will in Asbury Park or Atlantic City, for sure, but this also isn’t one of those rugged beach towns you’ll find facing the Delaware. Sea Girt often looks like it’s right out of a storybook, with plenty of room for you to explore.
The state is relatively close to Allaire State Park, and the Edgar Felix Bike Path leads right to the Sea Girt beach. This 10.5-mile trail takes you past forests, farmland, and even historic rail cars. If you’re looking for a workout, it’s easy to forget you started your day at the beach while exploring this peaceful trail.
Of course, if you’re in Sea Girt, you’ll want to spend some time at the beach. The views here are gorgeous, and it’s easy to go for a long walk along the beach; the path here connects you to Manasquan and Spring Lake. The town is busiest in the summer, although rarely overwhelmingly so, and during the quiet, cooler months, it’s often a beautiful ghost town.
Best Things to Do in This Quiet Beach Town
It’s always good to have some non-beach activities if the weather isn’t cooperating, so I love that Sea Girt is home to one of the shore’s most beautiful historic buildings. The Sea Girt Lighthouse has been decommissioned since 1977, but this historic brick structure was known for being the first radio beacon at a lighthouse.
The classic brick architecture is well worth experiencing, and it’s a great start to a day exploring Sea Girt. The town has several acclaimed restaurants, like European-influenced gem Scarborough Fair, and no day here is complete without a visit to Simona’s Bakery for some of the best cupcakes in the Garden State.
Have you ever explored this hidden beach town in New Jersey? If not, tell a friend about this article and make your way down the shore to discover it for yourself! And if you want to combine it with another town that has more hotels and high-end restaurants for an extended beach getaway, beautiful Spring Lake and high-energy Asbury Park are only a fifteen-minute drive or a short train ride away. For more ideas on how to spend your time on the Jersey Shore, make sure to check out Only in Your State’s AI-powered travel planner—with only a few simple questions, it can design a custom itinerary based on your plans and interests.
