Day Tripping: 5 Beaches to Check Out

You wake up and hear the weather report--hot, sunny and not a cloud in the sky. You cannot possibly go to work, you must head to the beach and not waste this gorgeous day. 

So where do you head? Here are five suggestions for some great nearby beach destinations.

Sandy Hook. The beaches here are part of the National Park Service and no beach badges are required, access is free. During the summer months, however, there is a $10 parking fee. You can lay out in the sun, hike, bird watch, surf fish, bike, boat, kite-sail and more. Lifeguards are on duty from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Don't like wearing your clothes? Then head to "clothing optional" Gunnison Beach also looked on Sandy Hook. 

Long Branch. Known as "the first seaside resort" this beach town is experiencing a comeback in a major way with Pier Village where the old pier was located. Visit Seven Presidents Beach, a 33-acre county park with excellent beaches--aptly named for the seven presidents who visited the town before the 1930s. Weekday beach badges are $7 with those 17 and under getting on the beach for free. There are fireworks on the first Saturday of every month and plenty of bars and clubs to hear live music or sing a little karaoke when you are done sunning yourself.

Sea Bright. Not far from Long Branch is Sea Bright, with seven free public access points to its beaches. For a daily beach badge fee, visitors can also access the Sea Bright Municipal Beach which has lifeguards daily--badges also grant visitors access to the public use areas in front of the private beach clubs. 

Bradley Beach. This shore town calls itself "New Jersey's Family Resort" and it truly is a great place to spend a day with the kids. Daily beach badges are $7 with metered parking near the beach. There are beach chair and umbrella rentals at Brinley Beach and toddler parks at Cliff, LaReine and Second Avenues. Check out Third Avenue if you feel like surfing and fishing is an option at jetties on Lake Terrace, Park Place, Brinley and Second Avenues.

Belmar. Beach badges are $7 but those under 15 get on the beach for free. There is a surf camp run on Third Avenue and several beaches are dedicated to boogie boarding, kayaking and surfing. Beach volleyball is huge here are there are many nets available -- there is usually a tournament or two played during the course of the summer months. Head to Tenth Avenue if you need to rent chairs and umbrellas for the day. This beach is cleaned and "groomed" each night, according to borough officials, and they strictly enforce a no-smoking ordinance. This beach town also features a great boardwalk for taking a stroll on and of course, if you are looking for the nightlife, Bar A is in full swing, seven days a week.