The Garden State Parkway will soon be jammed with weekend commuters eager to get to the Jersey Shore, but Hoboken + Jersey City locals have plenty of alternative options for getting DTS that don’t involve bumper-to-bumper traffic. In fact, some of our favorite New Jersey beach towns have train stations or bus stops right within their borders, meaning your weekend getaway is just one train ride (and maybe a transfer) away. And though our loyalties lie with the Jersey Shore (always), there are some in NY worth visiting, too. Read on for our list of 16 New Jersey + New York beaches accessible from Hoboken and Jersey City via public transit.
Beaches Accessible via New Jersey Trains
Asbury Park
For a culture- and food-filled trip to Asbury Park and its scenic beaches, take NJ Transit North Jersey Coast Line and get off at — you guessed it — the Asbury Park stop. This little beach town packs a big punch, with beachside tacos from Mogo, must-try cupcakes from Confections of a Rockstar, and the lively Asbury Ale House. Check out our guide to all things Asbury Park. The official beach season kicks off May 25th (weekends only until June 17th), and day passes are $10 on weekends.
Read More: Your Guide to the Best Jersey Shore Beaches
Bay Head
Bay Head is one of the Jersey Shore’s most historic towns, nestled between Point Pleasant and Mantaloking. It has its own train station, accessible via the NJ Transit Main Line. Bay Head is small but packs a mighty punch of things to do. Daily beach badges here are $10. Grab breakfast at Dune Grass Cafe and check out Charlie’s of Bay Head or Theresa’s South (word to the wise: make a reservation if you can!). The crumb cake at Mueller’s Bakery is also not to be missed — there will be a line, and it will be worth it.
Bradley Beach
This quiet beach town is great for a weekend or day trip, with beach sports, sunbathing, and more. You can take NJ Transit North Jersey Coast Line from Hoboken station and transfer to Secaucus to get off at Bradley Beach station. Two of our favorite spots are the Bradley Brew Project and the Summertime Surf School, which is also available in Asbury Park.
Belmar
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This scenic shore town is one of the shore’s most popular destinations, and it’s accessible by the NJ Transit North Jersey Coast Line, right after Bradley Beach. While activities abound in Belmar, some of the local favorites include the Belmar Boardwalk, parasailing, and, of course, beach lounging. Daily passes are $12 for adults.
Long Branch
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Long Branch is one of the shore’s most popular beach towns for travelers from the north as it’s one of the first stops along the 130 miles of shore. It has its own stop on the NJ Transit Main Line Train — board at Hoboken station, transfer at Secaucus Junction, and ride 11 stops until you arrive at your day trip destination. Daily beach passes in Long Branch are $6 on the weekdays and $9 on the weekends. Pier Village is chock-full of cute boutiques and eateries to explore. Hoboken residents will find a familiar favorite, Turning Point, right on Ocean Avenue.
Manasquan
Manasquan Beach is a great spot for unwinding after a long week — whether your idea of unwinding is tanning on the beach or heading to a bar. The beach area farther away from town is a bit more relaxing, but posting up close to town will put you near some Manasquan staples like Tacoholics, Leggett’s Sand Bar, and The Osprey Night Club. This is the third from the last stop on the NJ Transit North Jersey Coast Line, and daily beach passes are $12 for beachgoers over 12.
Spring Lake
Spring Lake is a not-so-typical shore destination and definitely worth a visit this summer. Accessible by the NJ Transit Main Line, you can transfer at Secaucus Junction and take the train down to the Spring Lake station. Once there, soak in the small-town charm and browse Spring Lake’s many quaint shops and restaurants. Beach day passes are $12 here. Parker House is probably the most well-known establishment in town (and for good reason), but if you’re looking for something a little more chill, try Bareli’s By The Sea.
Point Pleasant
This family-friendly beach is accessible via NJ Transit’s North Jersey Coast Line, which departs from Hoboken and transfers to Newark. Upon arrival, don’t miss the Jenkinson’s Boardwalk and the South Beach Arcade to make the most of your trip. On weekends and holidays, adult day passes are $14 — on non-holiday weekdays, $13.
See More: Fun Summer Road Trips Near Northern New Jersey
Beaches Accessible via New Jersey Buses
Seaside Heights and Seaside Park
With the NJ Transit bus 137 from Port Authority, a trip to the fun and festive Seaside Heights is within reach. Just catch the 137 to Toms River and take the connecting shuttle to Seaside Park, just one mile from Seaside Heights. That being said, with all of the amazing things to do in Seaside Park, you may never want to leave.
Atlantic City
The NJ Transit bus 319 takes travelers from Port Authority to the casinos and shorelines of Atlantic City for a roundtrip price of $42. This is a daily service, an easy choice for a summer girls’ or guys’ weekend away.
New York Beaches Accessible by Train
Fire Island
Take the train from New York Penn Station to Sayville, and the ferry from Sayville Ferry Service, a quick Uber ride away, to enjoy the scenery and serenity of Fire Island, one of the area’s most beautiful stretches of shoreline. From a lighthouse to vast beaches, this is a great location for a family vacation or pals’ trip.
The Hamptons
For many East Coast beachgoers, summer isn’t complete without a trip to the Hamptons. Fortunately, with the Hampton Jitney, accessible at spots throughout Manhattan, and the Long Island Railroad, it’s easy to get to East Hampton, Amagansett, and Montauk – and it’s under three hours.
The North Fork
If wine is on the agenda, take a trip on the LIRR, with a transfer in Ronkonkoma, to the North Fork town of Greenport. Beaches include the natural 67 Steps Beach and Town Beach, as well as a variety of oceanfront dining spots like Claudio’s Waterfront.
Jones Beach
Long Island’s Jones Beach is less than two hours from Hudson County via public transit. The NJ Transit 123 bus makes stops in Union City + Jersey City, taking riders right into NYC’s Port Authority. From there, beach-goers can hop on the LIRR to Freeport. From there, take the n88 bus (Nassau Inter-County Express) to Jones Beach. Although it involves a few transport changes, taking this route to Jones Beach is surely less taxing than being stuck in car traffic + is totally worth it once you get to dip your toes into the salty ocean water.
Beaches Accessible via the NYC Subway
Rockaway Beach
Watch surfers and swim in the waves at one of NYC’s favorite beach getaways, Rockaway Beach. Accessible via subway (take the A train to Beach 67th Street), this destination is a no-frills day trip, perfect for the budget traveler.
Coney Island
Nothing beats a classic trip to Coney Island, and this iconic destination is accessible on a variety of subway lines, including the F, D, N, and Q. With everything from boardwalks to breweries and rides to sunbathing, Coney Island will be a jam-packed day. Thankfully, it’s close enough to go twice. PS: Here’s our guide to the best of Coney Island.
6 Hoboken + Jersey City Foodie Items We’re Currently Obsessed With
For 2025, our New Year's resolution is to eat better — and by better, we mean as many delicious things as possible. Maybe that's a form of hedonism, but when you live in an area like Hoboken + Jersey City, there are simply too many opportunities for food-induced joy. For anyone on a similar journey, we've created a list of the local food items we're currently obsessing over. With appetizers, mains, sides, and desserts, who's to stop you from making a whole meal out of it? Keep reading for the six Hoboken + Jersey City food items we're loving right now.
Grilled Cheese + Tomato Soup from Otok Bakery | 506 Grand Street, Hoboken
Grilled cheese and tomato soup is already an elite duo, but when the grilled cheese is made using a 100-year-old coal-fired oven, there's truly nothing like it. The bread, of course, is Dom's famous recipe — and the cheese is melted on top of and inside the sandwich, creating three whole layers of gooey cheesy goodness. Don't sleep on the soup, either, which we're convinced has genuine healing powers in these freezing temps. The grilled cheese/tomato soup combo is a part of Otok's weekday lunch menu, available Tuesday through Thursday from 11AM-2PM.
Read More: 24 Foodie Activities in Hoboken + Jersey City
Fries from Jane Doe | 333 Newark Avenue, Jersey City
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Jane Doe opened in Jersey City back in 2023 and it's a great spot for a lot of occasions (date night, girl's dinner, etc.). But the unexpected standout item — above the upscale vibes, vinyl music, wonderful cocktails, and pretty lengthy menu — is the fries. We've bravely dubbed them “the best fries in Jersey City” and we're standing on business because listen: they're fried in beef tallow with scalloped potatoes layered in, all topped off with a dollop of truffle aioli. It's a side dish ringing up at $13, but trust us, it's worth every penny.
Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Organic Cookies from Sweet Bear Stuff | Online
Not all gluten-free copycat treats are created equal. But every now and then, you find one that is SO good it's sort of stressful: like, can I really eat this? Can something this good really be without gluten? And yet — we've found another to add to our list. Sweet Bear Stuff's gluten-free, dairy-free, and organic cookies are just that type. It's an online brand based in Hoboken that we discovered at the SocietyX holiday market on Coles Street, and haven't stopped thinking about since. Learn more about how to order here.
Buffalo Chicken Wrap from Veloce | 457 Baldwin Avenue, Jersey City
“Specialty sandwiches” are the namesake of this JC hidden gem, so it's no surprise that the BCW wowed us. But, wow. Everything in this wrap just worked: the cutlets, fresh mutz, and thinly sliced onions. The sauce was spicy, but not enough to cause any sort of discomfort. It's eater's choice between bleu cheese or ranch dressing, and we, of course, went with ranch. The team also shared with us that the chicken Caesar wrap is one of Veloce's most popular items, so for the sake of journalism, we'll be returning very, very soon.
Chicken Salad from Gigi's | 916 Washington Street, Hoboken
We understand the skepticism: what business does a former Real Housewife of New York have picking favorites in Hoboken? Yes, we're talking about Bethenny Frankel (who's given this item multiple shouts) and you're suspicion isn't unfounded — but it is wrong. Gigi's chicken salad really is next level, especially if you order it in a sandwich. Pictures above to prove it.
See More: Inside Chashni Cafe, Montclair’s Newest Eatery with Pakistani Roots
Alcapurria Bites from OrGovia | 1119 Jefferson Street, Hoboken
OrGovia opened earlier this month and has quickly become a local favorite. There's a lot to write home about on the menu, but it's the only place in town to find alcapurria bites and tostones waffle fries, which were our personal favorite. For the bites, there are chicken and steak options which you can order in portions of three pieces, six pieces, or 12 pieces. We recommend getting as many as you can, but we'll let you choose your own adventure.
