NJSGC Announces “Favorite Beaches” for 2020

June 29th, 2020

Things are a bit different at the Jersey Shore this year, and New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium would like to refer everyone to the CDC’s “Guiding Principles to Keep in Mind at the Beach” when visiting the Garden State coastline.

NJSGC’s long-standing “Favorite Beaches” survey also ran a bit differently this year. The current situation surrounding COVID-19 greatly impacted the poll’s outcome, with limited planning, participation, and publicity. As a surprising result, the winners list is more diversified  and widespread as compared to previous years. Even without the possibility of hosting a public ceremony alongside the ocean, NJSGC is thrilled to announce the top “favorite beaches” throughout Atlantic, Cape May, Monmouth, and Ocean Counties for 2020!

Please stay tuned for the launch of NJSGC’s “BEach SAFEly” campaign in partnership with New York Sea Grant. COVID-19 brings more considerations beyond our usual Rip Current Awareness messaging, so every week starting in early July, we will be launching a new graphic to remind beachgoers to have fun while remaining safe, healthy, and alert.

Kirsten Hogg, “Brigantine Sunrise”

Atlantic County:

  1. Brigantine
  2. Atlantic City
  3. Margate

Cody Molowski, “Autumn At Sunset Beach” (Cape May)

Cape May County:

  1. Cape May
  2. The Wildwoods
  3. Ocean City

Linda Griffiths, “Late August Evening” (Sandy Hook)

Monmouth County:

  1. Asbury Park
  2. Bradley Beach
  3. Belmar / Manasquan / Sandy Hook – Gateway National Recreation Area (three-way tie)

Patrick Welsh, “Lonely Dunes” (Point Pleasant Beach)

Ocean County:

  1. Point Pleasant Beach
  2. Lavallette
  3. Island Beach State Park

Top overall:

  1. Brigantine
  2. Cape May
  3. Atlantic City

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Thousands of voters also participated in NJSGC’s revamped “Jersey Shore” photo contest (four contestants were featured in the list above). The competition was intense, with over 100 breathtaking snapshots submitted, but we’re happy to announce the Top 12 photographs which will be featured in NJSGC’s popular desktop calendar for 2021. Check out the winners here.