Counting the waves…
Counting the waves…
The wooden boardwalk creaks beneath your flip-flops as you pass joggers in technical gear and retirees with coffee thermoses, all sharing the same weathered planks that curve north toward Asbury Park's skyline. Bradley Beach operates on a different frequency than its neighbors—no carnival rides, no beachfront bars blasting reggaeton, just lifeguard stands numbered in peeling white paint and families who've returned to the same rental cottages for forty summers. You'll pay for a seasonal or daily beach badge at the stands along Ocean Avenue, then stake your claim on sand that slopes gently into waves manageable enough for confident eight-year-olds. The water temperature hovers in the low seventies by July, cold enough to make you gasp on entry but warm enough to stay in past the outer sandbar. Bodysurfers time their rides with the precision of commuters catching trains, while stand-up paddleboarders glide south toward the rock jetties that mark Avon-by-the-Sea. Main Street runs perpendicular to the beach, a six-block stretch where you'll find wet-suited surfers ordering breakfast sandwiches at Vic's Italian Restaurant and sandy-footed kids clutching soft-serve from Strollo's Lighthouse. The scale stays human here—no high-rises blocking afternoon sun, no nightclubs that turn the shore into something unrecognizable after dark.
Places, rentals, tours and events within walking and driving distance of Bradley Beach.
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Bradley Beach is generally safe for swimming and very family-friendly, with lifeguards on duty daily from late June through early September, typically 10am-5:30pm. The beach has a gradual slope and relatively calm waters compared to other Jersey Shore beaches. Swim only when lifeguards are present and check daily beach flag warnings. The town enforces a strict family atmosphere with alcohol bans on the beach and boardwalk. Water quality is monitored regularly, and conditions are posted at lifeguard stations and online through the New Jersey Beach Reports.
Summer (June through August) offers warm weather with temperatures in the 75-85°F range and full beach amenities, but expect crowds on weekends. Many visitors prefer late May or September for fewer crowds, pleasant temperatures, and lower accommodation rates, though lifeguards may have limited hours. The beach is accessible year-round for walks and off-season visits. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends throughout summer. Water temperatures peak in July-August at around 70-75°F. Note that daily beach badges are required from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
Bradley Beach is accessible via the Garden State Parkway (Exit 98) or NJ Transit's North Jersey Coast Line to Bradley Beach station, just blocks from the ocean. Metered street parking is available throughout town, typically $2-3 per hour during summer. Municipal parking lots are located at LaReine Avenue and Newark Avenue near the beach. Arrive early on summer weekends as parking fills quickly by mid-morning. Many visitors use NJ Transit from New York Penn Station (approximately 90 minutes), avoiding parking hassles entirely. Bicycle racks are available near beach entrances.
Bradley Beach's compact downtown along Main Street offers restaurants, cafes, pizzerias, and ice cream shops within easy walking distance of the beach. The boardwalk has several casual eateries and food vendors during summer. Popular spots include Vic's Italian Restaurant and several breakfast cafes. Public restrooms and outdoor showers are located at beach entrances. The beach has a small pavilion area. Accommodations include the historic Bungalow Hotel and various vacation rentals. Nearby Asbury Park (one mile north) offers additional dining and entertainment options. Beach equipment rentals are available seasonally.
Bradley Beach has designated surfing hours and zones. Generally, surfing is permitted before 9am and after 5pm during the summer season when lifeguards are on duty. Some areas may allow surfing during specific midday hours in designated zones—check current regulations at the beach patrol headquarters. Bradley Beach attracts fewer surfers than neighboring towns like Belmar, making it quieter for swimmers. Outside the guarded season (September-May), surfing is typically allowed all day. A beach badge is still required during badge season regardless of activity. Always respect posted signs and lifeguard instructions.
