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New Jersey’s location beside the Atlantic Ocean is a huge advantage as it is now ranked among the states with the most beautiful islands in the country. These coastal gems are great destinations to visit year-round, especially in summer, as they host cool beaches and set the stage for a wide range of water adventures. From Ocean City to Five Mile Beach, the Garden State has many islands that easily rival some of the best in the Caribbean. Whether you seek relaxation or adventure, these beautiful islands in New Jersey promise the utmost satisfaction.

Brigantine Island

Brigantine Beach Island is a six-mile-long destination off the coast of the Atlantic in New Jersey, housing the resort community of the same name. This island is gorgeous and less crowded, and it has a beach where visitors will enjoy kayaking, boating, sunbathing, surfing, and swimming undisturbed. For nature lovers, the island plays host to the North Brigantine Natural Area, featuring pristine dunes, marshes, and habitats for rare species. The natural area is also famous for its beach-nesting birds and great fishing opportunities. Meanwhile, history fans are always welcome to the Brigantine Beach History Museum to learn about the island's history through artifacts, photography, and oral tales.

Ludlam Island

Ludlam Island is one of New Jersey's gorgeous Atlantic gems located between Corson and Townsend inlets in Cape May County. This island is home to Strathmere and Sea Isle City, both of which are exciting and worth visiting. Start from Sea Isle and head to its five-mile picturesque beaches to relax and play on the sands. Next, head to Townsend Inlet Waterfront Park on the city’s South end to watch birds, take breathtaking photos, and enjoy picnics. History buffs proceed to Sea Isle City Historical Museum, where tales of the area’s past are creatively told. For summer visitors, Excursion Park is a must-visit attraction in the city as it offers outdoor concerts, family dance parties, guided beach tours, and a weekly farmers market. Before leaving Ludlam Island, dine at the Twisties Tavern on the Bay in Strathmere to experience both towns.

Five Mile Beach

Five Mile Beach is a charming Barrier Island facing the Atlantic Ocean in the South Jersey Shore region. The island is home to the Wildwoods, a group of five communities - North Wildwood, West Wildwood, Wildwood, Wildwood Crest, and Diamond Beach. Notably, the town of Wildwood stands out on the island for its iconic two-mile boardwalk, featuring three amusement piers, a giant Ferris Wheel, rollercoasters, water parks, food stands, and shops to patronize. Visitors are also invited to the Wildwood beach to surf, kayak, sunbathe, and boat in the waters. Still in Wildwood, the Doo Wop Museum and Back to the ’50s Neon Lights beckons visitors to come enjoy a historic and fun experience exploring artifacts, dazzling neon lights, and other elements of the 50s and 60s era.

Seven Mile Island

Seven Mile Island is a gorgeous barrier island in Cape May County between Townsend and Hereford Inlets. This scenic island is home to two boroughs - Stone Harbor and Avalon, both of which feature marinas for water adventures like kayaking, boating, paddling, parasailing, surfing, and swimming. In addition, the island boasts a few miles of sandy beaches to relax, play, enjoy picnics with family, sunbathe, and admire the sunset. Birdwatching enthusiasts on the island are invited to the 21-acre Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary to see butterflies and birds such as egrets, herons, and holly. History buffs can check out Stone Harbor Museum or Avalon History Center to learn a thing or two about the history of each side of the island. For entertainment, Harbor Square Theater in Stone Harbor offers movies, comedy shows, and live performances.

Cape Island

Cape May Peninsula and County houses most of the barrier islands in New Jersey. However, it also has a small island known as Cape Island, which hosts the ever-enchanting town of Cape May, one of America’s oldest seaside resorts. Once here, hop the town’s numerous beaches, such as The Cove, Broadway, Steger, Congress Streets, and Windsor. These beaches are havens for swimming, kayaking, boating, picnicking, fishing, and sand sculpting. For something different, head to Sunset Beach to find the rare Cape May Diamonds - a collection of clear, quartz pebbles that wash down from the Delaware River. History buffs can admire the Cape May Lighthouse and ascend its 199 steps for magical views of the Atlantic Ocean. Otherwise, visit the Harriet Tubman Museum to learn about the life and times of Tubman, an abolitionist and activist.

Long Beach Island

Long Beach Island is a beautiful barrier island on the Atlantic Ocean in Ocean County that charms tourists with its picturesque stretch of sandy beaches, among other attractions. Beach lovers can start with the island's sandy shores to bask under the sun, build sand castles, boat, kayak, or swim on the water and catch the sunset in the evening. On the island’s northern side is the 169-foot-tall Barnegat Lighthouse, housed in a state park and featuring a half-mile trail through the island’s maritime forest.

For nature lovers, the island’s southern tip hosts Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, which protects coastal habitats and offers nature trails where you can explore them. The island also hosts the New Jersey Maritime Museum, where visitors can explore the state's maritime history through artifacts, exhibits, and programs. Elsewhere on the island, the Surflight Theatre invites visitors to catch a live show right on the ocean’s shores while Fantasy Island Amusement Park beckons families to come have fun.

Ocean City

Ocean City is a magnificent destination on a barrier island of the Atlantic Ocean. Its beach is a highlight attraction and lures fun seekers across the state and beyond. Once on the beach, outdoor activities are endless, ranging from boating, sunbathing, and swimming to picnicking, promenading, and kayaking. The island’s 2.5-mile boardwalk adjacent to the beach is another premier attraction for sightseeing tours, shopping, dining, and entertainment. This boardwalk is home to amazing attractions like Gillian Wonderland Pier (featuring more than 24 rides) and OC Water Park, which offers thrilling water attractions, including a lazy river. For history buffs, the island hosts the Ocean City History Museum, where tales, artifacts, photographs, and memorabilia of the past inspire a sense of nostalgia. Meanwhile, art lovers can visit Ocean City Fine Arts League or Glazed Over Arts Studio to appreciate incredible and creative works of art.

New Jersey accommodates over a dozen islands, thanks to the Atlantic Ocean on its south and southeast borders and the Delaware River to the west. Most of these islands are on the Atlantic Ocean and are perfect for summer and weekend vacations, with so much beach fun to offer. While some are inhabited, with teeming populations, others are for day trips alone, but regardless, they all offer great experiences for everybody.