By far, the best part of anyone’s summer vacation is being able to enjoy some relaxation at the beach. For the most part, my entire summer consists of driving back and forth on the Garden State Parkway and making my way to one of Jersey’s unique beaches. The best part of living in New Jersey is that there are an endless amount of activities to do in the summer. The Jersey Shore is famous for its countless amusement parks, boardwalks, water parks, arcades, restaurants and many other prominent attractions. Those who aren’t from Jersey really underestimate how much fun summer can be when you’re in the Garden State. What makes the beaches in New Jersey worth wild are how distinctive each and everyone is. No two beaches are alike and each one has something that differentiates itself from the other. Listed below are my top ten beaches in Jersey and are truly what makes New Jersey such a great state to live in.

1. Cape May

Known as the oldest seaside resort community in the country and is the perfect place for both relaxation and excitement. Cape May also offers some history behind it with its historic lighthouse.

Wildwood is best known for their award-winning Boardwalk which features thirty-eight blocks packed with stores, water parks, live entertainment, arcades and over 100 rides and attractions.

3. Ocean City

With a 2.5-mile stretch, the Ocean City in New Jersey demolishes the one in Maryland. With a beautiful boardwalk, amazing scenery and tons of attractions this Ocean City is like no other.

4. Atlantic City

Atlantic City is best known for its famous casinos but the boardwalk offers high-class restaurants and dozens of places to shop. Another plus is that you can enjoy a day on the beach for free!

5. Point Pleasant

With tons of rides for the kids, amazing Philly-cheese steaks and some of the best arcades, it makes it the ultimate beach to spend a day with the family.

6. Manasquan

With such a wide beach it makes it perfect for fishing and surfing. There are also some great places to grab a bite to eat and do some shopping as well.

7. Long Branch

It is one of the largest cities along the Jersey Shore and offers some of the best places to shop and eat; including McLoone’s Pier House. There’s never a day in the summer where Long Branch isn’t packed with people.

8. Belmar

Belmar strives to be one of the cleanest and healthiest beaches in New Jersey and in May 2014, it was voted the number one beach in Central Jersey.

9. Asbury Park

The historic shore town features endless fun with unique shops, a strengthened boardwalk, astonishing restaurants, breathtaking views and one of the finest beaches in the entire state.

10. Long Beach Island (LBI)

The 18-mile-long island is home to a numerous amount of small beach communities. The adventures are endless and there are plenty of sights to see.