Beach Guide: Atlantic County

A town-by-town guide to Atlantic County beaches.

New Jersey Monthly Magazine - The Shore Issue - June 2013

Brigantine
Exit 38
When Sandy Hit: Approximately 2,800 properties were affected in this island town, and the beach was battered. The seawall, bulkheads, pumps and dunes were destroyed, and many residents experienced significant flooding and sand displacement. The largest concentration of damaged homes was in the north end and golf course areas.

The Recovery: Brigantine rebounded quickly, repairing its dunes and beaches. Everything is expected to be ready for summer.

Don’t Miss: Marine Mammal Stranding Center, Festival of Winds (June 15), Brigantine Beach Sand Castle Building Contest (August 10), Laguna Bar and Grill, dolphins at play (Brigantine Avenue, north of Seventh Street).

Beach Fee: Season, $18 ($15 before June 1); seniors (60-64), $8. Weekly, $14. Daily, $8.

Parking: Limited free parking.

**********************

Atlantic City
Exit 38B
When Sandy Hit: The storm took a toll in some homes and businesses in the Back Bay area and destroyed a section of the north end of the Boardwalk that previously had been condemned and slated for demolition. But the tourist attractions on the oceanfront, including the Boardwalk, shops, restaurants and casinos, largely escaped injury.

The Recovery: The highest priority was convincing visitors that Atlantic City was basically alive and well. “Our biggest struggle was the media misconception that Atlantic City’s boardwalk was destroyed,” says Larry Sieg, vice president of marketing at the Atlantic City Convention & Visitor’s Bureau.

Don’t Miss: The casinos, the Pier Shops at Caesars, Food and Wine Festival (July 25-28), Atlantic City Air Show (June 26).

Beach Fee: Free.

Parking: Limited metered and paid lots.

************************

Ventnor
Exit 38
When Sandy Hit: The fishing pier escaped harm, as did most of the boardwalk—thanks to the ample dunes. The Beachfront Park playground incurred minor damage.

The Recovery: Ventnor will have no trouble gearing up for Memorial Day weekend, says Mayor Mike Bagnell. Engineers will replenish the dunes and eroded areas of the beach and replace the padded surface of the playground.

Don’t Miss: The boardwalk (connected to Atlantic City), the Fishing Pier, Beachfront Park, Sack O’ Subs.

Beach Fee: Season, $15 ($7 before June 1); seniors, $3.50. Weekly, $10. Under 12, free.

Parking: Metered and free.

**********************

Margate
Exit 36
When Sandy Hit: Major flooding and sand displacement hit Margate’s residential and back bay areas, but the town’s most beloved resident, Lucy the Elephant, was unharmed.

The Recovery: A Herculean effort to clear local roads of sand and debris allowed residents to return to their homes and businesses in less than two days. Everything should be open for the season.

Don’t Miss: Lucy the Elephant, Stacey’s Surf Camp, Ray Scott’s Dock.

Beach Fee: Season, $15 ($7 before June 1); seniors, $3.50 before June 1.

Parking: Free two-hour spaces.

**********************

Longport
Exit 36
When Sandy Hit: After it breached the bulkheads, Sandy sent floodwaters and a foot of sand onto Atlantic Avenue.

The Recovery: The beachfront and playground should be back by summer.

Don’t Miss: Caffe Luciano (formerly the Shore Club Crab House Bar & Grill)

Beach Fee: Season, $30 ($15 until June 19); seniors, $5. Weekly, $10. Under 12, free.

Parking: Limited free.

Click here to read more Shore stories.

 

[justified_image_grid exclude="featured"]
Read more Jersey Shore articles.

By submitting comments you grant permission for all or part of those comments to appear in the print edition of New Jersey Monthly.

Required
Required not shown
Required not shown