The Best Beaches Near Philadelphia

Just one of the many perks of visiting Philadelphia is its close proximity to the Jersey Shore! There’s nothing better in the summer than escaping the humid inland summer heat by taking a day trip to the breezy coast. If you’re wondering where is the best place to enjoy the beach near Philadelphia, check out the list below.

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1. Atlantic City

The closest beach to Philadelphia by distance, first on the list is Atlantic City. One of the largest coastal cities in New Jersey, Atlantic City is significantly bigger in size than the majority of beach towns in the area. If you’re looking for a beach with a party scene, resorts, or casinos, this is the one for you.

In addition to its casinos, Atlantic City is also known for its boardwalk & free public access to its beaches.

2. Ventnor City

If you’re looking for something a bit quieter than Atlantic City, but still within an hour’s drive, another good option is Ventnor City. Just south of Atlantic City, it is worth noting that once you cross over into Ventnor beach tags will be required to access the town’s beaches during the summer.

Quick Facts: Ventnor City

• Distance from Philadelphia: 62 miles
• Travel Time by Car: 1 hour
• Beach Pass: Required
• Population: ~ 9,000
• Boardwalk: Yes

3. Margate City

One town further down the coast you’ll find Margate, where you’ll be greeted by the famous Lucy the Elephant. A few thousand smaller in population than Ventnor, Margate would be another good choice for those looking for a quieter beach escape.

Quick Facts: Margate City

• Distance from Philadelphia: 61 miles
• Travel Time by Car: 1 hour
• Beach Pass: Required
• Population: ~ 5,000
• Boardwalk: No

Where To Stay:

• Vacation Rental: Lucy Beach Front House

The closest hotels to Margate are located in Ventnor City.

4. Brigantine

Heading north of Atlantic City instead of south, you’ll hit another coastal island within an hour of Philadelphia: Brigantine. This is on its own barrier island and is well known for birding due to its proximity to the small archipelago to the north.

Quick Facts: Brigantine

• Distance from Philadelphia: 66 miles
• Travel Time by car: 1 hour
• Beach Pass: Required
• Population: ~ 7,500
• Boardwalk: No

5. Longport

Moving back south again, the next on the list is the Longport beach. The smallest population on the list so far, Longport is relatively quiet though it does have a small boardwalk to stroll along the shore.

Quick Facts: Longport

• Distance from Philadelphia: 67 miles
• Travel Time by car: 1 hour and 10 minutes
• Beach Pass: Required
• Population: ~ 1,000
• Boardwalk: Yes

Where To Stay:

• Vacation Rental: Longport Cottage

Overall, if you’re looking for a more relaxed feel during the day, but to still have proximity to Atlantic City at night, then Longport, Ventnor, and Margate would all be good options for you.

6. Ocean City

A bit farther down the coast, though still within an hour’s drive from Philly without traffic, is Ocean City. Ocean City is most well known for its lively boardwalk, home to waterparks, amusement rides, pizza shops, mini golf, biking, arcades, and more.

Ocean City is a great choice if you’re looking for an active beach town that doesn’t feel like as much of a city as Atlantic City does. The Ocean City beaches are expansive and fully capable of handling the crowds they draw without cramping the actual shore.

Quick Facts: Ocean City

• Distance from Philadelphia: 65 miles
• Travel Time by car: 1 hour and 5 minutes
• Beach Pass: Required
• Population: ~ 11,000
• Boardwalk: Yes

Where To Stay:

• Hotel: Watson’s Regency Suites
• Apartment: Impala Suites
• Vacation Rental: Beach Block Ocean Views House

Ocean City is a popular choice for beachgoers looking for either a day trip or vacation from Philly, as it has both nightlife and beautiful shores.

7. Long Beach Island

Long Beach Island, or LBI for short, is a barrier island with several boroughs to explore, including Surf City, Brant Beach, North Beach Haven, Harvey Cedars, Spray Beach, and Beach Haven. Generally speaking, the boroughs on the northern side of the island are less crowded, and the boroughs become more commercial as you go south.

Quick Facts: LBI

• Distance from Philadelphia: between 62 – 70 miles
• Travel Time by car: 1 hour and 45 minutes
• Beach Pass: Required
• Population: ~ 10,000
• Boardwalk: Yes

Where To Stay:

• Hotel: The Hideaway Hotel
• Vacation Rental: Ocean Bay Block House

Long Beach Island is a great, relaxed escape for families – making the little bit of extra time in the car worth the trip.

8. Wildwood

Another popular beach destination from Philadelphia is the one and only Wildwood, New Jersey. One of the biggest perks of wildwood is that its beaches are free to the public without the need for any seasonal passes, and it has a large & active boardwalk!

Quick Facts: Wildwood

• Distance from Philadelphia: 90 miles
• Travel Time by car: 1 hour and 30 minutes
• Beach Pass: Not Required
• Population: ~ 5,000
• Boardwalk: Yes

Where To Stay:

• Hotel: The Magnolia East
• Vacation Rental: The Modern Stay

Wildwood is a great choice for those who like a bit more activity when they go to the beach, or for those who enjoy a variety of nightlife.

9. Sea Isle City

Sea Isle City is renowned for its beautiful beaches, family atmosphere, and plentiful shops. While Sea Isle does have a boardwalk, it is not a commercial boardwalk like some of the bigger cities along the coast, but rather a true walking bath along the beaches.

Quick Facts: Sea Isle City

• Distance from Philadelphia: 76 miles
• Travel Time by car: 1 hour and 13 minutes
• Beach Pass: Required
• Population: ~ 2,000
• Boardwalk: Yes

Where To Stay:

• Hotel: The Million Dollar Beach House

Sea Isle City is a popular family beach destination, whether it be for a quick day trip or for a weeklong vacation down the shore.

10. Avalon & Stone Harbor

Literally translated as the word “paradise,” Avalon is a serene, small beach town on the Seven Mile Island. It’s partner in crime – and the only other town on the island – is Stone Harbor, an equally great escape to the Jersey Shore.

Similarly to Sea Isle, the boardwalks on the Seven Mile Island are non-commercialized and just serve as a walking path along the beach.

Quick Facts: Avalon & Stone Harbor

• Distance from Philadelphia: 76 miles
• Travel Time by car: 1 hour and 25 minutes
• Beach Pass: Required
• Population: ~ 4,000
• Boardwalk: Yes

Where To Stay:

• Hotel: the ICONA Hotel
• Luxury Suites: the Reeds Hotel

The Seven Mile Island is my personal favorite for nostalgia reasons, but I’m sure you would love it as well!

11. Cape May

The southernmost beach in New Jersey, last but not least on our list is Cape May. This scenic escape on the southern tip of the state is often visited for its great shopping & food, but also is home to the classic Jersey beaches everyone is looking for. While it might be at the bottom of this list by happenstance, we think it should truly be on the top of yours!

Quick Facts: Cape May

• Distance from Philadelphia: 93 miles
• Travel Time by car: 1 hour and 30 minutes
• Beach Pass: Required
• Population: ~ 3,000
• Boardwalk: Yes

Where To Stay:

• Hotel: The Congress Hall Hotel
• Vacation Rental: Cape May Renovated House

Wherever you end up along the coast, please let us know how you enjoyed your vacation in the comments below! Have a great summer!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does Philadelphia have a beach? No, the city of Philadelphia does not have its own beach (though it is sandwiched between two rivers). Fortunately, Philly is within easy driving distance to the Jersey shores, and there are many options for a day trip or long weekend!

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Looking for a fun gift to give a loved one who loves going to Avalon? Check out our original poem below and purchase your own copy through Etsy to frame and decorate for a friend’s beach house!

About the Author: Hi, I’m Jill! I am a biomedical & mechanical engineer who loves traveling during my free time. My hope is to help make it easier for others to plan their dream trips by providing firsthand experience from the places I’ve been! Read More.