10 Ways to Enjoy NJ Beaches in Winter

I feel very lucky to live as close to the beach as I do.

Whenever I feel like enjoying the calming effect of the waves or just the sound and sight of the beach, I can just hop in my car and take a two minute ride there.

But when my husband and I decided to take a walk on the boardwalk yesterday, we realized something. As cold as it is, we shouldn’t just throw the beach away during the four or five months of the year when it’s really intolerable to be there.

After all, people who live in much colder climates than ours huddle together and enjoy the outdoors all the time. It’s not like they stay home all day.

So we decided to go down to the beach and have a great beach walk and it was amazing.

Maybe even better than in the summer because it’s much more valuable. If you’re lucky enough to live near the beach, you should enjoy it far more often than you do.

But even if you don’t, take a trip to one of our beautiful New Jersey beaches and enjoy it even in the winter.

Here are some ideas.

Take a walk on the beach. Strolling on the beach can be a great way to enjoy the winter scenery and the fresh air.

Island Beach State Park 10/4/22

Island Beach State Park 10/4/22 (NJ DEP)

Build a bonfire. Building a bonfire on the beach (where you’re allowed) and roasting marshmallows or hot dogs can be a fun and cozy way to spend a winter day at the beach.

Go bird watching. Many species of birds can be found on the beach during the winter months, making it an ideal time for birdwatching.

Photo by Patrice Bouchard on Unsplash

Photo by Patrice Bouchard on Unsplash

Collect seashells and other beach treasures. Winter can be the perfect time to find seashells and other beach treasures that have been washed away by the waves.

Seashells

Seashells (Getty Stock/ThinkStock)

To go swimming. Although the water can be cold, some people enjoy the challenge and exhilaration of swimming in the ocean during the winter. Remember, that’s why there’s a polar bear dip!

Andrew Miller

Andrew Miller

Have a picnic. Pack a blanket and picnic basket and enjoy a meal on the beach.

Create images through ThinkStock

Create images through ThinkStock

Play beach games. If it’s not very cold, winter can be the perfect time to play beach games like frisbee, beach volleyball or even pétanque! (I thought so, because we saw a group of old men playing bocce in parkas and woolen hats.)

bullet spike

Dino Flammia, Townsquare Media NJ

Take a scenic route. Taking a scenic walk along the beach can be a beautiful and relaxing way to enjoy the winter scenery.

Scenic Route – Google Maps

Scenic Route – Google Maps

go fishing. Not that I partake in that, but many species of fish can be found at the beach during the winter, making it a great time to go fishing.

Photo Dennis Malloy

Photo Dennis Malloy

Gazing at the stars. Winter skies can be especially clear and beautiful, making it a great time for stargazing on the beach.

Watercolor night sky background with stars.

Khaneeros

The fact is that our Jersey beaches are far too beautiful to be enjoyed only part of the year. Go out and enjoy it all year round.

The views expressed in the above post are those of New Jersey 101.5 talk show host Judi Franco only.

You can now listen Dennis and Judi — On demand! Listen to New Jersey’s favorite Best Friends anytime, anywhere, and any day of the week. Download the Dennis & Judi show wherever you get podcasts, on our free app, or listen right away.

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