Living in Cherry Hill, NJ, offers the unique advantage of being just a short drive away from some of the most beautiful beaches on the East Coast. Whether you’re looking for a quick lakeside retreat or a full-fledged oceanfront experience, the options are plentiful and diverse.
From family-friendly spots to serene, less-crowded beaches, the region caters to all preferences. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the top beaches near Cherry Hill, highlighting what makes each one special and how to make the most of your visit.
Key Takeaways
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Bellmawr Lake: A family-friendly lake beach located just 10 miles from Cherry Hill. It offers a sandy area, a slide for children, and picnic facilities. Ideal for a quick getaway without the long drive.
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Ocean City Beach: Approximately 65 miles away, this beach is known for its clean sands and family-oriented atmosphere. The boardwalk features shops, restaurants, and Playland’s Castaway Cove amusement park.
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Margate Beach: Located 60 miles from Cherry Hill, Margate Beach offers a quieter experience with fewer crowds. The beach is clean, and visitors can also see the famous “Lucy the Elephant” landmark.
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Ventnor City Beach: Just 60 miles away, Ventnor City Beach provides a peaceful setting with lifeguards on duty. While there are no restaurants directly on the beach, it’s a great spot for relaxation.
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Atlantic City Beach: Also about 60 miles from Cherry Hill, Atlantic City Beach is bustling with activity. The famous boardwalk is lined with casinos, shops, and eateries, offering a vibrant beach experience.
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Brigantine Beach: Approximately 65 miles away, Brigantine Beach offers a more tranquil setting with a wildlife management area nearby. It’s perfect for those seeking a peaceful beach day.
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Holgate Beach Wilderness: Located 65 miles from Cherry Hill, this beach is ideal for nature enthusiasts. It offers a wilderness experience with ample parking and minimal crowds.
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Cape May Beach: About 90 miles away, Cape May Beach is known for its Victorian charm and clean sands. The area offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and historic sites to explore.
1. Bellmawr Lake
Distance: 10 miles – 20 mins
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/H1aQrSH9dKgE37Mt7
Bellmawr Lake offers a simple lake beach experience that’s an excellent choice if you don’t want to drive all the way to the ocean. We would mostly recommend it to families with children as the kids love to play around this beach but adults might find it a bit lacking.
It really is a small lake so don’t expect anything fancy, but it gets the job done. There is even a slide so the kids can go on a thrill-seeking adventure.
You can bring your own food, there is an opportunity to have a bbq and it’s an all-around family-friendly place. It does get crowded during hot days as it’s one of the best options without long driving.
The downside is that this beach is not particularly clean. The facilities are old and they could use a renovation. Still, it has a charm to it and it’s definitely a winner with children.
2. Ocean City Beach
Distance: 65 miles – 1 hour 10 mins
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/y9b7JuocXftYocYA8
Ocean City Beach is definitely one of our favorite choices when it comes to the beaches near Cherry Hill, NJ. The driving is not too bad and it’s one of the best ocean beaches in the area.
Ocean City is great because it’s very close to Atlantic City. While Atlantic City is also an excellent place for beach days it gets super busy during summer. If you’ve been reading our guides then you know that we prefer quiet as opposed to loud.
So Ocean City is right up our alley. It’s usually overlooked, yet it has a great sandy beach area. During weekdays it almost never gets super crowded, yet everything is close. Restaurants, bars, and shops are all within walking distance.
There is even a small amusement park called Playland’s Castaway Cove here. It’s a good place for families. Overall, Ocean City is definitely an excellent choice for a beach day.
Do note, that you will need to purchase beach tags to visit this beach. There is usually someone on the street selling the tags and they are good for the whole day. Usually pretty cheap.
3. Margate Beach
Distance: 60 miles – 1 hour 15 mins
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/CL1MfVVoHWqA75kU9
Margate Beach is the local beach of Margate City. It’s a laid-back place that’s out of the way for most tourists.
The beach usually has great water and nice yellow sand. You can easily find a place here as it rarely gets crowded. Usually, summer weekends are the most popular times when people visit.
Once again, you are close to town so you get restaurants and shops nearby. This place is a pretty classic beach with great sand, great people, and an excellent location. We’ve found the place clean most of days.
You can also see Lucy the Elephant which is a small local attraction. Well, not that small, considering it’s an elephant statue.
Once again, you’ll need to purchase a beach tag if you want to enter this place.
4. Ventnor City Beach
Distance: 60 miles – 1 hour
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/BKyk6qtDouf2x7mv6
Ventnor City Beach is just between Atlantic City and Margate Beach. It’s a reasonably busy place and a nice choice if you want to have the Atlantic City skyline in the background as your scenery.
This place is actually one of the best family beaches near Cherry Hill, NJ. It’s quiet enough that you can keep an eye on your own children but there are people around and other kids around so they can interact and play with each other.
It’s also a clean beach with lifeguards and beautiful yellow sand. We loved hanging out here and relaxing. The atmosphere is great as you see the big high rises of Atlantic City in the distance.
The only downside of this place is the fact that there are no restaurants or bars nearby. There is a beach boardwalk but for some reason, it doesn’t have any place to eat. So if you want to grab a bite somewhere you’ll need to walk quite a bit or drive. We recommend bringing your own food.
Once again you’ll need to buy a beach tag but it’s not very expensive. If you plan to visit more than once then the season tag is usually around $15 which will get you through summer.
5. Atlantic City Beach
Distance: 60 miles – 1 hour
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/7SuvxYT3kcLrCQqBA
The “main attraction”. Atlantic City Beach is a great pick for people who love a busy place. It’s popular, it’s big, and it’s an excellent place.
But there are people. There are tons of people. Talking, relaxing, listening to music, and having fun. Come here if you want a busy experience and if you want to possibly meet new people.
The boardwalk is great. There are countless restaurants and bars where you can sit and enjoy some food or drinks. You’ll also find a nice pier in Atlantic City which has all kinds of attractions available.
Overall, Atlantic City has a very nice beach and if you don’t mind a busy place then you’ll definitely enjoy your visit.
6. Brigantine Beach
Distance: 65 miles – 1 hour 15 mins
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/bLMmWP7mMRdTYS4t7
Brigantine Beach is a scenic area that offers a serene environment and a wildlife management area nearby. It’s close to civilization yet it feels somewhat remote.
The feeling of remoteness is only enhanced by some vegetation and small dunes between the last row of houses and the actual beach. You wouldn’t tell there is a city on the other side of the dune.
The nice sand is inviting and it’s usually not crowded here. We loved this place as a laid-back and relaxing experience. Once again you’ll need a beach tag during summer but there is a lifeguard on duty.
It’s a nice beach to visit from Cherry Hill, but we must note one thing. The illusion of remoteness is not complete. If you look towards Atlantic City you’ll still see some of the high buildings, so don’t expect a full-on rural experience.
7. Holgate Beach Wilderness
Distance: 65 miles – 1 hour 30 mins
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/tXXSmuknN3SiqrMJ7
Did someone say remote beach? A scenic area? The Holgate Beach Wilderness just might be the one you are looking for. At more than 1 hour and 30 mins of driving it is far but if you want a beautiful environment then it’s definitely worth making the trip.
It’s surely a beautiful spot but as a beach, it’s not the best in the area. So only come here if you are looking for a kind of ‘wilderness’ beach. No amenities nearby. We recommend that you bring food and drinks if you visit.
There is ample parking and it’s almost never crowded here. Quite out-of-the-way for the everyday traveler.
8. Cape May Beach
Distance: 90 miles – 1 hour 30 mins
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/Rf2EMHV4XqFi5wtb8
Finally, we have Cape May Beach which is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. It’s a nice sandy beach that is looking out to the open ocean with only some vacation homes as scenery.
It is usually visited by families and the atmosphere is quite friendly. No heavy drinking or partying going on here. Definitely a relaxing atmosphere.
The beach is clean it has lifeguards and this part of the ocean is very pretty. We loved the visit with the main problem being the distance. At 1 hour and 30 minutes, it is far and there are some other great beaches near Cherry Hill that are just as great as this one.
Paid parking with limited spots. If you choose to visit come early in the day or you might be out of luck.
Conclusion
Whether you’re seeking a quick lakeside retreat or a full-fledged oceanfront experience, the beaches near Cherry Hill, NJ, offer a variety of options to suit every preference. From the family-friendly atmosphere of Ocean City Beach to the serene wilderness of Holgate Beach, there’s a spot for everyone.
Planning ahead can enhance your beach day experience. Consider the amenities each beach offers, the distance from Cherry Hill, and any seasonal requirements like beach tags. Remember to check local guidelines for parking, lifeguard hours, and any special events happening during your visit.
Embrace the opportunity to explore these nearby coastal gems and create lasting memories with friends and family.
About the Author
William Chase is the travel enthusiast behind GotYourPassport.com, where he shares practical guides and tips to help travelers explore with ease. A lifelong adventurer with a love for uncovering hidden gems and stress-free travel solutions, William believes that good planning makes every trip more enjoyable. His own experiences navigating Corfu’s diverse nightlife inspired him to write this post, so fellow travelers can enjoy the island’s vibrant evenings.
FAQs
Q: What is the best time to visit these beaches?
The summer months, from June to August, offer the warmest weather and full amenities. However, visiting during the spring or early fall can provide a more relaxed experience with fewer crowds.
Q: Are there any beaches near Cherry Hill that allow pets?
While some beaches may have pet-friendly policies, it’s essential to check each beach’s regulations before visiting. For example, Brigantine Beach is known for being more relaxed regarding pets.
Q: Do I need to purchase beach tags for all beaches?
Not all beaches require tags. For instance, Bellmawr Lake and Holgate Beach Wilderness do not require beach tags. However, Ocean City Beach, Margate Beach, and others may require them, especially during peak season.
Q: Are there facilities like restrooms and food vendors available?
Most oceanfront beaches like Ocean City Beach and Atlantic City Beach offer restrooms, showers, and food vendors. More secluded beaches like Holgate Beach Wilderness may have limited facilities, so it’s advisable to bring your own supplies.
Q: How far in advance should I plan my beach trip?
It’s recommended to plan at least a week ahead, especially during peak summer months, to ensure availability of parking and accommodations if needed.