New Jersey is home to some of the most amazing beaches on the East Coast, and while New York City is more known for its skyscrapers, it's got some pretty cool beach spots too. So if you're bumming around this summer and you're thinking of taking a road trip somewhere, why not consider these eight beaches in New York and New Jersey. 

1. Cape May
   Rebuilt following a massive fire in 1878, Cape May City is distinct from other New Jersey beach towns because it was reconstructed with colorful and interesting Victorian buildings – what's more, there are no big chain stores or restaurants to be found, according to CapeMay.com. It's technically an island, but it's also the southernmost tip of the Garden State. The fact that it's warded off corporate influence for well over a century has kept Cape May as beautiful and original as it always has been. If you're looking for an adventure on a summer day in New Jersey, take a quick trip to Cape May – spend the afternoon on the beach and hang around for a nice dinner on the water. 

2. "Spring Lake has NJ's longest non-commercial boardwalk."

   Spring Lake
   Sixty miles from downtown Manhattan, Spring Lake features the longest non-commercial boardwalk in New Jersey, according to SpringLakeBoro.org. The Travel Channel characterized the beaches of Spring Lake as some of the most refined in all of Jersey. While this seaside town is a popular spot in the summer with a budding tourist industry, there's only one hotel on the water – so you'd better book early if you plan on staying more than a day. The Breakers Hotel was built in the late 1800s, and while it's been renovated time and again to keep up with the Jones,' its exterior design maintains the hotel's classic charm. So if you fancy a relaxing afternoon on the beach and a quiet town to stroll through, Spring Lake is a good bet for you. 

3. Long Beach Island
   If you're looking for the tourist-y beach spot where you can find, well, everyone else, look no further than Long Beach Island. LBI, as it's referred to by locals, is rich in night life and has 8 miles of beaches, according to the Travel Channel. LBI is the home of the famous original Ron Jon Surf Shop, which was built there in 1961. Since then, it's provided a valuable service to LBI's large surfing community – there are 19 spots that allow surfing along the beaches, the Travel Channel reported. If you're looking for a great time on the beach, LBI is the place to go.
4. Ocean City
   This popular seaside town, which is actually an island, was recently voted the No. 1 beach in New Jersey by NJ.com readers poll. Ocean City was founded in 1879 and remains one of the most popular family hotspots in the country. Originally intended to be used as a Christian beach and camping retreat, the town remains dry to this day – no alcohol is available anywhere on the island to honor this tradition, according to Ocean City's visitor information website. With 14 guarded beaches open all summer and a 2.5-mile boardwalk packed with shops and eateries, Ocean City is the family destination in New Jersey.Boardwalks are a great attraction for beach goers – they are often lined with shops and restaurants, and some even have amusement piers.
5. Wildwood
   The Wildwood area in New Jersey has 5 miles of beaches for tourists and local beach bums alike to sprawl out. Wildwood is home to the 1950s and 1960s doo-wop movement -Chubby Checkers debuted the Twist at the famous Rainbow Club, according to the Travel Channel. Of course, it has a beautiful boardwalk, but it's also home to Morey's Piers – a three-pier amusement park that's the largest of its kind in the world, according to Visit NJ. With plenty for kids to do during the day and lots of nighttime entertainment for adults, Wildwood is a great place for a quick road trip.
6. Staten Island
   Staten Island has more beaches than any other New York City borough, which includes the Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk and Beach, according to NYC Go. The FDR Boardwalk stretches for 2.5 miles, and if you continue walking, lo and behold – you will find more beaches. Cedar Grove Beach is the newest addition to Staten Island's beaches, and it's only been open to the public for a few years. As such, it's not a very well-known spot, so if you're looking to take a nice day trip somewhere that isn't drawing a huge crowd, this might be the spot for you. 

7. "Rockaway Beach is home to NYC's only two surfing spots."

   Coney Island
   Its name and reputation might say it all, but this world-famous spot in Brooklyn is home to 3 miles of beach. Not to mention, Coney Island still has a healthy supply of new and classic amusement rides that give the Coney skyline its classic appearance. Check it out if you're looking for an interesting spot that has more than just a beach to draw you in. 

8. Rockaway Beach
   Whether or not you're a fan of The Ramones, you might have heard their song about this real-life beach in New York City. The legendary Queens beachfront is the largest urban beach in the U.S., according to NYC Go. It's also home to the only surfing beach in New York City, making it a stand-out attraction for serious beach-goers. There's plenty else to do in this area, with a cluster of shops and restaurants nearby and of course, a boardwalk.