Island Heights Beach
Island Heights, NJ
Island Heights keeps a small, unassuming beach along Barnegat Bay near where the Toms River empties into it, overshadowed by the historic Wanamaker Field a short walk away. It's a modest spot, more a place for a quick dip than a full beach day, in a Victorian era town that's more about wandering its streets than its shoreline.
There's genuine small town charm in this Victorian community, but the beach itself is an afterthought compared to what's a short drive away on the barrier island.
How we score beachesPair a beach stop here with a walk past the Wanamaker Field historic buildings. The beach alone is a short visit, but the town around it rewards a slower look.
Limited street parking serves the beach area, rarely an issue given how few visitors make this beach itself the destination.
A short, flat walk from street parking leads to the bay, with no boardwalk or formal beach infrastructure.
Leashed dogs are allowed on the beach from October through mid April.
Bay water warms into the mid to upper 70s by August, calm and gentle given the sheltered location near the river mouth.
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