Ocean City Crowned New Jersey’s Favorite Beach for 2025 in New Jersey Sea Grant Contest

For yet another year, the sun-drenched shores of Ocean City have claimed the coveted title of “New Jersey’s Favorite Beach” in the New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium’s annual contest. The New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium (NJSGC), a statewide non-profit dedicated to promoting the wise use of New Jersey’s marine and coastal resources through research, education, and outreach, has been organizing this popular contest since 2008. The contest, which garnered thousands of votes from the public, aims to inspire pride and stewardship for New Jersey’s beaches and is a reminder of the cherished role they play in the lives of residents and visitors alike.

Samantha Kreisel, Director of Communications for Sea Grant, highlighted the contest’s evolution. “Launched in 2008 as ‘New Jersey’s Top Ten Beaches,’ this survey was a way to foster friendly but healthy competition and camaraderie amongst the Jersey Shore towns,” Kreisel explained. “After Hurricane Sandy, we rebranded as the ‘Favorite Beaches’ to better reflect our diversity and unity of our coast. Today, more than ever, we feel that sense of support and shared pride among all of our shore communities.”

Mike Allegretto, an aide to the Mayor of Ocean City, expressed the town’s immense pride in retaining the title. “It’s always a great honor,” said Allegretto. “Sea Grant does a great job with the contest, and to be selected by the people who visit the town means a lot to Ocean City. We take great pride in being a clean, safe family resort.”

Here are the county and overall winners for New Jersey’s Favorite Beaches 2025:

Cape May County:

• Runner-up: Cape May
• Winner: Ocean City

Atlantic County:

• Runner-up: Brigantine
• Winner: Margate

Ocean County:

• Runner-up: Point Pleasant
• Winner: Beach Haven

Monmouth County:

• Runner-up: Spring Lake
• Winner: Asbury Park

Overall New Jersey Favorite Beach:

• Runner-up: Margate
• Winner: Ocean City