It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Spring Lake Clock gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Spring Lake, NJ is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“As we wind down our trip to New Jersey both Megan and I wish to”
“A special shoutout to our primary caregivers: Marie C. and Florette P.. They were outstanding!”
“Terrific company. Management is tops. Very caring staff. I highly recommend them.”
“Always Best Care Senior Services in Princeton Junction exceeded our expectations. Their team was kind,”
“Could not have asked for a more caring group of professionals. From care giver to”
“ABC COULD NOT HAVE DONE BETTER IN A CHANGING SITUATION WITH TWO TERMINALLY PATIENTS HAVING”
“Always best care took care of my father for about 10 years..Though my father was”
“ABC and their amazing care givers enabled our Aunt to get her last wish was”
“Mom developed an infection in the afternoon that left her too weak and disoriented to”
“Faithful, Love, and Family.”
“Very professional organization and sent the right aide, Sam, to help me with my father”
“I had a great experience with the agency, Always Best Care! I am attending college,”
“Roberto took care of my husband like he was a member of his family. He”
“The aide's were respectful, reliable and friendly and staff responds timely to calls and needs”
“Everyone was great. I’ve come a long way due to the help of your aides.”
“You have a GEM in Mrs. Terry. She is worth so much more than she”
“Very very helpful, I was desperate when I called and that same day I had”
“We had an exceptionally good experience with Always Best Care during my mother's illness. The”
“Thank you Jahima, Esther, Satta, Myra, Kelly & Susan. Carmen should be pleased. Keep up”
“Words cannot express how grateful my family and I am for the kindness, care, and”
“Gimbert & Carmen were very accommodating and knowledgeable with the needs of my father. They”
“You have been outstanding in caregiving and concern for us both. We cannot thank you”
“Gimbert and Carmen Fernandez are very knowledgeable in the area of elder care services and”
“My wife and I are eternally grateful to Always Best Care for the wonderful care”
“Your service was just what I needed. I would not hesitate to use your services”
“As we wind down our trip to New Jersey both Megan and I wish to thank you personally and Always Best Care for taking care of our needs! Your professionalism and support made our experience pleasant. After having experienced three different service providers in Maryland I can say your services are above par! And Ernesta is truly supportive of Megan’s needs. She is calm, compassionate and respectful. Also your on call service is very quick to react to our changing needs!”
“A special shoutout to our primary caregivers: Marie C. and Florette P.. They were outstanding! And extra thanks to Carli, who always came through when we needed backup. Many thanks to the ABC team for all the care you gave to my husband Al H. through 3 years of Parkinson's suffering, and the support you gave me through a hard time.”
“Terrific company. Management is tops. Very caring staff. I highly recommend them.”
“Always Best Care Senior Services in Princeton Junction exceeded our expectations. Their team was kind, attentive, and provided excellent care tailored to our family’s needs. Communication was clear and supportive throughout. We’re so grateful for their compassion and professionalism. Highly recommend them for anyone seeking trusted senior home care in the area!”
“Could not have asked for a more caring group of professionals. From care giver to support staff, they are exceptional”
“ABC COULD NOT HAVE DONE BETTER IN A CHANGING SITUATION WITH TWO TERMINALLY PATIENTS HAVING ALZ AND STAGE IV PANCREATIC CANCER. QUALITY OF CARE TAKER WAS SUPERB AND RESPONSIVENESS TO CHANGING NEEDS PERFECT.”
“Always best care took care of my father for about 10 years..Though my father was very lucid and managed his own care with the agency, I was at his house alot and participated in his care with the aids. They were all very caring and he kindly spoke of the owners being very attentive and offered very personalized care. They even visited him. I am very fond of many of the home health aids..they were loving and concerned. They took their job to another level. I even formed friendships with some of them. The golden years are a very delicate part of our lives. Always best care not only offered good physical care to my father, but unbounded love and compassion !!!! Thank you and he is looking down at us. I'm sure.”
“ABC and their amazing care givers enabled our Aunt to get her last wish was to die in her home. I can’t say enough about how ABC was able to give her a quality of life that she valued as well as provide comfort to her family knowing that she was in good hands with ABC's Caregivers. From the caregivers that always went the extra mile to the fast response we got 24x7 from folks like Carli…you were there for us!”
“Mom developed an infection in the afternoon that left her too weak and disoriented to care for herself for that night. I called Always Best Care Senior Services (ABC) at the very end of the business day, asking if they could find someone for one night of 12-hour private duty care on pretty much an emergency basis. The ABC team went to work and secured a caregiver for mom within a matter of hours for an 8pm-to-8am care shift at mom's senior living community. We had worked with ABC in the past on a scheduled basis, but this experience was above and beyond the call of regular duty and it truly helped us get through a difficult and stressful episode. We would recommend ABC for any and all of your senior care needs.”
“Faithful, Love, and Family.”
“Very professional organization and sent the right aide, Sam, to help me with my father in day to day activities. Sam helps him with gait training and understands dementia care and how to handle care, the way the client needs it. I would not hesitate using this agency and Sam is excellent.”
“I had a great experience with the agency, Always Best Care! I am attending college, and they always provided me an aide that is helpful, considerate, and hardworking. Thank you for always providing me with an aide like Ms. Colleta!!”
“Roberto took care of my husband like he was a member of his family. He was God sent; thank God for him”
“The aide's were respectful, reliable and friendly and staff responds timely to calls and needs”
“Everyone was great. I’ve come a long way due to the help of your aides. Thank you again!”
“You have a GEM in Mrs. Terry. She is worth so much more than she is paid! I miss her. Her help was timely, professional, and invaluable”
“Very very helpful, I was desperate when I called and that same day I had professional help. Tremendous your service”
“We had an exceptionally good experience with Always Best Care during my mother's illness. The management met with us and assigned caregivers almost immediately. As our needs evolved and increased, they were responsive and flexible. The caregivers were well-trained, kind, hard-working, and truly fine people whom we enjoyed having in the house.”
“Thank you Jahima, Esther, Satta, Myra, Kelly & Susan. Carmen should be pleased. Keep up the good work, and be safe!”
“Words cannot express how grateful my family and I am for the kindness, care, and concern that was shown for my husband by the Always Best Care staff. Thank you for the exceptional attention to his comfort, as well as the wonderful insights, strength, knowledge, and emotional support you showed our entire family. Watching someone you love make the transition out of this life is a really difficult thing, and your wisdom and comfort helped us navigate this challenging time. I will always be thankful for the service you provided for him. I would also like to acknowledge the excellent care provided to my husband by Ms. Marie Louisjean. We thank Ms. Louisjean for her incredible patience, tenderness, and attention to his needs. We thank her for being such a dedicated caregiver. God has given her a very special talent and He has blessed her with a compassionate heart. I could not have asked for a more passionate group of people. May God continue to bless the Always Best Care staff as you continue to care for people in need.”
“Gimbert & Carmen were very accommodating and knowledgeable with the needs of my father. They came out to his house and offered suggestions so that he would be able to get around with his walker easily. Their person took great care of my Dad. It is such a relief to my sister and I that we had someone stay with my Dad that was so reliable. I highly recommend them.”
“You have been outstanding in caregiving and concern for us both. We cannot thank you enough. Thanks for always being there for us in every way.”
“Gimbert and Carmen Fernandez are very knowledgeable in the area of elder care services and how best to provide workable care solutions for aging relatives. They are well informed on current issues and available options. I speak from my own experience here and strongly recommend then and their company to anyone in need of assistance in this area. They are compassionate and caring people which is critical in their business!”
“My wife and I are eternally grateful to Always Best Care for the wonderful care they provided for our Aunt and Uncle as they battled with diminishing health and mental conditions. Carmen and Gimbert were always available to us to answer questions and discuss aspects of care that was needed. Without their help the situations that we faced would have been so much worse. God Bless.”
“Your service was just what I needed. I would not hesitate to use your services in the future if needed. I would recommend you to anyone needing your help. Again, thank you for caring.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Divine Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Whispers or visit Divine Park, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
Request More Information
While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Spring Lake, NJ, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Spring Lake, NJ understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Spring Lake, NJ 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Sign In|Already have a subscription but never signed in before?...
Already have a subscription but never signed in before?Get started
Get unlimited access with a subscription
Choose your plan. Cancel anytime.
Digital
Monthly
$1 for the first month
Daily digital access on any desktop, tablet, or mobile device
Annual
$99 for the first year
Over 6 MONTHS FREE with an annual subscription
Digital + Print
Monday - Sunday
$1 for the first month
Print delivery + daily digital access & USA TODAY Crossword
Sunday
$1 for the first month
Includes access to the eNewspaper every day of the week
Did you know: Every plan comes with a digital subscription to share.
What's included
Digital plans
Digital + Print
Daily digital access
Android and IOS apps
Subscriber-exclusive content
Digital subscription to share
The eNewspaper — a digital replica of the print newspaper.
Print newspaper delivery
USA TODAY Digital Crossword
Group subscriptions
We have customizable plans for corporations, schools, libraries, government agencies and hotels.
Corporate programsEducation programs
No commitment required. Cancel anytime.
Offer available to new customers only. Read the full subscription terms.
Need help?
Call 1-800-822-9779 and give offer code W-N2 to subscribe.
Spielberg couldn’t have scripted it better.An 11-foot great white shark named “Dold” made a surprise cameo off a popular stretch of New Jersey’s beach coast Friday — the 50th anniversary of the premiere of “Jaws.”The 761-pound predator, which had been tagged by researchers at OCEARCH, sent a satellite “ping” in the early morning about 40 miles off Monmouth County, which boasts beaches such as Long Branch, Asbury Park and Spring Lake, the ...
Spielberg couldn’t have scripted it better.
An 11-foot great white shark named “Dold” made a surprise cameo off a popular stretch of New Jersey’s beach coast Friday — the 50th anniversary of the premiere of “Jaws.”
The 761-pound predator, which had been tagged by researchers at OCEARCH, sent a satellite “ping” in the early morning about 40 miles off Monmouth County, which boasts beaches such as Long Branch, Asbury Park and Spring Lake, the Asbury Park Press reported.
Dold’s appearance overlapped with the 50th anniversary of the Hollywood shark thriller “Jaws,” which was famously directed by Steven Spielberg and premiered on June 20, 1975.
The shark, who is named after SeaWorld conservationist Christopher Dold, was first tagged in February near the Florida-Georgia border after being briefly held on a research vessel, according to OCEARCH.
A satellite tag was placed on Dold’s dorsal fin, and an acoustic device was tucked inside his body to allow researchers to track his movements, according to the outlet.
Researchers described the shark about 25 years old — not quite an adult yet — and said he could grow up to 18 feet.
Since being tagged, Dold swam south to the gulf of Florida and curved back north in May to cruise along the East Coast as part of his seasonal migration, the nonprofit documented.
His dorsal “ping” occurs when his fin breaks the ocean surface long enough — or for about 90 seconds — for a satellite to capture it, researchers said.
The nonprofit has tagged more than 100 great white sharks in the past 15 years, the outlet said.
Dold’s weight is nothing compared to some sharks previously tagged by the organization, such as Contender, a 1,653-pound bruiser last seen near the East Coast’s Outer Banks, or Nukumi, a 3,541-pound female who hasn’t pinged since 2021.
Searching for hidden beaches on the Jersey Shore is a bit of an impossibility. But year after year of hitting the same sandy spots can leave you craving something new. If your family wants to steer clear of the busiest Jersey Shore beaches, we have a bunch of ideas for you.Here are 12 great hidden beaches on the Jersey Shore that are off-the-beaten-path but oh-so-fun to explore this summer and beyond. Just keep them between us, OK?Bookmark our ...
Searching for hidden beaches on the Jersey Shore is a bit of an impossibility. But year after year of hitting the same sandy spots can leave you craving something new. If your family wants to steer clear of the busiest Jersey Shore beaches, we have a bunch of ideas for you.
Here are 12 great hidden beaches on the Jersey Shore that are off-the-beaten-path but oh-so-fun to explore this summer and beyond. Just keep them between us, OK?
Bookmark our Jersey Shore Family Guide for more fun seaside picks all summer long, which includes our story on the Shore's best boardwalks.
Subscribe to our newsletters to get stories like this delivered directly to your inbox.
Just north of busy Belmar, Avon-by-the-Sea is a favorite among local families. This hidden beach has it all: soft, white sand, fewer crowds, lifeguards, and clean bathrooms. Free street parking is plentiful along Ocean Avenue, making this slice of paradise worth the drive. If you're hungry, grab a bite at the landmark Avon Pavilion. Located right on the beach, you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner while gazing out onto the Atlantic Ocean. The beach is cash-only, and daily wristbands are $13. Kids under 11 are FREE.
It’s not actually the end of the earth, but this hidden beach feels that way. This 1.5-mile stretch of Long Beach Island south of bustling Beach Haven is more peaceful and less crowded than other LBI hot spots. There’s plenty of parking—and restrooms—in the lot at the south end of Long Beach Boulevard. Lifeguards are on duty, and beach badges are required. A daily pass is $10. Feeling hungry? Grab a late breakfast or lunch at Bowker’s South Beach Grill, a family-friendly eatery just a short walk away.
Higbee Beach looks out over the Delaware Bay. Photo courtesy of Cape May Beaches
Escape the Cape May crowds at Higbee Beach, a secluded 1.5-mile stretch of hidden beach sand along Delaware Bay. Popular for bird watching, it's one of our favorite FREE Jersey Shore beaches, and dogs are welcome. Higbee is literally off-the-beaten-path—you have to drive down a dirt road to reach it, and there’s limited parking in a small gravel lot, then it's a bit of a hike through the woods and hilly dunes. A word of caution: The only bathroom on-site is a port-a-potty. Be sure to pack a picnic lunch since there are no restaurants nearby. There’s also no lifeguard on duty, but the bay waters are calm for little kids.
Sandwiched between Lavalette to the north and Seaside Heights to the south, this small square of Toms River beach offers a quiet respite for families who would rather chill than experience the thrill of other Jersey Shore beaches. The beach is easily accessible via FREE street parking, but if you don't arrive early in the morning, you may have to walk a few blocks to the hidden beach. There’s plenty of room on the sand to spread out. Kids 12 and under swim for FREE.
Named one of the least crowded Jersey Shore beaches by USA Today, Pearl Beach is located at the southernmost tip of New Jersey in Cape May. You won’t find a boardwalk or any concessions here, but there are plenty of butterflies, birds, dragonflies, and little-bitty crabs in the sand. Keep an eye out: You may even spot some dolphins. The wide, hidden beach gem offers lots of room to spread out your blankets, and there’s a lifeguard on duty for swimming. A beach pass is $10 per person for ages 12+, and there’s ample street parking available.
Follow the path through the dunes to Ocean Grove Beach. Photo courtesy of Ocean Grove Beach, NJ
Backed by a long boardwalk, the 2.5 miles of wide, flat beach and fewer crowds make this hidden beach in Monmouth County a welcome respite from the typical hustle and bustle of Jersey Shore beaches. Kids under 11 are FREE; daily passes for everyone else are $13 and must be purchased online. Plan your visit around fun beach events, including a sandcastle building contest, scavenger hunt, and movie nights. After surf and sun, the charming Ocean Grove downtown is only two short blocks from the boardwalk—convenient for a quick bite and shopping.
Sea Isle City offers families the best of both worlds. You get a small beach town feel with the excitement of the Jersey Shore right at your fingertips. Located between Ocean City and Wildwood, there's so much here to keep your family busy: miles of clean, pristine beach, strolling along the oceanfront promenade, FREE family nights with character visits, movie nights under the stars, and several local playgrounds. Food choices abound, and you can choose between pizza, hot dogs, tacos, healthy breakfast and lunch spots, ice cream, and more. The beach is FREE on Wednesdays and always FREE for kids under 12. Daily beach tags are $10 on weekdays and $15 weekends.
Monmouth County folks know how to keep a secret, and one of them is just how awesome Sea Girt beach is. This small, beautiful beach is a favorite among locals for quiet and quality family time. You can collect shells, walk in the water, soak up the sun, and build sandcastles. Insider tip: Enter the beach on the far west side of the boardwalk, away from the restrooms and snack area, for even more peace and quiet. Beach badges must be purchased online in advance and are $11. Kids 11 and under are FREE.
Think of Seaside Park as the calmer cousin to neighboring Seaside Heights. Located across Barnegat Bay from Toms River, the 2-mile stretch of public beach is ideal for little kids and offers all sorts of fun activities: movie nights on the beach, kids fishing tournaments, and kite nights. Kids 11 and under are FREE; daily badges are $13. Beyond the beach is a modest amusement area with five kiddie rides, a water-gun game, and a small arcade with skeeball and other interactive games. It’s just enough to entertain your kiddos for a few hours. Don’t miss the jumbo pizza slices at The Sawmill, a local landmark since 1977, and there’s a Playa Bowls here, too.
Adjacent to Higbee Beach in Cape May you'll find Sunset Beach, which, you guessed it, offers a breathtaking view of the sunset. This hidden beach is a favorite spot for families who want to park for FREE close to the beach. Little treasure hunters love digging for Cape May “diamonds” or sparkly quartz crystals in the sand. Take home your treasures or turn them into jewelry at one of the nearby gift shops. History buffs can see the remains of the S.S. Atlantus, one of 12 concrete ships built during World War I, sticking out of the Delaware Bay. Be sure to stick around for the daily flag ceremony at dusk. It’s been a tradition for more than 40 years, as the American Flag is lowered and “Taps” plays in the background.
Where else on the Shore can you find a low-key beach and boardwalk? Super clean and quiet, the 2-mile stretch of white sand gives kiddos lots of space for sandcastles and wave jumping. Food is not permitted on the beach, but you can leave a cooler on the boardwalk to grab snacks and drinks during the day. Or, hop over to the shopping district on 3rd Avenue for lunch or ice cream. Need a break from the sand? Take a relaxing stroll along the boardwalk without any neon, bells, or whistles (but if you need the bright lights of a big boardwalk, Asbury Park is just five minutes away). Beach passes are $12 and must be purchased in advance online for crowd control; kids 12 and under get on the beach for FREE.
Nestled between Ocean City and Sea Isle City, this super-small shorefront community (Population: 158) boasts a rare FREE beach with a lifeguard on duty, plus FREE street parking. Located at the northern tip of Ludlam Island, the 7-mile sliver of land occupies less than 1 mile. The blink-and-you’ll-miss-it charm makes it a relaxing alternative to its busier, buzzier neighbors. Behind the high dunes at the southern end of Strathmere is Whale Beach, which gets its name from the whales that periodically beach themselves there. No lifeguards patrol this area, so the crowds here are even thinner; however, parking is limited.
SPRING LAKE -- A few dozen borough residents are urging Spring Lake officials not to settle a lawsuit with Verizon that could allow the company to install 5G cellular poles along Ocean Avenue.More than 30 residents gathered at the municipal building on May 27, where they urged Mayor Jennifer Naughton to continue to fight Verizon's 5G poles plan. Last November, Naughton announced that ...
SPRING LAKE -- A few dozen borough residents are urging Spring Lake officials not to settle a lawsuit with Verizon that could allow the company to install 5G cellular poles along Ocean Avenue.
More than 30 residents gathered at the municipal building on May 27, where they urged Mayor Jennifer Naughton to continue to fight Verizon's 5G poles plan. Last November, Naughton announced that Verizon was suing the borough over the issue.
The lawsuit, filed last year on behalf of New York SMSA Limited, working for Verizon, alleges Spring Lake's Council, mayor and zoning officer created an "unreasonable delay and effective denial" of the project.
Verizon applied to the borough to build six small wireless facilities, as the company calls them, in order to provide greater cellular coverage to Spring Lake residents and summer visitors.
The mayor said that the litigation was ongoing.
"Please don't let them (Verizon attorneys) bully you into settling," Kelley Badishkanian, a member of the group called Spring Lake Against 5G Towers, said to Naughton during the May 27 meeting's public comment section.
Badishkanian said in a separate conversation with an Asbury Park Press reporter that if Verizon's plan moves forward, 5G towers would "be all over town" before long.
"This is a no-go," she said. "They (Verizon representatives) are trying to do this all over the coast."
The towers would be a maximum of 35 feet high, or up to 110% of the heights of the surrounding buildings; would be designed to accommodate at least three phone carriers; and would address the area's "serious wireless capacity problem," according to Verizon's application.
"Over the summer months, there is an exponential increase of visitors to the borough's beaches," the company wrote in its 11-page application. "That increased demand on Verizon Wireless' network far outstrips available capacity which, in turn, has inhibited the ability of residents and visitors to make and receive phone calls or text messages or use their devices to access the internet."
Attorneys for Verizon said cell phone service is essential for safety, emergencies and for being able to call 911.
A 2018 federal law gives preferential treatment to wireless broadband companies to expand their service infrastructure. The law also limits the degrees to which local governments can resist the construction of such small wireless facilities in public rights of way.
But critics of the 5G towers say the poles would be ugly, clash with the borough's historic character, and emit electromagnetic fields and radiation.
In other surrounding towns, "once one tower was approved, dozens more followed," said Spring Lake resident Laura DeMeo during the borough council meeting. "We must stand together and say no new towers in Spring Lake, not on Ocean Avenue, not on pavilions where kids and families spend their days, not anywhere."
Mayor Naughton told the crowd in the municipal building that the governing body also did not want to see 5G towers along Ocean Avenue.
"The borough's put an enormous amount of financial resources in finding the specialists and finding the attorneys to help us do this (resist the towers)," she said. "I think we have the right people."
Amanda Oglesby is an Ocean County native who covers education and the environment. She has worked for the Press for more than 17 years. Reach her at @OglesbyAPP, [email protected] or 732-557-5701.
609-455-2886
