Best Beaches Near Philadelphia
The Jersey Shore is just an hour away from Philly. Whether you want a quick day trip or a week-long vacation, these beaches are calling.
1 hr
Closest Beach
2
Free Beaches
10+
Beach Towns
🛣️
AC Expressway
🏆 Top Pick for Philly Day Trippers: Ocean City
Ocean City is the most popular shore destination for Philadelphia families, and for good reason. Its just one hour via the AC Expressway, features a classic 2.5-mile boardwalk, and as a dry town, its perfect for families. The beach is well-maintained and the boardwalk has rides, games, and food without the party atmosphere.
All Beaches by Distance from Philly
Ocean City
60 milesAmerica's Greatest Family Resort - dry town, 2.5 mile boardwalk
🚗 Drive Time
1 hr
🛣️ Route
AC Expressway to Route 52
Best For:
FREE beach, massive boardwalk, widest beaches on the shore
🚗 Drive Time
1.25 hrs
🛣️ Route
AC Expressway to Garden State Parkway South
Best For:
FREE beach, casinos, and 24/7 entertainment
🚗 Drive Time
1 hr
🛣️ Route
AC Expressway (direct)
Best For:
Margate
62 milesHome of Lucy the Elephant - upscale, quieter alternative to AC
🚗 Drive Time
1 hr
🛣️ Route
AC Expressway to Margate
Best For:
Sea Isle City
75 milesFree beach Wednesdays, lively bar scene, family-friendly
🚗 Drive Time
1.25 hrs
🛣️ Route
AC Expressway to Garden State Parkway to Route 625
Best For:
Avalon
78 milesUpscale "Cooler by a Mile" beach with pristine sand
🚗 Drive Time
1.25 hrs
🛣️ Route
AC Expressway to Garden State Parkway to Avalon
Best For:
Stone Harbor
80 milesBird sanctuary, upscale boutiques, quieter vibe
🚗 Drive Time
1.25 hrs
🛣️ Route
AC Expressway to Garden State Parkway to Stone Harbor
Best For:
Cape May
90 milesVictorian charm, historic B&Bs, southernmost point
🚗 Drive Time
1.5 hrs
🛣️ Route
AC Expressway to Garden State Parkway South (end)
Best For:
Long Beach Island
70 miles18-mile barrier island with diverse beach towns
🚗 Drive Time
1.5 hrs
🛣️ Route
AC Expressway to Route 72 East
Best For:
Brigantine
65 milesQuieter alternative to Atlantic City, natural beaches
🚗 Drive Time
1.25 hrs
🛣️ Route
AC Expressway through Atlantic City to Brigantine
Best For:
Driving Routes from Philadelphia
Atlantic City Expressway
The main artery to the shore from Philly. Toll road that takes you directly to Atlantic City in about an hour. Connect to Garden State Parkway for points north or south.
Destinations:
Atlantic City • Ocean City • Margate • Brigantine
Route 42 to AC Expressway
From South Philly, take I-76 to Route 42 South, then connect to AC Expressway. Slightly longer but can avoid some city traffic.
Destinations:
All shore points
Route 55 to Cape May
Alternative route from Philly area to Cape May County. Take I-295 to Route 55 South, then Route 47 to the shore.
Destinations:
Wildwood • Cape May • Sea Isle City
Route 72 to LBI
From AC Expressway, take Exit 44 to Route 72 East. The only bridge to Long Beach Island.
Destinations:
Beach Haven • Surf City • Ship Bottom
Philly Day Trip Tips
Beat the Traffic
- • Leave before 7am on weekends
- • Friday evenings are the worst - avoid if possible
- • Return Sunday evening after 6pm
- • Consider going mid-week for empty beaches
What to Bring
- • E-ZPass for tolls (AC Expressway + GSP)
- • Cash for beach badges and parking meters
- • Cooler with snacks and drinks
- • Chairs, umbrellas, and towels
Save Money
- • Wildwood and Atlantic City have FREE beaches
- • Sea Isle City is free on Wednesdays
- • Most beaches are free before 9am & after 5pm
- • Weekly badges save money for multi-day trips
Insider Tips
- • Wawa stops are along every route - grab hoagies
- • Gas is cheaper before the shore - fill up early
- • Avoid the GSP around exits 98-100 on weekends
- • Download the ParkMobile app for meters
Day Trip vs. Weekend Getaway
Day Trip (Best Options)
- ✓Ocean City - 1 hour, full day of activities
- ✓Atlantic City - 1 hour, free beach + boardwalk
- ✓Margate - 1 hour, see Lucy the Elephant
Weekend Getaway (Worth the Drive)
- ✓Cape May - Victorian B&Bs, dining, historic tours
- ✓Wildwood - Full boardwalk experience, free beach
- ✓Long Beach Island - Beach house rentals, island life
Plan Your Beach Day
Explore all Jersey Shore towns to find your perfect escape.