Brigantine
About
Brigantine Beach offers a refreshing alternative to the bustling Atlantic City boardwalk, with calm, kid-friendly waters and significantly fewer crowds. The pristine sandy shores are perfect for building sandcastles, while dedicated lifeguards and nearby playground facilities make this an ideal spot for families with younger children who need safe, supervised beach time.
Highlights
- ✓Calm, shallow waters perfect for beginning swimmers and anxious parents
- ✓Clean, pristine sand ideal for sandcastle building and beach play
- ✓On-duty lifeguards throughout the summer season
- ✓Adjacent playground for non-beach playtime
- ✓Significantly less crowded than nearby Atlantic City beaches
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive early (before 10am) during summer weekends to snag free street parking close to the beach and beat the heat
- 2.Bring a beach tent or umbrella as natural shade is limited, especially important for babies and toddlers
- 3.The playground near the beach entrance is perfect for a mid-beach break when kids need a change of pace from sand and surf
- 4.Pack your own snacks and drinks as food options directly on the beach are limited compared to Atlantic City proper
- 5.Low tide reveals tidal pools perfect for young kids to explore crabs and small fish safely
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings from June through August offer the best experience, with calm waters, attentive lifeguards on duty, and fewer crowds. September brings warm water temperatures with even quieter beaches, ideal for families seeking maximum relaxation.
What to Know
Seasonal beach tags are required for beachgoers ages 12 and up (children under 12 are free). Free street parking is available throughout the residential area, though it fills quickly on summer weekends. Limited food vendors mean bringing your own picnic is recommended.
Seasonal Notes
Lifeguards are on duty daily from mid-June through Labor Day. Beach tags are only required during the guarded season (typically late May through early September). Spring and fall offer beautiful beach walks and shell collecting, though swimming isn't supervised.
Nearby Eats
Head to The Laguna Grill & Rum Bar for casual family dining with a kids menu and outdoor seating, or grab pizza and subs at Marinas Pizza & Grill, both local favorites just minutes from the beach.
More Activities Near Atlantic City
Boardwalk
Atlantic City's iconic Boardwalk stretches three miles along the Atlantic Ocean, delivering the quintessential seaside experience families have loved for generations. From classic amusement rides and arcade games to saltwater taffy shops and wide sandy beaches, it's a nostalgic playground where kids can experience the magic of old-school boardwalk fun while parents soak in ocean views and create lasting memories.
Pinelands Adventures
Pinelands Adventures offers an authentic farm experience just outside Atlantic City where kids can pick their own fresh produce, meet friendly farm animals in the petting zoo, and enjoy classic hayrides through the scenic New Jersey Pinelands. With highly-rated nature programs and hands-on agricultural activities, it's the perfect escape for families wanting to teach children where their food comes from while enjoying quality outdoor time together.
Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge
Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge offers families an unforgettable introduction to coastal ecosystems with its easy eight-mile Wildlife Drive where even young children can spot herons, egrets, ospreys, and possibly bald eagles from the comfort of your car. The refuge features kid-friendly walking trails and observation platforms that make wildlife viewing accessible for all ages, turning a nature drive into an exciting animal scavenger hunt that keeps children engaged throughout the visit.
Historic Smithville
Historic Smithville offers families a charming step back in time with its beautifully preserved 18th-century village atmosphere. Kids can explore authentic colonial buildings, watch craftspeople at work, feed ducks by the scenic lake, and browse unique specialty shops while parents enjoy the peaceful, walkable setting and diverse dining options.