Barnegat is a quiet coastal town offering easy access to paddling, fishing, hiking, and bird watching along Barnegat Bay. Its sandy beaches and state parks provide outdoor lovers a peaceful spot to explore nature year-round.
Barnegat is a quiet coastal town offering easy access to paddling, fishing, hiking, and bird watching along Barnegat Bay. Its sandy beaches and state parks provide outdoor lovers a peaceful spot to explore nature year-round.
Outdoor Adventure in Barnegat, New Jersey
Barnegat is a charming coastal town on the Jersey Shore known for its access to Barnegat Bay and surrounding natural areas. It’s a great destination for travelers who enjoy water-based adventures, light hiking, and coastal wildlife viewing.
Discover the unique natural wonders, summits, and scenic landmarks that make Barnegat, New Jersey special.
★ 7.5⌖ 7.35 milesExplore Island Beach State Park near Toms River, NJ. Ideal for beach activities, hiking, and birdwatching. Known for its untouched coastal landscapes, the park offers serene vistas and diverse wildlife. Best visited in spring and fall to avoid summer crowds.
★ 7.8⌖ 7.91 milesLong Beach Island, New Jersey offers broad sandy beaches and calm bays ideal for beachgoing, kiteboarding, kayaking, and birdwatching. Easily accessible by car, this family-friendly coastal island features scenic wildlife refuges and fishing spots, best visited from late spring through early fall.
★ 4.5⌖ 26.98 milesDiscover Atsion Recreation Area, located in Shamong, NJ. Enjoy kayaking and canoeing on calm Atsion Lake or hike the Pine Barrens trails. This family-friendly spot offers a peaceful escape with scenic views and picnic areas. Best visited in spring and fall.
★ 4.5⌖ 28.21 milesEasyOscar E. McClinton Waterfront Park in Atlantic City offers easy coastal walks, excellent fishing, and birdwatching opportunities. Located near the boardwalk, it provides a peaceful waterfront escape with urban convenience. Best visits are in spring and fall for cooler temps and migrating birds.
★ 7⌖ 28.53 milesEasyExplore Allaire State Park in Wall Township, NJ, offering easy hiking trails through wooded areas and river views combined with a preserved 19th-century historic village. Ideal for families, biking, and beginner paddling along the Manasquan River. Visit in spring or fall for best conditions.
★ 4.8⌖ 28.69 milesEasyAtlantic City Beach offers wide sandy shores and calm Atlantic waters perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and bird watching. Easily accessible by car, this family-friendly beach provides a natural coastal atmosphere with nearby city amenities. Best visited late spring through early fall.
★ 6.5⌖ 29.35 milesEasyManasquan Reservoir in Howell Township, NJ features an easy 5-mile trail around a freshwater lake. Ideal for hiking, fishing, bird watching, and biking, it offers peaceful wildlife viewing and scenic water views. Best visited spring through fall with family-friendly paths and wildlife spotting opportunities.
★ 4⌖ 29.72 milesEasyThe Atlantic City Boardwalk is a lively oceanfront promenade perfect for jogging, cycling, beach activities, and wildlife watching. Easily accessible by car, it offers stunning coastal views and a mix of urban energy and natural beauty, best enjoyed year-round with more crowds in summer.
★ 6.5⌖ 31.01 milesEasyExplore the easy and scenic Maclearie Trail in Belmar, NJ. This coastal path offers peaceful walking with water views, salt marsh habitats, and plenty of birdwatching opportunities. Best visited in spring and fall, it's ideal for beginners seeking a quiet nature escape near the Jersey Shore.
★ 6.5⌖ 31.44 milesEasyBelmar Beach in New Jersey offers an easy-access wide sandy shoreline ideal for swimming, surfing, biking, and nature walks. Open from spring to fall, it's family-friendly with lifeguards in summer and seasonal events, though it can get busy during peak months.
★ 5.5⌖ 31.87 milesEasyShark River Park in Wall Township, NJ, offers easy hiking trails and river access with opportunities for fishing, biking, and wildlife watching. Visitors enjoy peaceful river views, family-friendly terrain, and seasonal wildflowers along mostly flat, well-maintained paths.
★ 6.2⌖ 31.95 milesEasyBelmar's Natural Beach Area in New Jersey offers a peaceful beachcombing and tide pooling experience along a rocky shoreline. Easy access by car, ideal for photography and bird watching, this quiet coastal spot is best visited from late spring to early fall for tranquil ocean views and nature observation.
Discover the top adventure activities and curated experiences in Barnegat, New Jersey, verified by our editors to help you make the most of your trip.
Book unforgettable outdoor adventures, guided tours, and gear rentals with verified Local Experts in Barnegat, New Jersey.
⌖ 0.0 miA hands-on guide to Island Vista Marina’s Large Crabbing & Fishing Skiff rentals—room for up to five, with fuel, safety gear, and crab equipment included so you can get straight to fishing and crabbing.
⌖ 0.0 miHalf‑ and full‑day (4‑ or 8‑hour) pontoon rentals from Island Vista Marina set up for crabbing and fishing, with fuel, safety gear, and basic crab equipment included.
⌖ 0.0 miSpend eight hours aboard a roomy 24-foot pontoon from Island Vista Marina—set up for groups of up to 12 with all core gear and safety equipment provided.
⌖ 1.3 miA 4‑hour guided sunset sail that combines gentle seated yoga, guided meditation, singing bowls and aromatic pampering on Barnegat Bay — this guide explains what to expect and how to prepare.
⌖ 3.0 miA scenic 2.5-hour pontoon cruise around Viking Village and Barnegat Lighthouse that culminates at 40 North Oyster Farms for a chef’s oyster tasting and a private sunset happy hour—this guide explains what to expect and what to bring.
⌖ 4.4 miA four-hour sunset wellness sail departing from Lacey Township that pairs seated yoga, guided meditation, sound healing and journaling with a new- or full-moon ritual for up to six adult guests.
⌖ 5.7 miSeven-day rentals at 84th Street supply stand-up boards, kayaks, beach chairs, umbrellas and cornhole—this guide explains what’s included and how to plan a full week by the sea.
⌖ 5.9 miA 2.5-hour morning tour from Bayview Harbor Marina through the Sedge Island Marine Conservation Zone that combines coastal wildlife viewing with an introduction to sustainable bivalve aquaculture.
⌖ 5.9 miA three-hour outing that pairs a pontoon transfer from Bayview Harbor Marina with an in-depth guided kayak exploration of the Sedge Island Marine Conservation Zone; this guide lays out what to expect, who can go, and how to prepare.
⌖ 6.4 miA lively, two‑hour workshop where groups of moms create, scent and hand‑pour personalized candles to take home the same evening—useful for planning a festive night out or small celebration.
⌖ 7.0 miA custom-crafted mobile pub for private parties of up to 20—this guide explains what the rental includes and how to plan a three- to six-hour celebration aboard The Emerald Pub.
⌖ 7.0 miA 3.5-hour sunrise sail from Lacey Township that pairs seated yoga, guided meditation and singing bowls with a scalp, shoulder and hand pampering session for a morning of focused relaxation.
⌖ 7.1 miPrivate, one-on-one skimboarding instruction in Surf City (North LBI): one-hour sessions tailored to ages 5+ and all skill levels.
⌖ 7.3 miA four‑day, instructor‑led surf camp on Surf City beaches that teaches progression across three age levels while providing all gear and beachside instruction.
⌖ 7.4 miA short, guided evening cruise from Barnegat Light aboard well-kept center-console boats — this guide explains what to expect and how to make the most of golden hour on the bay.
Make the most of your visit to Barnegat, New Jersey with these essential planning tips, seasonal events, and protected lands.
Barnegat, New Jersey hosts celebrated events throughout the year showcasing the region's culture, outdoor lifestyle, and community spirit.
Experience the vibrancy and unique outdoor heritage of Barnegat, New Jersey during the iconic Barnegat Bay Festival. Plan accommodations and permits early.
Experience the vibrancy and unique outdoor heritage of Barnegat, New Jersey during the iconic Annual Fishing Tournaments. Plan accommodations and permits early.
Experience the vibrancy and unique outdoor heritage of Barnegat, New Jersey during the iconic Barnegat Seafood Festival. Plan accommodations and permits early.
Barnegat, New Jersey is surrounded by incredible protected natural lands offering pristine trails, wildlife habitats, and wilderness conservation.
Island Beach State Park in New Jersey offers pristine beaches, dunes, and maritime forests, providing a haven for outdoor explorers and nature lovers alike.
Wharton State Forest, located in New Jersey, offers a diverse array of recreational opportunities amidst its vast pine forests and historic sites.
Brandywine Creek State Park offers a rich tapestry of rolling meadows and rich forested areas, perfect for a wide range of outdoor activities including hiking and birdwatching.
Cape Henlopen State Park offers picturesque coastlines and diverse ecosystems perfect for outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure or relaxation.
Bring watercraft if you want to paddle Barnegat Bay; rentals are limited nearby.
Check tide schedules for best paddling and fishing conditions.
Summer months can be busy during weekends; arrive early for beach parking.
Winter activities are limited; focus on bird watching and hiking in off-season.
Bug spray is recommended in marshy areas, especially in spring and summer.
Always check local regulations, fire restrictions, trail conditions, and weather forecasts before setting out on any adventure in Barnegat, New Jersey. Respect nature, wildlife, and fellow adventurers by following Leave No Trace principles.