READ MORE: The 10 worst people you’ll meet at the Jersey Shore this summer
New Jersey has the best beaches in the world. We all know this. But it doesn’t matter how great a beach is if the people at the beaches don’t know how to act once they get there. Whether you call them bennies, shoobies or day-trippers, we’ve all had an otherwise beautiful day down the shore ruined by someone who clearly doesn’t have any manners in the saying.
We’re not saying you’re one of these people — you proud New Jerseyans, you! — but in case you have friends coming to the Jersey Shore for the first time, or if you just know someone who needs to brush up on their beach Jersey shore etiquette, we’ve got you covered.
A portion of the parking lot at Oval Beach on the shores of Lake Michigan in Saugatuck, Mich. on Wednesday, July 27, 2024.Joel Bissell | MLive.com
Learn how to park!
Look, nobody likes looking for parking at the beach. It’s arguably the worst part of any beach day. But what makes it worse is clowns who take up multiple parking spots. If you are lucky enough to find a parking spot, take time to make sure you’re in just one space. Have some decency, or don’t be surprised when you come back to a nasty note on your car!
Signs posted on the boardwalk in Seaside Heights, NJ. Smoking is prohibited on New Jersey beaches.Jim Lowney | For NJ Advance Media
No smoking
It used to be banned in some places, and now it’s illegal on all public beaches. When we’re enjoying the natural of beauty of the beach and the salty sea air, the last thing we want is to start choking on secondhand smoke. And even if you’re smoking away from people, don’t act like you’re picking up your cigarette butts.
“Today New Jersey is taking action to get the butts off the beach,” Gov. Phil Murphy said at the bill-signing ceremony in July of 2018. “This was a long time coming.”
Damn right.
Crowded beach scene in Asbury Park as New Jersey beachgoers celebrate Independence Day on a perfect beach day on Thursday, July 4, 2019. Andrew Mills | NJ Advance Media for NJ.comAndrew Mills | NJ Advance Media
Give people their space!
New Jersey has miles and miles of broad, beautiful beaches. So why did you feel the need to plop your chair down inches away from where I’m laying on my towel? This is awkward for me, you’re going to tell me it isn’t for you? Respect personal space, people, I’m begging you.
Ayla Ott gets buried in the sand at the unofficial start of summer in Asbury Park, N.J. May, 28, 2022 Ed Murray | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Exhibit sand awareness
There’s nothing better than feeling the sand between your toes, right? Well, there’s nothing worse than getting hit with sand when you least expect it. That means not kicking sand when you’re walking near other people, and shaking out your towel away from the crowd. It’s really not hard.
Wet Leg performs Sept. 18, 2022, during Sea.Hear.Now music festival in Asbury Park, New Jersey.Matt Smith | For NJ Advance Media
Keep your music down
We’re sure your musical taste is impeccable. I’ll take your word for it. Still, no one comes to the beach to hear it. You don’t necessarily need to use headphones, but at least keep it to a reasonable volume. Unless you’re playing some Bruce Springsteen, which is always allowed to be blasted in New Jersey.
A look at some of the trash scattered along the beach in Loch Arbour, New Jersey on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024.Patti Sapone | NJ Advance Media
Clean up after yourself
This was a rule when you were a kid, it’s a rule now that you’re an adult and it should apply to everyone everywhere — especially at the beach. The beach is beautiful and amazing when we maintain it, but can get gross really quickly if we don’t follow this rule. Leave the beach as you found it, and if you don’t be prepared to be called out.
A group of teens from Newton, N.J. playing Spike ball on the beach in Belmar on Monday, July 15, 2019. (Aristide Economopoulos | NJ Advance Media) Aristide Economopoulos | NJ Adva
Play games on the side
Nothing says summer like Wiffle Ball on the beach. Though at this point, you may be playing KanJam or Spikeball. Either way, have fun! Just don’t do it right next to where I’m sitting. I don’t care how good you think you are, you’re going to hit me with the ball or the frisbee or whatever you’re playing with. It’s going to happen. Move away from the crowds.
A sign warns visitors to stay off the remaining dunes in North Wildwood, NJ on Monday, May 8, 2023. Jim Lowney | For NJ Advance Media
Stay off the dunes
The dunes are a beautiful and essential part of the beach. Let’s keep it that way, yeah? They serve as a natural storm barrier and are home to plant life. Walking on the dunes kills the plants, kills the dunes and in a sense kills the beach. For real, stay off!
Lifeguard positions are anticipated at nine swimming areas across the state. While candidates must pass running and swim tests prior to employment, prior experience is not necessary. Paid training is provided and each lifeguard will receive a U.S. Lifesaving Association certification.NJDEP
Listen to the lifeguard
You may think you’re Michael Phelps. You’re not Michael Phelps. So when the lifeguard tells you to bring it in, or to stay out of the water, or to do literally anything, just do it. It’s safer for you and I’m sick of hearing the lifeguard blowing his whistle.
Kids play in the Absecon Inlet along the shoreline of Pepper Cove in Brigantine, N.J., Saturday, May 23, 2020. This Memorial Day weekend day began with thunderstorms and rain began to fall again in the late afternoon, but people were able to enjoy a few hours out in the sun.Lori M. Nichols | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Keep an eye on your kids
How great was going to the beach as a kid? It’s like a giant sandbox! With a pool! It’s the best. You know what’s the worst, though? When kids ruin your day at the beach. They run all over the place, kicking sand and breaking many of the rules on this list. I’m not blaming the kids, I’m blaming the parents. Do your jobs, folks. They may ruin your day at the beach, but you better not let them ruin mine.
A couple walks hand in hand on the beach together during sunset.
Keep PDA to a minimum
Look, the beach can be romantic. And going to the beach with your significant other is great. If you want to steal a kiss and hold hands or whatever, knock yourself out. But no one wants to find themselves next to that couple in the water that’s gratuitously making out or worse. Don’t make it awkward.
Posted signs, like this one, warn those who may accidentally stumble upon Gunnison Beach in Sandy Hook, New Jersey.
Dress appropriately
Wanna go to a nude beach? Go to a nude beach! We have them! Seriously, Gunnison Beach on Sandy Hook. But uh, unless you’re there, keep your clothes on. Ain’t nobody wanna see you in your birthday suit, and keep yourself decent. Please.
Experts say sunscreen is a must. Pictured here are attendees who visited the Hawaiian Tropic® Sun Care Skin Styling Station at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim to check out new Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration lotion sunscreen on Saturday, July 21, 2012 in Miami Beach, FL. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Invision for Hawaiian Tropic)Invision for Hawaiian Tropic
Wear sunscreen
You’re just going to look ridiculous when you’re as red as a lobster, and I don’t want to hear you whining about your burns. Sunscreen should be applied a half-hour before you trek onto the beach for the full effect, and make sure to reapply!
People enjoy the ocean side in Sandy Hook located in Middletown. Sandy Hook is a thin peninsula between the bay and the Atlantic Ocean is part of Gateway National Recreation Area. Sandy Hook contains over seven miles of beaches, a maritime forest, and Historic Fort Hancock, offering visitors hours of fun activities. Tuesday, July, 2, 2024 Tuesday, July 2, 2024. Patti Sapone | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Secure your stuff
The beach gets windy! So if you’re smart enough to bring an umbrella, also be sure to make sure it’s really stuck in the ground. No one wants to be the person chasing a runaway umbrella down the beach. And uh, you may get impaled.
Don’t feed the seagulls!
I bet you’re excited to eat your lunch at the beach. You know who else is? The birds. Seagulls will swoop in and devour any food you leave out and pester everyone in the vicinity. Trust me, a seagull once stole a sandwich right out of my hands. These homies aren’t playing around.
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Jeremy Schneider may be reached at jschneider@njadvancemedia.com and followed on Twitter at @J_Schneider and on Instagram at @JeremyIsHungryAgain.