Island Beach State Park Views
Island Beach State Park in Ocean County, New Jersey, is getting attention for having the best ocean views in the state. The park features extensive white-sand beaches and dramatic cliffs, offering a less-crowded, natural setting for beach walks and photography.
Stretching for 10 miles, Island Beach State Park is one of New Jersey's last significant remnants of the barrier island ecosystem that once lined much of the coast. Its over 3,000 acres of coastal dunes have remained largely untouched since Henry Hudson first sailed by in 1609. The park is a rare example of a largely undeveloped barrier beach on the north Atlantic coast, showcasing a diverse landscape of primary dunes, thickets, freshwater wetlands, maritime forests, and tidal marshes. This varied habitat supports over 400 species of plants, including the largest expanses of beach heather in the state. This natural sanctuary is a critical stopover for migrating birds on the Atlantic Flyway and is home to the state's largest osprey colony. Birdwatchers can also spot peregrine falcons, wading birds, shorebirds, and various waterfowl throughout the year. Historically, the land was purchased by steel magnate Henry C. Phipps in 1926 with plans for an exclusive resort. The Great Depression halted these plans, and the State of New Jersey purchased the property in 1953, officially opening it as a state park in 1959. While the park is a haven for nature, it also has a history of human activity. During World War II, the area was utilized by the U.S. Army for anti-aircraft rocketry experiments. Today, a handful of historic fishermen's shacks from over a century ago still stand within the park's boundaries. The park is divided into distinct zones, including the Island Beach Northern Natural Area and the larger Southern Natural Area, which together represent one of the few remaining undeveloped barrier beaches in the northeastern United States. It also includes the Sedge Islands Marine Conservation Zone, a protected area of tidal marshes and open water. Visitors can engage in a variety of recreational activities, from swimming and surfing in designated areas to surf fishing for striped bass and bluefish. For those wanting to explore the diverse ecosystems, the park offers eight trails, each under one mile, that lead to different parts of the beach and bay.
