By MADDY VITALE
Cape May County may be at the bottom of the state geographically, but three of its communities topped a statewide poll for their wide, sandy beaches, family-friendly atmosphere and sheer beauty.
While there is always a bit of a friendly rivalry between the neighboring towns of Ocean City and Sea Isle City, a USA Today Top 10 New Jersey Beaches poll revealed Wednesday that visitors and residents alike love the beaches in both resorts.
Although Wildwood took the top prize for its beaches in the poll, Ocean City followed at No. 2 and Sea Isle ranked No. 3. The other New Jersey towns ranking four through 10 were Atlantic City, Cape May, Long Beach Island, Avalon, Island Beach State Park, Brigantine and Asbury Park, respectively.
“New Jersey offers beachgoers 130 miles of coastline dotted with beaches, barrier islands, lighthouses, and scenic views. Hundreds of thousands of visitors come to the white sand beaches of the Jersey Shore each year, and it’s easy to see why,” the poll said in its description to USA Today readers.
The statewide poll allowed voters to vote as much as one time a day until voting ended on Wednesday and winners were announced.
Officials from Ocean City and Sea Isle gave some of the reasons why their beaches are star attractions for the countless visitors to the shore year after year.
“Ocean City is honored to be named one of the Best Beaches in the Northeast by USA Today’s 10 Best,” said Michele Gillian, executive director of the Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce. “With generations making memories here, it’s a proud tradition to visit or call Ocean City, N.J., home.”
Ocean City boasts eight miles of beaches, a 2.5-mile Boardwalk and an array of amusement rides and other attractions.
In the town description in the poll, it said, in part, “Ocean City is a beloved, family-friendly coastal hub that attracts multi-generational visitors year after year. Adjacent to its legendary boardwalk with carnival rides and entertainment, the beaches stretch for miles.”
While Ocean City took the second spot, Sea Isle, which has 4.5 miles of beaches and an oceanfront Promenade, was No. 3.
Sea Isle City Public Information Officer Katherine Custer said of the honor, “Naturally, we are honored to be considered the third top beach in the state — even though many of us here in Sea Isle City feel we have the best beaches in the nation.”
She added, “We are grateful that Sea Isle is so highly ranked, because it’s terrific when others recognize what a wonderful community we have.”
Sea Isle’s beaches are becoming even wider thanks to a replenishment project that is adding nearly 1 million cubic yards of fresh sand to the shoreline. The project is expected to wrap up in mid-June.
The USA Today poll said in a portion of its description of the town, “Sea Isle City’s delightful, family-friendly beach scene attracts enthusiastic beachgoers of all ages. From swimming in the ocean waves and sunbathing on its wide, soft, sandy shores, to fishing off the pier, these beaches are delightful for oceanside fun.”
To view the poll results, visit https://10best.usatoday.com/. For more information about Ocean City, click oceancityvacation.com. And for information about Sea Isle City, go to https://visitsicnj.com/
