Wait. Let’s get one thing straight before you pack the cooler and head down Garden State Parkway Exit 30. If you’re looking for miles of crashing Atlantic surf and white sand dunes, you won't find it at Somers Point NJ beach. Seriously. You'll be disappointed if you expect the Wildwood Crest experience here.
Most people pull into town thinking they’ve hit the ocean. They haven't. Somers Point is tucked behind Ocean City, sitting right on the Great Egg Harbor Bay. It’s a bay town. That matters.
The "beach" here is officially William Morrow Beach, located right on Bay Avenue. It’s small. Like, really small. But honestly? That’s exactly why locals love it and why tourists usually blow right past it on their way to pay $10 for a beach tag in Ocean City. Here, the vibe is different. It’s calmer. There are no waves to knock your toddler over, and you aren't fighting ten thousand people for a square inch of sand to put your umbrella.
What You’re Actually Getting at William Morrow Beach
First off, it’s free. No tags. No badges. No teenager in a pinnie asking you for money at the entrance. That alone makes it a winner for a quick afternoon dip.
The water is salty but still. Because it’s the bay, the temperature is usually about five to ten degrees warmer than the actual ocean. If you’ve ever tried to jump into the Atlantic in early June, you know it feels like an ice bath. In Somers Point, it's actually swimmable by Memorial Day.
The sand is coarser than the oceanfront stuff. It’s got more shells. More pebbles. You’ll want flip-flops.
During the summer months, they actually have lifeguards on duty. It’s surprising for such a tiny spot, but they take safety seriously. There’s a playground right there too. You can sit in your beach chair and watch your kids slide while you keep an eye on the boats passing under the bridge. It’s a high-visibility, low-stress environment.
The Friday Night Magic
If you visit on a random Tuesday, it’s just a quiet patch of sand. But show up on a Friday in July? Everything changes.
The Somers Point Beach Concert Series is legendary. We’re talking decades of history here. People bring elaborate setups—folding tables with wine and cheese, serious beach chairs, even some battery-powered tiki torches. They set up on the sand and the grass nearby.
You’ll hear everything from New Orleans jazz to classic rock cover bands. The sound carries over the water. It’s easily one of the best free things to do in South Jersey. If you’re planning a trip, check the schedule on the city’s official site because these shows start around 7:00 PM and the "good" spots are gone by 5:30.
Parking and Logistics: The Real Headache
Okay, let's talk about the catch. Parking is a nightmare.
Bay Avenue is narrow. The houses are close together. There is a small lot near the beach, but unless you arrive at 9:00 AM, you aren't getting a spot there. You’ll end up circling the side streets.
Pro tip: Look toward the North end of Bay Avenue, near the restaurants. Sometimes you can find a spot near the old Gateway Theater and just walk down. It’s maybe three or four blocks. Not bad.
And don't even think about blocking a driveway. The Somers Point police are incredibly efficient at ticketing. They have to be—the locals would revolt otherwise.
What About Food?
This is where Somers Point absolutely destroys Ocean City.
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Ocean City is a "dry" town. No alcohol. No bars. Somers Point? It’s the opposite. You have the historic Gregory’s Restaurant & Bar right there. It’s been around since 1946. Their Taco Tuesday is a local religion, but their seafood is legit year-round.
Then there’s The Anchorage. It’s old-school. It’s dark inside. The wood is worn down. It’s perfect. If you want a burger and a beer after sitting in the sun, this is where you go.
If you want something fancy, you walk over to Crab Trap. It’s right on the water. You can watch the boats come in while you eat. It’s a bit pricier, but the view of the bridge at sunset makes it worth the extra $15 on your tab.
Why Somers Point NJ Beach Beats the Ocean (Sometimes)
The "big" beaches are exhausting. You have to carry a wagon full of gear for half a mile. You have to deal with seagulls that have the aggression of a MMA fighter.
At the Somers Point NJ beach, the walk from your car to the water is maybe 200 feet. The water is shallow for a long way out, which is a godsend for parents of toddlers. You don't have to worry about rip currents.
It’s also the gateway to the Great Egg Harbor Bay. If you’re into kayaking or Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP), this is your spot. Launching a board in the ocean surf is a workout. Launching here? It’s like stepping into a swimming pool. You can paddle over toward Drag Island or just cruise along the shoreline looking at the massive houses.
The Sunset Factor
The sun sets over the water here.
In Ocean City or Atlantic City, the sun sets behind the buildings. It’s fine, but you don't get that "fire on the water" look. In Somers Point, because you’re facing West/Southwest across the bay, the sky turns purple and orange every single night.
Photographers crawl all over this place at golden hour. If you’re trying to get that perfect Instagram shot without a thousand tourists in the background, the pier near the beach is where you need to be.
The Truth About the Water Quality
Look, it’s a bay. After a heavy rain, the runoff can be an issue.
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The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) monitors the water quality here through the "njbeaches.org" portal. Every now and then, especially after a massive thunderstorm, they might issue an advisory.
Does it happen often? No. But it’s worth checking if you’re planning to let the kids splash around all day. Usually, the tide flushes everything out pretty quickly through the Great Egg Harbor Inlet.
Misconceptions You Should Ignore
People say Somers Point is just a "waiting room" for Ocean City.
"Oh, it's just where you stay because the hotels are cheaper."
Total nonsense.
Somers Point has a soul that the dry, touristy islands lack. It’s a fishing town. A boat town. People actually live here year-round. When you go to the beach here, you’re hanging out with the people who keep the Jersey Shore running.
It’s not "fancy." It’s not polished. The restrooms are basic. The "boardwalk" is just a sidewalk along the water.
But it’s real.
Fishing and Crabbing
You can't talk about this beach without mentioning the pier.
The John F. Kennedy Park is just up the road, but the area right around the beach is prime for crabbing. You'll see people with chicken necks tied to strings all along the bulkheads. It’s a cheap way to spend four hours.
If you want to fish, you’re likely catching fluke, weakfish, or striped bass depending on the season. The current under the bridge is strong, so you need a decent weight to keep your bait on the bottom.
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Making the Most of Your Trip
If you’re coming from Philly or New York, don't make the Somers Point NJ beach your only destination for the day. Make it the anchor.
Start your morning with breakfast at Shore Diner. It’s a classic. Then head to the beach for a few hours while it’s quiet. Grab lunch at a local spot like Charlie’s (best wings in the county, hands down).
Spend the afternoon wandering through the shops on Bay Avenue. There’s a cool mix of antique spots and little boutiques.
Then, finish the night back at the beach for the sunset or a concert.
Things to Bring
- Water shoes: Seriously, the bay floor can be mucky or shell-heavy.
- Bug spray: When the wind dies down, the "greenheads" (biting flies) can be brutal.
- A sturdy umbrella: It gets windy on the bay.
- Small cooler: There aren't many concessions right on the sand.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
To ensure your trip to Somers Point doesn't end in a parking ticket or a sunburned disappointment, follow these specific steps:
- Check the Tide: The beach is much nicer at high tide. At low tide, the water retreats significantly, exposing more of the bay floor which isn't always pretty. Use a local tide chart for "Great Egg Harbor Inlet."
- Verify the Concert Schedule: If you want peace and quiet, avoid Friday nights. If you want a party, aim for them. Visit the Somers Point Beach Concert Series Facebook page for real-time updates on weather cancellations.
- Parking Strategy: If the main lot is full, head to the public lot near the Corner of New Jersey Ave and Bay Ave. It’s a short walk, but much easier than parallel parking on a tight residential street.
- Food Reservations: If you plan on hitting the Crab Trap or Gregory's after the beach on a weekend, call ahead or use an app. They get packed fast.
- Safety First: Check njbeaches.org the morning of your trip. It gives you the "all clear" for water safety so you can swim without worrying about bacteria levels after a storm.
Somers Point isn't the flashy, neon-soaked Jersey Shore you see on TV. It's the salty, laid-back version that actually lets you breathe. Go for the music, stay for the sunset, and enjoy the fact that you didn't have to pay for a beach tag.