Union Beach sits on the Raritan Bay in Monmouth County, NJ – close enough to New York City to reach in under an hour, far enough to feel like you’ve actually left. That combination is increasingly rare, and increasingly valuable.

What Makes Union Beach Different

Unlike the more developed Jersey Shore towns, Union Beach has maintained its unpretentious character. The beach is uncrowded, the pace is slower, and the community actually welcomes visitors rather than tolerating them.

  • Raritan Bay waterfront with bay swimming and kayaking
  • Direct NJ Transit train access from NYC (72 minutes from Penn Station)
  • Authentic seafood at waterfront restaurants
  • Sandy Hook and Gateway National Recreation Area nearby

Best Time to Visit

June through August gives you beach weather and full access to the waterfront parks. The shoulder seasons – May and September – offer calmer crowds and surprisingly warm water through mid-September.

Getting There

By train, take the North Jersey Coast Line from Penn Station. By car, take the Garden State Parkway to Exit 117. Both routes take roughly the same time from midtown Manhattan.