Beach day from Newark Liberty (EWR)? Grab your EWR car rental or Newark car hire and follow the Garden State Parkway south to sand, surf, and boardwalk bites — all within easy driving distance.
Quick route & planning
- Garden State Parkway (GSP) south connects EWR to the Shore. Use official tools to check traffic cameras and estimate tolls before you go; off‑peak departures save time and money.
- Fuel & snacks: Service areas along the Parkway sell fuel and coffee; bring a cooler for beach picnics and plenty of water.
- Parking: Towns use a mix of pay‑by‑plate street meters, municipal lots, and private lots near the boardwalk. Summer weekends fill fast — arrive early or target late‑afternoon sunsets.
Pick a beach, set a vibe
- Long Branch (north): Pier Village promenade, broad sand, umbrellas and chairs to rent in season. Easiest for a quick lunch‑and‑swim stop.
- Asbury Park (central): Classic boardwalk, murals, and family‑friendly sands. Buy seasonal or daily beach passes and review parking info before arrival.
- Point Pleasant Beach (central): Rides and arcades on the boardwalk; family‑friendly and lively in summer.
- Seaside Heights (barrier island): Big‑energy boardwalk with ocean views; allow extra time across bridges on summer weekends.
Tolls, timing & safety
- Tolls: Budget for Parkway tolls; E‑ZPass lanes move faster and may offer discounts. Keep a card handy if you’re paying at posted plazas.
- Timing: Sunday evenings get busy northbound; flip your itinerary (morning swim, early lunch, mid‑afternoon return) to beat traffic.
- Beach rules: Many towns restrict coolers, tents, or alcohol on the sand. Check the city website for lifeguard hours, rip‑current flags, and badge details.
EWR pick‑ups that get you on the road
From the terminals you can be on the Parkway in minutes. Choose Avis Newark, Budget Newark, or Alamo Newark car hire to match your budget and cargo needs. Hola Car Rentals keeps it simple:
- Cashback on tolls on select itineraries.
- Free Cancellation up to 48 hours before pick-up.
- All-Inclusive+ Rate with maximum coverage.
- No additional fees — save up to 60%.
FAQs
- How long is the drive? Without traffic, many central Shore towns are roughly an hour to ninety minutes from EWR. Holiday weekends can take longer — check cameras before you commit.
- Is beach parking free? Some towns offer free off‑season or weekday options; peak‑season prices vary. Review the town page for maps and rates.
- Can I pay tolls with cash? Many plazas are E‑ZPass preferred; keep a card handy or enroll before your trip.
- What should I pack? Sunscreen, hats, a light hoodie for ocean breezes, water, snacks, and a trash bag. Sand stays out of rentals when you pack an old towel for your feet.
Ready to beach‑hop? Book your Newark rental with Hola Car Rentals and make the most of your day.
One‑day Shore sampler
- Morning: Head for Long Branch for a promenade stroll and coffee.
- Late morning: Continue to Asbury Park for beach time and a boardwalk lunch.
- Afternoon: Swing to Point Pleasant for rides and arcade fun, then drive a quiet stretch to a sunset viewpoint.
Bring & remember
- Shade (compact umbrella), towels for feet, and a trash bag.
- Respect beach flags and lifeguard instructions — ocean conditions change quickly.
- If you plan late‑night returns, rotate drivers and pace your stops.
