Island Beach State Park, Seaside Park

ISLAND BEACH ESPECIALLY FROM BEACH AREA 7 -12 DOES NOT RESEMBLE THE STEREOTYPICAL JERSEY SHORE ( BELMAR , POINT PLEASANT , LONG BRANCH ). I LIKE THE LAID BACK NOT OVERLY CROWDED BEACH WENT ON WEEKEND SAT WAS GREATCOMBINATION OFGREAT WATER TEMPS AND 85 DEGREES WITH A BREEZE MADE THIS DAY A 10

The jellyfish like creatures in the water and on the beach are Salps. They do not sting and are harmless. When the ocean has an algae buildup (this summer has been exceptionally bad), the Salps come and eat the algae. They clean the water for us. They are attracted to carbon and actually are eating up the Carbon Dioxide that is in the water that algae thrive on. Don't let them scare you, seeing them is a good thing!

We love Island Beach State Park. The more natural setting driving to the bathing area is beautiful and very soothing. Then, of course, you have the crowded beach, but usually not as crowded as other parts of the Shore. Yesterday (6/27/11), the water temperature and weather were perfect. The surf was a bit rough, but manageable. I hope someone can share with the board what was in the water. The water was full of jellyfish-like particles. They were very small (size of dime) but clearly a jelly-fish like material. A friend thought they were jellyfish eggs. No stinging, only slightly annoying.

My family and I have been going to Island Beach State Park for many enjoyable years. The flies will bother you, BUT ONLY if there is a wind blowing from the west! Just remember to bring insect repellent. But this is just a small inconvenience considering it is one of the most beautiful and popular beaches ever. Like to fish and have a 4x4 vehicle? Get a 3 day fishing permit and drive right onto the beach to fish. No 4x4, try 2 Bit Road just to the left of the entrance and plenty of other walk on places too. Enjoy!

THIS IS WITHOUT A DOUBT THE WORST BEACH ON THE PLANET... FRIENDS OF OURS RECOMMENDED IT, SOWE WENT. WE HAD JUST PARKED THE CAR, WHEN THE ASSAULT BEGAN!!!!! FOR 8 HOURS, WE WERE CONSTANTLY BITTEN AGRESSIVE FLIES!!! IT WAS DISGUSTING.... SINCE WE WENT WITH OTHER PEOPLE WE WERE TRAPPED THERE ALL DAY. I SAT IN MY BEACH CHAIR WITH A TOWEL WRAPPED AROUND ME THE WHOLE DAY! THEY EVEN BITE PEOPLE WHO WERE IN THE WATER!!!! THE AWFUL SMELL, THERE WAS GARBAGE EVERYWHERE, THE BEACH CROWD WAS ROWDY AND THE BATHROOMS WERE ABSOLUTELY FILTHY!!! . " DO NOT " EVER, EVER, EVER GO HERE. GO TO SPRING LAKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

One of my favorite places in NJ, just a neat way to spend the day. I'm not a beach goer, but I love visiting the trails, dunes, and all that it has to offer as a natural barrier island. Just a beautiful place, without commercialism, particularly off season.

what is happening to the atlantic ocean off the jersey shore? Yesterday, at Island Beach State Park Park, the stench from the water was palpable on our towels and clothes and my dog's fur was coated with jellyfish particles that were next to impossible to remove without cutting. The dried wash from a previous tide could be lifted from the sand like plastic. Why is this happening and why isn't anyone in government doing anything about it!

This beach is so clean and it is a wildlife conservation state park. One of the most beautiful beaches in the state it boasts of intertwining trails, tons of different species of birds and a great swim beach. Snack shack, showers and restrooms. Also chair and umbrella rentals. The usually have the sea life tank for your enjoyment with park workers to do demos. We go every Friday. We always buy the NJ State Park permit for $50 allowing you to get into all NJ State parks for free.

If you love nature, this is where you should be. We love the fact that there is a special beach area that's dog friendly. Overall, the rules are simple and easy to follow. One important thing to do before you get there it's make sure to take enough food, it could be annoying to take a car ride to the nearest food stand.

We've been to Island Beach about 5 times this summer. The grandkids absolutely love it. Clean, Clean, Clean plus you're able to take showers at the end of the day. The natural beauty is awesome. The flies can be a problem at certain times so bring plenty of repellant just in case.