Sea Bright is a Monmouth County borough known for its pristine beaches, rolling dunes, and stunning coastal vistas. Located on a narrow strip of land between the Atlantic Ocean and Shrewsbury River, Sea Bright is only a short drive away from communities like Rumson, Fair Haven, and Little Silver. This makes it a local favorite for swimming, sunbathing, and fun family days on the beach.
If you live in Monmouth County – or are planning to move here – joining a beach club in Sea Bright is one of the best ways to elevate your beach experience and be part of an active community. Not only can it give you access to exclusive amenities, but it can also give you numerous opportunities to connect with like-minded people and families.
Each beach club has its own unique offerings and benefits, so it’s important to consider factors such as location, facilities, and general atmosphere before deciding which to join. To help you get started, here’s our guide to Sea Bright’s beach clubs:
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THE TOP 3 BEST BEACH CLUBS IN SEA BRIGHT, NJ
CHAPEL BEACH CLUB
This hidden gem is where summer memories are made and treasured. Located along Ocean Avenue, Chapel Beach Club is home to a stunning beachfront lined with private cabanas. Perfect for families, the bathing pool and a state-of-the-art kiddie pool allow kids to safely cool off and enjoy their time in the water. There’s no need to prep and pack a huge picnic basket – you can order snacks and sandwiches at Side Dish At Chapel, or join other members at the club’s weekly pre-fix dinners.
DRIFTWOOD CABANA CLUB
Owned and operated by the Stavola Family, Driftwood Cabana Club has been serving generations of Monmouth County families since 1957. With several cabana options, members can enjoy spacious private cabanas with panoramic ocean views or cozy and convenient ones right along the shore. As a member, there are numerous fun things to do: you can enroll in swim lessons, hang out by the club’s Olympic-size pool, or have a drink or two at the Tiki Bar.
EDGEWATER BEACH AND CABANA CLUB
Being a member of the Edgewater Beach and Cabana Club grants you access to an unparalleled beach experience. Since its establishment in the late 1950s, Edgewater has been providing members and their families with top-notch ocean and poolside services. Here you can stay in your own gorgeous private cabana, indulge in a variety of made-to-order salads, sandwiches, and burgers at The Edgewater Café, or join one of their many member-exclusive parties and annual events.
UNDERSTANDING SEA BRIGHT’S BEACH CLUB CULTURE
From prime beachfront access to exquisite dining options, there are many reasons why whole communities form around these local institutions. Here are some of them:
- ACCESS TO EXCLUSIVE AMENITIES
As a beach club member, you can enjoy the convenience and tranquility of a private beach. This means that you won’t have to contend with large crowds or worry about the lack of facilities, which you might encounter at public beaches. And if you or your young ones are not yet ready for ocean swimming, beach clubs have pools of varying sizes and for different skill levels, as well as jacuzzis.
- UTMOST COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE
Most Sea Bright beach clubs will go the extra mile to make your beach visit the best it can be. Expect amenities like beach chairs, umbrella rentals, clean restrooms and showers, beachside food and drink services, and designated parking areas to be the bare minimum. Depending on the beach club and the type of membership you have, you can even have your own private beachside or poolside cabana.
- A WIDE RANGE OF RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES
Whether you’re looking for some well-deserved R&R or more active pursuits, a Sea Bright beach club has an array of recreational facilities that cater to various interests. Some offer a beachside tiki bar and jacuzzis, while others have Olympic-sized swimming pools and volleyball courts. Most have both, so whatever you feel like doing on the beach that day, you won’t be short on options.
- FAMILY-FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT
Beach clubs in Sea Bright are known for their family-friendly environments and age-inclusive programs and facilities. There are dedicated pools and playgrounds for children, as well as seasonal programs, events, and classes. Being a member can also give your children exclusive access to swim lessons and day camps.
- COMMUNITY EVENTS AND NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES
A beach club is more than just a place where you can access amenities – it is also a vibrant community hub. Here you can connect with other professionals, meet new people, and even form lifelong friendships through the club’s many social events and parties. Moreover, some beach club memberships are invitation-only, ensuring that future members are screened and vetted by people you trust.
- EXCELLENT DINING OPTIONS
If you enjoy oceanfront dining, you’ll be glad to know that beach clubs have adjoining restaurants, tiki bars, and snack bars. From casual beachside cafes to upscale restaurants, beach clubs offer a variety of dining options that can allow you to indulge in delicious meals or enjoy a refreshing drink while taking in all the splendor of the coast.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT AS A BEACH CLUB MEMBER
CABANA PERKS AND AMENITIES
Cabanas serve as mini-summer homes, providing a refreshing place to rest after a morning of swimming and surfing, as well as a convenient place to store your belongings.
Each beach club – and each membership type – offer different cabana options. At Driftwood Beach Club, for example, cabanas are categorized based on size and location within the club. Large cabanas are perfect for big gatherings since they can accommodate up to four families, as well as spacious interiors, a wet bar, and a deck with ocean views. Beach cabanas can accommodate up to two families and have their own showers and picnic tables, making them a great option if you plan on spending most of your time at the beach itself.
Edgewater, on the other hand, focuses more on providing a luxury experience. While not located directly on the beach itself, its cabanas offer breathtaking panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. Expect granite countertops, cabinets, a kitchen sink, a full-size refrigerator and freezer, and a complete private restroom with showers. Some can feature a private deck and picnic area.
SPORTS FACILITIES
Being a beach club member gives you access to the club’s numerous sports facilities and programs, where you can hone your skills or simply enjoy a round of tennis with your friends.
Driftwood Cabana Club has some of the best sports facilities in the area. A 150-foot-long swimming pool serves as the club’s centerpiece, meticulously maintained and attended by certified lifeguards. Beside it is the Spray Park, a 2,200 water park with a boat-themed slide, in-ground geysers, and a zero-depth wading pool where your kids can splash and play around while you enjoy a nice cool drink on a lounge chair.
Driftwood has a professional-class sports facility exclusively available to members and their guests. Shielded from coastal winds, you can practice your skills or play a game at the facility’s newly resurfaced tennis court or at its full-sized outdoor basketball court.
KID-FRIENDLY PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES
Sea Bright beach clubs prioritize creating a family-centered environment, and part of that is providing a range of programs and activities to children of all ages.
For example, Chapel Beach Club goes beyond simply creating designated kids’ play areas and pools – they also offer a comprehensive swim program to their members. Designed by qualified instructors, this personalized swim program can accommodate swimmers of all levels in a group or individual setting. Advanced swimmers (aged 5 to 17) can join the club’s own Swim Team, where they can further develop their skills and learn values like teamwork, competitiveness, and self-discipline.
Driftwood Cabana Club also offers swim lessons as well as its own “Kids’ Club.” Here kids can enjoy daily staff-led activities like arts and crafts, sandcastle building, beach baseball, volleyball, basketball, and swimming races. During the summer season, they even hold special events like Wacky Water Day, Talent Show, and the Sandcastle Contest.
TOP FOOD AND DINING
Nothing beats dining by the oceanfront, and Sea Bright’s beach clubs have it down to an art. Members of the Edgewater Beach Club, for example, have Edgewater Cafe providing them with made-to-order salads, sandwiches, burgers, and lighter options throughout the week.
You can enjoy your favorite island beverage at their beachside Tiki Bar, or have the club’s cocktail service deliver your food and beverages right to your lounge chair. Edgewater’s exclusive Members Only Restaurant, run by Executive Chef Jason Murray, opens during weekends. The menu is curated weekly by club members themselves, with a focus on fresh seafood and enticing nightly specials.
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND EXCLUSIVE EVENTS
Sea Bright beach clubs are well-known for their vibrant social scenes, and members can enjoy a wide range of annual events, formal gatherings, live music performances, and themed parties throughout the year.
At Edgewater Beach Club, members can look forward to live music at the Tiki Bar every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, with performances from headline bands like Brian Kirk & the Jirks, The Sheepherders, The Cliffs, and Daddy Pop. Summer events are also unforgettable, especially when party themes range from lively luaus with Hawaiian dancers and flamethrowers to enchanting winter wonderlands, complete with sparkling lights and caroling.
CATERING AND EVENT HOSTING SERVICES
Beach clubs in Sea Bright offer more than just a day at the beach – they are sought-after venues for a variety of events. From weddings, bridal showers, and baby showers to birthday parties and corporate events, these clubs can provide a gorgeous beach setting and professional catering services to help you celebrate that special day.
Some beach clubs have even rebranded into exclusive wedding venues. The Surfrider Beach Club (Windows on the Water), for example, has become a 7,000-square-foot venue that uses its panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Shrewsbury River to provide couples with an elegant and picturesque setting to exchange vows. The neutral colors of the venue make it a blank canvas that can be easily personalized and tailored to their aesthetic preferences. The beachfront terrace and gazebo offer additional scenic spots for ceremonies and celebrations.
Edgewater offers a beautiful oceanfront setting for catered events as well. Their full bar and spacious outdoor deck are perfect for casual yet elegant events, while their dining room has a dance floor and can accommodate up to 120 guests.
OTHER THINGS TO DO IN SEA BRIGHT, NJ
Aside from its beaches, Sea Bright offers a variety of activities that will appeal to a broad range of people, whether you’re a nature lover, interested in history, or love sports. Here are some of them:
CONNECT WITH NATURE AND HISTORY AT THE SANDY HOOK GATEWAY NATIONAL RECREATION AREA
Sandy Hook is one of three main units that make up the Gateway National Recreation Area, a 26,000-acre urban park that spans the states of New York and New Jersey. Located in the northernmost part of the barrier peninsula – just above Sea Bright – the park is home to stunning beaches, nature trails, and some of the oldest and most iconic landmarks in the region.
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A change of (beach) scenery. Beach E, also known as Gunnison Beach, is one of the most popular beaches in the park not only because of its pristine shores and clear waters, but also because of its clothing-optional policy. If you prefer a more traditional beach experience, Beach B and North Beach both offer ample space and ocean views that are just as beautiful.
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Explore New Jersey’s natural environment. For wildlife enthusiasts, the park has over 10 miles of trails that are perfect for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. It is also a popular area for birdwatchers, with over 300 species of birds making their way through the park throughout the seasons. If you want to learn more about the ecology of the park, the Sandy Hook Visitor Center has several in-depth resources and exhibits that you can check out.
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Learn about the area’s storied history. Sandy Hook was once a military base, and there are several historic landmarks for you to explore. Fort Hancock, for example, used to be an integral part of the New York Harbor Defense System until the end of World War II. Tours through the fort can take you to the collection of preserved homes that once housed the fort’s officers and their families, also known as Officer’s Row. There’s also Sandy Hook Lighthouse, the oldest operating lighthouse in the country.
LEARN ABOUT MARITIME HISTORY AT THE TWIN LIGHTS HISTORIC SITE
Located in nearby Highlands, the Twin Lights Historic Site offers a fascinating glimpse into New Jersey’s maritime history. It was home to the Navesink Light Station, and its identical lighthouse – now known as the Twin Lights – were built in 1828.
The Twin Lights is an important landmark in the history of communication technology and maritime navigation. They were the first lighthouses to use Fresnel lenses, kerosene-fueled lamps, and electricity. It is also where Guglielmo Marconi demonstrated the first practical use of the wireless telegraph in 1899.
Even if you’re not a history enthusiast, its breathtaking views of the Jersey Shore and the New York City skyline are well worth the visit.
PLAY A GAME OF TENNIS AT THE SEA BRIGHT LAWN TENNIS AND CRICKET CLUB
Founded in 1877 – and established in its current location in nearby Rumson in 1889 – the Sea Bright Lawn Tennis and Cricket Club (SLT & CC) is one of the oldest and most prestigious tennis clubs in the United States. It features 16 lawn tennis courts, 15 Har-Tru courts, and one hard court.
The Clubhouse, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, was designed by renowned architect James Renwick and is one of the few casino-style clubhouses in the country. But what truly sets the club apart from others – besides being one of the few sports clubs where cricket is played – is the numerous tournaments it hosts throughout the year. This includes the Prentice and Seabright Cups, the SLT & CC and Rockaway Hunt Club Challenge Cup, the Shore Challenge Cup Tournament, and many more.
EXPLORE SEA BRIGHT WITH THE #1 AGENT IN MONMOUTH COUNTY
Want to learn more about the beach lifestyle in Sea Bright and its surrounding communities? Don’t settle for less. Get in touch with Mario Venancio, one of the best agents in New Jersey.
Mario has been the top real estate agent in Monmouth County for the past 11 years. With over three decades of industry experience, he can help you navigate the intricacies of the area’s local housing markets, including Rumson, Fair Haven, Little Silver, and other nearby communities.
Schedule a consultation with Mario! You can reach him by phone at 732.881.4306 or by sending him an email.