This Barnegat Bay Island Is 1 Of America's 'Best Secret Beaches,' Report Says

BARNEGAT BAY, NJ — If you're looking for a hidden gem beach, something a little quieter than the busy Seaside Heights or Point Pleasant, you're not alone.

According to travel site Frugal Flyer, more and more people are searching for vacation spots that are less crowded than the more popular spots. The website surveyed 3,002 locals to come up with a list of the 95 best secret beaches in the country. Coming in at 27 is Sedge Island, nestled in Barnegat Bay.

Sedge Island is off Island Beach State Park, and you need to ride a boat to get there. You can book an EcoTour through Island Beach Nature Programs to explore it via kayak.

The island is 1,900 acres and is the state's only Marine Conservation Zone. It's a haven for birds like ospreys and peregrine falcons. This wildlife habitat contains maritime forest, thicket and tidal marsh.

Scientists and researchers stay in the Sedge House on the island, which is completely off the grid. Children and teenagers who wish to become marine biologists are also afforded the opportunity to do programs there. The building is not open to the public.

Visiting Sedge Island is a much different experience than your usual Jersey Shore trip, which is what makes it such a unique place.

“As flight prices rise and popular beach spots get more crowded, travelers are turning to the kind of hidden gems that locals have cherished for years,” said Josh Bandura at Frugal Flyer. “These aren’t your typical sun-and-surf destinations - they’re quiet, awe-inspiring pockets of nature where the signal fades and the views take over. Our survey shows a growing appetite for places that feel discovered, not designed.”

See all 95 of America's best hidden beaches here.