Two New Jersey Beaches Named Among Nation's Cleanest
Point Pleasant Beach and Stone Harbor Beach received top honors for water quality in a recent national assessment.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Surfing
Live Poll
Do you research water quality reports before deciding which beach to visit?
On Oct. 1, 2025, Islands.com released findings naming Point Pleasant Beach and Stone Harbor Beach among the cleanest saltwater beaches in the United States. The two locations achieved high rankings based on water quality testing conducted throughout the 2025 season.
Why it matters
Clean water rankings provide critical information for beachgoers and residents looking to prioritize safety and environmental health during their recreation. These designations highlight the efficacy of local water quality testing programs in monitoring harmful bacteria.
Point Pleasant Beach secured the second-place ranking, while Stone Harbor Beach in Cape May County ranked sixth. Both locations maintained a 95% pass rate for water quality standards during the 2025 season.
The players
Islands.com
This travel and lifestyle media outlet published the national rankings of saltwater beaches.
Point Pleasant Beach
This Jersey Shore destination was recognized as the second-cleanest saltwater beach in the country.
Stone Harbor Beach
This beach located in Cape May County was identified as the sixth-cleanest saltwater beach in the nation.
The details
Testing programs across these beaches identify pollutants and alert the public when water samples exceed safe thresholds. Researchers measured levels against the safe limit of 104 units of Enterococcus bacteria per 100 milliliters of water.
Timeline
2025 testing season: period in which water quality tests were conducted.
Oct. 1, 2025: date the clean beach study findings were released.
Season Trajectory
These rankings reflect the broader trend of increased public scrutiny toward coastal water quality and environmental transparency. Such accolades serve as a performance indicator for local municipalities as they manage tourism and conservation efforts.
Beachgoers can use these metrics to assess the reliability of water quality at popular vacation spots throughout New Jersey. The high pass rates suggest a lower likelihood of encountering bacterial warnings that typically prompt beach closures.
The takeaway
Maintaining these standards requires consistent monitoring and public awareness of local environmental data. Residents and tourists alike should check local beach advisories regularly to stay informed about daily water safety levels.
Further reading
For more information on water safety and coastal conditions, visit the Surfing section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Magic 98.3 FM.
Live Poll
Do you research water quality reports before deciding which beach to visit?
