Calling all book lovers, or anyone looking to escape into a great story while soaking up the sunshine. Reading a good book allows you to take a step back and drift away into another scene for a short time. It can truly be magical, and there’s something that seems so right about getting lost in a good book with your toes in the sand and the sound of waves crashing nearby.
You could be reading about beaches around the world, a fairy-tale romance or a documentary. Whatever the genre you choose, summer is the best season for stories that transport, entertain, and unwind. As someone who reads just about every genre, I can say there’s something extra special about diving into a book with a beach setting while actually sitting on our own sandy shores.
So, we’ve rounded up this season’s must-read beach books — including a few with South Jersey ties to make them feel even more at home on your beach towel.
1. ‘The Shore’ by Katie Runde
Set in a Jersey Shore beach town just a little north of us, this novel explores family, identity, and the complexities of growing up by the sea. Written by a Jersey Shore native, it’s an emotional yet easy-to-read story hailed as one of the best beach reads of all time by Entertainment Weekly. Secrets, family drama, and young love unfold against the familiar and beloved backdrop of the Shore. You’ll love this beach read and be clambering for more stories written by Runde.
2. ‘Surf City Confidential’ by Daniel J. Waters
This fast-paced, action-packed thriller is set right along the Jersey Shore, but it takes on a mysterious approach. Mystery, suspense and murder are promised along the sunshine and blue skies. Author Daniel J. Waters grew up in New Jersey and has written multiple books that take place here. His stories are filled with twists, turns, and plenty of crazy moments, perfect for readers who like a little adrenaline with their tan.
3. ‘The Five-Star Weekend’ by Elin Hilderbrand
Often known as the “queen of the beach read,” Hilderbrand usually writes about Nantucket, but her roots trace back to Pennsylvania, and she spent many summers in Cape May. “The Five-Star Weekend” brings friends together, with truths told and drama unfolded, all while feeling the summertime vibes in a beautiful beachside paradise. All of Hilderbrand’s books make for the perfect beach escape.
4. ‘Every Summer After’ by Carley Fortune
A tender, nostalgic story of summer love, missed chances, and returning to the place you once called home. While it’s set on a lakeshore rather than the Jersey Shore, the themes of community, comfort and the magic of summer will feel familiar to anyone who’s grown up along our coastline. Take comfort in the water, warm air and feelings of your childhood summers alongside the characters.
5. ‘Beach Read’ by Emily Henry
Romance lovers already know Emily Henry’s name, but if you haven’t read her yet, this is a perfect place to start. Once you read one Emily Henry novel, you’ll want to read them all. “Beach Read” is a charming romantic comedy about two writers with wildly different styles who decide to swap genres for the summer. It’s all about love, adventure, and finding themselves while enjoying all that summer has to offer.
Now, don’t let this list fool you; there are thousands of perfect books that can capture your attention as you sit beachside or poolside this season. Whether you find them at any of our local bookstores, tucked inside a lending library, or at the local libraries, there are plenty of great reads to go around. From classic beach reads to new favorites, the right book can turn an ordinary afternoon into an unforgettable escape.
So, pack your sunscreen, grab a towel, and don’t forget a good story. Whether you’re reading about faraway coasts or right here in South Jersey, there’s no better place to fall into a book than by the beach.
Delaney Crawford is a dynamic entrepreneur with a passion for storytelling and digital marketing. After earning a BA in Communications, Delaney built a successful career in the newspaper industry, honing skills in, news writing, media, and content creation. Driven by a desire to empower local businesses, Delaney founded DC’s Social Media & Content Creation, a company dedicated to helping businesses enhance their brand image and thrive online.
