If you've ever invested the summer in Philly, you know it http://codyhcxp349.huicopper.com/12-most-popular-beaches-to-explore... fumes. Like, unbearably hot. Thankfully, us city slickers don't need to suffer through the sweat with a lots plus beaches at our disposal. Within just 2 hours of the city limits, touch down on the warm sand, wood boardwalks, and salted waves. For our list of the very best beaches near Philadelphia, keep checking out!

Brigantine

The very first stop on our list is Brigantine Beach. Just a little over an hour beyond Center City, Brigantine is the closest beach to Philadelphia. Small in size, this beach is the ideal area for a fast field trip from Philly.

When you're not taking in the sun and saltwater, pop over to the Brigantine Historic Museum for a check out the previous or grab some local fruit and vegetables from the Brigantine Farmers Market.

Margate

Another neighboring spot, Margate is best known for Lucy the Elephant, a six-story elephant-shaped monolith, constructed of wood and tin sheeting and the oldest making it through roadside tourist destination in America.

Margate City is simply one hour and 10 minutes from Philly making it a no-brainer to go to on the most popular days of the summertime. Throw in complimentary street parking and an excellent beach and you have all the makings of an excellent family location.

Sea Island City

A Philly favorite, Sea Isle City is a small beach town right next to Ocean City. Highlighted by a beachfront promenade, packed with shops and cafés, the beach is not the only attraction in this quaint beach town. However, if water sports are your thing, the area has actually designated beaches for kayaking, kiteboarding, rafting, and browse fishing.

After a long day of browse and sun, delight in a quick piece from Uncle Oogies or a seafood banquet from Mike's Seafood and Dock Restaurant. If you're wanting to keep the fun going all night, the bar and club scene is not too shabby either!

Ocean City, New Jersey

The perfect location for a household trip, Ocean City New Jersey boasts a variety of amusement parks, a boardwalk, and mini golf courses. Emphasis on its family-friendly nature, Ocean City is a dry town, suggesting no alcohol of any kind sold within its borders.

That being said, there are a lot of activities in OCNJ to inhabit your time including Gillian's Wonderland Pier and Absolutely Tubular Aqua Park Start your day of rest and Augie's Omelette and Waffle and ride the trips or relax and unwind on the beach. Or hit the beach like Costs and Sue because famous Beach Boys tune on your NJ playlist.

Elk Neck State Park.

A lower known and more remote beach, Elk Neck State Park is a leisure location located between the Elk River and the Chesapeake Bay. This state park is consisted of not simply beaches, but marshlands and wooded bluffs. Dating from 1833, Turkey Point Lighthouse is the crown gem of the peninsula, offering views of Chesapeake Bay, and Northeast and Elk rivers.

While this state park does not consist of traditional accommodations, it offers more than 250 campgrounds, along with some cabins.

Avalon

Among the more upscale beaches of the Jersey Shore, Avalon's beaches are very clean, jutting out into the ocean a mile further than any of the other Jersey beach towns. Primarily property, the town is teeming with yoga studios and stores. Check out our related article: Things to Do in Avalon.

Wanting to catch your lunch? Have a look at the Miss Avalon Fishing charter for full day and half day trips. If that's too much work, grab a donut from Kohler's Pastry shop or a turkey club wrap from Avalon Brew Club.