Moran lake beach

It’s one of those spots that locals kind of hope stays under the radar. Moran Lake sits right behind the beach, so you get this weird and genuinely cool situation where kids can bounce between freshwater and the ocean depending on their mood. The nature here does most of the heavy lifting — shorebirds, the lake’s edge, a beach that doesn’t get anywhere near as crowded as the boardwalk scene up the coast. Bring your own everything though, because this place is pretty bare-bones on amenities. Worth it for the vibe.