DH & I will travel to Philadelphia in late Aug/early Sept & would like to spend a few days near the ocean. I'm completely unfamiliar with NJ beaches -- which are scenic & quiet -- maybe even romantic? Or would we have to travel further south to find quieter beaches? Thanks for any help you can offer!

That time of year is relatively quiet at all the beaches because people are getting ready for school. None of the beaches are going to be empty. Long Beach Island State Park will be a little "wilder" and probably quieter than the others.

http://www.islandbeachnj.org/

Cape May is, IMO, a romantic location. Stone Harbor is a cute town with a wide, pretty beach.

Cape May or Stone Harbor would fit what you are looking for.

Perfect! Thanks for the advice.

Since you'll be in Philly, you want to stick with beaches in the southern part of the state. I echo Cape May. Quaint town with lots of shops and nice restaurants. There is also a zoo not far up Route 9. Stone Harbor is also nice. I like Sea Isle City myself, but it can get a little wild.

Have fun! I miss the shore!

I agree Cape May, Stone Harbor both good choices and not too far from Philly - enjoy.

Cape May has a good family friendly beach, superb restaurants and is a great park-the-car-and-walk (or bike) everywhere kind of place loaded with charming Victorian B&Bs. The Cape May zoo is a pleasant surprise and a very good rainy/cloudy day alternative, as well as some of the wineries in the area - google them to see who serves lunch.