Yes, New Jersey's waterfront areas are often crowded on weekends, but the intensity varies greatly. During summer, popular Jersey Shore towns like Point Pleasant, Seaside Heights, and Wildwood can become exceptionally packed, especially with sunny weather.
The experience is quite different depending on the location and season. The Hudson River waterfront in cities like Hoboken or Jersey City has steady foot traffic from residents and diners year-round, which feels busy but is distinct from the dense beach crowds. In contrast, most shore towns become very quiet during the off-season from late fall to early spring. Ultimately, the crowds are dictated by the weather, the specific town, and the time of year.
On a sunny summer weekend, you can absolutely expect crowds, especially along the popular Jersey Shore towns. Places like Point Pleasant, Seaside Heights, and Asbury Park become packed with people on the boardwalks and beaches. The Hudson River waterfront in cities like Hoboken and Jersey City also gets very busy, with parks and pathways full of people enjoying the city views.
The level of crowding, however, changes dramatically with the season and the weather. A chilly or overcast weekend in October will leave those same popular beach towns feeling quiet and open. Similarly, less famous riverfronts or state park lakes offer a much calmer experience compared to the bustling oceanfront scene. It really all comes down to the time of year and the day's forecast.