The beach has shed its summer skin, accompanied by a changing of the beach guard. Overwhelming throngs have given way to a scattering of fervid postseason aficionados, especially anglers and long-distance beachcombers. Displaying less of a beachgoer changeover is Beach Haven, where the sands stay mightily populated well into autumn.

If climate change has anything to say about it, we could be in for quite a temperate fall. Since ocean water temps follow the lead of the sky above, it could remain bathwater comfortable for weeks to come.