4 Must Visit Beach Towns in New Jersey

Festive boardwalks, cozy beach cottages, and miles of family friendly beaches make the Jersey Shore a hot summer destination. Given both the natural( Hurricane Sandy) and unnatural ( "The Jersey Shore" TV show) disasters many question if it is actually desirable, and I will say it 100% is the place to visit this summer. 

Growing up in New Jersey I loved spending summers down the shore as a child, and the older I got, the more I would visit with my friends. Weekends were spent on the boardwalk; eating salt water taffy, fro-yo and fries, partying at the clubs, and playing games, yet never winning. 

Here are my 4 favorite beach towns in New Jersey that I highly suggest you visit. Don't just take my word, here are some other reviews! 

Always a sad day when the beach is closed. 

First up, Point Pleasant Beach, a family friendly beach town. Jenkinson's Boardwalk is home to an aquarium, the Fun House, rides, arcades and so much more. Children can find their parents at Martell's tiki & beach bar, kicking back and enjoying a few drinks! 

Boardwalk Bites: Boardwalk Bar & Grill, Jenks Club, Carousel Candies, and Sweet Shop!

Where to Stay: Rent a house for the week or book a room at a local B&B and you won't be disappointed!

Asbury Park, the comeback town has recently gone through a major revitalization and is now home to many creative and young professionals. The two main areas are Cookman Ave and then the boardwalk which is home to The Grand Arcade, housed in the Asbury Park's Convention Hall. 

Beach Bites: Langosta Lounge, a perfect blend of city and sea and a year round establishment. Watermark, the perfect view of the Atlantic Ocean is home to delicious seafood, tapas and even turns into a club. Cardinal Provisions is your first brunch stop any day of the week. 

Where to Stay: From artist lofts, to cute cozy rentals this is a must during your time in Asbury. Also, be sure to check out The Asbury Hotel a minimalist designed boutique hotel one block from the ocean.

Summer Stage: Catch a show at the famous Stone Pony, from honky-tonk to rock.

Ocean Grove, home to Tent City and the Great Auditorium was found in 1869 by a group of Methodist ministers. Main street is lined with cute tea shops, bakeries, and even a general store! You feel transformed to another place when you visit, and you will meet the friendliest people around. 

Beach Bites: Nagels Apothecary Café, a historic apothecary/pharmacy has been converted into a café and ice-cream parlor! Stop into Days Ice Cream, the oldest continuously operating establishment, and expect to wait anywhere from 20-30 minutes, but it is well worth it. For British Pies, you need to visit Chef Pete of Burbelmaiers. From communal tables to outdoor seating you will be sure to #EatMorePies. 

Where to Stay: With patchwork quilts, wicker furniture, and old world charm, be sure to stay at The Inn in Ocean Grove. 

Spring Lake, the more refined of the beach towns, is home stately estates, quiet beaches, and a non-commercial boardwalk. The "Jewel of the Jersey Shore" provides world-class dining options, fashionable boutiques, and unique galleries. 

Beach Bites: Bareli's By the Sea, for fresh seafood and authentic Italian cuisine. After dinner, be sure to stop into Hoffman's Ice Cream for a sweet treat!

Where to Stay: Choose between The Hewitt Wellington and The Grand Victorian. There are also a few other Bed & Breakfast options as well. 

When will you discover the some of the beloved beach towns New Jersey has to offer? Do you have a favorite, be sure to share it! 

XoXo,

Tracy