The Barrier Islands draw thousands of visitors to the New Jersey Shore each summer. From sandy white beaches to fun-filled water parks, this collection of delicate isles is a haven from the hustle and bustle of city life.
The islands also have a wealth of restaurants, shops, hotels, and bed and breakfasts all in close proximity to the ocean. Between live entertainment, sailing and swimming, there’s bound to be something for everyone at the seaside summer hotspot.
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Here are a few of our favorites picks:
The Best Events
Best for Everyone: Point Pleasant Jazz and Blues Festival
When: Sunday, June 18, 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Where: Riverfront Park, Point Pleasant
Description: Dance the night away while seven bands play live music at a popular event, sponsored by The Jersey Shore Jazz and Blues Foundation. In addition to the free tunes, visitors can also peruse sponsor exhibits, crafts and indulge in the wine and beer gardens.
More Information: Visit www.jerseyshorefestival.org/PtPleasant/index.php or call 732-933-1984.
Best for Families: Beach Plum Festival
When: Sunday, September 11, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Where: Pavilion @ OBA 1, Central Ave., Seaside Park
Description: This all-day festival, sponsored by the Friends of Island State Beach Park, is the perfect outing for the entire family to say goodbye to summer. For just $8, you can enjoy beach plum picking, jelly-making demonstrations, children’s games, live music, raffles and an ice cream tasting.
More information: Visit friendsofibsp.org or call 707-636-4277.
The Best Restaurants
Best for Lunch: Surf Taco Coastal Cuisine
Address: 212 SE Central Ave., Seaside Park
Description: This casual eatery is perfect for beach-goers looking for a healthy alternative to fast food chains. Indulge in a garlic shrimp burrito, battered cod tacos or a fresh fruit and granola bowl. Don’t forget to sample the almost famous salsa bar, made fresh daily with special Surf Taco spices.
More information: Visit www.surftaco.com or call 732-830-2111.
Best for Dinner: Crab’s Claw Inn
Address: 601 Grand Central Ave., Lavallette
Description: If you’re in the mood for seafood, this cozy restaurant is the ultimate way to unwind after a long walk on the boardwalk. Enjoy crab and lobster pot pie, handmade Maryland crab cakes or coconut shrimp with spicy Thai dipping sauce. There’s also an extensive selection of craft beers, wine and specialty cocktails available at the well-stocked bar.
More information: Visit www.thecrabsclaw.com or call 732-793-4447.
The Best Tourist Attraction
Thundering Surf Water Park
Address: Bay and Taylor Avenue, Beach Haven
Description: Beat the heat at this family-friendly waterpark featuring six water slides, surfing, tubing, and a lazy river with interactive water play. If you’re looking for more grown-up fun, rent a private cabana for the day with beach towels, complimentary water, lounge chairs and a cocktail table.
More Information: Visit www.thunderingsurfwaterpark.com or call 609-492-0869.
The Best Beach Tips
Beach Tags: Badges range from $12 to $70 for the season depending on the town. Contact the local parks and rec department or town hall for specific locations to buy season tags. You can save time by ordering online at the Chamber of Commerce website for no-hassle beach tags for your specific borough.
Beach parking: Lot parking at Beach Island is available for NJ residents for $10 from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Weekdays are just $6 for cars and $5 for motorcyclists year-round. Seaside Heights has plenty of metered parking available for $1-$2 an hour, depending on the location. There are also private parking lots for a range of entry fees. Point Pleasant has one main lot near the beach on Arnold and Ocean Ave., as well as street parking with varying rates depending on your location. Barnegat Bay offers parking on streets connecting to Bay Boulevard, and there are lots adjacent to some of the recreational facilities as well. Brick Township has a main lot available at Ocean Beach 3. You can park for free on the street at the back edge of the boardwalk at Ortley Beach in Toms River. Or there’s a parking lot between 6th and 7th Ave. in front of the Surf Club, where you can also pay to park.
Changing Facilities: Point Pleasant has a bathroom available at the municipal complex and police department on Bridge Ave. There is a restroom at the 10th St. and Bayview Ave. boat ramp, but no changing or shower facilities at Barnegat Light. Brick Township has restrooms and outdoor showers at Beach 1, and restrooms and a changing room at Beach 3. Island Beach has restrooms and both indoor and outdoor showers, as does Seaside Heights. There are bathrooms at the end of Fielder Ave. and the lifeguard Station at Toms River. The remaining boroughs do not offer any public changing facilities.
More information: Visit each of the official town websites.
Bay Head: http://www.bayheadnj.org/bhnj/
Brick Township: http://www.bricktownship.net/
Forked River: http://www.laceytownship.org/
Island Beach: http://www.islandbeachnj.org/
Lakewood: http://www.lakewoodnj.gov/
Lavallette: http://www.lavallette.org/
Mantoloking: http://www.mantoloking.org/
Ortley Beach: http://www.ortley-beach.com/
Point Pleasant: http://www.pointpleasantbeach.com/
Seaside Heights: http://www.seaside-heightsnj.org/
Toms River: http://tomsrivertownship.com/
Hero (Top) Feature Image: © mlemos89 / Adobe Stock
Additional Images (in Order) Courtesy:
jerseyshorefestival.org
friendsofibsp.org
Surf Taco
thecrabsclaw.com
thunderingsurfwaterpark.com
