Home to a thriving Main Street that’s full of delectable restaurants and one of a kind shops, and a pristine beachfront that’s family friendly, it’s no wonder that Bradley Beach has continued to be the home of summer and full-time residents for generations. From fourth generation restaurants to brand new events, Bradley Beach provides family-friendly entertainment all summer long.
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The Best Events
Best for Everyone: 8th Annual Bradley Beach Lobsterfest
When: Saturday, June 25, 11:00 am – 8:00 pm, and Sunday, June 26, 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Where: 500 Ocean Avenue, Bradley Beach (Along the Boardwalk)
Description: The 8th Annual Bradley Beach Lobsterfest is coming to town a little earlier this year, but you can be sure that won’t stop the crowds of thousands who have made it a yearly Jersey Shore tradition. This free event along the Bradley Beach boardwalk features six bands over the course of the weekend, over 100 craft and specialty vendors that include classic seafood and boardwalk specialties, and a beer and wine garden. There are even tons of activities for the kids, including rides, face painters, sand art, and a giant 50-foot water slide. It’s the perfect way to spend a day at the beach.
More Information: http://www.bblobsterfest.com/
Best for Families: Summer Saturdays in the Park
When: Saturdays, July through August, 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Where: Riley Park in downtown Bradley Beach
Description: After a day out on the beach, take a walk only a few blocks away to end the day with live music. Every Saturday, families are invited to take a walk downtown, peruse outdoor vendors, and enjoy live music and activities that are sure to keep everyone happy until sundown.
More Information: http://www.bradleybeachnj.gov/Cit-e-Access/webpage.cfm?TID=142&TPID=13758
The Best Restaurants:
Best for Breakfast and Lunch: The Buttered Biscuit Café
Address: 700 Main Street, Bradley Beach
Description: Drive down Main Street at any point during the weekend and you’ll find locals and visitors alike waiting to be seated. The husband and wife team of Liz and Dave McAllister opened The Buttered Biscuit Café in 2011, and have since expanded. From dishes like Copenhagen Benedict with fresh caper cream cheese, paper-thin red onion, smoked salmon, wilted baby spinach, and homemade hollandaise sauce to the Sweet Lorraine’s Ho Cakes featuring southern-style cornmeal pancakes, you can’t go wrong. An order of biscuits is also an absolute necessity (they’ve been known to make over 70,000 over the course of a year).
More Information: http://www.thebutteredbiscuitcafe.com/ or call 732-807-4069.
Best for Dinner: Vic’s Bar and Italian Restaurant
Address: 60 Main Street, Bradley Beach
Description: For over four generations, Vic’s Bar and Italian Restaurant has been serving authentic Italian dishes and their now famous thin crust tomato pie. Originally known as Vic’s Tap Room when it opened in 1933 by Vittorio “Vic” Giunco, it became Vic’s Bar and Restaurant in 1947 with the help of Vic’s son John, who saw the potential in opening up a restaurant. Since then, locals have continued to flock to the establishment, many of whom have been dining there since they were small. Just be sure to order at least one pizza – there is a reason it’s been voted as one of the best at the Jersey Shore for many years running.
More Information: http://www.vicspizza.com/ or call 732-774-8225.
The Best Tourist Attraction
Maritime Forest
Address: Boardwalk along Fletcher Lake, Bradley Beach
Description: In September 2013, just one year after Hurricane Sandy devastated parts of the Jersey Shore, Bradley Beach’s Captain Al Modjeski partnered with various organizations including the Borough of Bradley Beach, the US Army Corps of Engineers, US Fish and Wildlife Service, and NOAA to create a resilient habitat for wildlife, as well as provide natural buffers for Fletcher Lake. The project was completed with the help of over 100 volunteers and has received national recognition for its innovative design and development.
More Information: http://www.littoralsociety.org/index.php/programs/habitat-restoration/bradley-beach-community-resiliency
The Best Beach Tips:
Beach Tags: Badges are required on weekends starting Memorial Day weekend, and daily beginning June 16 through Labor Day. Season beach badges can be purchased for $70 for adults, $30 for seniors, and $25 for ages 13-15 from the Third Avenue and Cliff Avenue Booths on Ocean Avenue. Daily beach badges are $8.50 per person and free for ages 12 and under, and can be purchased at any one of the booths along the boardwalk.
Beach Parking: On-street parking is available along Ocean Avenue and along side streets. Parking costs $1.50 per hour from 8:00 am – 7:00 pm on the east side of Ocean Avenue and can be paid via cash, credit or debit card at parking pay stations located along the street.
Changing Facilities: Changing rooms are located on Cliff and Third Avenues. Showers are easily accessible at beach entrances, and public restrooms are located at Newark, LaReine, Third, and Evergreen Avenues.
Activities: There are plenty of activities for all ages to enjoy, including fishing along the Lake Terrace, Park Place, Brinley, and Second Avenues, and jetties and surfing at Third Avenue Beach. Those interested in learning how to surf can sign up for private or group surfing and stand up paddleboard lessons with local surfers at Summertime Surf camp.
More Information: http://www.bradleybeachnj.gov/cit-e-access/webpage.cfm?TID=142&TPID=13899
Hero (Top) Feature Image: © Melissa Beveridge / Best of NJ
Additional Images (in Order) Courtesy:
Bradley Beach Lobsterfest
Vic’s Pizza
The Buttered Biscuit Cafe
Melissa Beveridge
