New Jersey might be nicknamed “The Garden State,” but one of the things we are most known for are our shore towns. People come from all over to the spend the day getting a tan on the beach, grabbing a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants, and strolling down the boardwalk. Want to know a little secret? One of the best ways to enjoy a day down the shore is walking around one of the cute downtowns. (Shh – don’t tell the others.) If your calendar is empty and you’re looking for something to do, keep reading to find out more about each of these downtowns and what you can do while you are there. (featured photo credit: NJ MOM)
Founded some 150 years ago by a broom manufacturer, Asbury Park is a place that is rich in history, shopping, dining, and tons of iconic spots to stop by. In fact, the list of the landmarks in this shore town include Convention Hall which extends over the beach, the Paramount Theatre which has hosted legends such as Sinatra, Bon Jovi and even Elvis Costello, the Stone Pony that has been on the rock ‘n’ roll music scene since 1974 and Wonder Bar aka the huge smiling face mural.
Stroll downtown at the “Jewel of the Jersey Shore” aka Spring Lake
A gorgeous town that boasts something for everyone, Spring Lake is one place you won’t want to miss when you are at the shore. Downtown Spring Lake consists of shopping at stores like Thunder Road Books and Dune + Salt, delicious dining including Arugula or The Scone Pony, and other spots to check out. You can spend the entire day strolling the adorable downtown before taking a short ride to the beach and taking a dip in the waves.
Did you know that there’s a shore town that was settled in the late 1600’s and today has everything you might need right down Main Street? You can find all of that, and more, in Manasquan. One of the best parts about the downtown is that you can reach everything there is to offer all on foot or bicycle. You will find 45 boutique shops and restaurants that everyone will enjoy walking in and out of or stopping in for a bite to eat. Another fun thing to do while you visit is hop on the bike path that starts in Manasquan and goes all the way to Allaire State Park.
Spend family time in Ocean City
Affectionately known as a family-oriented seaside resort, this is a great place to bring everyone in the family for a day of fun and memories that will last a lifetime. With a boardwalk that stretches 2.5 miles, gorgeous beaches, and fun amusement rides, your little ones won’t want to leave. But, one of the best parts of Ocean City is its downtown area. Asbury Avenue is full of delectable eats, stores to shop in, unique events to take part in, and more. One thing to note is that Ocean City is a dry town which means that alcohol cannot be purchased.
Sure, when someone says Point Pleasant you might immediately think of Jenkinson’s Boardwalk and while this is absolutely a staple to see while you are here, this town has so much more to offer. Boasting with charm, downtown Point Pleasant is completely walkable so make sure you wear your most comfortable shoes. You will find shopping for both adults and kids, yummy spots to get a bite to eat, and just outside of downtown is the popular Hoffman’s Ice Cream. Check out everything there is to do in Point Pleasant here.
There are so many things to love about heading down the Parkway as far as you can go and visiting Cape May with the fam. But, one of the best parts is the nostalgic feeling you will get when you step out of your car and stroll the promenade. Known as America’s original seaside resort, there are delicious dining options from hot dog stands to upscale oceanfront dining, shopping at one of the many small businesses, or just walking along the streets of the downtown area. After, make sure you stop by the beautiful beaches and dip your toes in the sand. Learn more about what to do in Cape May with your family in 2024 here.
Find the seashore at its best in Stone Harbor
Did someone say a day at one of the cutest Jersey Shore downtowns? A beautiful town that is situated right by the shore, Stone Harbor has it all – shopping, dining, adventures, and lots of fun events. One of the best parts about the downtown area here is the numerous places to stop in and shop including clothes, bikes, candy, art, and all things kids. If you work up an appetite when you shop ’til you drop (we definitely do), then choose from the 96th Street Bar & Grille, Back Bay Seafood, Cafe Loren, and more. Make sure you check out the events calendar before you go for all the fun things happening.
Enjoy the quaint coastal town of Sea Bright
Sea Bright might be known for its beautiful stretch of beach and while this is a must-see while you are there, one of our favorite things to enjoy is what you can find in the town. When you step off of the beach, you are transported to a quaint place that is full of fun things to do and brimming with charm. There is delicious food to choose from, unique shopping, lots of places to walk and always something happening for you to enjoy with the fam.
Explore one square mile of Ocean Grove
A resort town on the Atlantic Ocean that is affectionately known for its quaint homes and an adorable downtown, there’s so much to do here with the family. Sure, the boardwalk and beach are main attractions in the seaside town but the downtown area is a great place to visit if you are looking for shops, restaurants, ice cream parlors, and more. When the weather is right, pick one of the local spots to sit outside and eat a meal while you watch the comings and goings of the small town. Head to Ocean Grove for downtown entertainment too including flea markets, music, and craft shows. Before you head home, make sure you take a ride by the adorable Tent City.
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