To capture the real Jersey Shore experience, visiting one of the several coastal beaches towns like Belmar is the best option out there. Belmar has the perfect blend of sandy beaches, vibrant boardwalks, and a lively town environment. From family-friendly activities to its stunning shoreline, Belmar should be on your New Jersey bucket list. Read on for a complete travel guide on what to do in Belmar, New Jersey.
Where to Stay
Mayfair Hotel | 1000 Ocean Avenue N
Located in a historic building on Ocean Ave, this hotel has enough ocean views to satisfy everyone. The location is stellar — the walkability to nearby hotspots, including the bustling bars in town, make this hotel a winner.
Tandem Bike Inn | 603 10th Avenue
This eight-room bed and breakfast lives up to its fun name with complimentary tandem (and single) bikes available for use. This makes it easy to get anywhere in town quickly from the inn’s central location. After a day at the beach and pedaling around, unwind in your guest room at the fireplace and in the Jacuzzi.
Saltwater Inn | 300 10th Avenue
Tropical and beachy vibes make up the décor of this charming inn. On the website, you can read a description of each of the well-appointed guest rooms, making it easy to find exactly what you are looking for. You will no doubt sleep well here, as every room has a Tempur-Pedic mattress. Grab some saltwater taffy before heading out the door and snap an Instagram-worthy pic at the oversized Adirondack chair on the front lawn.
Where to Eat
10th Ave Burrito Company | 801 Belmar Plaza
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You may have heard of this little gem, as it was featured on an episode of Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives on the Food Network. The menu has all the Mexican classics your taste buds love, but it’s taking it next level with things like adobo wings with avocado ranch dressing and blackened catfish burritos.
La Dolce Vita | 400 Ocean Avenue N
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If you’re in the mood for amazing Italian food (and who isn’t?), look no further than family-owned La Dolce Vita. It serves up all the classics on the extensive menu like bucatini alla matriciana and zuppa di pesce. Stop in from 3:00PM-6:00PM Monday to Friday for happy hour that includes fantastic drink specials and a yummy bar menu.
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Windmill | 1200 River Road
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The one thing we all love about the Jersey Shore is the nostalgia it evokes. It reminds us of a simpler time and the pace is a bit slower. This exact kind of nostalgia can be found at the Windmill, known for its burgers, hot dogs, and cheese fries. Forget for a second all the emails that are piling up on your days off and be a kid again at the Windmill.
Strollos Italian Ice | 501 Main Street
The nostalgia continues at Strollos. The homemade Italian ice is so flavorful and smooth that you’d think that you’re eating ice cream. Aside from being tasty, it’s also super refreshing on a hot beach day. Pro tip: the peanut butter Italian ice is to die for.
Main Street Donuts | 705 Main Street
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This delectable store is under this section because you will surely want to shop here for doughnuts to bring home. With over 50 different types of glazes, fillings, and toppings, the possibilities are endless. Pick up a Belmar Bomb (a chocolate doughnut filled with dulce de leche chocolate dip and topped with toffee) or a doughnut cake (yep, a cake made of doughnuts) for a special occasion.
What to Do
We are all very familiar with places like D’Jais and nearby Bar A (technically in Lake Como), but there is much more to do in Belmar than to spend your nights dancing the night away (though there’s nothin’ wrong with that).
9th Avenue Pier | 905 NJ-35
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Spend the day listening to live music in the sunshine while sipping on a bucket of booze. Before the alcohol really starts to kick in, hit the links at the mini-golf putting green. As evening approaches, 9th Avenue Pier is definitely one of the best places to catch the sun slip behind the horizon.
Beach Haus Brewery | 801 Main Street
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What began as a homebrew hobby between two high school friends is now a full-fledged microbrew right at the beach. Visitors can stop in to tour the taproom, join for some live music, or attend one of the many events hosted on-site.
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The Endless SUP Company | 1280 River Road
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Visitors can toin The Endless SUP Company instructors on the Shark River for some SUP yoga or a serene paddle in the calm waters at sunset. Not only is it a full-body workout, but paddleboarding can be a very therapeutic activity which is something we can all appreciate on vacation. If you’re looking for more action while paddleboarding, consider joining for one of the bar crawls or plan a group outing during a birthday or bachelorette party.
Tennis or a Picnic at Maclearie Park | 905 NJ-35
When the beach gets too crowded or you don’t feel like getting any sand between your toes, spend an afternoon playing tennis or having a picnic at Maclearie Park. It features a children’s playground and grills, the perfect combination for a fun day at the park.
A Paperback Exchange | 703 1/2 9th Avenue
Finished your beach read and in need of a new one? Stop by this used bookstore and trade in your old book for a new one.
