A visit to the Jersey Shore almost always includes a trip to the beach. Nearly nothing pairs as well with a day at the beach as a book does. Whether you like comic books, romance, horror, dystopian, or graphic novels — no matter the genre, a beach read feels good. If you realize you forgot to grab a book from home on your way to the beach, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading for a guide to the best bookstores at the Jersey Shore.

Asbury Book Cooperative | 644A Cookman Avenue, Asbury Park

The Asbury Book Cooperative is an independent, community-run bookshop in downtown Asbury Park. The employees are all volunteer-based because they love it there so much and always have great book recommendations. Besides having tons of genre options, the Asbury Book Cooperative hosts fun events like themed book clubs and signings. It is also known for its ABC After Dark — an opportunity to listen to live music and check out new books.

Barrier Island Books + Art | 301 95th Street, Stone Harbor

Barrier Island Books + Art is a used and new bookstore in Stone Harbor. In addition to books, customers can purchase local art and gifts. Visitors can also participate in events like Paint Night, which is BYOB. FYI: It also has a (new) second location in Cape May.

Read More: The Ultimate Home Decor Shopping Guide to the Asbury Park Area

Beach Bound Books | 2123 Dune Drive #3, Avalon

Beach Bound Books originated in Stone Harbor but relocated to Avalon. It sells many book genres, but it is definitely the spot for a go-to beach read. Beach Bound Books also has fun book-related activities like author series events and book clubs.

The Book House Long Branch | 15 Morris Ave Unit 119, Long Branch

The Book House Long Branch has two New Jersey locations — one in Long Branch and the other in Millburn. Its book selection contains hidden gems that are carefully curated for customers. The Book House Long Branch also has fun options for people to take the lead, such as opportunities to start a book club here or even host a book tasting with friends. The Jersey Shore Girl also loves that it has monthly comedy nights.

Book Nook | 3700 Boardwalk, Sea Isle City

Book Nook is a cute Sea Isle City bookstore. Customers love that they can browse all the latest best-selling books while also taking a look at its gift and card selection. The space lives up to its name, providing a cozy location to snag a new book for the beach.

BookTowne | 171 Main Street, Manasquan

 

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BookTowne gives off a friendly ‘around-the-corner’ bookstore vibe. It has a selection of books covering all topics, and the booksellers here are passionate about the novels selected for the store. BookTowne also hosts many author events that allow customers to interact — it often has signings and book talks.

Bookateria Two | 1052 Asbury Avenue, Ocean City

Bookateria Two is an Ocean City bookshop. It has a huge inventory of 25,000 new and used discount paperbacks. Bookateria is the store to visit if you are looking for Ocean City books or calendars, and it even has children’s books. At Bookateria, customers can easily scan the inventory because all paperbacks are in alphabetical order based on the author’s last name. JSG loves that Bookateria allows customers to bring in a good-condition paperback to trade for another used paperback.

Cape Atlantic Book Co | 421 Washington Street, Cape May

Cape Atlantic Book Co. is a full-service, independent bookshop located in Cape May. It has everything a book lover could ask for, from fiction and nonfiction to mystery and romance to books for all ages. It’s a fun spot to visit when on vacation in Cape May because it sells work created by local authors and artists.

Comic Crypt | 73 NJ-35, Eatontown

 

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Comic Crypt is a comic book store in Eatontown, close to beloved shore towns like Long Branch and Asbury Park. It sells trade paperbacks, graphic novels, figures, and Pokemon cards. Be sure to check out its Instagram for updates on what’s new at the store.

Comic Relief | 1341 Lakewood Road #9, Toms River

Another popular comic book store is Comic Relief, located in Toms River. In addition to its large selection of comic books, customers also enjoy its collectibles. Comic Relief posts its ‘Key of the Week’ and lets customers know about new arrivals on its Instagram.

The Dune Market | 414 N Bay Avenue Suite D, Beach Haven

The Dune Market is a boutique with a pretty coastal aesthetic. It makes the list because besides selling cute home decor and self-care products, it also has a cozy corner of the store dedicated to books. Locals love that its selection makes finding the perfect beach book easy.

Hooked on Books | 3405 Pacific Avenue, Wildwood

Hooked on Books is a Jersey Shore staple bookshop. It is located in Wildwood and has won many awards for being a key member of the book scene down the shore. FYI, it’s a summer bookstore, so it is only open from May through September.

Jay + Silent Bob’s Secret Stash | 65 Broad Street, Red Bank

Jay and Silent Bob’s Secret Stash is a comic book store in Red Bank. Customers can also grab posters, apparel, and action figures besides comic books. Filmmaker Kevin Smith owns it. The name of the storefront is a stand-out; it originates from the fictional duo Smith and Jason Mewes portrayed in Smith’s View Askewniverse films.

LBI Book Swap | 301-401 9th Street, Beach Haven

LBI Book Swap is a bookstore in Beach Haven that carries new releases and New York Times bestsellers. For book lovers who want a discount, its used books are sold at least 60 % off. The name LBI Book Swap describes the process of trading a book, which must be in good condition, in return for 25% off the price of a used book or 10% off a new book.

The Little Point Bookshop | 618 Arnold Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach

The Little Point Bookshop is a bookstore in Point Pleasant. The store aims to celebrate Jersey Shore residents’ love for reading. FYI: Customers can call in advance to check if Little Point Bookshop has the book they’re looking for. If it’s not in-store, the shop will order it for them.

Princeton Antiques Book Shop | 2917 Atlantic Avenue, Atlantic City

 

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Princeton Antiques Book Shop is in Atlantic City. It sells Atlantic City-themed books, postcards, photographs, and memorabilia. With 250,000 titles in stock, there’s bound to be something that catches your eye.

River Road Books | 759 River Road, Fair Haven

River Road Books is an independent bookstore in Fair Haven. It has book selections for best sellers, fiction, nonfiction, and young adults/kids. River Road Books has special offers to look out for and gift cards available to purchase for any friends or family members who love to read.

Sun Rose Words + Music | 756 Asbury Avenue, Ocean City

Sun Rose Words + Music is a bookstore in downtown Ocean City. It has books on hard and soft covers, all the latest works from popular authors, and almost any category of novel. Sun Rose Words + Music often has book signings, and it also sells office supplies, greeting cards, and puzzles.

See More: A Guide to Bookstores in Hoboken + Jersey City

Thunder Road Books | 1108 3rd Avenue, Spring Lake

Thunder Road Books is an indie bookstore in Spring Lake. Its motto is ‘flicks, books, and rock and roll.’ The bookstore has fun activities for all ages, such as author signings, storytime, and books-and-beer crossover events.

Wolfe + Kron Books | Collingwood Flea Market, Indoor Aisle, 1350 NJ-34 #1, Farmingdale + Uptown Asbury Park (coming soon)

Wolfe + Kron Books feels like a hidden bookstore inside Collingwood Flea Market in Farmingdale. But — it is opening up a storefront in Asbury Park in 2024, so check its Instagram for updates when you can officially visit its Jersey Shore location. Wolfe + Kron Books is woman/queer owned; it has used books and asynchronous book club opportunities to look out for.