For as long as I can remember, I've loved the beach (which I know may feel misleading given the title of this article, but stay with me). When I relocated to Asbury Park in 2022, after growing up in New York and spending part of my 20s in Jersey City, I was convinced friends and family would be as excited as I was to finally be within walking distance of the beach. I soon learned that not everyone was as into the beach as I was: the hesitations were so niche I questioned how I'd ever get them to go with me. I just hate the sand, my best friend said. Or can't we just look at it from here? My sister asked when we stepped onto Asbury Park's boardwalk at the beginning of what (I thought) would be the perfect beach day.

It got me thinking of all the ways I could combat their complaints. It made me realize a guide to share with our Jersey Shore audience was necessary, as I'm sure I can't be the only one with a beach hater in their life. So whether you are the beach hater, you're a local beach lover seeking validation like me, or maybe you fluctuate on your stance day to day, this is my guide to banding together to discover all the ways to maximize a Jersey Shore summer (with or without the beach).

The Beach Hater Who Still Wants a Coastal-Themed Photo-Op (and possibly a bevvy)

We all can appreciate a good shore-themed photo-op. These businesses have the cutest backdrops for a group or solo Jersey Shore aesthetic photo and tropical drink options to add to this beach-alternative experience.

Pink Cabana Belmar | 111 14th Avenue, Belmar

Pink Cabana is a retro, Beverly Hills-themed Airbnb in Belmar. This house is decked out with so many photo ops, just click here and you’ll see what I mean. Beach haters will be completely content chilling in its coastal-themed backyard (as would I). Plus, those who stay at Pink Cabana can now add on Sugar On The Rim, a luxury mobile bartending service, and Pardon My Picnic, a boutique picnic service, which will make it downright tempting to stay in the yard and skip the beach.

Read More: A Jersey Shore Transit + Rideshare Guide to Getting Around

The Pig + Parrot Sandbar | 201 Union Lane, Brielle

The Pig and Parrot Sandbar is a Key West-themed bar and restaurant in Brielle. It has endless beach-themed photo ops for the beach hater who likes a cute picture. There are fake palm trees and coastal-themed signs, and my personal favorite is the massive Adirondack beach chair. Beach haters will also get a beach experience with its island eats and a tropical drink menu.

River Rock Restaurant + Marina Bar | 1600 NJ-70, Brick Township

River Rock is a restaurant and bar in Brick. It’s in my guide because of its outdoor dining experience — it has a Tiki Bar with tiki umbrellas and imported sand that transports you to the beach without going. Beach haters and lovers also get a river view and a cute backdrop for a picture.

The Beach Hater Who Still Wants a Tan

There's something special about a beach tan — it's basically a rite of passage for a proper Jersey Shore summer. Below are some of my favorite local tanning salons for our beach haters who want to get a similar glow.

East Coast Glo | 410 NJ-71, Spring Lake Heights

East Coast Glo is in Spring Lake Heights. For the beach hater to get an actual beach-like tan, they'll need a spot like East Coast Glo, with sprays ranging from whole body to hydration to sweat resistance. Another fun option? It's One Night Stand, which is suitable for the beach hater who got a spray tan last week but isn't quite ready for round two. You can view other spray tan options and their pricing here.

The Glo Lounge | 514 Main Street #1, Bradley Beach

 

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The Glo Lounge is in Bradley Beach. It has a face-only spray tan, rapid airbrush tan, full-body spray tan, and half-body spray tan. Beach haters can also permanently avoid the beach with The Glow Lounge's airbrush tanning training class, which will educate students on giving tans at home.

Soleil Tans | 1044 NJ-35, Middletown Township, 351 NJ-34, Matawan + 1922 Hooper Avenue, Toms River

Soleil Tans is in Middletown, Toms River, and Matawan. It has a red light therapy treatment, spray tanning services, and tanning beds. As a beach enthusiast, I'm also tempted to use the sun beds, which are designed by Porsche and imported from Germany.

The 'I'll Go If I Can Get Bougie Accommodations' Beach Hater

Look, we all know the worst part of the beach is lugging all your this-is-my-home-for-the-day equipment onto it. Even as a beach devotee, I can admit that I've never felt more awkward than when I'm walking with my beach chair backpack (IYKYK, the convenience is worth it). That's why these businesses (that also provide chic beach accommodations) are a lifesaver and necessity for this guide.

Hard Rock Beach | 1000 Boardwalk, Atlantic City

Hard Rock Hotel + Casino has its own Hard Rock Beach in Atlantic City. To be honest, who doesn't appreciate a casino on a boardwalk with beach access? Hard Rock's Beach is an exclusive summer experience with lounge chairs, cocktails, cabanas, and beach games — all the makings for an upscale beach day. FYI: Hard Rock Beach accommodations are available to the public, meaning you don’t have to be a hotel guest to enjoy.

ICONA Avalon | 7849 Dune Drive, Avalon

ICONA is a luxury hotel in Avalon. The Nantucket-inspired architecture and oceanfront views give off demure energy fitting for the beach hater who wants an upscale overnight stay at the shore. Bougie accommodations included in the amenity fee include beach umbrellas, lounges, and direct beach access, which are only available for those staying at ICONA (beach-haters will love this exclusivity). Also, its Sandbar has food, cocktails, fire pits, + live music. My pro tip is to add on the private cabana + fire pit rentals if you're trying to win over the beach hater.

Jenks Beach Picnics | 300 Ocean Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach

Jenks Beach in Point Pleasant is a must-visit for a complete Jersey Shore beach experience. Want to make it bougie? Known as Picnics in Paradise, Jenks Beach Picnics is a three-hour private beach picnic with a cute table set-up, cushions, and posh deco touches like flowers and food risers. The picnic accommodates 8 to 20 people, so bring as many beach haters and lovers as you’d like as I can't imagine anyone not being obsessed with this twist on a beach day. More booking information is available here.

Ocean Place Resort + Spa | 1 Ocean Boulevard, Long Branch

Ocean Place Resort + Spa is in Long Branch. Demure beach haters will love that it has a private beach (200 feet wide from the promenade to the water) only available to guests. Hotel stay also means you'll get an umbrella, chair, and towel for your beach set-up. An added bonus to the vacation vibe aesthetic are the palm trees sprinkled throughout the private beach area.

The 'I'll Go If I Can Read in Peace' Beach Hater

One of the best parts of the beach is that you can read without distractions. I know plenty of beach haters who agree that the beach is much more bearable if you are amidst a good book. These local Jersey Shore bookshops are a good stop before heading to the beach with your beach-hater friend.

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

If you’re an LBI resident, it's hard not to be aware of The Dune Market. It's a cozy shop with curated home decor, self-care products, and bath + body items, which give beach boutique vibes. Best part is a book nook at the market, featuring  curated beach reads. Leaving this store without a book is impossible, so don't be surprised if you show up at the beach with multiple book options.

Thunder Road Books | 1100 3rd Avenue, Spring Lake

Thunder Road Books is an indie bookstore in Spring Lake. Before going to Spring Lake Beach, I suggest stopping by Thunder Road to check out its newly expanded location. The larger space means a more extensive selection of books, making it a fun bookstore to browse for a beach read.

Wolfe + Kron Books | 808 1/2 Fifth Avenue, Asbury Park

Wolfe + Kron is uptown Asbury Park's independent bookstore. It has a curated assortment of books but specializes in fiction, particularly sci-fi, fantasy, and mystery. Wolfe+ Kron also highlights romantic books, good picks for a beach day.

The 'I Prefer a Pool' Beach Hater

I'm sure we've all been there. It's a really hot Jersey Shore day, and the thought of effortlessly gliding into a pool without worrying about waves (and possibly sharks) pops into your head. You're not alone, and we've got you covered.

The Asbury Hotel | 210 Fifth Avenue, Asbury Park

The Asbury Hotel is a trendy hotel that hosts many community-based events all year round. As a local Asbury Park resident, I know that The Asbury Hotel's public pool access is a savior on hotter summer days. A day pass ticket includes access to the pool, WIFI, and bar + food truck. If you want to go all out, cabanas are also an option. My favorite part is that The Asbury Hotel's pool is heated, which, as we know, the Atlantic Ocean is not.

Molly Pitcher Inn | 88 Riverside Avenue, Red Bank

Molly Pitcher Inn is a hotel in Red Bank, a prime location for beach lovers and beach haters to meet, given its proximity to the beach but downtown vibes with river views. Besides loving that it's located in Red Bank, Molly Pitcher Inn has daily pool passes available for non-hotel guests. Perhaps the biggest draw is the poolside view of the Navesink River. The number of passes sold depends on capacity; click here to learn more.

Pool After Dark | 777 Harrah's Boulevard, Atlantic City

There's something about the mix of a DJ and night swimming that sounds like a solid switch-up from a beach day. The Pool After Dark, in Harrah's Resort in Atlantic City, is a staple Jersey Shore nightclub with a twist — a 3,500-square-foot, 86,000-gallon pool in the club's center. Still not into it? There are also cabanas, hot tubs, and a roof deck that lifts when it's nice outside. FYI: There's a cover charge on Fridays and Saturdays, and entertainment tickets are also available for pre-sale here.

The St. Laurent | 408 7th Avenue, Asbury Park

The St. Laurent is always my go-to when I'm in the mood to pretend I'm at a chic pool spa on the French Riviera. I've had plenty of beach-lover and beach-hater friends opt for a day at the St. Laurent Social Club, an outdoor pool and lounge that gives 'I'm on vacation' vibes without needing the beach. A swim day pass is booked online, including towel service and a reserved sun lounger. Poolside food and drinks are delivered right to your lounge (or poolside — my preference), making this experience even more luxurious.

The 'I Prefer a River or Bay' Beach Hater

As much as I love the beach, I'd be lying if I didn’t admit a river or bay activity is sometimes a nice switch-up from the ocean. Sometimes overlooked, the Jersey Shore is home to scenic rivers and bays, which are a good alternative for both the beach hater and the beach lover, who may need a break from the routine.

East Coast Tiki Tours | 841 NJ-70, Brick Township

We know we've all been tempted to take one: a tiki boat tour. I recommend East Coast Tiki Tours, which runs through Forked River. Two things the beachphobe will appreciate: Misters (because we know that Jersey summer heat can get intense) and BYOB policy (no explanation necessary), which are both unavailable on the beach. I also have to point out that the Bluetooth speakers mean you get to pick your own music while taking in the river views (another characteristic lacking from our beloved beaches, where IYKYK everyone thinks they are a DJ).

F Cove | 2WVQ+WH, Brick Township

I couldn't create a beach hater guide without mentioning F Cove, a man-made cove on northern Barnegat Bay. It's known as a legendary spot on the Jersey Shore. It has an exclusive lure as it is only accessible via water, so you'll need a boat, jet ski, wave runner, or kayak to join the party. If you're lucky enough to get a spot, imagine loads of people dancing, BBQing, and hanging out on floats. This all-day, exclusive party is a fun alternative to the beach.

The River Queen | 800 Ashley Avenue, Brielle

The River Queen needs to be part of this list partly because I appreciate a fun name and think it would be a disservice not to include a dinner cruise in a beach hater guide. The River Queen is a public cruise based in Brielle, and has a sightseeing cruise for those who just want to take in the views of the waterways connecting Brielle, Manasquan, and Point Pleasant. It also has meal cruises - you can pick from dinner, lunch, or my favorite, brunch. Even more fun? There's even a murder mystery cruise that sounds like a good reason to ditch the beach for the day.

The 'I Want The View, Not the Sand' Beach Hater Or The 'I Get Bored' Beach Hater

This is the beachphobe who wants a solid ocean view but can't stand the sand. To be honest, even as a beach lover, sometimes I just need a break from the messiness and want to take in the shore's beauty without the residue haunting every piece of clothing I own. These alternative activities will be your beach hater's new obsession because they all have stellar ocean views that can be appreciated from afar. Plus, they all include interactive options to entertain your 'I get bored' beach hater.

Baronet | 210 Fifth Avenue, Asbury Park

Baronet is Asbury Hotel's open-air rooftop featuring panoramic ocean views that will melt your beach skeptic. The best part? It transforms into a drive-in-style movie space open to the public in the summer. The movie starts around 8:45PM, but I recommend getting there when doors open at 8PM so you can snag one of Baranet's cozy seating options since it's first come, first serve. It's seriously picturesque watching a movie with the beach in the background, and there are fun snacks like popcorn, candy, and wine/beer. You and your beach hater’s tickets can be purchased here.

Cape May Lighthouse | 215 Light House Avenue, Cape May

The Cape May Lighthouse is a must-do for a complete Jersey Shore experience. There’s no way to be bored when  you and your beach hater climb the 199 steps up the original cast iron spiral stairway to the top of the 1859 lighthouse. The view is top-notch — you'll see Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean, the surrounding nature trails of Cape May Point State Park, and Cape May Point Borough. The admission ticket is $12, comparable to a Jersey Shore daily beach pass (or less than some on the weekends, depending on the town). Tickets can be purchased online here.

See More: New Jersey Beaches That Don’t Have an Admission Fee

Casino Pier's Ferris Wheel | 800 Boardwalk, Seaside Heights

Photo Credit: Casino Pier

Casino Pier is an amusement park in Seaside Heights; one of my favorite attractions is its Ferris Wheel. The 40-meter Ferris wheel is 131-feet tall on Seaside Heights’ expanded pier, and the view of the Jersey Shore is unreal. I also like the Sky Ride, which takes you above Seaside Heights beach and gives you a fun view of the Atlantic Ocean, Barnegat Bay, Seaside Heights, boardwalk stands, and businesses. Both rides are good options for the beach hater and beach lover looking for adventure. FYI: Check out a video of the Sky Ride and the Ferris Wheel here.  

If we can all agree on something, it's that the Jersey Shore in the summer is the place to be. While I still love a day spent in the sand, hearing the ocean waves, and soaking in the sun, the downsides of the beach are entirely relatable. Sometimes, I need that beach-hater energy to remind me to appreciate all those Jersey Shore locations that are not beach-related.

For more beach-lover and beach-hater (or neutral/depending on the day) Jersey Shore content, follow @thejerseyshoregirl_ on Instagram.