Jenna Giustino 
We’ve all been there: newly single and not quite sure what to do with ourselves. If there’s any silver lining, a breakup is a pretty good excuse to shop, eat, pamper yourself, + lean into whatever makes the day a little better. Whether that means dancing with friends, crying by the water, getting a blowout, or treating yourself to something new, we’ve got you covered. Read on for JSG’s post-breakup guide to the Jersey Shore.
If You’re Looking to Blow Off Some Steam
For those who consider working out a form of therapy, these are a few of our favorite Jersey Shore fitness studios for sweating out some of that post-breakup stress.
CrossFit Speakeasy | 702 8th Avenue, Belmar
CrossFit Speakeasy is an inclusive Belmar gym that welcomes all fitness levels, with coaching and training tailored to individual goals. It’s also a solid way to channel some post-breakup energy into a new goal. CrossFit Speakeasy has a tight-knit community, too, making it an easy place to meet new people along the way.
Heatwave Hot Yoga | 1108 Main Street, Unit 3, Belmar
Heatwave Hot Yoga is a go-to for sweating out the drama. For those in need of a slower flow, JSG suggests a vinyasa class. Anyone wanting something faster-paced can opt for power flow, which pairs upbeat music with a challenging workout that makes it difficult to think about an ex. Temperatures here get high, so any mid-class tears can be disguised as sweat pretty easily.
The Parlor | 917 3rd Avenue, Asbury Park
The Parlor is an infrared boutique fitness studio in Asbury Park with heated cardio, sculpt, + strength classes. There’s also a shadowboxing class featuring boxing-inspired combinations, which might be exactly what the post-breakup era calls for. FYI: The aesthetic is so cute, with antique-inspired details, chandeliers, gold-rimmed mirrors, + even a coffee bar for a much-deserved post-class treat.
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If You’re Looking to Pamper Yourself
A little post-breakup self-care never hurts. From blowouts + facials to massages and more, these Jersey Shore spots make an easy excuse to do something nice for yourself.
Artemis Ethos | 708 Cookman Avenue, Asbury Park
Artemis Ethos is a holistic salon + spa in Asbury Park where the self-care itinerary is basically a choose-your-own-adventure menu. There’s everything from blowouts, head spa treatments, facials, + massages to hand-poked tattoos. Makeup lessons and Reiki + other wellness sessions are also available, which could feel particularly fitting during a new chapter.
Ethos Aesthetics + Wellness | 2137 NJ-35, Suite 160, Holmdel
Ethos Aesthetics + Wellness has multiple locations, but JSG suggests its Jersey Shore location in Holmdel. From Botox and dermal fillers to laser treatments, there are plenty of options for a post-breakup glow-up. FYI: The staff here is always so warm, which can be especially appreciated when navigating the aftermath of a breakup.
MOOD Esthetic Studio | 705 Cookman Avenue, Floor 2, Asbury Park
For a subtle post-breakup refresh, MOOD Esthetic Studio in Asbury Park specializes in brows + lashes. There are also fun options for anyone wanting to add something a little different to their look.
If You’re Looking for a Space to Cry
We’re sharing a couple of scenic Jersey Shore spots for sitting with your thoughts + having a good cry.
Sunset Point | 1201-1299 Bay Terrace, Ship Bottom
Waterfront benches, a gazebo, + bay views make Sunset Point a fitting spot for anyone in need of a little alone time. The park tends to feel peaceful + secluded, especially during the off-season, with plenty of places to sit with your thoughts and have a good cry with a pretty view.
The Gazebo | Washington Avenue, Avon-by-the-Sea
The gazebo in Avon-by-the-Sea is at the end of the boardwalk near the bridge leading into Belmar. There are plenty of benches and, especially during the cooler months, enough space to find some privacy for a therapeutic cry. The inlet views also provide a little distance from the action, so a few tears can probably go unnoticed — though during summer, maybe just bring sunglasses.
If You’re Looking for a Night Out
Sometimes the answer is a night out. These Jersey Shore spots have DJs, live music + plenty of reasons to dance instead of checking an ex’s Instagram.
Asbury Social | 527 Lake Avenue, Asbury Park
Asbury Social is in downtown Asbury Park. JSG suggests stopping by for Social Saturdays, featuring DJ sets made for dancing. The venue also hosts performances with dancers + theatrical elements, including fire displays, providing plenty of distractions from whatever the ex might be up to.
Low Dive | 1000 Ocean Avenue North, Asbury Park
Low Dive is a laid-back bar right on the Asbury Park boardwalk. If the breakup happens during the warmer months, JSG recommends stopping by on a Sunday for Boardwalk Boogie, which means disco hits, dancing, bubbles, + a good vibe. Of course, live bands regularly take the stage here, too, for anyone who would rather listen to music than talk about the breakup for the 100th time.
Watermark | 800 Ocean Avenue, Second Floor, Asbury Park
Watermark is a rooftop lounge + bar overlooking the Asbury Park boardwalk. During the summer, sounds from performances at The Stone Pony can often be heard from the outdoor sections, creating a lively atmosphere. Inside, there’s a lounge-style setup with communal seating for socializing, plus DJs + dancing. Translation: plenty of opportunities to get out of the house and meet new people.
If You’re Looking for a Dinner That Feels Like an Occasion
Sometimes a breakup calls for putting on a good outfit, getting the girls together, + ordering something indulgent. It can be less something to be sad about, and more a new chapter to celebrate, so if you just want to go out for a special meal, we’ve got you. These Jersey Shore restaurants provide the ideal excuse to get dressed up and make dinner feel like an occasion.
Olea Restaurant + Lounge | 700 NJ-71, Spring Lake
Olea Restaurant + Lounge is an elevated Spring Lake spot with dim lighting and an olive tree situated in the center of the dining room. The menu has plenty of indulgent options, including steaks, pasta dishes, seafood, + generously sized sides that work well for sharing with friends. JSG suggests using the breakup as an excuse to order a little bit of everything.
Park Social | 1311 NJ-35, Neptune City
Park Social in Neptune City checks all the boxes for a chic girls’ night out, with velvet seating, gold details, + an upscale atmosphere. The menu has everything from wood-fired pizza and raw bar selections to seafood + steak entrées, making it an easy choice whether the post-breakup plan involves dinner with friends or taking yourself out solo.
Sinner’s Steakhouse | 20 Inlet Drive, Point Pleasant Beach
With its red-toned dining room, steak + seafood menu, and location near the Manasquan Inlet, Sinner’s Steakhouse makes dinner feel like an occasion. Craft cocktails are also on the menu, and the waterfront location makes for a scenic post-dinner walk.
If You’re Looking for Comfort Food
For those days when eating your feelings feels like the only appropriate activity, these Jersey Shore spots have plenty of comfort food to help.
Brennan’s | 38 W River Road, Rumson + 212 NJ-35, Red Bank + 70 Monmouth Road, Oakhurst
Brennan’s is a deli + bakery with multiple Jersey Shore locations and an extensive lineup of sandwiches, handmade pastries, cookies, cakes, + other desserts. It’s an especially good choice for anyone who has officially entered the stay-home-in-sweats phase of the breakup. JSG suggests ordering something comforting, bringing it home, + turning on a favorite show.
Buttermee Pancakes | 1100 Ocean Avenue North, Asbury Park + 8 Ocean Avenue North, Long Branch
Buttermee Pancakes has locations in Asbury Park + Long Branch serving adorable mini pancakes. The topping options include Nutella, cookie butter, strawberries + cream, + more. The menu also includes a Bite Box filled with a party-sized serving of pancakes, which feels particularly appropriate for gathering the group and conducting a full post-breakup debrief.
XINA | 415 Main Street, Bradley Beach + 3430 NJ-37, Toms River
For sushi, noodles, rice dishes, + other comfort-food picks, XINA has locations in Bradley Beach + Toms River. The menu also includes familiar favorites like General Tso’s chicken. FYI: Both locations are BYOB, so bring a favorite bottle + settle in.
If You’re Looking for a Distraction
Sometimes the best post-breakup strategy is simply having something to do. These interactive Jersey Shore activities provide a distraction whether the plan involves going solo or recruiting friends for moral support.
Fleur de Mer | 3316 Sunset Avenue #8, Ocean Township
As we learned from Miley Cyrus, buying your own flowers is completely encouraged post-breakup. Fleur de Mer is a flower shop in Ocean Township with plenty of blooms for doing exactly that. The shop also hosts floral workshops + DIY classes, turning the self-bought bouquet into an entire activity.
Midnight Candle Company | 811 Main Street, Belmar
Midnight Candle Company in Belmar hosts candle-making workshops, which is a cute way to create something cozy for the house while keeping busy. FYI: The workshops are also BYOB, so bringing a friend + a bottle of wine is highly encouraged.
Psychic Madam Marie’s Temple of Knowledge | 4th + Ocean Avenue North, Asbury Park
Madam Marie’s is a longtime fixture on the Asbury Park boardwalk. It has in-person readings, tarot, + other psychic services. Whether visiting solo or with friends, getting a reading after a breakup could be a fun way to stop thinking about the past and start imagining what might be next.
If You’re Looking for a Cozy Solo Outing
For the days when the post-breakup mood calls for something slower, these cozy Jersey Shore spots combine shopping, eating, + drinking in spaces made for lingering.
A Cup of Literature | 704 Cookman Avenue, Asbury Park
A Cup of Literature is a lifestyle café in Asbury Park that gives major Gilmore Girls energy. There are cozy seating areas, literary-inspired coffee names, + a corner filled with books to browse and purchase before or after grabbing a latte. It’s the kind of place made for romanticizing a solo afternoon.
Maeberrie Market | 504 Main Street, Avon-by-the-Sea
Maeberrie Market is a pretty breakfast, brunch, + lunch spot in Avon-by-the-Sea. Exposed brick + a cozy market setup give the space plenty of charm, while the menu is filled with comforting options. There’s also a market to browse after eating, providing a perfect excuse to pick up a little something for yourself before heading home.
Olive & Oak | 700 Oceanport Avenue, Oceanport
Olive & Oak is a café + market in Oceanport with a grab-and-go section for browsing before or after eating, or even taking food to go for a cute solo picnic. JSG suggests the chicken salad, but there are also themed coffees + charcuterie boards that can be enjoyed there or taken home. It’s an easy, low-key outing for the days when getting out of the house feels necessary, but a full night out absolutely does not.
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