Even though the Jersey Shore is known for its fist-pumping nightlife, summer party scenes, and beachside bars, our coastal towns offer a variety of alcohol-free experiences that cater to every interest and lifestyle. Going alcohol-free can be a way to prioritize self-care, mental clarity, and overall well-being, ensuring a more meaningful and memorable experience without forgoing a good time. From pole dancing classes to book clubs and hiking trips, these activities show that you don’t need to drink to have the best day or night ever. Read on for some of the best alcohol-free activities at the Jersey Shore.

Join a sober social group

Asbury Park Sober Socials hosts mindful sober events for those who want to connect and spend time with others who do not partake in drinking alcohol. Some of the events include activities such as hiking, trivia, open mic nights, yoga classes, bingo, and more. AP Sober Socials is also an LGBTQIA+-friendly group. Follow @apsobersocials on Instagram for updates and event announcements.

Taste test all of the delicious specialty mocktails in Asbury Park

Bars and restaurants in Asbury Park are super creative with their mocktail options. During the month of January, The Asbury Hotel bar is featuring a mocktail menu with spirit-free sips. The JSG team loves Georgies and Iron Whale’s 0.0 abv menus. If a bar menu doesn’t have its own non-alcoholic section, ask the bartender what they can make without alcohol and they will have options or create a special concoction.

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Take pottery + ceramic lessons — or just paint pottery

Working with pottery or clay provides a creative opportunity to express yourself, make beautiful pieces, and enjoy the process of crafting in a calm, alcohol-free environment. Lovelight Handmade has a wide variety of workshops and private lessons at its studio in Bradley Beach. Blue Skies Pottery at the Long Branch Pier Village has walk-ins, one-time classes, multi-week courses, and memberships for those interested in learning and perfecting the ins and outs of pottery. Wish Upon A Jar in Point Pleasant is a first-come, first-serve paint-your-own pottery studio that allows guests to paint a fabulous ceramic piece, without having to work with messy clay or a wheel.

See a movie at an indie theater

There are a few small, independent movie theaters located at the Jersey Shore that feature both an eclectic mix of independent films as well as Hollywood blockbusters. The Showroom Cinema on Cookman Avenue in Asbury Park has a state-of-the-art projection system and three screening rooms with the largest theater holding up to 66 people in fixed theater chairs. Basie Center Cinemas is a twin cinema complex featuring independent films on White Street in downtown Red Bank. Tickets to showings and events held at Basie Center Cinemas can be purchased through the Count Basie Center for the Arts. Smodcastle Cinemas — owned and operated by director Kevin Smith — is a renovated, old-school neighborhood movie house with digital projectors on all screens and classic concessions in the Atlantic Highlands.

Try pole dancing or aerial fitness classes

Pole dancing and aerial fitness classes are a fun and empowering way to stay active while building strength, flexibility, and confidence. They are also a full-body workout, targeting muscles one may not typically engage in other forms of exercise, making the classes both challenging and rewarding. Bada Bling Fitness in Colts Neck has premier pole, floor, chair, and aerial dance training no matter what experience level one has. Whether looking to level up in fitness or just try something new, pole dancing and aerial fitness is a unique, alcohol-free activity that fosters both physical and mental well-being.

Sign up for cooking + baking classes

Cooking or baking classes are a fantastic way to explore new skills and indulge in creativity while staying alcohol-free. Students will learn how to prepare delicious meals or treats while fostering a sense of accomplishment and indulging in something savory or decadent. Sweet Dani B’s cookie kitchen and petite party studio in Asbury Park hosts cookie decorating classes while Papa Ganache has cooking and baking lessons available at its vegan and gluten-free kitchen in Keyport. These classes provide a fun and interactive way to connect with others while discovering new flavors and techniques.

See a show at the planetarium

Visiting the Robert J. Novins Planetarium — located on the campus of Ocean County College in Toms River, New Jersey — is a captivating, alcohol-free activity that provides a mesmerizing escape into the wonders of the universe. The planetarium hosts a variety of shows, from educational presentations to meditations and music-themed laser light performances. Tickets for shows and events at the Robert J. Novins Planetarium can be purchased on its website.

Learn how to blow glass at Hot Sand

Hot Sand — located at 550 Cookman Avenue in Asbury Park — provides an exciting and hands-on glassblowing experience, making it a one-of-a-kind alcohol-free activity for individuals or groups. Hot Sand allows visitors to create custom glass art pieces, from ornaments to vases, under the guidance of skilled artisans. No prior glass-blowing experience is needed to partake in a session, the studio provides all of the supplies and expertise needed.

Try all of the Jersey Shore restaurants featured on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives

From seafood and BBQ to bagels and pizza, there is no shortage of delicious food options at the Jersey Shore. Restaurateur Guy Fieri has spotlighted some of our local favorite spots all the way up the coast of New Jersey from Cape May to Middletown on his long-running, hit television series Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. Follow this guide to rewatch the Jersey Shore-centered episodes and taste-test Guy’s picks for yourself.

Experience a traditional Russian banya spa

Whether looking to unwind solo or share a unique self-care day with friends, Bear + Birch — traditional Russian Banya, located at 6 Paragon Way in Freehold, New Jersey — provides a rejuvenating experience centered on relaxation, wellness and reducing stress. The traditional Banya experience involves steaming, cooling down, and resting with breaks for drinks, snacks, and socializing in a day spa environment. Bear and Birch’s banya amenities include a 200-degree Russian Parnaya sauna room, a Finnish dry sauna room, a classic American-style steam room, a 40-degree cold plunge pool, a hot tub, and a full kitchen and seating area.

Drop into a roller disco

United Skates Jackson — located at 2270 West County Line Road in Jackson, New Jersey — is a fun and energetic alcohol-free facility that is great for all ages and skill levels. The rink has a lively atmosphere with music, games, and themed skate nights. Roller skating is a fantastic way to stay active, socialize, and enjoy nostalgic fun. United Skates has skate rentals and a snack bar on-site.

Visit the alpacas of the Jersey Shore

There are seven alpaca farms near the Jersey Shore that allow guests to feed, photograph, and learn all about alpacas on various farm tours. Some farms even have shops that sell alpaca products that include, but are not limited to, alpaca fleece, yarn, and sweaters. Be sure to follow the JSG guide to Alpaca farms at the Jersey Shore.

Take free fitness + wellness classes with other sober individuals

The Phoenix is a nonprofit organization that provides a free, sober community for people recovering from substance use disorders. The Phoenix's mission is to build active sober communities that fuel resilience so that members can rise, recover, and live. The Phoenix hosts activities such as yoga, CrossFit, dance fitness, indoor climbing, and open jams — just to name a few — in Belmar, Neptune, Brick, Toms River, and Island Heights.

Step to the rhythm at salsa dancing lessons

Salsa at the Shore hosts classes and social dancing at various bars, restaurants, and clubs in Ocean and Monmouth Counties. At the salsa socials, the instructor teaches a one-hour group lesson with 30 minutes of Salsa and 30 minutes of Bachata. The classes are always beginner friendly and no partner or experience is needed. Salsa dancing helps improve coordination, balance, and fitness through rhythm and motion. It’s also a fantastic way to meet new people in a welcoming and social environment. Follow @salsaattheshore on Instagram for classes and social dancing updates.

Brush up on your chess skills

Chess is a timeless game that challenges strategic thinking, requires patience, and sharpens problem-solving skills, making it both fun and intellectually rewarding. Asbury Park Chess Club provides a welcoming environment for players of all skill levels, providing opportunities to learn, improve, and compete in a friendly setting. The club meets in The Asbury Hotel lobby or at the Asbury Park Library. Follow @asburyparkchessclub on Instagram for upcoming schedules and meet-ups.

Pick up pickleball

Pickleball is easy to learn and is suitable for players of all ages and skill levels. It is a welcoming way to stay active without intimidation. As a fast-paced but low-impact sport, pickleball provides a great workout that also boosts mental focus. Whether looking for casual play or competitive matches, One Love Pickleball — located at 2343 Seaview Square Mall in Ocean Township — provides a supportive and engaging environment with open courts, private lessons, and tournaments.

See More: Alcohol-Free Activities in Hoboken + Jersey City

Learn how to knit and/or crochet

Students will create beautiful, handmade items such as scarves, hats, and blankets and pick up a skill that provides a tangible sense of accomplishment. For those who need guidance, The Creative Knot is a yarn and craft shop located at 48 Main Avenue in Ocean Grove, New Jersey that has classes and workshops for all skill levels. These classes and workshops allow guests to learn a timeless skill, create beautiful handmade items, and enjoy the meditative benefits of working with yarn.

Play old school arcade games

Whether a fan of retro gaming or just looking for a unique and upbeat outing, the Jersey Shore has a few indoor arcades that are open year-round and feature classic arcade games, pinball machines, and retro favorites. YESTERcades — located at 80 Broad Street in Red Bank — has everything from pinball and air hockey to Rock Band and Pacman. The Silverball Retro Arcade — at ​​1000 Ocean Avenue in Asbury Park — features over 150 pinball machines from the 1930s to the present. For the quintessential Jersey Shore gaming experience, visit the arcades along the Point Pleasant and Seaside boardwalks.