Jenna Giustino 
As we get older, making new friends can feel like a challenge — which is exactly why local events and community activities matter so much. Lately, the Jersey Shore has really stepped up its game when it comes to bringing people together, and now there are so many fun ways to meet someone new while still staying true to your interests. From book clubs to boutique fitness studios to creative workshops, there are plenty of spaces where friendships naturally start to form. Read on for our guide to making friends at the Jersey Shore.
JSG Recommendation #1: Join an inclusive fitness studio
CrossFit Speakeasy | 702 8th Avenue, Belmar
Photo Credit: Thea Zunick
Besides hosting CrossFit-based workouts and personal training opportunities, the gym is known for its collaborative environment. Members are constantly participating in events such as holiday parties, beach workouts, and more. Many CrossFit members have referenced forming lifelong friendships through the training and supportive environment in place.
Heatwave Hot Yoga | 1108 Main Street, Unit 3, Belmar
Photo Credit: Ariana Speranza
Heatwave Hot Yoga in Belmar is more than just a yoga studio — it’s a community hub. Opened in 2024 by best friends Ariana Speranza and Mike McCabe, the space was built with inclusivity and connection in mind, welcoming practitioners of all levels to heated classes such as vinyasa, powerflow, beginner, sculpt, and Ashtanga. The vibe is relaxed and non-judgmental, with a cozy lounge for hanging out before or after class. Ariana’s Friday 5PM workshop flow is a great chance to challenge yourself with new poses while connecting with like-minded locals. It’s also not unusual to see the owners hosting group photos, celebrating birthdays, or joining in community events — making Heatwave a place to find balance, sweat, and maybe even a new friend.
Read More: How To Date at the Jersey Shore, Without the Apps
JSG Recommendation # 2: Join a social event group
NJ Sip Savor Social | Jersey Shore/Monmouth County
Photo Credit: Sip Savor Social
NJ Sip Savor Social is an Instagram-based community that organizes monthly meetups for women across the state. The group meets for dinner dates designed to foster new friendships and create a positive atmosphere. To keep updated on the next night out, follow its Instagram page here.
Shaka Club | Jersey Shore
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Shaka Club is a social event group that hosts happy hours and age-based programming at local Jersey Shore restaurants and bars. The Shaka Club hosts put together fun games and conversation topics that make it easy to start a conversation with a potential new friend. To find out more about the schedule of Jersey Shore events, click here.
JSG Recommendation #3: Join a Walking Club
Jersey Girls Walk Club | All Over Monmouth County
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Jersey Girls Walk Club is based in Monmouth County. Past events include walk-and-talks, coffee walks, and walks in the park. The time and location vary, so keep an eye on its schedule, which is updated here.
Shore Girls Who Walk | 10th Avenue Beach Entrance, Belmar
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Shore Girls Who Walk is a Belmar-based walking group. The meeting time is 5:30PM on Tuesdays at the 10th Avenue beach entrance, and all are welcome. Shore Girls Who Walk is a good opportunity to meet and chat with someone new while taking in the beach views.
JSG Recommendation #4: Read + write with others
Shore Alignment Club | Bradley Beach
The Shore Alignment Club is a journaling group based in Bradley Beach. The purpose of the group is to provide a space for you to explore the art of journaling while also forming connections with other locals in the area. The prompts at Shore Alignment Club help you use writing as a way to reflect on life. Afterwards, the group always welcomes discussion to create a supportive environment and form bonds. For more information on when + where the group meets, click here.
Asbury Park Book Cooperative | 644A Cookman Avenue, Asbury Park
The Asbury Park Book Cooperative is a local bookshop in downtown Asbury Park. It hosts events like journal clubs, book talks, and live music. Additionally, there are numerous opportunities to join book clubs with diverse topics and genres, including feminist literature, romance novels, and discussions on racial and social justice, among others. All the events at Asbury Park Book Cooperative provide opportunities to meet with others who share similar passions, making it a great chance to meet a new friend.
Silent Book Club of Monmouth County | Monmouth County
The Silent Book Club of Monmouth County is a group hosting book club events at local venues. Although the ‘silent’ part of the title may seem misleading for forming friendships, the group actually initiates discussions by setting up socializing times before and after the silent reading session. Plus, the hosts give out “green” bracelets to those who want to chat — an opportunity to connect with a like-minded booktrovert.
JSG Recommendation #5: Join a team
Asbury Park Kickball | Asbury Park (Field West of Convention Hall)
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Asbury Park Kickball meets at the field west of Convention Hall. The group plays every Tuesday at 6PM until sundown from May to October. Everyone is welcome to play, regardless of their skill level. You can also hang out on the sidelines and watch with others. New teams are selected every week, and JSG recommends following its Instagram page for updates about hangouts or last-minute additional meets during the winter.
Red Bank Run Club | Red Bank
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The Red Bank Run Club is an all-pace group designed for individuals who enjoy running while also interacting with others who share a similar mindset. The Red Bank Run Club meets on Monday at 6PM at Count Basie Track, Wednesday at 6:30PM at Red Rock, and Saturday at 9AM at Coffee Corral. To learn more about the social component, click here.
JSG Recommendation #6: Participate in fun + creative events
Swellness | Jersey Shore
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Swellness is a local group that hosts wellness and fitness experiences at the Jersey Shore. The events are designed to build a coastal community of members who seek to grow through interactive self-care experiences. To keep updated on future events, click here.
Over the Moon | 808 Springwood Avenue, Asbury Park
Over the Moon is an art studio in Asbury Park. For those looking for others with a creative mindset, Over the Moon hosts a pop-up art and music show at the Asbury Park Transportation Center on the first Friday of every month from 5PM-8PM. It’s a chance to celebrate local talent in a community-focused environment, which is an ideal location for forming genuine friendships.
See More: 10 Ways to Make Friends + Meet New People in Bergen County
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