Planning a beach getaway down the shore? If you aren’t staying too far down, make sure to keep reading for some of the best spots to check out while you’re there!
Eat & Drink:
- The Sundae Times Ice Cream Parlour: This is an easy to get to local spot located in Spring Lake. They offer an array of ice cream flavors, as well as sugar-free options, sherbert, and sorbet, as well as frozen yogurt.
- Spring Lake Seafood: This local seafood restaurant was a hit. Every dish was fantastic, the seafood was super fresh, and their outdoor patio made for the perfect spot to sip a glass of rosé and enjoy the sunshine.
- Parker House: An institution! No matter what kind of night you want to have, you can have it at Parker House. A nice meal on their wraparound porch? Check. Live music at the bar? Check. A rowdy late-night game of shuffleboard? Also check. Weekends are jam-packed, especially if you’re looking for a drink or five and a scarily affordable lobster.
- The Scone Pony: Don’t miss out on this local bakery. Here you’ll obviously find scones (theirs are super soft and moist), as well as cookies, muffins, cakes, tarts, and more. They are only open Thursday through Sunday, though, so make sure to plan accordingly.
- The Pig & Parrot: Located right on the water in Brielle, this tiki-inspired restaurant serves up tropical drinks and island bites. Make sure to try their bang bang shrimp.
- Sundaes The Ice Cream Place: It might not look like much, but this ice cream spot has some real killer scoops. We recommend Ooey Gooey Oreo, which my brother-in-law said just might be the best ice cream he’s ever had.
What to Do:
- Shop in Spring Lake –
- Thunder Road Books: Nothing brings me greater joy than a good independent bookstore. This fun spot is all about rock ‘n roll and then some. There are plenty of books to leaf through, a kid’s section, and even some book-themed home goods, too.
- Terra Earth + Surf: This relatively new spot is a literal breath of fresh air. Selling outdoor living and natural home goods, its greenery vibe is addictive.
- Hive: If you have, or know anyone, with kids, this is the place to go. They have the most adorable baby and children’s clothing and toys.
- Coral Cove: If you’re looking for affordable, cute clothing and accessories with a beachy vibe, you’ll go nuts in this friendly shop.
- Warm Shop: If you’re looking for more high-end retail shops, this beautiful spot is the place for you. They have dresses, shoes, and so much more. It’s a great spot to find something to don for a special occasion.
- Little Free Library: I love these little huts that house books for people to take and leave at their leisure. There’s one right on the boardwalk near the Sea Girt Lighthouse, but there are plenty of little libraries throughout the shore. Peep this map to find out where they all are.
- Jenkinson’s Boardwalk: Whether you’re looking to entertain a big kid or a little kid, or even an adult kid, this boardwalk in Point Pleasant is the place to be. It’s filled with games, rides, arcades, food, candy shops, an adventure park, mini golf, batting cages, and for those rainy days, an aquarium. Located right along the beach, visitors can hop on and off the boardwalk at their leisure and break up those days of sunning at the beach. There’s also a handful of restaurants and even a nightclub when the sun sets.
- Beach: Duh. Take your pick — there are plenty of beaches to choose from when you’re down the shore. Make sure to check to see if you need a beach pass before you go!
