The stretch of Jersey Shore between Spring Lake and Bay Head is an interesting mix of historic beach towns that offers everything from old-time gentility to noise and neon. By the late 1800s, fine summer hotels (this was the era before beach towns became year-round resorts), boardinghouses, and elegant Victorian mansions, or “cottages”—as wealthy vacationers preferred to call their lavish summer estates—were being built up and down the coast. Many of these historic buildings have been lovingly restored as charming inns and bed & breakfasts that welcome guests all year long. The late 1800s was also the era of the boardwalk, a destination for beachfront strolling that has transformed over time into today’s rollicking amusement centers for which the Jersey Shore is famous.
Spring Lake is a Victorian seaside village with a quiet 2-mile-long boardwalk, stately 19th-century homes, and a charming Main Street lined with more than 60 specialty stores, upscale boutiques, and chic bistros. Resort towns on this part of the Jersey Shore get much of their clientele from Manhattan, and it shows in the level of sophistication and the caliber of restaurants, inns, and shops. Travel + Leisure magazine named Spring Lake one of the Top Ten Getaways in America. The town’s namesake lake is just what you would expect it to be, a crystal-clean freshwater lake fed by numerous underground springs. The lakeshore is lined with weeping willows and laced with walking paths, making an evening stroll not just a popular pastime but a must for those who wish to savor the beauty and charm of this beach community.
In the early 1800s, the area was still an isolated farming and fishing outpost, home to a few rugged souls who welcomed a small number of summer visitors to an off-the-beaten-path destination. A new rail line that connected the region to the outside world in 1876 changed all that. Wealthy city folk began erecting vacation palaces, and as word spread of the area’s beauty, the Spring Lake Beach Improvement Company took over a smattering of tiny settlements and incorporated them into the elegant resort town of Spring Lake. By 1903 there were grand hotels and opulent estates, and this once-undiscovered gem was a new stomping ground for the New York City and Philadelphia high-society scene.
Today’s Spring Lake isn’t relegated to the rich and famous, much to the delight of visitors who come to the shore with visions of lovely historic inns and gourmet fine dining rather than amusement piers, video arcades, and kitschy souvenir stands. There are fine family-oriented beaches, and the longest noncommercial boardwalk along the entire Jersey Shore. The Spring Lake Historical Society maintains a small local-history museum in the Victorian-era Borough Hall, and publishes walking-tour guides for the historic downtown and for Divine Park, which surrounds Spring Lake.
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Brielle is a quiet residential community tucked away on the Manasquan River, just off the well-trodden tourist path. It stretches along 4 miles of riverfront but lacks an ocean beach, a fact that has staved off the summer crowds and traffic bottlenecks that plague nearby communities. In the 1700s, a small shipbuilding industry thrived along the riverbanks, and today Brielle offers boaters and anglers a few marinas with boat launch facilities and a decent number of party boats and charter fishing boats. The Brielle Yacht Club has a popular dockside seafood restaurant and bar, and the Mississippi-style River Queen takes passengers on scenic excursions along the river. In tiny Sea Girt, the slogan is “Where the Cedars Meet the Sea”; the 19th-century resort town boasts an old-time boardwalk, a mile-long beach, and America’s oldest live-in lighthouse perched above Manasquan Inlet, the head of the infamous Intracoastal Waterway that continues inland all the way to Florida and Texas.
There was a settlement in Manasquan as early as the 1600s. The Unami Indians (a branch of New Jersey’s Lenni-Lenape tribe) who fished and hunted along the Manasquan River and its tributaries for centuries gave it the name Man-A-Squaw-Han, meaning “stream of the island squaws.” Today it’s another of the state’s lesser-known shore towns, with a young and lively summer scene, plenty of family activities, and clean, sandy beaches. The beachfront is packed with a string of summer houses, and it’s one of the only communities along the shore that still allows group house rentals on a weekly, monthly, or seasonal basis. In surfing circles, Manasquan is known for its waves, and Inlet Beach offers some of the best surfing on the East Coast. Surfers come from around the country to ride the waves at the inlet jetty and compete in surfing competitions during Big Sea Day, the town’s summertime festival that attracts hordes of tourists.
Families vacationing with children in tow head to kid-friendly Point Pleasant and Point Pleasant Beach. The latter boasts the area’s liveliest boardwalk—especially on Friday and Saturday nights—packed with amusements, a fun house, midway-style games of chance, thrilling rides, live entertainment, food, souvenir shops, mini golf, beach bars, and an aquarium full of sharks, seals, penguins, and other creatures. Free entertainment, from classic-car cruises and fireworks to kiddie shows and concerts, keeps visitors busy all summer long.
Point Pleasant Beach first became a vacation destination in the 1870s, when local retired sea captain John Arnold built a road to the ocean (today’s Arnold Avenue) and the first bridge over the Manasquan River to the coast, then lobbied successfully for passenger-train service from Philadelphia to Point Pleasant Beach. Since the first planks were laid in 1915, the boardwalk has evolved from a quaint beachfront walkway with a merry-go-round to a lively amusement park. In the 1920s, Orlo Jenkinson built his namesake pavilion, the precursor to today’s amusement pier.
Point Pleasant Beach is the self-proclaimed state seafood capital, home to one of New Jersey’s three commercial fishing fleets for generations. Many boats are owned by descendants of the region’s earliest settlers, who fished these waters long before the first tourists arrived. They share space in Manasquan Inlet with a menagerie of sportfishing boats and recreational craft that ply in and out of the inlet on their way to the open waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Every September, the Festival of the Sea marks the end of the summer season in the Point Pleasant area.
SPRING LAKE’S STATELY VICTORIANS AND GRAND HOTELS ARE LASTING REMINDERS OF ITS 19TH-CENTURY AFFLUENCE. TODAY’S VISITORS COME FOR THE BOARDWALK, SAND DUNE BEACHES, AND CHARMING B&BS.
Courtesy Ann. V. Loftus
The quaint and upscale 19th-century seashore village of Bay Head stands in stark contrast to the boisterous amusement scene in Point Pleasant Beach. The Bay Head Yacht Club, gourmet restaurants, art galleries, and elegant bed & breakfasts all lend a touch of polish to this classy-yet-casual beach town. Streets are lined with meticulously restored shingle-style Victorian houses, and regulations on development have kept the 2 miles of beachfront nicely preserved and relatively uncrowded, even in the height of summer. Bay Head is perched on a half-mile-wide spit of land that stretches between the Atlantic Ocean to the east and Barnegat Bay to the west. In the mid-1800s, this area was a patchwork of farmland, forest, and cranberry bogs. By the turn of the 20th century, a rail line from New York City was in place, and Bay Head blossomed into a tony summer resort favored by prosperous Manhattan industrialists and bankers. Today it’s the last stop on New Jersey Transit’s North Jersey Coast Line, and families, couples, and weekenders take full advantage of it.
Today that old air of exclusivity remains; Bay Head often draws comparisons to Martha’s Vineyard, New England’s famous enclave of the rich and famous. Its main draws are the ocean and the beach—there are no amusements, no boardwalk crowds, and no boisterous groups of people on the sand. Visitors looking for a party town are advised to go elsewhere. Along the ocean, East Avenue is popular with early-morning joggers, cyclists, and in-line skaters. Waterfront homes sit cheek by jowl, a mix of traditional cedar-shake beach cottages and newly built palatial multimillion-dollar homes squeezed into tiny beachfront lots. The year-round population of just over 1,000 swells to 20,000 during the summer, but much of Bay Head still closes down between October and May.
Entries in this section are arranged in roughly geographic order, from north to south.
AREA CODE 732.
GUIDANCE Greater Spring Lake Chamber of Commerce (732-449-0577; www.springlake.org), 1218 Third Ave., Spring Lake. The office is open in summer Mon.–Sun., 10–5 and stocked with general visitor information on Spring Lake; they also keep tabs on lodging availability in the town’s bed & breakfasts. They will send a free map and vacation guide, on request. Their Web site contains lots of useful information on lodging, restaurants, shops, and activities.
Point Pleasant Beach Chamber of Commerce (732-899-2424; 888-772-3862; www.pointpleasantbeachnj.com), 517-A Arnold Ave., Point Pleasant Beach. The chamber’s Web site is full of good information for visitors, including an events calendar and information on lodging, restaurants and bars, shopping, boating, and fishing.
Point Pleasant Chamber of Commerce (732-295-8850; www.pointpleasantonline.com), 2808 Bridge Ave., Point Pleasant. They have brochures and information on local businesses and an online visitor’s guide that covers Point Pleasant and the surrounding area.
The Bay Head Business Association (800-422-4323; www.bayhead.org), P.O. Box 135, Bay Head 08742. Write for information, or click on their Web site for tips on attractions, lodging, restaurants, and shopping.
THOUSANDS OF SPECTATORS FLOCK TO POINT PLEASANT BEACH EVERY SUMMER AS THE NEW JERSEY OFFSHORE POWERBOAT RACING ASSOCIATION HOSTS HIGH-SPEED BOAT RACES JUST OFF THE COAST.
Photo courtesy of the New Jersey Offshore Powerboat Racing Association
GETTING THERE By air: Newark Liberty International Airport (973-961-6000; parking information: 888-397-4636; www.panynj.com) in Newark serves the entire state. Those traveling to New Jersey also use John F. Kennedy International Airport (718-244-4168; www.kennedyairport.com) and LaGuardia International Airport (718-533-3850; www.laguardiaairport.com) in New York City. Atlantic City International Airport (609-645-7895; www.acairport.com), Exit 9 off the Atlantic City Expressway, Egg Harbor Township, is served by Spirit Airlines (800-772-7117; www.spiritair.com).
By rail: New Jersey Transit’s North Coast Line (973-275-5555; www.njtransit.com) offers express commuter service connecting Penn Station in New York City (via Newark’s Penn Station) and shore points including Spring Lake, Manasquan, Point Pleasant, and the end of the line in Bay Head. The stops are within walking distance of most beaches.
By bus: New Jersey Transit (973-275-5555; www.njtransit.com) links the region to New York City, Atlantic City, and Philadelphia. Academy Bus Service (800-442-7272; www.academybus.com) busses connect the area to Port Authority terminal in New York City, with stops in Monmouth and Ocean counties, along Rt. 35 and Rt. 36, at the PNC Arts Center, from Toms River and Jackson Township and along the Garden State Parkway.
By car: The Garden State Parkway connects the New York and Washington, DC, regions to the Jersey Shore; from Philadelphia and Trenton, I-195 east leads toward the coast, from which Rt. 138 continues directly to Belmar. Rt. 70 is a major secondary road that cuts east across New Jersey from the Camden area, ending just west of Point Pleasant Beach.
GETTING AROUND Taxis: Briggs Transportation (732-892-1313) provides cab service in the Point Pleasant area. Spring Lake–based Coast City Cab (732-774-1414) and Belmar Car Service (732-449-2400) serve the region.
Water taxis: Manasquan Water Taxi (732-528-9248; www.manasquanwatertaxi.com) is a boat taxi that provides transportation on the Manasquan River to various restaurants, bars, and clubs in Point Pleasant, Point Pleasant Beach, and Brielle. You can pick up the taxi at any of the waterfront establishments it serves (check the Web site for a list). Special excursions include sightseeing cruises, fall hayrides, and nature trips.
MEDICAL EMERGENCY Ocean Medical Center (732-840-2200; www.oceanmedicalcenter.com), 425 Jack Martin Blvd., Brick. The emergency number is 732-840-3380.
To SeeAQUARIUM 
Jenkinson’s Aquarium (732-899-1212; www.jenkinsons.com/aquarium), 300 Ocean Ave., Point Pleasant Beach. Open year-round, Mon.–Fri. 9:30–5; Sat.–Sun. 10–5; closed major holidays. Adults, $10; seniors and children 3–12, $6; children 2 and under, free. An aquarium on the boardwalk with a bevy of ocean creatures and thoughtful exhibits devoted to marine life and conservation. The aquarium is open long after the amusements shut down for the season, making it a popular stop among parents traveling to the shore with children when summer is over. The touch tank is a pleaser with young visitors, who can feel all manner of ocean critters, even a juvenile shark. For a real treat, stick around for feeding time (ask about the schedule, which features specific times for each species), when sharks, seals, alligators, and penguins get themselves into a frenzy.
HISTORIC HOUSE Bailey-Reed House (732-223-6770), 105 South St., Manasquan. Open on the second Sunday of the month, 1–4, and by appointment. Admission by donation. The Squan Village Historical Society maintains this extensively restored 18th- and 19th-century home, one of the oldest in southern Monmouth County. Today it’s an inviting small museum and repository of local history. Rooms are furnished just as they would have been in the mid- to late 1800s. The kitchen—the only original remaining section of the house—reflects domestic life in the 1700s. Guided house tours and changing historical displays.
JENKINSON’S AQUARIUM ON THE BOARDWALK IN POINT PLEASANT BEACH IS A YEAR-ROUND ATTRACTION THAT’S HOME TO SEALS, PENGUINS, SHARKS, ALLIGATORS, REPTILES, AND OTHER CREATURES.
Photo courtesy of Jenkinson’s Aquarium
LIGHTHOUSE Sea Girt Lighthouse (732-974-0514; www.seagirtboro.com), Ocean Ave. and Beacon Blvd., Sea Girt. Guided tours Apr.–Nov., Sun. 2–4. At first glance, this handsome Victorian appears to be just that, another beautifully restored 19th-century house on the shore. A closer inspection reveals the two-story redbrick tower, the lantern and Fresnel lens, and the small sign welcoming you to the Sea Girt Lighthouse. This was America’s last live-in lighthouse, a rarely seen departure from the traditional setup with a freestanding tower and separate keeper’s house. The Squan Inlet Light Station was built in response to mariners’ concerns over the 45-mile “blind spot” on the New Jersey coast between Barnegat Light to the south and the Twin Lights of Navesink to the north. Manasquan Inlet, known then as Squan Inlet, was a popular safe haven for boats traveling along New Jersey’s long, unbroken shoreline, which made Sea Girt a perfect lighthouse location. With $20,000 in government funds, the land was purchased and the light station built. When its kerosene lamp was first lit on December 10, 1896, it could be seen from 16 miles out to sea. In 1921, the lighthouse was equipped with the first-ever radio fog beacon, at the time a revolutionary means of navigation. During World War II, the light was temporarily extinguished, and the building served as headquarters for the U.S. Coast Guard. It was active until 1955 and left empty until the Sea Girt Lighthouse Citizens Committee rallied together in 1981 to preserve it. The restored keeper’s quarters are filled with period furnishings, artifacts, and vintage photographs.
MUSEUMS Historical Society Museum (732-449-0772; www.springlake.org), top floor of Borough Hall, Fifth and Warren Aves., Spring Lake. Open Sun. 1:30–3:30 and Thurs. 10–noon. Free admission. An elaborate former Masonic meeting room in Spring Lake’s Victorian-era Borough Hall is home to a small local-history museum, run by the Spring Lake Historical Society. Collections include memorabilia, artifacts, and vintage photographs from Lenni-Lenape times to the present, all displayed in permanent and changing exhibits. The society publishes guides for two historic walking tours, one of downtown and another of Divine Park, which surrounds Spring Lake.
Militia Museum of New Jersey (732-974-5966; www.elktwp.org/military/museum), National Guard Training Center, Sea Girt Ave., Sea Girt. Summer season, open Mon.–Fri., 10–3 and the first and second weekends of the month, 10–3. Free admission. A small museum devoted to preserving New Jersey’s military heritage through memorabilia and artifacts from the state’s national guard units and militia units. Exhibits and displays have a special focus on the state’s Naval Militia, Air National Guard, and Army National Guard.
Point Pleasant Historical Society Museum (732-892-3091), Point Pleasant Beach Borough Hall, 416 New Jersey Ave., Point Pleasant Beach. Open on the second Thurs. of the month 1–4, and by appointment. Free admission. A small but interesting collection of local artifacts and memorabilia mostly donated by area residents.
Bay Head Historical Society Museum (732-892-0223; www.bayhead.org/community), Bridge and Bay Aves., Bay Head. Open May–Oct., Sun., noon–2. The historic Loveland House doubles as the headquarters of the Bay Head Historical Society and a repository of local history. Memorabilia, photos, paintings, furniture, tools, and other artifacts collected from homes in Point Pleasant, Bay Head, and Mantoloking.
To DoAMUSEMENT PARK Jenkinson’s Pavilion and Amusement Park (732-892-0600; www.jenkinsons.com), 300 Ocean Ave., Point Pleasant Beach. Open daily mid-June–Labor Day; weekends Easter–mid-June and Labor Day–Oct. An old-time family amusement park on the boardwalk—full of fun and thrills for all ages. There are 27 carnival rides and 13 kiddie rides, four video arcades, midway-style games of chance, bumper cars, mini golf, and beach volleyball. The aquarium is home to creatures from around the globe (see To See—Aquarium), and the food court offers everything from hot dogs and pizza to sushi. Jenkinson’s Sweet Shop sells old-fashioned confections—candy apples, fudge, caramels, and such—in a quaint Victorian-style shop. Free weekly events in-season include live concerts and volleyball tournaments on the beach. Jenk’s Nightclub is open until the wee hours.
BIRDING Manasquan Inlet (732-892-1118), at the north end of Ocean Ave., Point Pleasant Beach. The best times to visit this popular birding location are spring, fall, and winter, both for the prime bird activity and the absence of summer crowds. From the beach and the rock jetty at the southern tip of the inlet, you might spot rare species like snowy owls, harlequin ducks, loons, and Atlantic puffins, as well as a variety of gulls that like to congregate in the calm waters off the jetty.
BOAT EXCURSIONS (See also Boating.)
Manasquan Water Taxi (732-292-1159; www.manasquanwatertaxi.com), Brielle Yacht Club, Union Ln., Brielle. In addition to the popular water taxi service to local restaurants and bars (see Getting Around), they offer a variety of seasonal special excursions, such as afternoon lunch and sightseeing tours or ecology trips to Treasure Island, a pristine natural island in the Manasquan River that offers swimming, hiking, and fishing. Fireworks cruises depart on select summer evenings, and Halloween “hayrides” take place in Sept. and Oct.
THE RIVER BELLE AND THE RIVER QUEEN
(732-528-6620; 732-892-3377; www.riverboattour.com), Broadway Basin, 47 Broadway, Point Pleasant Beach. Some weekends between Mother’s Day and July. Daily sails July–Labor Day; reservations are recommended. Both boats are available for private charters mid-Apr.–Dec. For a memorable experience, hop on one of these replicas of authentic old-time Mississippi paddleboats as it drifts peacefully through the calm, quiet waters of Barnegat Bay, the Point Pleasant Canal, and the Manasquan and Metedeconk rivers. There’s a variety of trips to choose from, including narrated sightseeing excursions; lunch, dinner, and dance cruises; murder-mystery trips; and seasonal trips on Mother’s Day, Fourth of July (fireworks trips), and New Year’s Eve. The River Queen sails out of Bogan’s Basin, 800 Ashley Ave., in Brielle; the River Belle is based at Broadway Basin, 47 Broadway, Point Pleasant Beach.
Liberté Cruise & Dine (732-892-8894), Johnson Brothers Boat Works, 1800 Bay Ave., P.O. Box 117, Bay Head 08742. Reservations are required. Private cruises on Barnegat Bay aboard an elegantly restored 1957 56-foot wooden Chris-Craft. Parties of six can charter the boat for cocktail parties, overnight cruises to Long Beach Island, or private dinners featuring gourmet French and Continental cuisine. BYOB; inquire about rates.
BOATING (See also Boat Excursions.)
Dozens of full-service marinas occupy the shoreline between Spring Lake and Bay Head. They offer a range of marine services—repair, rentals, fuel, and boat slips—and many offer sportfishing and sightseeing excursions. Marinas in Point Pleasant include Clark’s Landing Marina (732-899-5559; www.yachtworld.com/clarks landing), 847 Arnold Ave., and Arnold’s Yacht Basin (732-892-3000; www.jerseymarinas.com/clarkslanding), 1671 Beaver Dam Rd. Point Pleasant Beach marinas include Southside Marina (732-892-0388), 311 Channel Dr.; Johnson Brothers Boat Works (732-892-9000), 1800 Bay Ave.; and Garden State Marina (732-892-4222; www.yachtworld.com/gardenstateyachts), 101 Rt. 35. Others in the area include Baywood Marina (732-477-3322), 63 Pilot Dr., Brick; Comstock Boat Works (732-899-2500), 704 Princeton Ave., Brick; and Strictly Marine (732-223-4277), 381 Brielle Rd., Manasquan.
FISHING Charter boats and party (open) fishing boats run out of this region’s marinas all year long. During the day, they go for flounder, porgies, sea bass, ling, and other species. Nighttime trips are a quest for tuna, bluefish, bonito, and albacore. In Brielle, sportfishing is available out of Brielle Marine Basin (732-528-6200), 608 Green Ave.; Brielle Yacht Club Marina (732-528-6250), 201 Union Ln.; Hoffman’s Marina (732-528-6160), 602 Green Ave.; and Bogan’s Basin Deep Sea Fishing Marina (732-528-5014), 800 Ashley Ave. In Point Pleasant Beach, Broadway Basin (732-892-4298), 47 Broadway, is home to numerous charter boats, as well as the Dauntless, an 85-foot party fishing boat. Ken’s Landing Marina (732-892-9787; www.kenslanding.net), 35 Broadway, is home to the Norma K III (732-899-8868), Norma K II, and Miss Point Pleasant, party boats that go out year-round. The Queen Mary offers daily open trips from mid-April to Nov. from Spikes Fishery (732-899-3766), Broadway and Channel Dr.
GOLF 
Ocean County Golf Course at Forge Pond (732-920-8899; www.ocean.nj.us/parks/golf), 301 Chambers Bridge Rd., Brick. An 18-hole par-60 course in a scenic 300-acre conservation area, maintained by the Ocean County Parks and Recreation Department. It’s an ideal course for beginners and experienced golfers, and rates are reasonable.
PARASAILING Point Pleasant Parasail (732-714-2359; www.pointpleasantparasail.org), Ken’s Landing Marina, 35 Broadway, Point Pleasant Beach. Reservations are required. Single and tandem trips let passengers float 500 feet above the water. This company caters to all ages, including nervous first-timers and seasoned parasailers. The entire trip is about an hour, with everyone in the boat (usually six people) getting a turn in the air.
SPECTATOR SPORTS Wall Township Speedway (732-681-6400; www.wallspeedway.com), 1803 Rt. 34, Wall. Open Apr.–Nov. New Jersey’s only remaining asphalt speedway hosts a NASCAR weekly racing series for stock cars, and smaller tracks for go-cart and small-car racing.
SURFING In Spring Lake, surfing in the summer months is generally confined to the Monmouth Ave. and Remsen Ave. beaches. In Manasquan, Inlet Beach (732-223-2514) is considered one of the best surfing beaches on the east coast. Surfers come from around the country to ride waves at the inlet and participate in the many surfing competitions that are held here, including the summertime surf contest in Manasquan’s annual Big Sea Day (see Special Events). Surfers can go to Point Pleasant beaches in the off-hours, but most of them just head to Manasquan, where conditions are unmatched anywhere in the area.
Surf shops include 3rd Avenue Surf Shop (732-223-7433; www.3rdavesurf.com), 1206 Third Ave., Spring Lake; Inlet-Outlet Surf Shop (732-223-5842), 146 Main St., Manasquan; and in Point Pleasant, Baja East Surf Shop (732-892-9400), 2600 Bridge Ave.; Beach House Classic Board Shop (732-714-8566), 517 Main Ave.; and Brave New World Surf & Ski (732-899-8220), 1208 Richmond Ave. South.
Green SpaceSpring Lake (732-449-8005). Its innovative and environmentally friendly board-walk—the Jersey Shore’s longest noncommercial boardwalk—is made from recycled plastic. Spring Lake’s 2 miles of family-oriented beaches are relatively quiet and peaceful during the week but fill up on weekends. Activities include rafting, fishing, scuba diving, and surfing. Day pass $7.
Sea Girt (732-449-9433). A mile-long stretch of white-sand beach is popular with anglers, surfers, and sunbathers. At one end of the boardwalk is the historic Sea Girt Lighthouse (see To See—Lighthouse); from there it follows the ocean to the south end of town. Picnicking, tennis, and other activities. Day $6.
Manasquan (732-223-1221). The beaches in Manasquan—from Sea Girt to the Manasquan Inlet—are named for the streets that you take to get to them. Manasquan’s Inlet Beach has some of the best surfing waves on the east coast. There are designated areas for surfing as well as swimming, fishing, volleyball, and rafting. This is the only community on the Jersey Shore that has a beach dedicated to handicapped access, including parking, chairs, and an easily accessible beach platform. Day $6. Badges are sold at the beach office at Main St. Beach.
Point Pleasant (732-295-8850). Not to be confused with bustling and crowded Point Pleasant Beach on the ocean side. This one fronts the Manasquan River, and offers quiet, clean beaches and gentle water that is ideal for families with small children. There’s a picnic area, playground, and fishing pier. Inquire about seasonal and daily badges; children are admitted free.
Point Pleasant Beach (732-899-2424). The beach is dominated by the famous boardwalk—lined chockablock with restaurants, shops, entertainment, and amusement rides—but there’s also picnicking, surfing, scuba diving, and other pursuits off the boards. Point Pleasant Beach has a series of private beaches—including a popular one at Jenkinson’s Boardwalk—that charge their own fees. Jenkinson’s charge is $6.50 weekdays, $7.50 weekends.
THE WHITE SAND BEACH OFF OF JENKINSON’S BOARDWALK IN POINT PLEASANT BEACH IS ESPECIALLY POPULAR WITH FAMILIES.
Photo courtesy of Ocean County Public Affairs
Bay Head (732-892-0636; beach phone after May 15, 732-892-4179). There isn’t much parking, so come early on summer weekends to avoid disappointment. There are no public restrooms or changing stations, so the beaches here are refreshingly clean and relatively quiet. Beach passes are sold by the Bay Head Improvement Association (Lake Ave. and Mount St.). Day $5.
NATURAL AREA Fisherman’s Cove Conservation Area (732-922-3868), Third Ave., Manasquan. A 52-acre natural area consisting of beach, dunes, fields, woodland, and salt marsh along Manasquan Inlet. It’s the last undeveloped tract of land along the inlet, and a haven for walkers and anglers as well as an active population of native and migratory gulls and waterfowl. An activity center offers a variety of nature programs.
LodgingRESORTS 
The Breakers on the Ocean (732-449-7700; www.breakershotel.com), 1507 Ocean Ave., Spring Lake 07762. Open year-round. This is Spring Lake’s only full-service oceanfront hotel, a hard-to-miss grand white building with a rambling wraparound porch residing over the Atlantic. The Breakers was built in 1905 and retains some of its charming Old World touches like cut-glass chandeliers and granite floors. It’s a lovely spot across from the beach and boardwalk, and a popular venue for weddings (you’ll likely see a wedding if you’re here on a weekend). As in many historic seaside hotels, standard rooms here are on the small side. Opt for one of the suites if you need space; plus they come with a fireplace and a whirlpool bath. The 72 guest rooms and suites offer a variety of amenities that may include one or more of the following: king beds, fireplaces, whirlpool tubs, in-room ethernetcabled Internet access (Wi-Fi in common areas), VCRs/DVDs, or ocean views. Guests congregate on the private beach, around the pool, and in the lounge. The elegant restaurant, with ocean views, serves exceptional Italian cuisine and fresh seafood (see Dining Out). $100–435.
White Sands Oceanfront Resort and Spa (732-899-3370; 888-558-8958; www.thewhitesands.com), 1205 Ocean Ave., Point Pleasant Beach 08742. Open all year. A beachfront resort with 130 guest rooms offering a range of standard and luxe amenities, including in-room ethernet-cabled Internet access (Wi-Fi in common areas), and a full-service spa and salon. The fitness center comes with a Jacuzzi tub, sauna, and steam room, and a variety of classes from aerobics and tai chi to yoga. Relax or do laps in one of the three indoor and outdoor pools. Spano’s Ristorante Italiano serves steaks and Italian cuisine. There’s live entertainment, planned summertime activities for children, and a private beach that’s small but clean and uncrowded. $150–525.
The Grand Victorian Hotel (732-449-5327; www.grandvictorianspringlake.com), 1505 Ocean Ave. Open all year. This is Spring Lake’s only oceanfront Victorian hotel, making it a sought-after backdrop for weddings. It’s on the beach and boardwalk, and a short walk to downtown shops. There are 13 guest rooms, all with private bath, TV, and air-conditioning. Some can accommodate a family of four; others have an ocean view. Guests can relax on the wraparound porch. A restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Complimentary beach badges. $85–325.
Hewitt Wellington Hotel (732-974-1212; www.thehewittwellington.com), 200 Monmouth Ave. Open year-round. Wealthy vacationers flocked to this grand Victorian-style inn at the turn of the 20th century for its lake-front location and views of the ocean. Recently closed for major renovations, it has been upgraded with modern amenities but has retained many of its original features and architectural details. Standard rooms and spacious suites have private baths, TVs/VCRs, mini-refrigerators, wireless Internet access, and phones with data ports. There’s an outdoor pool, and complimentary badges to take to the beach. Whispers is the hotel’s seasonal restaurant serving upscale contemporary American fare. $109–329.
Grenville Hotel (732-892-3100; www.thegrenville.com), 345 Main Ave. Open all year. This elegant Queen Anne-style hotel overlooking the Atlantic Ocean—its fanciful pink and blue exterior is hard to miss—has been a shoreline landmark since 1890. The 29 guest rooms and suites were newly decorated in 2004 (coinciding with a change in hotel ownership) and are accessible by elevator. Guests can relax on the rambling wraparound porches or in the cozy common areas or head to the beach, which is an easy walk from the hotel. The award-winning on-site four-star restaurant tends to get higher marks than the rooms, and attracts many diners from outside the hotel. It’s open daily in July and Aug. for lunch, dinner, and Sun. brunch. $109–299.
Chateau Inn and Suites (732-974-2000; 877-974-5253; www.chateauinn.com), 500 Warren Ave. Open all year. This award-winning romantic inn is widely considered one of the best in the state. It has taken in travelers since 1888, and resides in a lovely nook tucked between two parks and overlooking the lake. The Smith family has run the historic inn for the past 50 years; today they offer 37 individually decorated guest rooms and one-bedroom suites, all recently redone and outfitted with marble bathrooms, two phones with voice mail, TVs/VCRs, Internet access, refrigerators, and air-conditioning. Luxurious upgrades like soaking tubs for two, wood-burning fireplaces, and balconies are worth the extra splurge. Continental breakfast. $79–299.
Spring Lake Inn (732-449-2010; www.springlakeinn.com), 104 Salem Ave. This year-round 19th-century Victorian inn a block from the beach was formerly the Spring Lake Hotel. The 16 spacious guest rooms and two suites all have private baths and air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, and might include a fireplace, sitting area, digital TV, or view of the ocean. The beach, boardwalk, and downtown shopping district are all close by, but the rambling rocker-filled porch—not to mention the relaxed and friendly atmosphere—keeps many guests from going anywhere. The inn welcomes children. A full breakfast is served in the elegant Victorian dining room. $99–499.
White Lilac Inn (732-449-0211; www.whitelilac.com), 414 Central Ave. Open year-round. A circa-1880 Victorian in a quiet Spring Lake neighborhood filled with historic homes. The triple-tiered porches give the inn an unusual and distinctive Southern flair, a dramatic statement in an area so defined by its classic Victorian architecture. The 10 uniquely themed guest rooms and suites all have private baths, TVs, air-conditioning, fireplaces, and Victorian country-style furnishings; some have whirlpool tubs, sitting rooms, and private porches or balconies. Complimentary bicycles and beach passes. Full breakfast is served in the garden room or on the enclosed porch. $179-359.
The Ocean House (732-449-9090; www.theoceanhouse.net), 102 Sussex Ave. Open all year. This was one of the Jersey Shore’s grandest resort hotels when it opened in 1878. There are 16 recently renovated guest rooms and four suites furnished in tasteful antiques and stylish fabrics, all with private bath, TV, Wi-Fi, and air-conditioning. Innkeepers Nancy and Dennis Kaloostian will provide you with the gear you’ll need for a day at the beach (which is just across the street), including towels, umbrellas, and chairs. You can also take one of their bikes for a spin through town. Full breakfast. $100-375.
Beacon House (732-449-5835; www.beaconhouseinn.com), 100 and 104 Beacon Blvd., Sea Girt 08750. Open year-round. An 1879 Victorian one block from the Atlantic Ocean. The inn is actually two adjacent guest houses, each with a rocker-filled wraparound porch. The 17 individually decorated guest rooms are bright, airy, and country-comforable, furnished in white wicker and chintz, perhaps with a fireplace or a Jacuzzi tub—or both. Crystal chandeliers and other elegant touches lend an air of formality to the common areas, but they are still inviting places to unwind. A cottage and two studios offer more privacy and include a continental breakfast delivered to the doorstep every morning. Full breakfast is served in the dining room overlooking the pool and cabana. Complimentary beach passes. $165–385.
Inn on Main (732-528-0809; www.innonmainmanasquan.com), 152 Main St., Manasquan 08736. Open year-round. An upscale-yet-cozy country inn with the sleek style of a boutique hotel. Guest rooms are tastefully decorated in luxurious fabrics and furnishings; all have private baths and fireplaces, some have four-poster beds and balconies. The kitchen is open to guests around the clock for breakfast, afternoon tea, and late-night snacks. Algernon’s is the inn’s sophisticated dining room, which serves eclectic gourmet cuisine. $129–269.
Ashling Cottage (732-449-3553; 888-274-5464; www.ashlingcottage.com), 106 Sussex Ave. Open Feb.–mid-Dec. Innkeepers Linda and Peter Foy welcome guests to their charming and elegant 1877 inn, a cozy and romantic retreat as well as an architectural gem. The inn has received kudos from Travel + Leisure magazine, which praised it for setting a standard in a town full of lovely places to spend the night. There are 11 guest rooms, all tastefully decorated in casual but elegant beach-inspired décor. Some rooms have a fireplace, and all but two have a private bath; all have Wi-Fi. If you like extra space, request one of the deluxe rooms, which are especially large, light, and airy. There are also two cottages with full kitchens; one sleeps three, the other four. Guests can take the inn’s bikes for a spin, make use of the complimentary beach and health club passes, or kick back on the white-wicker-filled porch. The Foys provide beverages and snacks, and a full breakfast served on the glass-enclosed porch. $105–285.
Normandy Inn (732-449-7172; 800-449-1888; www.normandyinn.com), 21 Tuttle Ave. Open year-round. Mark and Christine Valari run this magnificently restored Italianate-style inn listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was built for an illustrious Philadelphia family in 1888 as a summertime beach villa; today many of the original Queen Anne touches remain, yet the atmosphere is relaxed and casual. Guest rooms and common areas feature period antiques and reproduction Victorian-era wallpaper. There are 16 guest rooms and two suites, all with private bath, phone, and air-conditioning. A half block from the beach and close to the center of town. Full breakfast. $105–429.
Victoria House Bed & Breakfast (732-974-1882; 888-249-6252; www.victoriahouse.net), 214 Monmouth Ave. Open all year. Innkeepers Lynne and Alan Kaplan run this highly acclaimed B&B in a graceful 1882 Queen Anne–style waterside mansion. It’s full of Old World charm, from the rambling porch out front to the antiques-filled rooms inside. The six guest rooms and two suites are nicely furnished with vintage pieces and country quilts. All have a private bath, Wi-Fi, TV/VCR, and air-conditioning; some have a fireplace, refrigerator, or Jacuzzi tub. Afternoon tea and refreshments and evening cordials are complimentary, as are bikes, health club passes, and beach badges, chairs, and towels. A full gourmet breakfast featuring home-baked goods and specialty dishes is served by candlelight. $199–399.
Beacon House Inn (732-449-5835; www.beaconhouseinn.com), 100 and 104 Beacon Blvd. Open all year. A pair of carefully restored 19th-century Victorians near the ocean are reminiscent of the opulent Victorian age, from the antiques-filled formal parlors to the ornate crystal chandeliers and gleaming oak floors. Choose from a variety of accommodations to suit the space and privacy you require. The 17 guest rooms, suite, and three efficiencies all have air-conditioning, TV, and private bath; many have a fireplace. Guests are welcome to the in-ground pool and the lovely flower-filled verandas. Full breakfast. $100–325.
Bay Head Harbor Inn (732-899-0767; 800-899-7016; www.bayhead.biz/harborinn.htm), 676 Main Ave. Open May–Oct. An 1890s home a block from the beach has been a peaceful and relaxing retreat for the past 15 years. The décor is best described as country-casual, the kind of homey and pleasant place that makes you feel as if you’re staying at a friend’s beach house. Guest rooms and common areas are inviting and comfortable. Four guest rooms have porches; second-floor guest rooms have ceiling fans; and rooms on the third floor have air-conditioning. Bathrooms are shared, but most rooms have pedestal sinks. Full breakfast. $99–165.
Bay Head Sands (732-899-7016; www.bayheadsands.com), Two Twilight Rd. Open year-round. Hosts Mary and Ken Glass run a charming B&B in one of Bay Head’s ubiquitous weathered shingle-style beach houses. This one was built in 1910 and boasts lovely stained-glass windows and other original features. Seven antiques-filled guest rooms have private baths and views of either the ocean or Twilight Lake. Each is uniquely decorated with lots of bright pastels and floral prints; beds are topped with cozy quilts. A full breakfast is served by candlelight. $245.
The Bentley Inn (732-892-9589; 866-423-6853; www.bentleyinn.com), 694 Main Ave. (Rt. 35). Open all year. A 19th-century Queen Anne–style Victorian mansion with double porches near the beach and on Bay Head’s main thoroughfare. Rooms are bright and cheerful, with walls painted in beachy pastels. Of the 20 guest rooms, some have a private bath; others share a bath or can be combined into a two-room suite. Some rooms have direct access to the porches. Common areas include the dining room, solarium, and living room, which is well-stocked with VCR and board games. Bikes, beach badges, towels, and chairs are complimentary—you can even take a metal detector to the water’s edge to search for treasure. Wi-Fi available throughout the inn. Outdoor hot-water showers and dressing rooms are a welcome convenience after a long day at the beach. $125–289.
Nathaniel Morris Inn (732-223-7826; www.nathanielmorris.com), 117 Marcellus Ave. Open all year. Gail and Paul McFadden’s lovely 1882 Victorian—built by one of Manasquan’s founding fathers and surrounded by a white picket fence—is in the historic district. The perfectly restored interior is an homage to its turn-of-the-20th-century heritage. Victorian-era antiques and reproductions fill the parlor and the cozy living room, complete with a large-screen TV and an extensive library. There are four guest rooms and two suites, all bright and cheerful with private bath, TV, and air-conditioning. Second-floor rooms have access to a private balcony. Full breakfast. $155–275.
Surfside Motel (732-899-1109; www.surfside-motel.com), 101 Broadway. Open all year. A clean and simply furnished motel three blocks from the beach and boardwalk. Accommodations range from standard rooms with one king bed to two-bedroom units and king rooms with nicely tiled baths. All come with TV, Wi-Fi, phone with voice mail, refrigerator, and air-conditioning. There’s a heated outdoor pool, and beach badges are complimentary. Room rates vary by day of week and month of year.
Amethyst’s Beach Motel (732-899-3600), on Jenkinson’s Beach, 202 Arnold Ave. A family-friendly motel near the boardwalk and amusement park. The pool and patio are newly renovated, and rooms and efficiencies are clean and comfortable. Suites and apartments rent by the week, month, or season. All rooms have a mini-refrigerator, and microwaves are available on request at no charge. Continental breakfast. $129–225.
The Sea Girt Lodge (732-974-2323; www.theseagirtlodge.com), 2168 Rt. 35 North. Open all year. A pleasant motel on Sea Girt’s main drag with a heated pool and rooms with air-conditioning, TV, phone, and computer hookups. Common areas include a nicely furnished lobby (in the office building) with a TV and local daily newspapers. Every morning the guest breakfast nook is stocked with complimentary coffee, fresh fruit, and pastries. $100–159.
Where to EatThe Mill at Spring Lake Heights (732-449-1800; www.themillatslh.com), Old Mill Rd. (Spring Lake Heights). Open for dinner Wed.–Sun.; Sun. brunch. Reservations are accepted. An elegant Jersey Shore favorite since 1938, formerly the Old Mill Inn, occupies a renovated lovely lakeside setting. The menu emphasizes expertly prepared fresh seafood and aged steaks. Among the starters, lobster bisque is the house specialty. Entertainment Fri.–Sat.; ask about their big-band nights, wine dinners, and supper-club shows. $18–28.
The Island Palm Grill (732-449-1909; www.islandpalmgrill.com), 1321 Third Ave. Open Tues.–Sun. for lunch; Tues.–Sat. for dinner; closed Mon. Reservations for dinner are recommended. This cozy, family-run store-front eatery at the heart of Spring Lake’s charming downtown is run by Larry and Deborah Cerrito. The ever-changing menu of creative New American cuisine—with a Latin flair—is brief, well balanced, and full of fresh seasonal ingredients. BYOB. $19–28.
The Breakers on the Ocean (732-449-7700; www.breakershotel.com), 1507 Ocean Ave. Open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Reservations are suggested. This legendary century-old hotel on the Atlantic is one of the top places to dine and stay on the shore. In addition to classic northern Italian cuisine, the dinner menu offers fresh seafood specials, prime steaks and veal chops grilled to perfection. Cocktails, appetizers, and desserts are served in the piano lounge and, during warmer months, on the outdoor wraparound porch overlooking the ocean. $12–38.
Whispers (732-974-9755; www.whispersrestaurant.com), at the Hewitt Wellington Hotel, 200 Monmouth Ave. Open daily for dinner. Reservations are recommended. This tiny gem (50 seats) is a haven for foodies, a romantic retreat for couples, and a destination for chefs who have the night off and know where to go for a good meal. The menu is contemporary American cuisine; the 19th-century Victorian surroundings are elegant and formal without being stuffy. Dinner is an ever-changing selection from a few appetizers; pan-seared ostrich filet is one example. The short list of seafood and grilled meats allows for serious artistic attention from the chef. Try the oven-roasted rack of lamb or the chef’s signature swordfish sautéed in a nori crust, stuffed with jumbo lump crabmeat, and topped with shrimp and a soy glaze. Service is gracious and attentive. BYOB. $26–36.
Europa South (732-295-1500; www.europasouth.com), 521 Arnold Ave. (at Rt. 35 South). Open for lunch Tues.–Sat.; dinner Tues.–Sun.; closed Mon. Reservations are suggested. Seafood is the specialty at this bustling eatery known for its authentic Spanish and Portuguese cuisine. Starters include garlic-marinated shrimp (the house specialty) or grilled Spanish sausage. For a traditional Basque region dish, try the mariscada, a mélange of shell-fish flambéed with Spanish brandy and served with a green sauce. Or, try a traditional Spanish paella. Live entertainment Fri.–Sat. might be acoustic guitar, piano, DJ, or dancing. $17–28.
Spano’s Ristorante Italiano (732-701-1600), 719 Arnold Ave. Open daily for dinner. Reservations are accepted. Chef-owner Joseph Spano’s elegant Italian cuisine is one of the hallmarks of the White Sands resort and spa. Many dishes—like the homemade meat and cheese ravioli topped with marinara—are inspired by Spano’s southern Italian roots and family recipes. The three-part menu is equally divided among pastas, meats, and seafood. BYOB. $15–24.
Mahogany Grille (732-292-1300; www.themahoganygrille.com), 142 Main St. Open daily for dinner. A very popular restaurant serving innovative global cuisine in plush, sophisticated surroundings. Reservations accepted. Enjoy the deliciously crusty artisan bread while you peruse the menu that revolves mostly around grilled fresh seafood and meats. The large blue point oysters and grilled Caesar Salad make wonderful starters, and the seafood specials are always a good choice for dinner. Imaginative desserts include a banana-chocolate spring roll and a decadent chocolate soufflé cake. Excellent wine list. $22–30.
Sand Bar Restaurant (732-528-7750; www.sandbarrestaurant.com), 201 Union Ln. Open year-round daily for lunch and dinner. A popular dockside restaurant and bar at the Brielle Yacht Club on the Manasquan River. The extensive American menu of steak, burgers, pasta, thin-crust pizza, and seafood is paired with nightly dinner specials, such as surf and turf or lobster dinners. Burgers and a huge selection of pasta, seafood, chicken, and steak. Live acoustic music Fri.–Sat. nights. The convivial bar is frequented by a colorful mix of locals, boaters, and tourists. $12–20.
Who’s On Third (732-449-4233), 1300 Third Ave. Open year-round daily for breakfast and lunch; three meals during the summer. A friendly family-owned eatery with a casual neighborly feel. Baseball is the theme here, from the décor to the menu; and just about everything is homemade, including the salads and soups—even the turkey used in the deli sandwiches is roasted in-house. You can get breakfast until 3 PM, burgers and sandwiches for lunch, and stuffed peppers, meatloaf, pot roast, or turkey with all the fixings for dinner. The take-out deli does a brisk business with made-to-order sandwiches and homemade salads. $8–14.
(732-892-3100; www.thegrenville.com), at the Grenville Hotel, 345 Main Ave. (Rt. 35), Bay Head. Lunch Mon.–Sat.; dinner Tues.–Sun. (daily July–Aug.); Sunday brunch. An elegant restaurant in a charming Queen Anne–style hotel known for its fine dining (see Lodging—Hotels). It’s formal yet friendly, and the service is gracious and attentive. The American menu is a well-chosen mix of classics and innovative dishes that emphasize seafood. Crabcakes and seafood bisque are two popular starters that can be followed by fresh lobster, swordfish, or salmon, as well as beef, chicken, and other landlubber favorites. The Sunday brunch buffet of waffles, omelets, and other brunch standards is popular with families. New Jerseyans often put it at the top of statewide restaurant polls. $15–30.
Rod’s Olde Irish Tavern (732-449-2020; www.rodstavern.com), 507 Washington Blvd. Open daily for lunch and dinner; brunch on Sun. A classic Irish pub in an old-time turn-of-the-20th-century saloon. The extensive menu of classic American tavern fare has something to please everyone, from pub-style appetizers and burgers and salads to fresh seafood, chicken, and hand-cut steaks. The bar is stocked with 10 televisions to satisfy all the sports fans. $12–22.
Squan Tavern (732-223-3324; www.squantavern.com), 15 Broad St. Open for lunch Tues.–Sat.; dinner Tues.–Sun.; closed Mon. A longtime family-run downtown eatery serving generous portions of southern Italian cuisine at very reasonable prices. The extensive menu of Italian standards includes pasta, steak, chicken, veal, and seafood. The potato gnocchi is homemade and served with marinara or cream sauce. There’s also pizza and a kids’ menu. $10–21.
Spike’s Seafood (732-295-9400), 415 Broadway. A bustling waterfront seafood eatery with an adjoining fish market that stocks an impressive selection of just-caught fish and shellfish. Seafood is fresh and simply prepared, and the service is friendly; diners sit at plain wooden tables in a small room that seats just 50 patrons at a time. BYOB. $15–23.
Surf Taco (732-701-9000; www.surftaco.com), 1300 Richmond Ave. (Rt. 35 South). Plus seven other shore locations: Manasquan, Seaside Park, Belmar, Silverton, Jackson, Lacey, and Long Branch. Open daily for lunch and dinner. A casual spot that plays surfing movies and offers a fresh, California-style menu—enormous burritos stuffed with seafood, chicken, avocado, and other healthy ingredients. In addition to other Mexican fare, there’s a decent selection of salads, wraps, and fruit smoothies. $3–10.
The Lobster Shanty (732-899-6700; jackbakerslobstershanty.com), 81–83 Channel Dr. Open daily for dinner; closed Mon.–Tues. in winter. Reservations accepted for parties of eight or more. Fresh seafood has been the specialty at this popular seafood house for more than 40 years. This was the first location; today there are seven in New Jersey and Florida. Outdoor dining on the deck and patio, when the weather allows. $16–32.
Red’s Lobster Pot (732-295-6622; www.redslobsterpot.com) 57 Inlet Dr., Point Pleasant Beach. Open daily 12 noon–9 mid-May–mid-Sept.; closed Mon.–Tues. after Labor Day and in early spring; closed for season at the end of Sept. A very popular, tiny (12-table) dockside restaurant known for fresh lobster and seafood dishes, but they also do pasta and chicken. Parties of five maximum inside, but outdoor seating is available for lighter fare and appetizers from a separate menu. BYOB (beer and wine). $13–22; lobster at market prices.
SNACKS Tom Bailey’s Market (732-282-0920; www.tombaileysmarket.com), 1323 Third Ave., Spring Lake. This upscale food market is a haven for cooks and gourmands. They stock high-end organic poultry and meats, fresh cheeses, top-notch aged steaks, truffles, pâté, and caviar, as well as delectable homemade muffins, pies, and cakes. Freshly prepared salads and other foods are ideal for taking home for dinner or to the beach for a picnic.
Bay Head Cheese Shop (732-892-7585; www.bayhead.org), 91 Bridge Ave., Bay Head. Open Mon.–Sat. 10–6; Sun. 10–4. Gourmet specialty foods, homemade hors d’oeuvres and desserts, and coffees and teas line shelves and display cases, but most customers come for the domestic and imported cheeses. They range from familiar Vermont cheddar, Italian provolone and mozzarella, and French Brie to more unusual varieties from Switzerland, Norway, and other noted cheese-making regions of Europe.
Susan Murphy’s (732-449-1130; www.homemadeicecream.com), 601 Warren Ave., Spring Lake Heights. Open Apr. 1–Oct. 31. Hours vary by season. A quaint little white house is a mini ice-cream factory, where award-winning homemade ice cream and ice-cream cakes are made fresh daily. You can enjoy it on a cone or in a brownie sundae, in an apple crisp sundae, or in old-fashioned egg creams or banana splits. Sorbets, frozen yogurt, and fat-free and sugar-free varieties round out the tempting menu. Pints and quarts are available to take home.
The Beanery (732-295-9669; www.thebeanery.net), 516 Bay Ave., Point Pleasant Beach. Open Tues.–Thurs., 11–4; Fri., 11–5; Sat., 9–5; closed Sun.–Mon. A casual neighborhood spot with coffee and hot and cold coffee drinks, an espresso and tea bar, and a light menu of sandwiches, quiche, wraps, salads, and desserts. $5–10.
EntertainmentTHEATER Algonquin Arts Theatre (732-528-9211; www.algonquinarts.org), 171 Main St., Manasquan. A 540-seat theater that stages live productions, films (from classic musicals to new releases by budding local filmmakers), dance, drama, concerts, musicals, storytelling, and an orchestra series. Professional touring companies like the Moscow Classical Ballet and the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center make frequent appearances, and summertime features a popular outdoor film series.
Spring Lake Theatre Company (732-449-4530), Third and Madison Ave., Spring Lake. A popular local theater company that has presented high-quality classic musicals, musical revues, comedies, and dramas, even original works, to the community for the past 30 years. Performances are held in a 350-seat theater at the historic Tudor-style Community House. Six shows are put on each season—usually musicals. Each show’s opening-night ticket sales—including the annual performance of the holiday classic Scrooge—are donated to local charities.
Selective ShoppingPoint Pleasant Antique Emporium (732-892-2222; 800-322-8002), Bay and Trenton Aves. More than 125 dealers spread across two floors in a historic landmark building. Antiques, collectibles, and memorabilia.
Point Pavilion Antique Center (732-899-6300), 608 Arnold Ave. A variety of dealers with a variety of specialties, in the old Woolworth building.
Frederick Galleries (732-974-0376; www.frederickgalleries.com), 1405 Third Ave. Open daily except Wed. A gallery representing local and nationally known artists. They also sell framed art and do custom framing.
Main Street Gallery (732-223-1268; www.mainstreetgallery.com), 131 Main St. A fine-art gallery, one of the largest on the Jersey Shore, specializing in nautical scenes, beach images, and landscapes by local and regional artists.
Anchor and Palette Art Gallery (732-892-7776; 866-813-7627; www.anchorandpalette.com), 45 Mount St. Shoreline landscapes and other images of the Jersey Shore by more than 20 local artists.
The Spot (732-974-0099), 1226 Third Ave. Open daily. Designer frocks from Nicole Miller, BCBG, and other upscale labels.
Whimsicality (732-449-9337), 1219 Third Ave. Chic home décor, bed and bath products, luxury linens, and unique garden décor.
Urban Details (732-282-0013; www.urban-details.com), 1111 Third Ave. Gifts, jewelry, glass, lighting, frames, and more.
In Point Pleasant Beach
Globetrotter (732-892-2001), 1809 Ocean Ave. (Rt. 35 South) and 300 Richmond Ave. (732-892-5554). Imported decorative pieces, antiques, and garden décor.
Coastal Creations (732-714-0606; www.coastalcreations.com), 405 Sea Ave. (Rt. 35). Coastal-themed home décor, from artwork and framed prints to rugs, lamps, mirrors, and other home accessories.
Artisan’s Galleria (732-892-7300), 41 Mount St. More than 50 area crafters.
Special EventsFireworks, classic-car cruises, and outdoor concerts are among the special events held regularly along the Jersey Shore all summer long. Contact the local chambers of commerce (see Guidance) for a full events calendar.
January: Wildlife Art and Decoy Show (732-341-9622; www.ocymca.org), location within Ocean County changes each year. Seminars, competitions, and more than 100 exhibitors featuring decoys and wildlife carvings.
May: Cherry Blossom Arts Weekend (www.bayhead.biz/activities/cherryblossoms), Bay Head. Exhibits of fine arts and crafts at galleries and shops, and an open-house tour of Bay Head’s inns. Authors and Inns Tour (732-859-1465; www.historicinnsofspringlake.com), Spring Lake.
June: Art in the Park (www.bayhead.biz/activities/artpark), Centennial Park, Bay Head. More than 40 professional artists sell their watercolors, oils, drawings, limited-edition prints, and other works.
Summer: Summerfest (www.bricktownonline.com/Summerfest), Windward Beach, Brick. A popular summertime entertainment festival with music, fireworks, family activities, and food.
August: Big Sea Day, Manasquan. Held on the second Saturday, this is a beachy celebration featuring fishing, surfing, sandcastle building, and pie-eating contests, as well as children’s activities and entertainment. Art Show and Art Sale (732-892-5926), Bay Head at St. Paul’s Methodist Church. Manasquan River Group of Artists and more. Squan Tri-Sail Regatta (732-899-0202; www.squantrisail.org), Manasquan. The state’s biggest offshore sailing competition has been taking place off the coast here for more than a quarter century.
September: Festival of the Sea (732-899-2424; www.pointpleasantbeachnj.org), Point Pleasant Beach. Food, live entertainment, arts and crafts, antiques, and children’s activities. Point Pleasant Beach’s premier annual event. New Jersey Offshore Powerboat Race (732-583-8501; www.njoffshore.org), Point Pleasant Beach. High-speed boats race from Manasquan Inlet to the ocean in front of Jenkinson’s Pier; run by the New Jersey Offshore Powerboat Racing Association, the oldest such boat-racing club in the country. Spectators watch from Jenkinson’s Pavilion or from their own boats. Part of a week-long festival.
December: Christmas Inn Tours (732-449-0577; www.historicinnsofspringlake.com) Spring Lake. Candlelight tours of the town’s inns and bed & breakfasts decorated for the holidays on two separate weekends—one features an afternoon tour and the other an evening candlelight tour.
THE GRENVILLE RESTAURANT