You’re probably familiar with the shore town of Belmar — either having done a summer share with friends or gone for a day trip from nearby North Jersey – or perhaps a quick trek to Bar A?. Some things haven’t changed over the years, but at the same time, many things have. While it’s still a haven for those looking to party, it’s offering some more, shall we say, tame options for daytime fun. Read on for a list of things to do in Belmar for your Jersey Shore Getaway.
Where to Stay
Mayfair Hotel
Located in a historic building on Ocean Ave, this hotel has enough ocean views to satisfy everyone. The location is perfect, with the walkability to nearby hotspots, including the bustling bars in town being the hotel’s greatest asset.
Tandem Bike Inn
This eight-room bed and breakfast lives up to its fun name with complimentary tandem {and single} bikes available for use. This makes it easy to get anywhere in town quickly from the inn’s central location. After a day at the beach and pedaling around, unwind in your guest room at the fireplace and in the Jacuzzi.
Saltwater Inn
Tropical and beachy vibes make up the décor of this charming inn. On the website, you can read a description of each of the well-appointed guest rooms making it easy to find exactly what you are looking for. You will no doubt sleep well here, as every room has a Tempurpedic mattress. Grab some saltwater taffy before heading out the door and snap an Instagram-worthy pic at the oversized Adirondack chair on the front lawn.
Where to Eat
La Dolce Vita
(Photo credit: @ladolcevitabelmarnj)
If you’re in the mood for amazing Italian food (and who isn’t?), look no further than family-owned La Dolce Vita. They serve up all the classics on the extensive menu like bucatini alla matriciana and zuppa di pesce. Stop in from 3:00PM-6:00PM for happy hour that includes fantastic drink specials and a yummy bar menu.
La Terrazza Cucina Rustica & Bar
Being owned by the same family as La Dolce Vita means that La Terrazza will make your mouth water. Dine on flatbreads or delicacies from the raw bar while sipping on sangria at the outdoor bar and terrace. A big plus — all of the pasta and the mozzarella homemade from scratch.
READ: Things to Do in Ocean Grove{Jersey Shore Getaway}
10th Ave Burrito Company
(Photo credit: 10th Ave Burrito Company)
You may have heard of this little gem as it was featured on an episode of Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives on the Food Network. The menu has all the Mexican classics your taste buds love, but they’re taking it next level with things like adobo wings with avocado ranch dressing and blackened catfish burritos.
Windmill
(Photo credit: @windmillhotdogs)
The one thing we all love about the Jersey Shore is the nostalgia it evokes. It reminds us of a simpler time and the pace is a bit slower. This exact kind of nostalgia can be found at the Windmill, known for its burgers, hot dogs, and cheese fries. Forget for a second all the emails that are piling up on your days off and be a kid again at the Windmill.
Strollo’s Italian Ice
(Photo credit: @strolloslighthouse)
The nostalgia continues at Strollo’s. The homemade Italian ice is so flavorful and smooth that you’d think that you’re eating ice cream. Aside from being tasty, it’s also super refreshing on a hot beach day.
Main Street Donuts
(Photo credit: @mainstdonuts)
This delectable store is under this section because you will surely want to shop here for doughnuts to bring home. With over 50 different types of glazes, fillings, and toppings, the possibilities are endless. Pick up a Belmar Bomb (a chocolate donut filled with dulce de leche chocolate dip and topped with toffee) or a donut cake (yep, a cake made of doughnuts) for a special occasion.
What to Do
We are all very familiar with places like D’Jais and nearby Bar A (technically in Lake Como), but there is much more to do in Belmar than to spend your nights beating the beat.
9th Ave Pier
(Photo credit: @9thavepier)
Spend the day listening to live music in the sunshine while sipping on a bucket of booze. Before the alcohol really starts to kick in, hit the links at the mini-golf putting green. As evening approaches, 9th Ave Pier is definitely one of the best places to catch the sun slip behind the horizon.
Beach Haus Brewery
(Photo credit: @beachhausbeer)
What began as a homebrew hobby between two high school friends is now a full-fledged microbrew right at the beach. Stop in to tour the taproom, join them for some live music or one of the many events they participate in.
See More: Things to Do in Spring Lake {Jersey Shore Getaway}
The Endless SUP Company
(Photo credit: @endlesssupco)
Join The Endless SUP Company instructors on the Shark River for some SUP yoga or a serene paddle in the calm waters at sunset. Not only is it a full-body workout, but paddleboarding can be a very therapeutic activity which is something we can all appreciate on vacation. If you’re looking for more action while paddleboarding, consider joining them for one of the bar crawls or plan a group outing during a birthday or bachelorette party.
Tennis or a Picnic at Maclearie Park
When the beach gets too crowded or you don’t feel like getting any sand between your toes, spend an afternoon playing tennis or having a picnic at Maclearie Park. It features a children’s playground and grills, the perfect combination for a fun day at the park.
A Paperback Exchange
Finished your beach read and in need of a new one? Stop by this used bookstore and trade in your old book for a new one.
Written by: AshleyC
As a corporate event planner, Ashley's job takes her all over the globe, allowing her the opportunity to incorporate her love of travel into her professional life. She was a Hoboken resident for 8 years before she took a quick 1.5 year intermission to pursue her dream of living in Hawaii and working at a luxury resort. In addition to trying to perfect her shaka, Ashley is usually hanging with her French bulldog Beau (he goes by Beauregard when he's feeling fancy), meeting friends out for a glass of wine, dragging herself out for a run, or working on her travel blog, The Wandering Ash.
