Need a serene beach day or upscale weekend on the Jersey Shore? Head to Avalon! Known for its pristine beaches, elegant atmosphere, and family-friendly charm, Avalon offers a quieter, more refined coastal escape. Whether you're biking through dunes, dining al fresco, or enjoying the surf, Avalon has seven miles of beauty to explore.
Avalon, NJ Highlights:
- For Adventurous Travelers: Try paddleboarding or surfing – Rent gear and catch waves or explore the bay’s calm waters by paddleboard.
- For History Buffs: Visit the Avalon History Center – Learn about the town’s maritime past, storms, and development through the decades.
- For Shoppers: Browse Dune Drive boutiques – Discover upscale shops, local artwork, beachwear, and unique gifts in Avalon’s charming downtown.
- For Couples: Enjoy a sunset dinner by the bay – Savor fresh seafood and wine with sweeping views of the water.
- For Families: Spend the day at the beach or Pirate Island Mini Golf – Build sandcastles, fly kites, or challenge each other on a pirate-themed mini golf course.
Best Time to Visit Avalon, NJ
The best time to visit Avalon is from late spring through early fall (May to September). July and August offer peak beach weather and community events, while June and September are quieter with pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds.
How to Get to Avalon, NJ
- If you are traveling by car: Avalon is located off the Garden State Parkway (Exit 13), about 1.5 hours from Philadelphia and 2.5 hours from New York City.
- By Bus: NJ Transit offers seasonal bus service from Philadelphia and other cities to Avalon during summer months.
- By Air: Atlantic City International Airport (ACY) is approximately 35 miles away and offers rental car options.
Where to Stay in Avalon, NJ
- Recommended for Families: ICONA Avalon – Stylish beachfront hotel with pools, cabanas, dining, and kid-friendly amenities.
- For Couples: The Concord Suites – Relaxed, apartment-style lodging near the beach with kitchenettes and a peaceful vibe.
- For Boutique Style: Desert Sand Resort – Charming and recently updated resort just a few blocks from the ocean.
Best Things to Do in Avalon, NJ
1. Learn about local history at the Avalon History Center
Operated as part of the Avalon Free Public Library with support from the Avalon Historical Society, the Avalon History Center showcases a wide array of artifacts and other items related to the local history of Avalon, New Jersey. Visitors can learn about the popular beach town through rotating exhibits and a number of interesting and fun displays, including an Avalon Lifeboat dating back to 1925 that guests are allowed to climb into. The museum collection at the History Center includes memorabilia, thousands of photographs, and objects that help to share the story of the town’s events, places, and residents.
215 39th St, Avalon, NJ 08202, Phone: 609-967-0090
2. Rent a paddle board from SUP Guy
SUP Guy is a stand up paddle board company in the Jersey Shore area specializing in stand up paddle board rentals. The business offers free delivery of rentals right to customers’ doorsteps and will pick up the board rentals as well. SUP Guy provides both daily and weekly stand up paddle board rentals, along with hourly rentals at a number of public bay access locations across the towns of Avalon, Stone Harbor, and Wildwood. Rentals are typically available daily from seven in the morning until seven at night, and customers are set up with the ideal board for their skill level.
Avalon, NJ 08260, Phone: 609-435-4129
3. Grab a sweet treat at Kohler's Bakery
Kohler's Bakery has been a part of the community of Avalon, New Jersey since 1949, boasting a long history of providing the residents of the town and surrounding communities with delicious, fresh baked goods. Serving made-from-scratch baked items seven days a week between the months of May and September, the bakery’s menu includes its signature "Best of the Shore Award Winning" Cream Donuts, a variety of cakes, Crumb Buns, Cinnamon Buns, and much more. Four generations of the Kohler family have owned Kohler’s Bakery, which is still strong as ever today and is described by many as “worth the wait.”
2709 Dune Dr, Avalon, NJ 08202, Phone: 609-967-3694
Where to Eat in Avalon, NJ
- Recommended for Families: Avalon Brew Pub – Casual and lively with burgers, local beer, and a laid-back dining space for all ages.
- For Seafood: The Diving Horse – Seasonal upscale eatery offering fresh seafood, craft cocktails, and a romantic atmosphere.
- For a Casual Meal: Kohler’s Bakery – Avalon institution known for its cream donuts, crumb cake, and baked breakfast treats since 1949.
If you are interested in local events:
- For Beachgoers: Sand Sculpting Contest (July) – Annual family-friendly competition to show off your creativity on the beach.
- For Art Lovers: Thursdays on Dune (Summer) – Live music, face painting, crafts, and local vendors every Thursday evening in downtown Avalon.
- For Fitness Fans: Avalon Beach Classic (August) – Participate in or watch this fun beach obstacle race and family fitness challenge.
Day Trip Itineraries Within 30 Minutes of Avalon, NJ:
- For Boutique Browsing: Stone Harbor (5–10 min) – Elegant shopping, dining, and a relaxed vibe just down the road.
- For Wildlife Lovers: Cape May County Park & Zoo (20–25 min) – Free zoo with giraffes, lions, and picnic areas in a wooded park setting.
- For Wine Tasting: Cape May Wineries (30 min) – Tour and taste at charming vineyards nestled inland from the coast.
- For Boardwalk Fun: Wildwood (25 min) – Enjoy rides, arcades, and classic boardwalk eats just a short drive south.
- For History Buffs: Cape May (30 min) – Explore Victorian architecture, beaches, and the historic lighthouse in this iconic shore town.
I get asked this a lot so I decided to include it:
- Q: What makes Avalon on the Jersey Shore a popular destination?
- A: Avalon has been a popular beach destination for over one hundred years, known for its unique charm and activities for visitors ranging from local history to water sports.
- Q: What are some outdoor activities visitors can enjoy in Avalon?
- A: Visitors to Avalon can enjoy activities such as kayaking, boating, surfing, swimming, and stand-up paddleboarding along the seven-mile stretch of white sand beaches on the Atlantic Ocean.
- Q: What is there to do in Avalon's downtown shopping district?
- A: Avalon’s downtown shopping district offers a wide variety of shops where visitors can explore and shop for unique items.
- Q: What makes Avalon’s beaches special?
- A: The seven-mile stretch of white sand beaches along the Atlantic Ocean offers a beautiful and expansive setting for water activities and relaxation.
At a Glance:
| Best Time to Visit | Places to Stay | Tips for Visiting |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures, fewer tourists, and blooming flowers. | ICONA Avalon – A luxurious beachfront resort offering stunning views and great amenities. | Visit the Avalon Beach – Enjoy the quiet beach, perfect for walks, sunbathing, and beach games in the spring. |
| Summer (June-August) – Warm weather, ideal for beach activities, festivals, and outdoor events. | The Reeds at Shelter Haven – An upscale hotel with a rooftop bar, spa, and prime location for beach access. | Take a bike ride on the Avalon Bike Path – Explore the town on a bike, a popular activity during the summer months. |
| Fall (September-November) – Cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and vibrant fall foliage. | Windrift Resort – A family-friendly resort offering oceanfront views and comfortable accommodations. | Explore the Avalon Nature Preserve – Enjoy hiking and birdwatching in this peaceful natural area. |
| Winter (December-February) – Cold temperatures, perfect for cozy indoor activities and winter beach walks. | Legacy Vacation Resorts – Brigantine Beach – A short drive from Avalon, offering a relaxing winter retreat by the ocean. | Visit the Avalon Free Public Library – Cozy up with a good book or attend local winter events at the library. |
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