When most people picture a New York City summer, even a trip to the beach tends to come with plenty of energy—bustling boardwalks, busy shorelines, and no shortage of fellow sunseekers.
But hop on NJ Transit and the Jersey Shore becomes a choose-your-own-adventure, with charming coastal towns scattered up and down the coastline. One destination stands out for offering a glimpse of a quieter, more timeless era of shore life: Avon-by-the-Sea.
Just an hour from NYC, this is the kind of beach town that encourages you to slow down and listen to the waves. With its beautifully preserved Victorian homes, pristine no-frills boardwalk, and unique setting between the Atlantic Ocean and the Shark River, this picturesque seaside escape feels refreshingly removed from the crowds.
The Scenery: The “Anti-Boardwalk” Experience
Avon-by-the-Sea offers a rare experience on the Jersey Shore: a pristine, 100% residential beach environment.
- The Boardwalk: Unlike its neighbors, Avon’s boardwalk isn’t a commercial strip. There are no arcades, no slice shops, and no flashing signs. Instead, it is a quiet, elevated walkway lined with classic white wooden pavilions. It is arguably the best spot on the Shore for a contemplative sunrise coffee or an evening stroll with a book.
- The Victorian Aesthetic: The town feels less like a modern resort and more like a period piece. The streets are lined with historic, multi-story Victorian homes featuring intricate gingerbread trim and wide, inviting porches that have hosted summer guests for over a century.
- The Dual Waterfront: Avon is uniquely perched between the Atlantic Ocean and the tranquil Shark River. You get the power of the surf on the East side and the calm, boating-friendly waters of the river on the West, allowing you to chase either sunrise or sunset over the water.
The History: A Preserved Resort Sanctuary
Incorporated in the late 19th century, Avon-by-the-Sea was intentionally designed as a quieter, more refined alternative to the bustling resort towns springing up around it.
While towns like Asbury Park and Point Pleasant leaned into entertainment and tourism infrastructure, Avon doubled down on residential preservation.
It has successfully maintained its status as a sanctuary of quiet beauty. Walking through the town center on Main Street, you will find family-owned boutiques, classic diners, and local coffee shops that focus on serving the year-round community and loyal summer regulars who have been vacationing here for generations.
According to historical records and local lore, it was named directly after Avon, England, drawing a poetic connection to the historic British region famously tied to William Shakespeare (the “Bard of Avon”) and the beautiful, winding River Avon. Ironically, the word Avon itself stems from an ancient Brythonic Celtic word (abona) which translates simply to “river.”
How to Get There from NYC
One of Avon’s best-kept secrets is how accessible it remains, even though it feels worlds away.
By Train (NJ TRANSIT) The most relaxed way to travel without the Sunday night Garden State Parkway traffic.
- Route: Catch the North Jersey Coast Line out of New York Penn Station.
- Arrival: Avon-by-the-Sea is tucked right between the Bradley Beach and Belmar stations. You can hop off at either stop.
- The Connection: Since Avon is so compact, it is a breezy 10-minute bike ride or a very short rideshare from either station across the Shark River bridge, dropping you right into the heart of the Victorian district.
By Car
- Timing: On a clear morning, the drive takes just over an hour from Lower Manhattan.
- Route: Take the New Jersey Turnpike South to Exit 11, then merge onto the Garden State Parkway South to Exit 98.
- The Finish: Follow Route 138 East to Route 35 North. You’ll cross the scenic bridge over the Shark River Inlet, providing an immediate, stunning view of the ocean as you enter the town limits.
