Despite some rainy weather here in our favorite city, we’re coming off of one of the nicest weekends this year has seen so far, and if you’re anything like us, you’re likely in the market for some beach plans once the sun comes out again.
Just an hour from NYC, Belmar, New Jersey is the kind of shore town that instantly slows life down.
While some beach destinations are known for flashy attractions or crowded boardwalks, Belmar has built its reputation around miles of golden sand, a laid-back surf culture, and some of the most beautiful sunrise views on the East Coast.
Stretching along one of New Jersey’s longest beaches, this beloved seaside town pairs a 1.3-mile boardwalk with charming local eateries, oceanfront strolls, and a welcoming atmosphere that keeps generations of visitors coming back year after year.
Whether you’re catching waves at sunrise, biking along the coast, or simply soaking in the salty ocean breeze, Belmar delivers the quintessential Jersey Shore escape.
The Scenery: 1.3 Miles of Pristine Boardwalk
Stretching along one of the longest continuous beaches in the state, Belmar strikes a rare balance between laid-back and lively.
- The Boardwalk: Belmar’s iconic 1.3-mile boardwalk is entirely smoke-free and made of composite wood, making it a favorite for barefoot morning runners, sunset strollers, and oceanfront bicyclists.
- The Surf Culture: As one of the premier surfing hubs on the Jersey Shore, the town features designated surfing beaches (like the popular 17th Avenue beach) and local surf shops that have anchored the community for decades.
- The Saltwater Views: Positioned perfectly on the Atlantic, early risers are treated to unobstructed, pastel-hued sunrises over the water, often accompanied by pods of dolphins migrating close to the shoreline.
The History: From Historic Resort to Modern Sanctuary
Belmar—translated directly as “beautiful sea” in Italian—was originally incorporated in the late 19th century as “Pleasant Beach” before officially adopting its poetic modern name in 1889.
Originally settled as a Victorian–era summer resort town, Belmar quickly grew in popularity due to its unique dual waterfronts: the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the tranquil Shark River River to the west.
While it evolved through the mid–20th century into a bustling hub for summer tourism, it chose a different path than its more commercialized neighbors.
Instead of packing the beachfront with rollercoasters and neon arcades, Belmar focused on preserving its natural dunes, cultivating clean, family-friendly beaches, and building up a vibrant downtown corridor along Main Street packed with local boutiques and critically acclaimed eateries.
How to Get There from NYC
One of Belmar’s biggest selling points for New Yorkers is just how effortlessly accessible it is, whether you want to drive or leave the car behind entirely.
By Train (NJ TRANSIT)
The absolute easiest way to travel without dealing with Garden State Parkway traffic.
- Route: Catch the North Jersey Coast Line directly out of New York Penn Station.
- The Ride: Most summer weekend trains run directly or feature a coordinated, seamless cross-platform transfer at Long Branch.
- Arrival: The train drops you off at the historic Belmar Station (located right between 8th and 10th Avenues). From there, the beach is a straight, pleasant 6-block walk down Tenth Avenue.
By Car
- Timing: On a clear morning, the 60-mile 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 straight to the end, bear left onto Route 35 North, and make a right onto 10th Avenue, which leads you directly to the oceanfront.
