As fall arrives, my thoughts often turn to the Jersey Shore. As much as I love the place, it can be a bit much in the summer - between the crowds and the heat. But in early fall, most of the beach towns are still rolling on the weekends, with beaches and attractions open. The crowds have lessened, the weather is beautiful, and the sights are stunning. That makes it the perfect time for a Jersey Shore road trip, and we've come up with a road trip itinerary that will take you to five of the best shore towns in Central New Jersey while only having to drive for around an hour. That will give you plenty of time to explore these beautiful beach destinations and take in all they have to offer.
The beach towns in Central New Jersey don't often get as much attention compared to the likes of Cape May and Atlantic City, but these smaller destinations have a ton of charm and attractions for all ages. You'll only be on the road for an hour, but you can expect some amazing stops.
1. Red Bank
Red Bank might not be on the shore per se, but its proximity to the stunning Navesink River makes it an honorary first stop on the tour. This charming town of around 12,000 is known for being one of the state's best hubs of the arts thanks to the beautiful Count Basie Theater. It's also a great dining destination - whether you want the state's most creative pork roll sandwiches, or a delicious scratch-made Italian dinner. The kids will love the town's chocolate shop and retro arcade - and if a few hours here isn't enough, check into the Molly Pitcher Inn for a night in the lap of luxury.
2. Asbury Park
The largest town on our list with around 15,000 people, Asbury Park is a world-famous beach destination that's one of the best offseason towns on the shore. Its Crown Jewel is The Stone Pony, an amazing music venue that just celebrated its fiftieth anniversary. The town's historic architecture also helped to put it on the map - just check out this stunning abandoned carousel. Looking for culture here? There's a paranormal museum and a pinball museum, only minutes away from each other. And of course, you can't leave without some famous Boardwalk fries and lemonade.
3. Belmar
Belmar is a more laid-back town than the last two, with a population of just under 6,000 and a focus on the beautiful shoreline. Its diverse collection of restaurants, beautiful parks system, and close proximity to the river make it one of the best shore towns around, especially if you're looking to fish or just soak up the sun. There's also a great place to eat right by the water - Klein's Fish Market, which features a massive outdoor patio as well as a still-operating fish market.
4. Manasquan
Manasquan might just be one of the most beautiful towns on the Jersey Shore. With a population of under 6,000, this is primarily a residential area without too many attractions - which makes it a must-visit for nature-lovers. The Manasquan Reservoir features a gorgeous loop trail that is easy to walk and shows you the most beautiful spots by the town's waterfront, and the local restaurant scene is known for its amazing burgers. If you're here in the summer, you might witness one of the town's most stunning sights - bioluminescent waves!
5. Point Pleasant Beach
We'll wrap things up at one of the most iconic beach towns and one of the friendliest towns in New Jersey. Point Pleasant Beach is best known for the massive Jenkinson's Boardwalk complex, which is home to an amusement park, a truly bizarre funhouse, an acclaimed aquarium, and the largest tiki bar in New Jersey. If you're staying for dinner, the town is home to plenty of acclaimed restaurants, including the watefront gem The Shrimp Box and the top-notch French bistro The Poached Pear.
Have you visited any of the towns on this Jersey Shore road trip? Let us know what you thought, and what your favorite shore towns to visit are in the comments section! If you're getting to Point Pleasant Beach at the end of the day and don't want to drive all the way back home, you can check into The White Sands Oceanfront Resort & Spa, the town's premiere luxury destination - perfect if you're planning a late dinner on the water.
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