Heading to the Jersey shore this summer? Avalon, NJ is one of the nicest beach towns at the shore. It’s quiet and family friendly. But is there more to it than just its great beach? Here are some things to do while you are in Avalon, NJ:
Stop at Kohler’s Bakery. Start your morning off right with a trip to an Avalon classic- the famous Kohler’s Bakery. Kohler’s cream-filled donuts are to die for– even if you’re not a donut fan. And Kohler’s is also famous for their Philly-style cinnamon buns and coconut macaroons. Definitely worth a stop, but prepare to wait in line.
Hit the boardwalk. Avalon doesn’t have a big, loud boardwalk like some of the other Jersey beaches. But its half mile stretch of boardwalk is great for walking and riding bikes (bike riding is permitted during the early morning hours). Down on 29th Street at the boardwalk there’s a small stretch of fun places: the infamous Avalon arcade (your kids will beg you to go every night), a pizza shop and an ice cream parlor. There’s also a skate park and a playground to keep your kids busy.
Rent a bike. For extra fun on the boardwalk, rent a Surry double bike or a tandem bike and ride amok on the boardwalk. You’ll have a ton of fun and also get quite the photo op. There are bike rental places along Dune Drive.
Play golf. There are many golf courses in the Avalon area, including the Avalon Golf Club and the Stone Harbor Golf Club. For your little ones, take them to play a round of miniature golf at one of the mini golf places in Avalon (Pirate Island on Dune Drive is a family favorite).
Have a cocktail at The Princeton. The Princeton Bar has been an Avalon staple for years, but if you haven’t been there in a while you may not recognize the place. A few years ago, the Princeton underwent a major overhaul. The restaurant features a sleek new look and bistro style dining is offered both inside and outdoors on the patio. Live bands are featured on a regular basis and the Princeton now offers the “P Shuttle”- a free shuttle service that will pick you up and drive you home safely.
Go to church. If you haven’t been to church in a while, make it a point to stop at Maris Stella Roman Catholic Church. Its pink walls and beachy feel make it an interesting place. Best of all, the pews are cushioned! During the summer months, Sunday masses are every hour.
Go to the (free) Zoo. TheCape May County Zoo is just minutes from Avalon and best of all it’s free! This awesome zoo spans over 80 acres and houses over 500 exotic animals. Be sure to check out the kid’s train and carousel. A great place for the family.
Go out to dinner. Shore restaurants may come and go, but Avalon is home to several long-standing restaurants. Bobby Dee’s Rock ‘N Chair has been there forever and it has good food and a great wine list. If you crave Mexican, don’t miss Tortilla Flats, which has both a dining room and a take-out location in Avalon. And for breakfast, you can’t beat Uncle Bill’s Pancake House.
Catch a movie on the beach. Avalon offers a free summertime Big Beach Movie festival. Movies are shown on Tuesday nights at 8:45 pm on the beach at 30th Street. Check the Avalon Public Library or Community Hall for a schedule of this year’s movies.
Enjoy a concert on the beach. 30th Street on the beach is also the place to catch a variety of concerts this summer. Converts are every Saturday and Sunday afternoon from 12:00 to 3:00. There’s also concerts at Veterans Plaza every Friday night at 7:00. All of the concerts are sponsored by the Avalon Public Library and are free.
Go out for ice cream. If you have family or a few friends with you, be sure to stop at Buccaneer for ice cream. Order the colossal Shipwreck Sundae, which features 12 scoops of ice cream and a boatload of toppings all served in a pirate hat.
Quick day trips near Avalon:
Take a short ride to OC or Wildwood boardwalk. If your kids are really hounding you to go on a boardwalk pier complete with rides, games, and tacky t-shirt shops, the infamous New Jersey boardwalks are within 45 minutes of Avalon.
Check out the shops in Stone Harbor. Stone Harbor is another small, sleepy shore town that is right outside of Avalon. Check out the long stretch of shops and eateries.
Hit the casinos. The Atlantic City casinos and boardwalk are about 30 minutes form Avalon. Check out the upscale Borgata Casino if you’ve never been there.
Take a Drive to Cape May. A day trip to Cape May is always in order when you’re at the shore. From whale and dolphin watching to nature exhibits and museums, there’s lots to do in historic Cape May. Bring your wallet because there’s plenty of unique shops and restaurants too.
