It's been a long winter and an even longer not-spring. It is time for some warm weather and sand between our toes. So now that it seems like Mother Nature has gotten her act together to deliver up the sun and the heat, you need to be ready with your beach plan. But what if you only have a day? Or a weekend? Or what if you need to plan one weekend with the ladies and one with your bae? We’ve got you covered with this, your Ready for Anything Summer Beach Plan. All you need to do is add sunscreen!
If you’ve got a day:
Go To: Long Branch, NJ
Distance from Bergen County: 1 hour and 14 minutes with no traffic
Do: With just a day, you might not need to know anything other than that you can get day passes for municipal beaches through the City of Long Branch website. Or, for Seven President’s Oceanfront Park through the Monmouth County Park System. But if you need other entertainment for you day away, check out the Silver Ball Museum in Asbury Park and play one of the up to 600 pinball and video games that are in rotation at the museum.
Eat: Brush the sand off as best you can and head to Pier Village for dining that ranges from pizza or salads to family friendly, casual to upscale, fresh and inventive. In fact, you’ll probably wish you were staying longer so you could eat more!
Stay: If you get lucky and decide to stay over, the new Wave hotel is the hottest spot in town. Book a room and enjoy the views (and the rooftop pool!).
If you’ve got a weekend:
Go To: Montauk
Distance from Bergen County: 3 hours and 10 minutes with no traffic. But let’s be honest, when is there ever no traffic on the way to the Hamptons?
Do: Take a break from soaking up the rays and visit the Montauk Lighthouse. Climb the 128 steps to the top of the lighthouse and take in the sights. Then spend some time in the museum at the base reading historical documents, learning about the lighthouse, the surrounding area and the whaling industry. Then, hop in the car for a short trip to Deep Hollow Ranch, the birthplace of the American Cowboy and the oldest working ranch in the US. Take a trail or beach ride or drop your kids off at pony camp. Then hang ten because you’re in one of the best surf towns in the US. Don’t know how or where to start? Visit the Sunset Surf Shack and they’ll hook you up with everything you need.
Eat: Start off your day at old school mom-and-pop diner, Mr. John’s Pancake House because…pancakes. Choices for lunch and dinner include Ruschmeyer’s, serving high end food with picnic table seating. Sit under the trees and watch your kids play life-sized Jenga, among other games. Or, entertain the kids by watching boats, listening to live music and playing games at The Crow’s Nest. Finish off your night with a trip to John’s Drive In. "Burgers. Ice Cream. Montauk. What more could you want?"
Stay: Whether you’re going alone, in a group or with the family, Gurney’s fits the bill. Surprisingly family friendly, this place has all the extras. But if you’re traveling with your lady friends, indulge yourselves with a stay at Sole East.
If you’re going for the week:
Go To: Cape May
Distance from Bergen County: 2 hours and 51 minutes with no traffic
Do: Well duh, most of the time you’re going to be enjoying the beach. But when you’re not, visit the town’s lighthouse with 360-degree views, visit Washington Street Mall and do a little shopping for beach gear, then treat yourself to some fudge, and delight the kids with a trolley tour.
Eat:
Breakfast: You can’t hear about Cape May without hearing about breakfast at the Mad Batter. Sit outside and enjoy something delicious from their elaborate menu.
Lunch: We’re going to go to extremes here. If you’re craving the “Best Hotdog by the Beach” head to Hot Dog Tommy’s where the motto is “Relish Today, Ketchup Tomorrow”. But if you’re more interested in farm-to-table, visit Beach Plum Farm’s kitchen, located in their main barn, for an ever-changing menu, based on what’s fresh in the fields. Then hang around for a guided or self-guided tour of the fields and some shopping in their farm market. You might even score food for dinner too!
Dinner: Foodies rejoice! Your beach vacation does not mean you are compromising your high dining standards! Check out the James Beard nominated chef-created multi-course tasting menu from Red Store. Or, make reservations for Peter Shields for their always reliable food served in one of five dining rooms or on the front porch overlooking the ocean.
Stay: Congress Hall if you can snag a room. The luxe, historic hotel provides beach service, a family pool and tons of kid-friendly activities all summer long. Larger families can reserve a bungalow at the fun and funky Beach Shack motel which sleep 8 and accommodates your family dog too.
Go To: LBI
Distance from Bergen County: Just under 2 hours with no traffic
Do: Generations love the Victorian-themed Fantasy Island Amusement Park in Beach Haven for rides, games and an arcade, plus the historic carousel and ferris wheel when they tire of the beach. Water park lovers can spend the day at the Thundering Surf Water Park which caters to every age and stage kid (even us big ones).
Or, learn to surf. Book a private or group lessons, SUP lessons or surf camp for your kiddos, along with all the equipment and learn a new skill while you’re on vacation. So much better than finishing your latest beach read, right?
Eat:
Breakfast: For a down and dirty breakfast (think monster sized chocolate chip pancakes) head over early to Mustache Bill’s Diner in Barnegat Light. Or, the locally (and not-so-locally) famous Chicken or the Egg (Chegg, for those who like to shorten things) which has been featured on Man V. Food for its Ludicrous (super hot) wings but also offers a huge menu of breakfast favorites.
Lunch: For fresh grab-and-go sandwiches, prepared foods, coffee or kombucha on tap, get yourself to Local Market. Then grab a few TV dinners to tide you over for the rest of the week. Visit Woodies Drive-In for LBI’s best burger, sandwiches, and frozen treats galore. Or, head to the new Bird and Betty’s, from the people who brought you Ship Bottom Shellfish, for salads, pizzas and sandwiches.
Dinner: Fresh catch can be found at Ship Bottom Shellfish if you’re willing to wait or get there early. Or visit Ship Bottom’s sister restaurant, Black Whale Bar which has recently completed an expansion of their barroom and dining room and put the finishing touches on a brand new event space. Tucker’s Tavern gastropub offers “craft beer, a raw bar and good times”, or the Engleside Inn offers fine dining or a sushi bar depending on your mood that day.
Stay: Book a beach house rental from Airbnb. or Vacation Rentals LBI .
If you’re going with the girls:
Beach: Sag Harbor
Distance from Bergen County: 2 hours and 48 minutes with no traffic
Do: You’ll be sans kids so first stop is Wolffer Vineyards for a seated tasting (reservations required). Then do a little shopping for both vintage and new finds at Joey Wolffer, Black Swan or Ruby Beets. Stop by the farmer’s market for produce to take home, and then spend the afternoon wandering Longhouse Reserve, the popular outdoor sculpture garden and reserve.
Eat: Visit Page at 63 Main for seasonal specials and a great atmosphere and The Beacon for New American food with a great bar scene and waterfront views.
Stay: Baron's Cove has pretty much any group covered.
If you’re going with your significant other:
Go To: Stone Harbor
Distance from Bergen County: 2 hours and 55 minutes
Do: Well, you might not be able to tear yourself out of the brand new Salt Spa but if you can, sign up for a cooking class with Graziella (Mama to those who know her) at Ristorante Luciano.
Eat: Kitchen 330 is a casual neighborhood restaurant serving local, seasonal fare. Fred’s Tavern for burgers and salads. Fred’s is also a liquor store so you can cross that errand off your to-do list. And Jay’s on Third offers Asian-inspired, inventive cuisine and also, the photography on their website is gorgeous.
Stay: The Reeds at Shelter Haven, a regular Conde Naste award winning hotel and spa.
