Belmar, NJ

Address:Belmar, New Jersey

Belmar, New Jersey is a popular resort town along the Jersey Shore. During the summer, 60,000 tourists descend upon the small local population of 7,000 residents, yet it maintains its small town, "all-American" coastal warmth despite the crowds. The local residents pride themselves on making sure that guests are welcomed and feel right at home. This quaint, friendly charm is certainly part of the area's appeal.

Belmar's clean, white beach stretches more than a mile, and provides ample room to swim, picnic, and enjoy the area's famous sunset. A boardwalk stretches along the beach, where people can always be found walking, jogging, people-watching, and enjoying the view, and there are playgrounds, sitting areas, and restrooms every few blocks. During the summer, bike riding is permissible on the boardwalk, although pets are always prohibited on the beach. The Belmar Beach charges a daily fee, and frequent visitors can purchase discounted season badges at the Taylor Pavilion beginning on Memorial Day weekend. There is plenty of metered parking available. Belmar offers other local amenities to tourists, such as access to the Belmar Public Library (for a fee).

Dining opportunities in Belmar range from bakeries, bagels and donut shops to delicatessens and fast food, as well as a few restaurants, although many of them are commercial chains. Belmar's Main Street offers modest shopping opportunities. If you are staying overnight, the center of town offers plenty of quaint accommodations at a range of prices.

Festivals hosted throughout the year offer extra local color for tourists. June visitors can sample seaside cuisine at the Annual New Jersey Seafood Festival. In July, special treats include the Annual Sandcastle Contest, the Spring Kite Festival, Fireworks on the Beach, the Mid-Atlantic Regional Lifeguard Tournament, and the Belmar Five Johnny Cobb Memorial. In August, the Mayor's Cup Regatta and the Friendship Regatta bring a festive competitive atmosphere to the beach which is continued in early September with the Pro Surfing Tournament. Throughout the summer guests can enjoy the Friday evening Summer Concert Series at the Huisman Gazebo at the Tyler Pavilion and Sunday night outdoor movies at the 8th Avenue Beach. In October, Belmar residents kick off the fall season with the Fall Festival.

To get to Belmar, follow the New Jersey Turnpike to Route 195, and then take route 35. Once you are there, it is impossible to get lost in this small town, so just sit back, relax, and find a good spot on the beach, because there's really nothing to worry about in Belmar.