When you see a twine-wrapped box from Del Ponte’s Bakery, you know you’re in for a tasty treat. Del Ponte’s Bakery in Bradley Beach, New Jersey, is a local standout for its amazing assortment of luscious layer cakes, cookies, pastries, and Italian bread. You can't miss the biscotti-lined front window at Del Ponte's when you're walking down Main Street in Bradley Beach. The bakery sells over 20 varieties of the twice-baked Italian biscuits. The biscotti at Del Ponte’s are the perfect texture for dunking but won’t bust your teeth if you prefer to eat them straight like I do. Some of my favorite flavors include peanut butter, cinnamon, and chocolate chip with pecans. Cookie trays from Del Ponte’s Bakery are always a hit when I bring them to BBQs or family get-togethers. The velvety cheesecake at Del Ponte’s is THE BEST I’ve ever eaten! No one ever complains when I bring a whole Del Ponte's cheesecake to a dinner party! If I'm just treating myself, I like to buy it by the slice (a generous portion), eat a little bit, and then freeze the rest for another time. If you can't make up your mind, Del Ponte's Bakery sells several different types of cheesecakes by the slice, including New York style, Italian style (ricotta cheese), crumb-topped cheesecake, cookies and cream cheesecake, marble cheesecake on chocolate cake, blueberry cheesecake, and pumpkin cheesecake. RELATED: A Slice Of Indulgence At Sweet Tease Tea Room And Café The velvety cheesecake from Del Ponte’s Bakery is the best I’ve ever had! Del Ponte’s is also known for its indulgent brownies (peanut butter, Snickers, mint, and more), old-fashioned jelly doughnuts, pies, cupcakes, and custom cakes. They make specialty baked goods and desserts for all the major holidays and even seasonal celebrations such as St. Joseph’s Day and St. Patrick’s Day. The cannoli at Del Ponte’s have been named among the “Best of Monmouth County” by the readers of Monmouth Health & Life Magazine. The original Del Ponte's Bakery was founded in Brooklyn, New York, by the current owner's parents. The family’s traditional Italian baking techniques were passed down by a beloved grandfather who emigrated from Naples in 1960. The Bradley Beach bakery was established in 1999. You really must stop in for yourself to see the “oasis of sweet treats” at Del Ponte’s – as one customer described it in a Yelp review. Del Ponte's baked goods deliver on their promise of "The best of Brooklyn in Bradley Beach." Del Ponte’s Bakery 600 Main Street Bradley Beach, NJ 07720 732-869-1111 RELATED: Places We Love – Scone Pony Specialty Bake Shoppe Live Like A Local: Rent A Belmar Beach House Day trips down the shore are fun, but the best way to experience the area is to unpack your bags and stay for a week or two. If you are looking for a clean, quiet getaway for a couple, solo stay, or small family trip, our updated two-bedroom Blue Hydrangea Cottage in Belmar, New Jersey, is the perfect place to relax in serene surroundings at the Jersey Shore. The house sleeps up to four people and is consistently rated five stars by our guests for its fantastic location, spotless upkeep, and all the thoughtful details that make for an easy beach stay. You can see photos and check open dates on our Blue Hydrangea Cottage rental page. RELATED: Explore our local Belmar NJ Travel Guide to plan your beach days, dining, and local events. Story and images © Christine Cardellino, Belmar Beachcomber Blog, and www.VacationInBelmar.com, 2017 to present. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material, including photography, without express and written permission from this site’s author/owner is strictly prohibited. If you wish to use a photograph from this site, full and clear credit must be given to Belmar Beachcomber Blog with appropriate and specific links to the original content.

The coastal community of Belmar, New Jersey, is one of the most popular beaches at the Jersey Shore. Whether you’re coming for the day, a long weekend, or a whole week, explore the best of Belmar with our ultimate guide to visiting Belmar Beach NJ, updated for summer 2026. Jump To: Beach Tags | Parking | Beach Amenities | Dining | Beach Rules | Shopping | Beach House Rentals | Belmar Beach FAQs Where To Buy Belmar Beach Tags | Summer 2026 During peak summer season, admission to Belmar beach is free for children age 13 and younger. Beach tags are required for everyone age 14 and older. On weekdays in peak season, beach tags are required between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. You need a beach tag to get on Belmar beach between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on Fridays, holidays, and weekends until Labor Day (Monday, September 7, 2026). Beach tags are not required before Memorial Day weekend or after Labor Day. Summer 2026 Season Beach Tags Full-Season: For summer 2026, Belmar beach badges are $80 for the season, plus a $2 processing fee. Senior Badges: If you are age 65 or older, you are eligible to buy a reduced-cost senior beach tag in Belmar. The tags cost $35 (proof of age required), plus $1 processing fee. Season and senior beach tags for summer 2026 may be purchased online. Shipping is $10 or, to save on the cost of shipping, you may pick up your beach badges at Taylor Pavilion, 500 Ocean Avenue, between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. seven days a week through Memorial Day weekend. After the holiday weekend, you may pick up beach tags at Taylor Pavilion on the Belmar boardwalk. Please note that the added "processing fee" will still be charged if you pick up your tags in person. Belmar Beach Tags | Belmar Beach Badges | Summer 2026 Daily Belmar Beach Tags Daily Belmar beach tags cost $12 each, plus .25 cent processing fee, and also may be purchased online up to two weeks in advance. Get Your QR Code: For summer 2026, Belmar is requiring that all daily beach tags be pre-ordered via your smartphone or mobile device prior to visiting a beach tag booth. Once your purchase is completed, you will receive a confirmation email with a QR code. Pick Up Your Beach Tag: Upon your arrival to the beach, you will need to check-in at one of the Belmar beach tags booths and scan the QR code to receive a daily wristband. Alternately, you may show your confirmed QR code to the beach attendant to get onto the beach. Local Tip: Belmar beach tag booths are located on the boardwalk at 3rd Avenue, 8th Avenue, 11th Avenue, 14th Avenue, 16th Avenue, and 19th Avenue. Free Beach Admission For Active-Duty Military And Veterans Through its “Operation: Thank You” program, Belmar provides free beach access to active-duty servicemen and women with valid military ID and to all U.S. veterans with a valid ID that identifies them as a veteran. Gold Star family members are also eligible to participate in Operation: Thank You. To obtain your free Gold Star Family or U.S. veteran Belmar beach tag, visit belmarbeachbadges.com, select Veterans/Gold Star or Active Military, proceed to the Belmar beach tag booth, scan your QR code and show ID and receive your wristband for entry. Veterans can pick up a season badge at Borough Hall in the off season or at Taylor Pavilion in season. If you are not able to use the online system, you may obtain a beach tag at Taylor Pavilion during beach hours. Disabled individuals with proof of disability may also qualifiy for a free Belmar beach tag. The borough requires a letter from the Social Security Administration or a Medicare card, along with the disabled person's valid identification. Please call Belmar Tourism at 732-681-3700 for more information. RELATED: 8 Ways To Enjoy The Water In Belmar Pick up your daily Belmar beach tag at these booths on the boardwalk. Parking At Belmar Beach As with other Jersey Shore towns, parking in the summer can be tricky, especially on nice weekends and major holidays such as July 4th, Memorial Day, and Labor Day. If you are planning a day trip to Belmar beach, the earlier you get here, the more parking you will find available. Belmar has both free parking and paid parking. Free Belmar Parking You may park for free on any of the neighborhood side streets in Belmar (except those in ParkMobile zones), or at the NJ Transit train station in downtown Belmar. Free parking is also available on the west side of Ocean Avenue (across from the boardwalk) and on Main Street in Belmar. Handicapped parking is free in designated handicapped spots along Belmar boardwalk with a valid state-issued placard. You must pay for parking if you park in a non-handicapped spot, even if you use your placard or have a special handicapped license plate. Paid Parking The Borough of Belmar uses a mobile application called ParkMobile for paid parking along Ocean Avenue and in other areas of town. The ParkMobile app allows for contact-less payment via your smartphone or tablet. In total, Belmar has six designated ParkMobile zones, as follows: Zone 1 (58101): East side of Ocean Avenue (nearest the boardwalk). The cost for parking in Zone 58101 is $2/hour between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. daily. Zone 2 (58102): 5th and 6th Avenue around Silver Lake up to Ocean Avenue (the angled parking spots). The cost for parking in Zone 58102 is $2/hour between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. daily. Zone 3 (58103): North Boulevard, from Ocean Avenue to B Street (south side of the street only). The cost for parking in Zone 58103 is $2/hour between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. daily. Zone 4 (58104): Municipal parking, $2/hour between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. daily. Zone 5 (58105): Municipal parking, $2/hour between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. daily. Zone 6 (58106): ParkMobile is used at certain areas of the Belmar Marina near Marina Grille and the marina entrance at Route 35 and 10th Avenue. The cost for parking in Zone 58106 is $2/hour between 4:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m. This is the year-round paid parking zone. ParkMobile has a six-hour maximum time limit. After six hours, you must make a new payment through the app. Download the ParkMobile app. For those who wish to pay by phone instead, call 1-877-727-5304 for assistance. Local Tip: Paid parking is in effect in Belmar for Zones 1 through 5 from May 1 through October 1. Zone 6 (Marina Grille parking lot) has year-round paid parking. You may park for free in designated handicapped parking spots with a valid state-issued placard or license plate. Belmar uses a pay-by-plate parking system along the beachfront, at the Belmar Marina, and around the town lakes. Belmar Beach Amenities Officials in Belmar, New Jersey, take great pride in providing visitors with the best beach amenities. In addition to clean, staffed restrooms, the beachfront is equipped with pirate-themed beach playgrounds, places to fill your water bottle and charge your cell phone, and touch-free shower stations at each beach entrance for rinsing off. Mobility Mats for Wheelchairs and Strollers: Belmar also has ADA-accessible beaches equipped with blue mobility mats. These hard-surface beach-access ramps are designed for people who use wheelchairs or walking aids, and families coming to the beach with strollers, wagons and beach carts. Public Restrooms: Public bathrooms are located at the following beach entrances: 8th Avenue, 11th Avenue, and 16th Avenue. Taylor Pavilion (5th Avenue and boardwalk) also has public restrooms. Beach playgrounds are located at 4th Avenue, 8th Avenue, 12th Avenue, and 16th Avenue, where a year-round permanent restroom building is under construction. The north side of Taylor Pavilion (5th Avenue and boardwalk) also has public restrooms. Beach Wheelchairs: Beach wheelchairs are available at 4th, 8th, 12th, and 16th Avenues. See the gate attendant for help. RELATED: Belmar Vacation Rentals With All The Comforts Of Home Blue mobility mats and foot showers on Belmar beach. Where To Eat At Belmar Beach The Belmar beachfront has a wide variety of options for your enjoyment. In the middle of the boardwalk, you will find Jersey Mike's Subs at the Taylor Pavilion, located at 500 Ocean Avenue. Across from the beach, along Ocean Avenue, casual dining stops include Playa Bowls at 803 Ocean Avenue and 1607 Ocean Avenue, J's Pizza at 804 Ocean Avenue, Luigi’s Pizza at 1609 Ocean Avenue, Mamaluke’s Pizza at 1715 Ocean Avenue, TR’s Food Court at 1605 Ocean Avenue and Bubbakoos Burritos at 1603 Ocean Avenue. Dunkin Donuts is located at 601 Ocean Avenue. For your sweet tooth, Coney Waffle at 803 Ocean Avenue has ice cream treats and confections. For an ocean-view dining experience with great people-watching, try La Dolce Vita Italian Seafood Grill at 400 Ocean Avenue. The 7-11 convenience store at 8th and Ocean Avenues and Beckman's by the Beach at 16th and Ocean Avenues are quick places to grab bottled water, snacks, and sundries. RELATED: Dining In Belmar Belmar Beach NJ Rules Allowed On Belmar Beach Unlike the Spring Lake beach nearby, Belmar does allow you to bring coolers onto the beach so you can enjoy your lunch and snacks right where you are sitting. When enjoying food and drinks on Belmar Beach, please be respectful to our town — and to the environment. Do not leave your trash on the beach. Water bottles, bottle caps, plastic bags, plastic cups, and other trash get washed into the ocean, putting endangered coastal birds and sea life such as fish and dolphins at risk of harm. Belmar provides trash and recycling containers right on the beach for your convenience in cleaning up after yourself. Beach umbrellas are allowed on Belmar Beach, but tents, canopies, and shade coverings higher than 36 inches are not allowed on Belmar Beach between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Boogie boards are permitted at the following beaches only: 7th Avenue, 14th Avenue, and 20th Avenue. Not Allowed On Belmar Beach Loud music and Bluetooth speakers. Please bring your earbuds if you like to listen to music on the beach. Tents, canopies, and shade structures over 36 inches tall are allowed on the beach between Memorial Day and Labor Day. No ball playing of any kind, including footballs and volleyball. Alcohol and anything in glass bottles. Smoking and vaping. Unleashed dogs (leashed dogs are permitted between October 1 and April 30 only). Surfing At Belmar Beach The surfing beaches in Belmar are located at 17th and 18th Avenues. Swimming is not allowed at these beaches. In addition, Summertime Surf School offers surfing camps for kids and group or private surfing lessons for adults and organizations at 3rd Avenue beach in Belmar. Boogie boards may be used at 7th Avenue, 14th Avenue, and 20th Avenue beaches. Bike Riding On Belmar Boardwalk Between May 1 and September 30, bike riding on Belmar boardwalk is permitted only between 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. In the off-season (October 1 to April 30), you may ride your bike on the boardwalk at any time of day. Smoke-Free Beach & Boardwalk In 2014, Belmar became the first New Jersey shore town to ban smoking on the beach. Smoking is prohibited on the entire beach and boardwalk at all times. The smoking ban includes cigarettes, vape pens, cigars, and e-cigarettes. Violators of the no-smoking ordinance will be ticketed and fined. In July 2018, New Jersey banned smoking on all beaches, following Belmar's lead. RELATED: Area Attractions In The Belmar Area Ocean Avenue Shopping In Belmar From sunscreen and souvenirs to newspapers and custom t-shirts, you'll find a little bit of everything at the retail merchants on Ocean Avenue in Belmar. Check out Eastern Lines Surf Shop and Beckman's on the Beach along the 1600 block of Ocean Avenue. We also love the selection of beachwear and gifts at the Beach Nut boutique at 804 Ocean Avenue (next to J's Pizza). RELATED: Upcoming Events In Belmar Beckman's On The Beach | Belmar NJ Live Like A Local: Rent A Belmar Beach House Day trips down the shore are fun, but the best way to experience the area is to unpack your bags and stay for a week or two. If you are looking for a clean, quiet getaway for a couple, solo stay, or small family trip, our updated two-bedroom Blue Hydrangea Cottage in Belmar, New Jersey is the perfect place to relax in serene surroundings at the Jersey Shore. The house sleeps up to four people and is consistently rated five stars by our guests for its fantastic location, spotless upkeep, and all the thoughtful details that make for an easy beach stay. You can see photos and check open dates on our Blue Hydrangea Cottage rental page. RELATED: Explore our local Belmar NJ Travel Guide to plan your beach days, dining, and local events. Belmar Beach FAQs Is Belmar Beach free? Belmar Beach is not free during the summer season. Everyone age 14 and older needs a beach tag to access the sand when badge checkers and lifeguards are on duty. Kids 13 and under are always free. Active duty military, National Guard members, veterans, and Gold Star family members may access Belmar Beach at no cost with proper identification. How much are Belmar beach tags? This summer, Belmar beach tags cost $80 for a full‑season badge, $35 for senior badges, and $12 for daily beach tags, plus small processing fees. Does Belmar offer free beach access to U.S. military or disabled persons? Yes. Belmar provides free beach access to active‑duty military, National Guard members, veterans, and Gold Star families with valid military identification. Individuals with a disability identification card issued by the State of New Jersey are also eligible for free beach access. Where can I buy Belmar beach badges? Beach tags can be purchased through the Viply mobile app or at on-site boardwalk badge booths during the summer season. When does Belmar start checking beach badges? Belmar begins checking beach badges once the summer season starts and badge checkers are on duty. Beach tags are required starting Memorial Day weekend and through Labor Day. What time do Belmar lifeguards go off duty? Lifeguard hours vary by day and weather, but they generally staff the beach from around 9:00 a.m. until about 5:30 or 6:00 p.m. during the summer season. Always follow posted signs and never swim when lifeguards are not present. Do I need a beach badge after 5:00 p.m.? Once badge hours end for the day, beach tags are no longer checked, though lifeguards may also be off duty. For your own safety, do not swim in the ocean when lifeguards are not present. Are Belmar beach tags refundable? No. All beach tag sales are final. How much are senior beach badges in Belmar for 2026? Senior beach badges in Belmar cost $35 for the 2026 season. Seniors are defined as age 65 and older and must present proof of age. Where is free parking in Belmar? You’ll find plenty of free parking in Belmar if you know where to look. All residential streets between Ocean Avenue and Main Street provide free, non‑metered parking, and these spots are your best option closest to the beach if you arrive early enough on summer weekends. You’ll also find a free parking lot at Dempsey Park, located at 16th Avenue & Railroad Avenue. It’s west of Main Street, so it’s farther from the beach but a reliable option when the residential areas fill up. Where do I pick up season beach tags? Beginning in mid-June, season beach tags may be picked up at Taylor Pavilion, located at 500 Ocean Avenue, between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. daily during the summer season. If you ordered your tags online, bring your confirmation email and ID. Between December and June, season beach tags may be picked up at Belmar Borough Hall, 600 Main Street, during weekday business hours. Where do I pick up my daily wristband once I have paid through the app? After purchasing your daily beach tag through the app, you can pick up your wristband at any Belmar beach tag booth on the boardwalk. Show your QR code at the booth or to the beach attendant to receive your wristband for entry. Are tents permitted on Belmar Beach? No. Tents, canopies, and shade structures taller than 36 inches are not permitted on Belmar Beach between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Beach umbrellas are allowed. What county is Belmar, New Jersey, located in? Belmar is located in Monmouth County, New Jersey. Are there vacation rentals in Belmar? Yes. Belmar offers a variety of vacation rentals, including private homes, condos, and seasonal cottages. Options range from large homes suitable for multi‑generation vacations to smaller properties well-suited for couples or solo travelers. You’ll also find a number of off‑season and winter rentals available at reduced monthly rates. You may browse local listings on popular vacation‑rental platforms (keeping in mind the added service fees and state taxes) or explore individual property websites such as VacationInBelmar.com for rent-by‑owner options that you can book directly. Story and images © Christine Cardellino, Belmar Beachcomber Blog, and www.VacationInBelmar.com, 2017 to present. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material, including photography, without express and written permission from this site’s author/owner is strictly prohibited. If you wish to use a photograph from this site, full and clear credit must be given to Belmar Beachcomber Blog with appropriate and specific links to the original content.

Support local farmers and small business owners at the all-new Belmar Farmers Market, which returns to downtown Belmar, New Jersey, for the 2026 summer season, and the Lake Como Farmers Market, which returns to the lakefront at Main Street and North Boulevard this year. About The Belmar Farmers Market The Belmar Farmers Market in Pyanoe Plaza is open every Sunday, May 24 through September 5, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Area farms, artisans, and Belmar businesses will be offering a variety of locally sourced seasonal produce, to-go food, and handcrafted merchandise for sale. Pyanoe Plaza is located in the heart of downtown Belmar, at 9th Avenue and Main Street, an easy, short walk from our Blue Hydrangea Beach Cottage vacation rental. Belmar Farmers Market | 2026 Dates Sundays, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. June 28 July 5 July 12 July 19 July 26 August 2 August 9 August 16 August 23 August 30 September 5 Belmar Farmers Market | Participating Vendors 2026 Belmar Clay Project Bound for Adventure Bookmobile Caldino’s Coney Cakery Deer Haven Nursery Get Salted Griffy’s Organics Gypsy Luna Revolution Healthy Habit Baking Co. Lady Bee Candles Mad Dog Matcha Mini Mango’s Children’s Clothing My Three Mermaids New York Life Insurance Company Peace of Tia Pens & Needles Pickle-Licious Serenity Soap Co. Siela Co. Shoobies Coffee Starseed Herbal Remedies Suzy Q’s Creations Sweet Bites By Angela The Beaded Mermaid The Belmar Farmers Market is presented by the Belmar-Lake Como Chamber of Commerce. For vendor information, email the Chamber. About The Lake Como NJ Farmers Market Nearby, the Lake Como Farmers Market returns to the lakefront at Main Street and North Boulevard. The hours are 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. every Wednesday, June 10 through September 30, 2026. Get your fresh honey from Ed Lippincott, beekeeper extraordinaire and owner of Belmar Honey. Grab some fresh flowers or perennials for your garden from Deer Haven Farms (AKA LMB Landscaping) out of Farmingdale, New Jersey. If you love sourdough, take home some freshly baked sourdough bread, pizza crust, or lemon-poppy scones from Ferment & Flourish out of Toms River, New Jersey. The owner, Eden Hynes, also has sourdough starter for sale. In addition to the farmers market, check out "Wednesdays on the Water" along Lake Como, a free community event featuring live local music and face painting for the kids. The 2026 dates for Wednesdays on the Water are: June 10 (Belmar Grass band), July 8 (Almost Average band), August 12 (E Boro Bandits) , and August 26 (Tommy B & The Deep Blue Sea). All bands play from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Bring your blankets and chairs to sit on the grass and watch the sunset over the lake. Lake Como Farmers Market | 2026 Dates Wednesdays, 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. June 24 July 1 July 8 July 15 July 22 July 29 August 5 August 12 August 19 August 26 September 2 September 9 September 16 September 23 September 30 Other Farmers Markets Near 07719 Asbury Fresh Market Emory Street Between Cookman Avenue and Lake Avenue Asbury Park, New Jersey Sundays, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Wall Township, New Jersey Farmers Market 1900 Bailey's Corner Road Thursdays, June 4 through September 24, 2026 2:00 - 7:00 p.m. Live Like A Local: Rent A Belmar Beach House Day trips down the shore are fun, but the best way to experience the area is to unpack your bags and stay for a week or two. If you are looking for a clean, quiet getaway for a couple, solo stay, or small family trip, our updated two-bedroom Blue Hydrangea Cottage in Belmar, New Jersey is the perfect place to relax in serene surroundings at the Jersey Shore. The house sleeps up to four people and is consistently rated five stars by our guests for its fantastic location, spotless upkeep, and all the thoughtful details that make for an easy beach stay. You can see photos and check open dates on our Blue Hydrangea Cottage rental page. RELATED: Explore our local Belmar NJ Travel Guide to plan your beach days, dining, and local events. Story and images © Christine Cardellino, Belmar Beachcomber Blog, and www.VacationInBelmar.com, 2017 to present. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material, including photography, without express and written permission from this site’s author/owner is strictly prohibited. If you wish to use a photograph from this site, full and clear credit must be given to Belmar Beachcomber Blog with appropriate and specific links to the original content.

Enjoy Delicious Mexican Food Near Belmar, NJ You don’t have to wait for Taco Tuesday or Fajita Friday to enjoy delicious Mexican and Tex-Mex fare in the Belmar region of the Jersey Shore. The restaurants on our top picks list serve some of Monmouth County's best burritos, enchiladas, and house specialties that are sure-fire palate pleasers. Azteca Mexican Restaurant 1633 State Highway 71 Belmar, New Jersey 07719 732-749-3536 BYOB, dine in, takeout We're letting you in on a local secret: Azteca Mexican Restaurant in Belmar, New Jersey, serves some of the best Mexican food in the area. Azteca is a modest, hole-in-the-wall place with a small dining area and booth seating. They also have takeout if you prefer your food to go. We especially like the freshly made guacamole, the chicken enchiladas, and the spicy pork sopes. The pinto beans are very good, too. BYOB. RELATED: One-Of-A-Kind Finds: Nourished By Nature Juice Bar Chicken enchiladas and fresh guacamole and chips from Azteca Mexican Restaurant in Belmar, NJ. La Sierra Mexican Restaurant 1621 Main Street Lake Como, New Jersey 732-749-3081 Dine in, takeout, full-service bar La Sierra Mexican Restaurant is within an easy five-minute walk of our beach house rental in Belmar. They have indoor and outdoor dining (weather permitting for outdoor seating), and a full-service bar with margaritas, sangria, beer, and cocktails. Huevos rancheros, fajitas, and chicken sopes are a few of the dishes that I have ordered here — all very good! RELATED: Dining Around - F Street Social Craft Pizza And Kitchen Cielito Lindo Restaurant & Taqueria 1501 Main Street Belmar, New Jersey 07719 732-894-3977 BYOB, dine in, takeout, delivery Another delicious destination for authentic Mexican food in Belmar, New Jersey, is Cielito Lindo on Main Street. The chicken sopes, tortilla soup, chicken nachos, and fajitas are some excellent choices here. Cielito Lindo is within a very short walk of our Belmar vacation rental. Dine there (BYOB) or get it to go. They also deliver to the local area. Emilio's Kitchen 1006 Main Street Belmar, New Jersey 07719 848-404-9331 BYOB Emilio's on Main is a BYOB fine-dining restaurant, known for its creative take on Mexican-inspired cuisine. It's not your typical casual "tacos and burritos" kind of place. Emilio's Kitchen is more upscale with a refined menu that uses only fresh, organic ingredients, and no seed oils. Read more about Emilio's Kitchen On Main in this blog post. NEW! Galindo's Kitchen 123 Main Street Bradley Beach, New Jersey 07720 732-646-4178 BYOB, dine in, takeout In May 2026, the owners of Galindo's Kitchen in Long Branch, New Jersey, announced that they were taking over the Mexican restaurant formerly known as Oaxaca By The Sea. The restaurant is located in the small shopping strip next to Country Farm convenience store. Bradley Beach is their second location. Galindo's Kitchen is known for its $1.00 Taco Tuesday specials. RELATED: Places We Love - DelPonte's Bakery Plaza Tapatia Restaurant 707 Main Street Asbury Park, NJ 07719 732-776-7826 Dine in, takeout, full-service bar Dinner at Plaza Tapatia in Asbury Park was the perfect setting for a girls' night out to celebrate my recent birthday. We had the good fortune to choose half-price fajita night (Wednesday) for our dining adventure. The cuisine here is inspired by the Oaxaca and Jalisco regions of Mexico. Plaza Tapatia serves lunch from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and dinner from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Plaza Tapatia has a full-service bar with margaritas, classic cocktails, beer, wine, and coffee drinks. Los Barbaros Birria 1110 Main St. Belmar, NJ 07719 848-404-9041 www.losbarbarosbirriabelmar.com BYOB, dine in, takeout The star of the menu at Los Barbaros Birria in Belmar are their birria tacos. Birria tacos are made with beef that has been simmered in a savory broth and seasoned with chiles and other spices. The meat is braised in the spice-broth mixture until it is very tender and infused with lip-smacking flavor. Once the meat is ready, the taco shells are dipped in the braising liquid and then stuffed with meat and cheese, and grilled. The tacos are served with a side of the flavorful red braising liquid for dipping. In addition to birria tacos, the menu at Los Barbaros includes quesabirria, pizzabirria, noodle birria, and birria sandwiches (tortuga birria). 10th Ave. Burrito Co. 801 Belmar Plaza Belmar, New Jersey 07719 732-280-1515 Dine in, takeout, full-service bar We have been going to 10th Ave. Burrito Co. since its early days on 10th Avenue, way before the restaurant expanded in 2009 to its current location at Belmar Plaza. Our favorites here include the sweet and spicy corn soup, pineapple-habañero wings, and shredded pork molé nachos. In addition to an updated dining room, 10th Ave. Burrito has a covered and heated dining patio along with a full-service bar, a perfect spot to sip on a classic margarita with Grand Mariner in a salt-rimmed pint glass. Take out is also available, along with delivery via GrubHub. RELATED: Spicy Tomatillo Salsa Recipe From 10th Avenue Burrito Co. Also Try: Panchos and Juanchos Cocina Mexicana 320A Main Street Bradley Beach, New Jersey 07720 732-740-0656 Panchos and Juanchos serves both Mexican and Colombian food from their downtown location in Bradley Beach. They serve all-day breakfast, traditional Mexican dishes and sandwiches (tortas), salads, and Colombian specialties such as Bandeja Paisa. Order online via their website and pick up. Jose’s Mexican Food 101 State Route 71 South Spring Lake Heights, New Jersey 07762 732-974-8080 FINS TropiCali Cuisine - Bradley Beach 120 Main Street Bradley Beach, New Jersey 07720 732-897-8600 I first tried FINS TropiCali Cuisine on the beach during the Belmar Pro surfing competition. One bite of the island spiced shrimp tacos, and I was an instant fan. The FINS locations in Bradley Beach and Sea Girt are a short drive from our weekly summer rental in Belmar. Order online for pickup or delivery. Bubbakoo’s Burritos 1603 Ocean Avenue Belmar, New Jersey 07719 www.bubbakoos.com/location/belmarnj Story and images © Christine Cardellino, Belmar Beachcomber Blog, and www.VacationInBelmar.com, 2017 to present. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material, including photography, without express and written permission from this site’s author/owner is strictly prohibited. If you wish to use a photograph from this site, full and clear credit must be given to Belmar Beachcomber Blog with appropriate and specific links to the original content. Live Like A Local: Rent A Belmar Beach House Day trips down the shore are fun, but the best way to experience the area is to unpack your bags and stay for a week or two. If you are looking for a clean, quiet getaway for a couple, solo stay, or small family trip, our updated two-bedroom Blue Hydrangea Cottage in Belmar, New Jersey, is the perfect place to relax in serene surroundings at the Jersey Shore. The house sleeps up to four people and is consistently rated five stars by our guests for its fantastic location, spotless upkeep, and all the thoughtful details that make for an easy beach stay. You can see photos and check our open dates on our Blue Hydrangea Cottage rental page. RELATED: Explore our local Belmar NJ Travel Guide to plan your beach days, dining, and local events.

Fluke, sea bass, and bluefish are a few of the saltwater species in season during summer at the Jersey Shore. If you are "angling" for a fresh catch of the day during your Belmar vacation, the Belmar Marina is a great place to set sail on a party fishing boat or private fishing charter, or to rent a small motor boat for some action closer to shore. Read more below in the Belmar Beachcomber's local guide to booking your ultimate ocean fishing adventure during your Jersey Shore vacation. Belmar Party Boats & Head Boats The Belmar Marina is known for its sizable fleet of party boats (head boats) that sail every day of the year, weather permitting. Morning excursions depart the marina generally around sunrise and return in the mid-afternoon, between 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. Some ships also go out for afternoon fishing charters and special excursions, such as sunset cruises, whale watching, and July 4th fireworks. On a fishing party boat, you're always welcome to bring your own rods and tackle, but this equipment also may be rented or bought on the boat (Local Tip: find out prior to booking if the ticket fee includes rods and/or tackle). Feel free to pack a small cooler with cold drinks, snack, and lunch. Don't forget your sunscreen, sun glasses, a hat or visor, and whatever else you need to enjoy a summer day fishing off the New Jersey coast. For your convenience, many vessels offer online booking, and tickets may be bought in advance if you are planning your vacation in advance or buying tickets as a gift. Please contact each of the boats below directly for more information. Big Mohawk 732-974-9606 Website Capt. Cal II 732-977-2020 Website Golden Eagle 732-681-6144 Website Miss Belmar Princess 732-681-6866 Website Ocean Explorer 848-565-0519 Website Suzie Girl 732-988-7760 RELATED: Mini Golf With A Water View - 3 Scenic Spots Ocean Explorer fishing party boat approaches the Shark River Inlet in Belmar NJ. Belmar Private Fishing Charters For a more intimate saltwater fishing experience on a smaller boat, a private charter might best suit your needs. Several private charters currently sail from the Belmar Marina. Private charter boats usually provide you with rods and bait. The captains and crew take pride in giving you a highly personalized boating and fishing experience, and in sharing their vast knowledge of the local waters and honey holes. In addition to guided fishing excursions, many captains charter their boats for pleasure cruises to watch the sunset or July 4th fireworks, or to help you celebrate a birthday or family event. Contact the charters below for more information on hours, prices, and reservations. Big Kid Sportfishing 1-800-836-8862 Website Canyon Eagle I 973-865-1727 Website Celtic Stoirm Charters 732-742-9276 Website Fin-Ominal Charters 732-489-1463 Website Katie H Sportfishing 908-600-6413 Website Ol’ Salty II Sports Fishing and Scuba Diving Charters 732-681-6650 Website Parker Pete's 732-496-5028 Website Skylarker Charters 732-309-7689 Website Teri Jean II Sportfishing 732-280-7364 (Landline) 732-280-8133 (Boat) Website Venture III 732-928-4519 XTC Sportfishing 732-616-3763 Website Belmar Marina Motorboat Rentals If you'd rather fish closer to shore in the Shark River inlet or the Belmar harbor, consider renting a 16-foot motorboat from the Fisherman’s Den Bait & Tackle Shop at the Belmar Marina. Boats may be rented for a half day ($74.95) or a full day ($94.95). Motorboat rentals come equipped with an 8-horsepower outboard motor, operating instructions, and a full gas tank. Rental hours of service are from 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. In addition to boat rentals, bait and tackle may be purchased at The Fisherman's Den. RELATED: All Aboard The Belmar Tiki Boat Fisherman's Den Bait & Tackle Shop 732-681-5005 info@fishermansdennj.com The Fisherman's Den Bait and Tackle Shop is located at the Marina Grille building in the Belmar Marina. They sell everything you need for a day at sea. Summer Hours (May to October), 5:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., seven days a week Winter Hours (November to April), 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., seven days a week RELATED: Marina Grille - 12,000 Square Feet Of "Wow" At The Belmar Marina Parking At The Belmar Marina Parking in Belmar can be tricky, especially on busy summer weekends. There are a limited number of free parking spaces at the marina near the fishing boats. You may need to pay for parking at the Belmar Marina if you cannot find a free spot in the area designated for fishing boats. For paid parking, Belmar uses the ParkMobile app. ParkMobile is used at certain areas of the Belmar Marina near Marina Grille and the marina entrance at Route 35 and 10th Avenue. This area is known as Zone 6 (58106) on the ParkMobile app. The cost for parking in Zone 58106 is $2.00/hour between 4:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m. This is a year-round paid parking zone. RELATED: Download The ParkMobile App For Parking In Belmar Belmar Fishing Boats | Manutti Marina 905 Highway 35 Belmar, New Jersey 07719 732-681-2266 Summer hours: 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., seven days a week (May through September) No Sea Legs? Try Surf Fishing Instead Surf fishing is fun to do along the Belmar coastline. You may cast your line along any part of the Belmar beach, but a lot of people usually fish near one of the jetties. Local Tip: Cast your line into the Shark River Inlet from the large jetties that sit between Belmar and Avon‑by‑the‑Sea. You’ll find the jetties just past the historic Belmar Fishing Club (a private, members‑only venue) and beneath the Belmar drawbridge that connects the two towns. It’s a favorite spot not only for fishing, but also for watching boats cruise through the inlet and pass under the bridge on their way to and from the Belmar Marina. RELATED: Area Attractions: Shark River Bridge Scenic Overlook Story and images © Christine Cardellino, Belmar Beachcomber Blog, and www.VacationInBelmar.com, 2017 to present. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material, including photography, without express and written permission from this site’s author/owner is strictly prohibited. If you wish to use a photograph from this site, full and clear credit must be given to Belmar Beachcomber Blog with appropriate and specific links to the original content. Live Like A Local: Rent A Belmar Beach House Day trips down the shore are fun, but the best way to experience the area is to unpack your bags and stay for a week or two. If you are looking for a clean, quiet getaway for a couple, solo stay, or small family trip, our updated two-bedroom Blue Hydrangea Cottage in Belmar, New Jersey, is the perfect place to relax in serene surroundings at the Jersey Shore. The house sleeps up to four people and is consistently rated five stars by our guests for its fantastic location, spotless upkeep, and all the thoughtful details that make for an easy beach stay. You can see photos and check our open dates on our Blue Hydrangea Cottage rental page. RELATED: Explore our local Belmar NJ Travel Guide to plan your beach days, dining, and local events.

A sea of shamrocks will sweep over Belmar, New Jersey, for the 52nd annual Belmar St. Patrick's Day Parade on Saturday, March 28, 2026. The procession of pipe bands, fire trucks, and parade floats begins at 12:30 p.m. on North Lake Boulevard and Main Street in Lake Como, New Jersey. The marchers proudly proceed along Belmar's Main Street, heading north to the border of Avon by the Sea. The Belmar St. Patrick's Day Parade draws tens of thousands of visitors to Belmar every first Sunday in March. Spectators are encouraged to arrive prior to the start of the parade to get a prime spot along the Main Street route. New Jersey Transit provides rail service into the Belmar train station for the event. The Belmar St. Patrick's Day Parade is among the largest in New Jersey and kicks off a month of Irish-American festivities throughout the Garden State. Read about the history of the parade and other details at www.belmarparade.com. More information is also available on the Belmar-Lake Como St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee's Facebook page. Click here to register your band or organization to march in the 2025 parade. Registration closes at midnight on February 18. RELATED: Upcoming Events in Belmar, New Jersey The Belmar-Lake Como St. Patrick's Day Parade is a rain-or-shine event. No rain date will be scheduled in case of inclement weather. Story and images © Christine Cardellino, Belmar Beachcomber Blog, and www.VacationInBelmar.com, 2017 to present. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material, including photography, without express and written permission from this site’s author/owner is strictly prohibited. If you wish to use a photograph from this site, full and clear credit must be given to Belmar Beachcomber Blog with appropriate and specific links to the original content. Live Like A Local: Rent A Belmar Beach House Day trips down the shore are fun, but the best way to experience the area is to unpack your bags and stay for a week or two. If you are looking for a clean, quiet getaway for a couple, solo stay, or small family trip, our updated two-bedroom Blue Hydrangea Cottage in Belmar, New Jersey is the perfect place to relax in serene surroundings at the Jersey Shore. The house sleeps up to four people and is consistently rated five stars by our guests for its fantastic location, spotless upkeep, and all the thoughtful details that make for an easy beach stay. You can see photos and check our open dates on our Blue Hydrangea Cottage rental page. RELATED: Explore our local Belmar NJ Travel Guide to plan your beach days, dining, and local events.

The coastal community of Belmar, New Jersey, is one of over 80 locations seeking volunteers for the Clean Ocean Action Fall Beach Sweeps. This beach cleanup will take place on Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at all sites statewide. This is a rain-or-shine event. Beach Cleanup Locations In Belmar In addition to three sites in Belmar (3rd Avenue and 16th Avenue beaches, as well as L Street beach at Maclearie Park on Route 35), nearby Jersey Shore towns involved in the cleanup effort include Asbury Park, Avon-by-the-Sea, Bradley Beach, Manasquan, Ocean Grove, Sea Girt, and Spring Lake. This family-friendly event is a great way to enjoy time outdoors while also doing something good to help sea life and the environment. Volunteers may participate as individuals or in small groups. All volunteers must pre-register separately for the event and sign an electronic waiver on the Clean Ocean Action website. You will be asked to show your confirmation email upon your arrival at the beach cleanup site. Those who have not pre-registered will need to register and sign the waiver via their smartphone on the day of the event. What To Bring To The Belmar Beach Sweeps Bring gloves and wear shoes or boots that are sturdy enough for walking in the sand. Refreshments will not be provided, so bring your own snacks and water. The Clean Ocean Action is also encouraging volunteers to bring their own buckets for trash collection to minimize the use of plastic bags. Read the full list of Clean Ocean Action frequently asked questions for this event. During previous Beach Sweeps in Belmar, volunteers have included students and scout troops from Jackson, Freehold, Howell, and Tinton Falls, New Jersey — and even a busload of high schoolers from Pennsbury School District in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. RELATED: Belmar Ranks Among the "10 Best Beaches In The Northeast" In USA Today Reader Poll Beach Sweeps Impact According to the Clean Ocean Action, over 176,510 volunteers have eliminated more than 8.7 million pieces of trash from New Jersey coastlines and waterways since the inception of this pollution-prevention program in 1985. Key Findings from the Clean Ocean Action's 2024 Beach Sweeps Report: During the COA’s 2024 spring and fall cleanup events, 6,835 volunteers joined the effort along 83 sites along the Jersey coast. They collected and disposed of more than 276,899 total items across all cleanup sites. Single-use plastic shopping bags dropped to their lowest-ever percentage (1%). Plastic stirrers and straws also decreased significantly from prior years. 83% of trash collected in 2024 was composed of plastic and foam. Significant decreases were reported in the number of plastic shopping bags, paper pieces, straws and stirrers, balloons, and plastic bottle caps and lids. Top offenders on the COA's "Dirty Dozen" list continue to be single-use plastic items, including plastic bottle caps (17.56%), plastic pieces (10.83%), and cigarette filters (4.71%). Newly reported items include plastic dental floss picks and doggie doo-doo bags. RELATED: Explore The Belmar Treasure Trail Local Initiatives Against Plastic Pollution In an effort to prevent ocean pollution, Belmar enacted a ban on single-use plastic bags, which took effect on May 1, 2019. In 2021, Belmar officials subsequently implemented a town-wide ban on foam takeout food containers and plastic straws. Bait shops may still use plastic bags, and straws are available upon customer request only. Belmar was also the first shore town to prohibit smoking on the beach, which is now banned on every beach in New Jersey. A statewide ban on plastic bags, paper grocery bags, and foam containers went into effect on May 4, 2022. This state law supersedes all local ordinances. In May 2024, New Jersey also banned the use of long-handled disposable polystyrene foam spoons, portion cups of two ounces or less for foods requiring lids, raw meat and fish trays, and prepackaged items with polystyrene foam for food service. Read more about "Bag Up New Jersey." Participating in the Clean Ocean Action Beach Sweeps is a fantastic way to contribute to the health of our oceans. Your involvement can make a significant difference in the fight against pollution. Every piece of trash you collect helps protect marine life and keeps our beaches beautiful. Clean Ocean Action Beach Sweeps April 11, 2026 www.cleanoceanaction.org outreach@cleanoceanaction.org 732-872-0111 Story and images © Christine Cardellino, Belmar Beachcomber Blog, and www.VacationInBelmar.com, 2017 to present. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material, including photography, without express and written permission from this site’s author/owner is strictly prohibited. If you wish to use a photograph from this site, full and clear credit must be given to Belmar Beachcomber Blog with appropriate and specific links to the original content Live Like A Local: Rent A Belmar Beach House Day trips down the shore are fun, but the best way to experience the area is to unpack your bags and stay for a week or two. If you are looking for a clean, quiet getaway for a couple, solo stay, or small family trip, our updated two-bedroom Blue Hydrangea Cottage in Belmar, New Jersey is the perfect place to relax in serene surroundings at the Jersey Shore. The house sleeps up to four people and is consistently rated five stars by our guests for its fantastic location, spotless upkeep, and all the thoughtful details that make for an easy beach stay. You can see photos and check our open dates on our Blue Hydrangea Cottage rental page. RELATED: Explore our local Belmar NJ Travel Guide to plan your beach days, dining, and local events.

UPDATE 2-18-2026 : El Rey Mexican restaurant is permanently closed. Emilio's On Main, an upscale Puebla-inspired restaurant popular with the locals, has taken over the location at 1006 Main Street, Belmar, New Jersey. Read more about Emilio's Kitchen . Highly recommended by the Belmar Beachcomber Blog! A favorite setting for outdoor dining in Belmar, New Jersey, is the cozy courtyard at El Rey Mexican restaurant at 1006 Main Street. The showpiece of the courtyard is a majestic cottonwood tree that is believed to be over 300 years old, according to the building owner. At nighttime, the courtyard's eye-catching array of string lights and summer flowers provides a lovely ambiance for outdoor dining. Whether you are planning a friends' night out, a family celebration, or a dinner date with someone special, you will enjoy a delicious dining experience with freshly prepared Mexican cuisine at El Rey restaurant in Belmar. I have dined numerous times at the BYOB El Rey since it opened in March 2022, each time starting with the creamy guacamole and chips. My go-to entrees here include the chicken chimichanga, chicken enchilada, or shrimp fajitas. People also rave about the birria tacos at El Rey. The house-made desserts are absolutely amazing, especially the silky flan and the tres leches cake (sponge cake soaked in evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream). RELATED : 7 Must-Try Mexican Restaurants In Belmar And Beyond El Rey Mexican Restaurant Permanently Closed, Replaced By Emilio's On Main in 2025 1006 Main Street Belmar, New Jersey 07719 Story and photos © Christine Cardellino, Belmar Beachcomber Blog, and www.VacationInBelmar.com , 2017 to present. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material, including photography , without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. If you wish to use a photograph from this site, full and clear credit must be given to Belmar Beachcomber Blog and www.VacationInBelmar.com/belmar-beachcomber-blog  with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. Live Like A Local: Rent A Belmar Beach House Day trips down the shore are fun, but it's even better to rent a beach house for the week to experience everything wonderful about the Belmar area. For couples, solo adults and small families, the two-bedroom Blue Hydrangea Cottage rental in Belmar, New Jersey, is the perfect getaway place. The home sleeps up to four people and is consistently rated five stars for cleanliness, amenities and location. Learn more at www.vacationinbelmar.com .

Another growing season is upon us, and the scourge of a tree known Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima) is slowly spreading in Belmar, New Jersey, and in other mid-Atlantic communities. This post will help you identify Tree of Heaven on your property so you can remove the small sprouts before they establish roots and continue the unwanted creep of this highly invasive tree that attracts spotted lanternfly . Ailanthus altissima is a fast-growing and aggressively reproducing tree that originated from China. Tree of Heaven is now prohibited in New Jersey under the New Jersey Invasive Species Management Act. This tree is a problem in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and other states because it: Is a preferred host for spotted lanternfly eggs, which are laid in the fall and hatch between April and June. Spotted lanternfly is an invasive insect also native to China. The bug is a growing environmental threat due to its voracious appetite for agricultural crops. Spreads by hundreds of thousands of seeds per tree and through creeping root sprouts that can travel 50 feet from the original tree. Produces chemicals in its roots that can kill other plants nearby. Is an invasive, fast-growing species that can reach 80 feet tall and spread up to 50 feet at its crown. Is highly adaptable to various soil conditions, including sandy soil commonly found at the Jersey Shore. Is difficult to control once established, requiring treatment with chemical herbicides such as glyphosate, imazapyr, dicamba, or triclopyr. Overcrowds other trees and limits the habitat for other species. Has an extensive root system that has been known to cause damage to sewer lines and building foundations. Due to its many unfavorable characteristics, Ailanthus altissima is among those named on the “Do Not Plant” list by the Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space New Jersey Invasive Species Strike Team. Rutgers University Cooperative Extension also has identified Tree of Heaven in its New Jersey Weed Gallery . Penn State Extension notes that there is a " current push from spotted lanternfly officials " to remove Ailanthus from wooded areas along highways, residential neighborhoods, and anywhere else that it grows uncontrollably. RELATED : Belmar Honey - How Sweet It Is If your neighbors have mature Trees of Heaven growing on their property, watch your yard for seedlings and sprouts. On the block behind my property, for example, several multi-family rental properties have overgrown Trees of Heaven that broadcast seeds into nearby yards, including mine. This has been happening for the past several years and getting worse as the source trees grow larger and larger. I usually find Tree of Heaven sprouts hiding among the foliage of day lilies, cone flowers, and other bedding plants in my back yard. I am diligent about finding and removing the sprouts. It’s an ongoing chore from June through September, best done after a rain shower when the ground is softened a bit. The seeds can take root pretty much anywhere, so be vigilant in looking for them in your grass, flower beds, vegetable gardens, foundation plantings, and other spots. RELATED : Explore The Belmar Treasure Trail Ailanthus altissima growing along a neighbor's foundation. Tree Of Heaven And Spotted Lanternfly Tree of Heaven is believed to be a preferred host site for the spotted lanternfly’s egg sacs. Spotted lanternfly has a voracious appetite, feeding on more than 70 plant species. It poses an environmental threat to hardwood trees and fruit crops in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, and other mid-Atlantic states. The pests start laying their eggs in September. Their muddy-looking egg sacs can survive the winter until the next generation of nymphs starts to hatch the following May through July. Initially, New Jersey had eight counties under quarantine for spotted lanternfly: Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, Hunterdon, Mercer, Salem, Somerset, and Warren. But in February 2023, as the bad bugs have spread, the New Jersey Department of Agriculture added all New Jersey counties to the statewide quarantine zone in February 2023, according to this press release . Fifty-one counties in Pennsylvania are also under quarantine for spotted lanternfly, including Bucks County, which is a short drive from the Belmar area. Central Park in New York City is also under attack from spotted lanternfly, according to news reports. Resources: Learn More About Tree Of Heaven And Spotted Lanternfly http://www.docs.dcnr.pa.gov/cs/groups/public/documents/document/dcnr_010311.pdf https://extension.psu.edu/tree-of-heaven https://www.agriculture.nh.gov/publications-forms/documents/tree-of-heaven.pdf https://www.invasive.org/alien/pubs/midatlantic/aial.htm Spotted Lanternfly (nj.gov) Spotted Lantern Fly Story and photos © Christine Cardellino, Belmar Beachcomber Blog, and www.VacationInBelmar.com , 2017 to present. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material, including photography , without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. If you wish to use a photograph from this site, full and clear credit must be given to Belmar Beachcomber Blog and www.VacationInBelmar.com/belmar-beachcomber-blog  with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. Live Like A Local: Rent A Belmar Beach House Day trips down the shore are fun, but it's even better to rent a beach house for the week to experience everything wonderful about the Belmar area. For couples, solo adults and small families, the two-bedroom Blue Hydrangea Cottage rental in Belmar, New Jersey, is the perfect getaway place. The home sleeps up to four people and is consistently rated five stars for cleanliness, amenities and location. Learn more at www.vacationinbelmar.com . RELATED : Visit Belmar, New Jersey

After Hurricane Sandy devastated his second-generation family business on Ocean Avenue, lifelong Belmar resident Jerome Beckman charted a new course forward in custom apparel printing and embroidery. Tell us a little bit about your business. Beckman’s on the Beach in Belmar is a custom T-shirt and embroidery shop. In the summer, we also offer beach supplies and convenience store items. We first opened in summer 2006. It started out the same as my father’s store, Beckman’s Stationery, a cigar and magazine shop back in the day. What was the inspiration for your business? I was fresh out of college with a plan to open an automotive restoration facility. When the storefront on Ocean Avenue became unexpectedly vacant that April — crunch time to get ready for beach season — the landlord gave me an amazing opportunity. I had just enough money saved to convince the bank to give me the small amount I needed to get my doors open quickly. My plan was to run the store for two years and flip it to finance my restoration shop. That was 13 years ago...Life took me in another direction that has left me doing something else that I love just as much. RELATED : Sky-High Summer Adventures At Belmar Parasail What do you enjoy most about being part of the Belmar business community? I am a lifelong Belmartian. Belmar has always been home to me, and it’s hard to give up being on the beach in Belmar every day all summer. What is something most people don't know about your business? After my store was completely washed out by Hurricane Sandy, I decided pretty quickly that I was not going to rebuild as a cigar and magazine shop. I changed my business model and focused instead on selling resort boardwalk T-shirts — something Belmar did not have at the time. I started out the first summer after Sandy with a good heat press and eight designs. RELATED : Belmar Business Spotlight - Eastern Lines Surf Shop Since then, the custom t-shirt business has completely taken over the store. We’ve added more designs and more styles of clothing — and it just keeps growing. People started asking if I could do custom work, so I started watching lots of YouTube, researching online and going to trade shows. I started out doing custom work with indirect screen printing, then added heat transfer vinyl for one-off custom designs. As things grew, I upgraded my equipment and expanded into embroidery with a 15-needle commercial machine. Last year, I added a CMYK + white printer. This modern digital garment printing process produces 1440x1440 full-color high-definition prints with eco-friendly, water-based inks on any color apparel, even black. When I’m not working, I like to…. Up until five years ago, it was all vintage Volkswagens, jam band concerts, and Mets games. Now, I love nothing more in the world than being Big Papa to my 9-year-old, Stella Rae, and my 7-year-old, Vivian Wylee. Anything else to add? I really love what I do at Beckman's On The Beach in Belmar. Just like how I enjoy restoring vintage cars, I am the type of person who likes to work with their hands, make things and be creative. The cool part of doing what I do in the town I grew up in is getting the opportunity to make shirts for local organizations such as Belmar Recreation and the Belmar Elementary School soccer team. I still remember my youth soccer and basketball shirts from when I played in Belmar Rec as a kid, and my mom still has the pictures on the wall. Beckman’s On the Beach 1605 Ocean Avenue Belmar, NJ 07719 732-245-5020 www.belmarshirts.com Story and photos © Christine Cardellino, Belmar Beachcomber Blog, and www.VacationInBelmar.com , 2017 to present. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material, including photography , without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. If you wish to use a photograph from this site, full and clear credit must be given to Belmar Beachcomber Blog and www.VacationInBelmar.com/belmar-beachcomber-blog  with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. Live Like A Local: Rent A Belmar Beach House Day trips down the shore are fun, but it's even better to rent a beach house for the week to experience everything wonderful about the Belmar area. For couples, solo adults and small families, the two-bedroom Blue Hydrangea Cottage rental in Belmar, New Jersey, is the perfect getaway place. The home sleeps up to four people and is consistently rated five stars for cleanliness, amenities and location. Learn more at www.vacationinbelmar.com .

Update: Main Street Donuts' Belmar location is permanently closed as of 2025. With creative flavor combinations such as Crunchy Monkey, "Boss"ton Cream and Strawberry Fields, Main Street Donuts is a one-of-a-kind find in Belmar, New Jersey. Treat yourself to a hand-crafted gourmet doughnut, made to order with your choice of fillings and toppings while you wait. The owner of Main Street Donuts, Joe Rizzuto, was inspired to start his business after visiting a made-to-order doughnut shop during a family vacation in North Carolina several years ago. "The concept was something we thought we could do better, as these shops prepared basic doughnuts. We wanted to take it to the next level and create memorable sweet treats," says Rizzutto, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America. "If we prepare a great product, our customers will come back for more and more. I love being part of the Belmar community and plan on being here for a long time." RELATED : Places We Love - Del Ponte's Bakery Freshly baked and topped doughnuts at Main Street Donuts. Main Street Donuts also serves locally roasted coffee and coffee drinks, in addition to doughnut ice cream sandwiches, homemade crumb cake, apple fritters, and cinnamon buns. Gluten-free and vegan doughnuts are also available. Rizzuto has developed a loyal following for his seasonal doughnut creations, such as the boozy p iña colada doughnut and the St. Patrick's Day doughnut, which is infused with Parade Day Irish-style Coffee Stout brewed by Beach Haus Brewery in Belmar. During the holidays, the pull-a-way doughnut cakes shaped like Christmas trees, wreaths, and candy canes are top sellers. You can also order custom "docakes" for all occasions, including birthdays, anniversaries, and other special celebrations. Main Street Donuts 705 Main Street Belmar, New Jersey 732-681-2100 www.mainstdonuts.com RELATED : One-Of-A-Kind Finds - Beach Haus Brewery Main Street Donuts also offers online ordering and delivery via DoorDash. Live Like A Local: Rent A Belmar Beach House Day trips down the shore are fun, but it's even better to rent a beach house for the week to experience everything wonderful about the Belmar area. For couples, solo adults and small families, the two-bedroom Blue Hydrangea Cottage rental in Belmar, New Jersey, is the perfect getaway place. The home sleeps up to four people and is consistently rated five stars for cleanliness, amenities and location. Learn more at www.vacationinbelmar.com . RELATED : Plan Your Vacation In Belmar, New Jersey Story and photos © copyright by Christine Cardellino, owner of www.VacationInBelmar.com and publisher of the award-winning Belmar Beachcomber Blog , a travel and tourism guide for the Belmar region of the Jersey Shore. Do not copy any content (including images) without our permission. All rights reserved.

"Creating happiness and smiles” is the mantra at Rudy’s On Main, a sweet little fudge shop in Lake Como, New Jersey. The local community has been raving about Rudy’s gourmet fudge, fresh Bavarian pretzels, and all-natural Italian ices since the shop opened in May 2021. UPDATE 1-10-2023: Rudy's is closed as of 1-5-2023. Proprietor Geneen Luberto-Graziano has “put her heart and soul into this business, with one single goal in mind,” according to her husband Thomas. In a Facebook post, he shared that Geneen wanted “a business that just creates happiness and smiles. When she was thinking about her ideas for her new business, that’s what she kept telling me over and over. This past year has been devastating on families in many ways. She wanted to put something together that rebuilt some of those happy feelings and memories for families throughout the Lake Como area and beyond.” So far, I've personally tried about five of the 16 fudge flavors and several flavors of the Italian and crème ice ices, including mango and Swedish fish Italian ice (pictured above). I told myself I would try “just a bite” of the Sicilian cannoli crème ice and save the rest for another day – but I couldn’t stop myself from devouring the whole cup! Even the family dog can enjoy a treat at Rudy’s On Main, which also serves pooch-safe ices in two flavors (pumpkin-cinnamon and bacon-peanut butter). More recently, Rudy’s On Main added hot, fresh churros to their lineup of lip-smacking treats. Rudy's On Main is named after Geneen's King Charles Spaniel, Rudy, who is 12. You'll find them next to La Sierra Mexican restaurant. Stop in for a sample. Bet you won’t go home empty-handed! Rudy’s On Main 1623 Main Street Lake Como, New Jersey 07719 www.rudysonmain.com Order online for pickup or delivery TEMPORARILY CLOSED Live Like A Local: Rent A Belmar Beach House Day trips down the shore are fun, but it's even better to rent a beach house for the week to experience everything wonderful about the Belmar area. For couples, single adults and small families, the two-bedroom Blue Hydrangea Cottage rental in Belmar, New Jersey, is the perfect getaway place. The home sleeps up to four people and is consistently rated five stars for cleanliness, amenities and location. Learn more at www.vacationinbelmar.com . RELATED : Visit Belmar, New Jersey Story and photos © copyright by Christine Cardellino, owner of www.VacationInBelmar.com and publisher of the award-winning Belmar Beachcomber Blog , a travel and tourism guide for the Belmar region of the Jersey Shore. Do not copy any content (including images) without our permission. All rights reserved.