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Belmar, NJ 07719 | 732-927-1676
Visit Belmar NJ
Your 2026 Guide to Belmar Beach, Dining & Things to Do
Belmar is one of the most popular destinations at the Jersey Shore. Our town has been named one of New Jersey's Favorite Beaches and is ranked among the "10 Best Beaches In The Northeast" by a USA Today reader poll. Use our helpful guide below to explore the best things to do, places to eat, and how to make the most of your Jersey Shore getaway.
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Beach | Dining | Shopping | Marina | Attractions | Events | Belmar NJ FAQs
About Belmar Beach NJ
Belmar = Beautiful Sea
The coastal community of Belmar, New Jersey, is a jewel of the Jersey Shore. Visitors and residents alike love Belmar for its top-rated beaches and its small-town charm. Our town takes great pride in providing family-friendly amenities, along with a clean, smoke-free beach and boardwalk.
Belmar Beach NJ, in Monmouth County, is easy to reach via Exit 98 of the Garden State Parkway, between the nearby towns of Spring Lake, Avon By The Sea, Ocean Grove, and Bradley Beach. We're about 15 minutes from Asbury Park and about an hour from Bucks County, Pennsylvania, via I-195 East.
Belmar Dining &
Local Cuisine
Belmar has a wide variety of casual and fine-dining options — many with outdoor seating and some with water views. In addition to Italian and seafood restaurants, you'll find a Brazilian steak house, a craft brewery, an organic juice bar, and a tea room with its own bakery. If you have a particular cuisine craving, you'll find restaurants that specialize in Greek, Mexican, Indian, and Cajun food; tavern fare; acai bowls; and vegetarian dishes. Belmar also has an abundance of breakfast and brunch spots, coffee shops, pizza places, and sandwich/bagel shops. And let's not forget our favorite ice cream, dessert, and candy shops!
Learn more about dining in Belmar.
Downtown Belmar Shopping
Belmar has a treasure trove of specialty retail shops that offer everything from cozy hoodies and beachwear to vinyl records, coastal home decor, and souvenirs. Explore downtown Belmar’s vintage clothing stores and thrift/consignment shops, where you can score fabulous finds and incredible bargains. While you're here, why not treat yourself to a spa pedicure, a massage, or a new look at one of the downtown salons? For a hands-on, creative experience, try a candle-making workshop or a pottery class. Or, nurture your well-being with a hot yoga class, a juice cleanse, aura photography session, or some hand-picked crystals. The Belmar business community has a wide variety of independently owned shops and small businesses along Main Street and Ocean Avenue.
Learn more about Belmar local shops.
Beyond The Beach
Belmar Marina & Outdoor Activities
There's more to discover in Belmar than our amazing beaches. At the Belmar Marina, for example, you'll find parasailing, miniature golf, and a bait shop with boat rentals. The marina's two waterfront restaurants have the best sunset views. The Belmar Marina also has one of New Jersey's largest fleets of private fishing charters and head boats (party boats). Set sail for the catch of the day, enjoy a leisurely tiki boat tour, or book a sunset cruise or whale-watching trip. On 10th Avenue and E Street, stop by the Belmar Public Library for a selfie with the giant Bruce Springsteen guitar, or schedule a stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) lesson at L Street beach. Maclearie Park on Route 35 in Belmar has a peaceful walking path along the scenic Shark River. The park also has a playground, tennis and pickleball courts, and shaded picnic tables with charcoal grills. Another scenic spot for walking is around Lake Silver at 5th and Ocean Avenues. You just might catch a glimpse of a blue heron or great egret in their natural lake habitat — or maybe even an ocean-bound osprey flying overhead! Other nearby outdoor activities include adult and children's surfing camps, SUP yoga classes at L Street Beach, and public golf courses within a short drive.
Learn more about Belmar fishing boats, area attractions, and the Belmar Marina.
Area Attractions Near Belmar Beach NJ
Belmar is conveniently located within a short drive of fun and unique area attractions. Popular places to visit include the Asbury Park boardwalk, Jersey Shore Premium Outlets, Monmouth Park Racetrack, Six Flags Great Adventure, and the Historic Village at Allaire, to name a few. For a fun day trip, New York City is a two-hour train ride away via New Jersey Transit from the Belmar train station. Or take the Seastreak Ferry from Atlantic Highlands for a scenic fireworks cruise up the Hudson River. And check out the Belmar Treasure Trail, a self-paced walking tour that explores 50 points of interest in the borough.
Learn more about area attractions near Belmar.
Belmar Events & Entertainment
Belmar Tourism hosts the New Jersey Seafood Festival every May and the New Jersey Sandcastle Contest every July. During the summer, bring your beach chair to the free Friday night concerts in downtown Belmar or to free movies on the beach every Wednesday night. July 4th fireworks on Belmar Beach are a great way to celebrate the holiday! Favorite events in September include the San Gennaro Festival and the Belmar Pro surfing competition. The Belmar-Lake Como St. Patrick's Day Parade is held the first Sunday in March.
Learn more about upcoming Belmar events.
Belmar NJ FAQs
Do I need a beach tag to visit Belmar Beach?
Yes. Beach tags are required between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day for everyone age 14 and older. Kids 13 and under are free. Beach tags are checked daily during lifeguarded hours.
Are there bathrooms and showers at the beach?
Yes. Seasonal restrooms are located at various points along the Belmar boardwalk, and outdoor showers for rinsing off are available at most beach entrances.
What time do Belmar beaches open and close?
The beach is accessible year‑round, but lifeguard protection is only available between Memorial Day and Labor Day. During peak summer season, beach gate attendants and lifeguards are usually on duty from 9:00 a.m. through the late afternoon or early evening.
Can I bring food or drinks onto the beach?
You may bring snacks, coolers, and non‑alcoholic drinks. Alcohol and glass containers aren’t permitted on the sand or boardwalk. Use the waste bins at the beach entrance to dispose of your trash and recycling.
Where can I park when visiting Belmar?
Belmar offers a mix of pay-by-app parking along the boardwalk, free street parking on the west side of Ocean Avenue, and free street parking farther back in the neighborhoods. Summer weekends fill quickly, so get here early for your best chance of finding parking close to the beach.
What else is there to do in Belmar besides the beach?
You can enjoy the scenic Belmar Marina, parks with walking trails, pickleball and tennis courts, fishing, yoga, spa days, bird watching, water activities, downtown shopping, seasonal events, and a vibrant dining scene. Read more on our Belmar Beachcomber Blog!