Known for its charming downtown, wide beach, stately homes, and picturesque lake in the middle of the town, Spring Lake, NJ, lives up to its name–The Jewel of the Jersey Shore. This Monmouth County gem is a favorite among our family, and when we visit, we make sure to hit up Divine Park, with its cool wooden bridges and playgrounds, the pristine long beach with amazing views of the Atlantic Ocean, and the chic downtown area with its boutiques and delicious restaurants. It’s a place for lots of family fun that you can visit over and over again, never tiring of the gorgeous setting. Read on for more about visiting Spring Lake and what to know before you go. (featured photo credit: NJ MOM)
Sit on the sandy beaches
With two miles of clean, sandy beaches, Spring Lake is the kind of beach where you stake your umbrella in the sand, set up your chair, and settle in for a glorious beach day. We love this family-friendly beach because it stretches for miles, parking is free, and there’s plenty of space to spread out. Tents and canopies are not allowed on the beach, but it’s easy to put up an umbrella while the kids build sandcastles or run into the waves. And if the waves are calling, check out Hammer Surf School, where kids can learn the official Jersey Shore sport of surfing from Shore native and professional surfer Sam Hammer.
Walk the frill-free boardwalk
Unlike neighboring shore towns, Spring Lake’s 1.9-mile boardwalk is simple, with no amusements, and stretches the entire length of the beach, making it easy to navigate with a stroller or with kids. We prefer to visit in the evening when it cools down and let the kids get some energy out. Walking the boardwalk takes a little over half an hour from Lake Como at the north end to Sea Girt at the south end. And if you’re planning to make it a full-on beach day, the boardwalk is your go-to for storing coolers (since food is not allowed on the beach) and taking a breather, as there’s a snack bar, outdoor showers, and bathrooms located on the north and south ends of the boardwalk.
Stop by the chic shops
We always make sure to stop by downtown Spring Lake on Third Avenue, which has unique stores and trendy boutiques. There are no parking meters or streetlights, and the pretty, landscaped street has a very relaxed vibe. My kids are always ready to curl up with the latest picture books at Thunder Road Books, while I shop for bathing suits at Bare Wires Surf Shop and browse adorable baby and children’s outfits at Hive Baby & Children’s Boutique. Another favorite is Noon, where you can always pick up a gift, such as jewelry or their handmade, bright tea towel, and enjoy a latte (they have a coffee bar) while you shop.
Elevated restaurants for every tastebud
When it’s time to eat, Spring Lake has some of the best restaurants on the Jersey Shore. A relative newcomer to the scene, Spring Lake Seafood is a chic seafood spot with city-slick decor and a delish raw bar, tapas, and fresh fish. Down the road, Amelia’s By The Sea, located in The Grand Victorian Hotel, offers ocean views and an Italian twist on seafood favorites, such as the spicy Angry Lobster. Kids will find plenty to choose from on the menu at Arugula on Morris Avenue, featuring sandwiches, deli wraps, and burgers. And don’t miss the iconic Third Avenue Chocolate Shoppe for homemade candy like bark, truffles, caramel squares, and a delicious almond butter crunch. Craving homemade ice cream? Try out Sundae Times Ice Cream Shop or Hoffman’s Ice Cream for a really sweet ending to a shore day.
Get out and play
After spending time on the beach, we make sure to visit Divine Park, located on W. Lake Drive by the lake, and St. Catherine’s Church (you can cross the wooden footbridge to access the playground). Not only are there fantastic lake views, wooden bridges, and the perfect background for photos (you may even see a wedding party pose while you are there), but the playground is a wide and shady spot where my kids like to climb up the rock wall and slide down the adjoining slide and play games of tag. It’s one of our favorite spots to take a walk any time of the year and see the lake and changing seasons—you may even spot some bunnies or other wildlife along the way.
The Spring Lake Community House has a theatre company, live shows, and a library. Photo Credit: NJ MOM
Watch a show or take a class
The Spring Lake Community House has been around since 1923, and its Tudor-style architecture and immaculate landscaping make it standout on Madison Avenue. The house is home to the Spring Lake Theatre Company, the Spring Lake Public Library, the Children’s Theater Workshop, and the Spring Lake Theatre Dance School. It’s worth taking a peek inside to admire the building’s intricate woodwork and original furnishings. And check out the schedule of live performances such as Annie, their 43rd production of Scrooge around the holidays, and Joseph and The Sound of Music in the intimate theatre and stage (and a claim to have no “bad seats” in the house).
What to know before you go
Spring Lake is a great place to visit any time of year. The town is very walkable, and getting around with a stroller is easy. If you decide to make it a beach day, badges are $12, and seasonal badges are $110 for ages 12 and up. Late-season badges are also available for $70 from August 1 until Labor Day. Parking is free all year round, whether you are by the beach or downtown. There are also plenty of events throughout the year—kick off the summer with the Spring Lake Five Mile Run, with the popular kids’ fun run on Memorial Day Weekend. Check out the Irish Festival in June and the Italian Festival in September. In October, get a peek at some of the gorgeous homes at the Spring Lake Kitchen Tour, while in November and December, watch the trains at Spring Lake’s Annual Christmas Train Village.
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