If you’re looking for a not-so-typical shore destination to visit this summer – aka, no amusement rides and crowds – listen up! Spring Lake is right off exit 98 on the Garden State Parkway and is the cutest little beach town. To help you plan a getaway to this Jersey Shore gem, we’ve rounded up the best places to stay, where to eat, what to do, and where to shop — read on to get all the info you need.
Where to Stay
(Photo credit: @thehewittwellington)
Like most of the shore towns in Jersey, Spring Lake doesn’t have large hotels, but rather a plethora of bed & breakfasts and small hotels that add to its charm. Here are a few of our faves:
Hewitt Wellington | 200 Monmouth Avenue
(Photo credit: @thehewittwellington)
This historic boutique hotel overlooks the lake that the town is named after, Spring Lake, and is only three blocks to the ocean. No two rooms are the same and you can choose the exact room you want to book on the website. When you’ve had enough of the ocean, relax in the outdoor heated pool before heading out for dinner.
The Breakers on the Ocean | 1507 Ocean Avenue
(Photo credit: @thebreakersontheocean)
Step into this hotel and you can instantly imagine vacationers in the 1800s relaxing on the wraparound porch. The hotel has, of course, been updated with modern amenities, but it hasn’t lost its charm. With an oceanfront location, the 2.5-mile Spring Lake boardwalk is just steps away from the front door making it easy to go for a morning jog or a nighttime stroll.
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The Spring Lake Inn | 104 Salem Avenue
(Photo credit: @springlakeinn)
This adorable b&b is set a few blocks from the beach with only a few rooms in the space. While pricey, it’s a super charming locale.
Where to Eat
Hoffman’s Ice Cream | 444 Ocean Boulevard North
(Photo credit: @hoffmansicecream)
Hoffman’s is a staple as far as ice cream is concerned at the Jersey Shore and we all know that nothing goes better with the sun and sea than ice cream. All of the delicious flavors are homemade at the Point Pleasant location and include Jersey Monkey – banana ice cream with peanut butter swirl and chocolate chips; Sea Salt Caramel Latte – coffee caramel ice cream with chocolate-coated caramel truffle; and Fudge Mint Cookie.
Parker House | 290 1st Avenue
(Photo credit: @parkerhousenj)
Located in the adjacent town of Sea Girt, the Parker House has something for everyone at nearly any time of day. Live music, raw bars, and a lively nightlife scene make this place an institution on the summer scene.
Turning Point | 2157 NJ-35
(Photo credit: @turningpointrestaurants)
The beloved breakfast spot we know so well in Hoboken has multiple locations, one of them being in small Sea Girt. Brioche French toast, lemon blueberry waffles, and egg skillets can make any day better. If you had a late night at the Parker House the night before and decide to sleep in, Turning Point also serves up a delicious lunch.
Bareli’s By The Sea | 1505 Ocean Avenue
(Photo credit: @barelisbythesea)
Following the success of its Secaucus restaurant, Bareli’s opened a second location in Spring Lake, located in the Grand Victorian Hotel. On beautiful nights, sit outside on the beachfront wraparound porch and enjoy their contemporary Italian menu with eye-catching presentations. During the week from 4:00PM-6:00PM, there are superb drink and dinner specials. Add live music and frosé and your vacation is complete.
Ocean Organics Juice Bar & Cafe | 570 Fischer Boulevard
(Photo credit: @oceanorganicsjuice)
Vacation doesn’t have to mean eating garbage and drinking too much. Ocean Organics Juice Bar & Café has an extensive vegan, organic, and soy-free menu. Everything from fresh-pressed juices to pitaya bowls to juice cleanses to pulled jackfruit sandwiches make their way onto the menu. Leave here without having to worry about how the bikini will fit later on.
What to Do
With the beach being the obvious choice of things to do while in town, the great thing about Spring Lake is that it also has a small-town feel which means local community activities and unique shopping.
Pedego | 217 Jersey Avenue
(Photo credit: @pedegospringlake)
Biking and beach towns go hand in hand, but what if you upped the ante with an electric bike? Pedego Spring Lake offers hourly, daily, and weekly rentals of electric bikes which include a bike lock and a helmet. On an electric bike, you can pedal like a regular bike, if you’re looking to be old-fashioned, or let the bike do all the work. It’s a genius idea, especially in Shore towns where parking can be a nightmare in the summer. Leave your car where it is and bike to and from the beach or dinner. The only decision you’ll really have to make is whether you pedal or not.
Spring Lake Boardwalk
Enjoy a nice stroll up and down the boardwalk and stop into little mom-and-pop cafes and boutiques for unique souvenirs.
Spring Lake Theater | 300 Madison Avenue
(Photo credit: @springlaketheatre)
The Spring Lake Theatre Company has a reputation for presenting Broadway-quality performances. The main room is quaint, making it easy to see the stage from the back of the room. The company performs six shows a season.
Where to Shop
Artisan Spirit | 1317 3rd Avenue
This store features pieces handcrafted by local NJ artisans and features other artisans from across the country.
Barefoot | Brook 35 Plaza
(Photo credit: @barefootathleisure)
The mantra is that their goods will “take any woman from workout to walk out.” Store owner Ali Maccione is a certified yoga teacher so you can be sure she stocks her store with the best possible (and most comfortable) products.
Commonwealth | 410 Main Avenue
(Photo credit: @commonwealthshop)
Your one-stop shop for all your home decor needs — Commonwealth will make you want to completely redecorate your home.
See More: A Day Trip Guide to Westfield, NJ
Coral Cove | 1106 3rd Avenue
(Photo credit: @coralcovenj)
Clothes, jewelry, and accessories fill this shop making it a great place to pick up something for yourself or a gift for a friend.
Kate & Company | 1100 3rd Avenue
(Photo credit: @kateandcompanynj)
A wide selection of furniture, lighting, and gifts make this place feel like a boutique version of Home Goods!
The Camel’s Eye | 1223 3rd Avenue
(Photo credit: @thecamelseye)
The Camel’s Eye is a fun boutique showcasing fashionable women’s clothing, including some quirky styles.
