If you’re driving down Ocean Avenue, it’s easy to miss. You might get swept up in the neon lights of Belmar or the historic, sprawling porches of Ocean Grove. But nestled right between them is a stretch of sand that feels different. Avon by the Sea beach isn't trying to be the loudest or the busiest. Honestly, that’s exactly why people love it. It’s got this weirdly perfect balance of old-world Victorian charm and a clean, wide-open coastline that actually lets you breathe.
It's quiet.
Well, quiet for the Jersey Shore, anyway. You won’t find a sprawling commercial boardwalk filled with pizza grease and arcade bells here. Instead, you get a pristine wooden walkway, the smell of salt air, and a community that treats its coastline like a prized garden. It’s a place for people who want the ocean, not the circus.
What makes Avon by the Sea beach stand out from the crowd?
The first thing you’ll notice is the boardwalk. Or rather, what’s not on the boardwalk. Unlike Point Pleasant or Seaside Heights, there are no rides. No flashing lights. No loud music blasting from storefronts. It’s just wood, benches, and the Atlantic.
This absence of "noise" is intentional. The borough of Avon-by-the-Sea has fought hard to keep its residential, upscale feel. When you’re sitting on the sand, you’re looking back at some of the most stunning Victorian architecture in Monmouth County. Many of these homes have been here since the late 1800s, featuring wrap-around porches that look like they belong in a movie. It gives the whole beach a "frozen in time" vibe that’s hard to find once you get south of the Manasquan Inlet.
The sand itself is exceptionally wide. Even on a busy July Saturday, you aren't usually shoulder-to-shoulder with a stranger’s cooler. Because the town is small—less than half a square mile in total land area—the density of the crowd is naturally capped. If you’ve ever felt like a sardine in Asbury Park, coming here feels like an upgrade to first class.
The beach badge situation
Let’s talk money, because New Jersey loves its beach fees. You’re gonna need a badge. No exceptions. During the summer season, which typically runs from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, everyone over the age of 12 has to pay to get onto the sand.
- Daily badges usually run about $12.
- You can buy them right at the boardwalk kiosks.
- They accept credit cards now, which is a massive relief compared to the "cash only or die" days of the early 2000s.
- Season badges are a thing, but mostly for locals or people renting for the full month.
One pro tip? The "checkers" are diligent. They will walk around and ask to see your badge. Don't try to hide it under your towel; it just makes it awkward for everyone. Also, keep in mind that the beach is "guarded" (meaning lifeguards are on duty) from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Swimming when the lifeguards aren't there is technically a no-go and honestly, with the rip currents that can kick up near the Shark River Inlet, it’s not worth the risk.
The Shark River Inlet: A fisherman’s (and watcher’s) dream
The northern end of Avon by the Sea beach is defined by the Shark River Inlet. This is a massive structural jetty that separates Avon from Belmar. It’s a focal point of the town’s geography. If you walk all the way to the north end of the boardwalk, you can sit on the benches and watch the fishing boats head out to the Atlantic.
It’s surprisingly hypnotic.
You’ll see the Drawbridge on Ocean Avenue go up and down to let the taller masts through. It’s one of those "small town" moments that makes you forget you're an hour away from New York City. The jetty is also a prime spot for local anglers. You’ll see people pulling in fluke, bluefish, or the occasional striped bass. Just be careful if you walk out on the rocks; they get slippery, and the waves can be unpredictable.
Parking: The ultimate Jersey Shore struggle
I’m not going to lie to you: parking in Avon is a bit of a chess match. Unlike some neighboring towns that have massive, paid parking lots, Avon relies heavily on street parking.
Most of the parking along Ocean Avenue and the immediate side streets is free, which is incredible for your wallet but tough for your sanity. If you aren't there by 9:30 AM on a weekend, you’re going to be walking six blocks. The good news? The walk is beautiful. You get to gawk at the houses on Norwood or Garfield Avenue. Honestly, the real estate envy is part of the experience.
Where to eat when you’re sandy
Since the boardwalk doesn't have a food court, you have to be a little more strategic about lunch. Most people pack a cooler. It's the "Avon way." But if you forgot your sandwich, you aren't totally out of luck.
- The Columns: This is the big one. It’s a massive Victorian mansion turned restaurant/bar right on Ocean Avenue. It’s famous for its porch. Getting a drink there while looking at the ocean is basically a rite of passage. It gets rowdy on weekend nights with live bands, but during the day, it’s a solid spot for a burger or a lobster roll.
- Avon Pavilion: This is located right on the boardwalk at the end of Norwood Avenue. It’s a bit more refined than your average beach shack. They do a great breakfast—nothing beats coffee and eggs with a sea breeze hitting your face.
- Main Street: If you’re willing to walk a few blocks away from the water, Main Street has small delis and cafes that are much cheaper and often better than the "beachfront" options.
Surfing and water sports rules
Avon has a bit of a reputation for its waves. It’s a popular spot for local surfers, especially near the jetties where the sandbars tend to set up nicely. However, the town has strict rules about where and when you can paddle out.
During the summer hours, surfing is usually restricted to designated areas so you don’t accidentally take out a toddler on a boogie board. Usually, the "surfing beach" is at the far north end or the far south end, but it changes based on conditions and lifeguard discretion. If you see a flag with a black circle (the "no surfing" flag), stay out of the water with your board.
The water temperature is pretty standard for the Mid-Atlantic. In June, it’s a bracing 65 degrees. By August, it hits a beautiful 74 or 75. It’s refreshing, not tropical.
The "No-Frills" philosophy
What most people get wrong about Avon by the Sea beach is expecting it to be a mini-version of Wildwood. It’s not. There are no public changing rooms every ten feet. The restrooms are located at specific buildings along the boardwalk (like at Norwood and Washington Avenues), and they are generally clean, but they aren't luxury suites.
It’s a "carry-in, carry-out" kind of place in spirit, even though there are trash cans. The locals take immense pride in the lack of litter. If you leave a plastic bottle on the sand, someone will probably give you a look. It’s that kind of town.
Accessibility and family life
Is it good for kids? Absolutely. Because it’s quieter, parents don’t have to worry as much about their kids getting lost in a massive boardwalk crowd. The slope of the beach into the water is usually gradual, though the Atlantic always has a bit of a shore break.
For those with mobility issues, Avon provides "surf chairs" (wheelchairs with big balloon tires) at certain entry points. It’s best to call the beach office ahead of time to make sure one is available. The ramps onto the boardwalk are well-maintained and not too steep.
A quick note on dogs and smoking
Jersey Shore towns have become very strict lately.
- Dogs: Forget about it in the summer. No dogs are allowed on the beach or the boardwalk from May through September. In the off-season? It’s a canine paradise.
- Smoking: New Jersey state law prohibits smoking on all public beaches. This includes vaping. You’ll see people trying to sneak it, but the fines are real.
Is it worth the trip?
Honestly, it depends on what you want. If you want to ride a roller coaster and eat deep-fried Oreos, go to Point Pleasant. If you want to see a concert and go to a high-end art gallery, go to Asbury Park.
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But if you want to sit under an umbrella, read a book, and hear nothing but the sound of the ocean and the occasional seagull, Avon by the Sea beach is arguably the best spot in the state. It feels like the beach trips you remember from when you were a kid—simple, clean, and focused on the water.
Actionable steps for your visit
If you’re planning to head out this weekend, here is the "insider" checklist to make sure you don't end up frustrated:
- Arrival Time: Target 9:00 AM. This secures a parking spot within two blocks and gets you a prime "front row" spot near the water before the high tide pushes everyone back.
- Check the Tide: Avon’s beach is wide, but at high tide, the "walkable" wet sand disappears. Check a local tide chart for the Shark River Inlet to know when you'll have the most room to beachcomber.
- Bring Cash for the Small Stuff: While badges take cards, the small ice cream trucks that occasionally park near the street or the small delis on Main Street appreciate cash.
- The "North End" Hack: If you want to see the boats, park as far north as possible near the inlet. If you want a quieter, more "residential" feel, head toward the south end near Sylvan Lake (the border with Belmar).
- Sunset Walk: Even if you don't spend the day there, the boardwalk is free after the lifeguards leave. A walk at 7:30 PM as the sun sets behind the Victorian homes is the best free entertainment in Monmouth County.
Avon isn't just a destination; it's a mood. It’s a slower pace of life that respects the ocean. Whether you're a photographer looking for that perfect shot of the Shark River Drawbridge or a family looking for a safe, clean place to swim, this little borough delivers exactly what it promises: a classic day at the shore without the gimmicks.