Jersey Shore Bucket List: 20 Best Things to Do in Lavallette, NJ
When you think of Jersey Shore activities, what comes to mind? I know the Jersey Shore television show makes a lot of you think of ridiculously crazy antics, but the Jersey Shore is so much more than the party scene. Yes, you can still find nightlife and boardwalk chaos, but some of the best things to do in Lavallette, NJ revolve around laid-back beach days, family traditions, and classic summer nostalgia.
Lavallette, NJ is my absolute favorite place on the Jersey Shore and one of the best family-friendly beach towns in New Jersey. It combines relaxed beach-town vibes with easy access to the energy of nearby Seaside Heights, making it the perfect Jersey Shore vacation destination whether you want family beach days or late-night fun at the Seaside Boardwalk.
After spending summers here growing up, these are the spots, activities, and local traditions I’d recommend most when planning a Lavallette beach vacation. From beach days and boardwalk fun to local food favorites, this guide covers some of the best things to do in Lavallette, NJ for families, couples, and longtime Jersey Shore lovers alike.
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Overview + Map of Things to Do in Lavallette
Wondering what the best things to do in Lavallette are? This map highlights everything from beaches to local food spots so you can easily plan your trip.
- Lavallette Beach
- Ice Cream Truck
- Breakwater Beach Water Park
- Seaside Casino Pier
- Boardwalk & Arcade Games
- Crabbing
- The Music Man Singing Ice Cream Shoppe
- Mini Golfing
- Lavallette Movies on the Bay
- Summer Concert Series
- Sunrise at Lavallette Beach
- Walk & Bike the Boardwalk
- Shore Store & Shore House (from Jersey Shore)
- Lifeguard Tournaments
- Sunset at Barnegat Bay
- Make-Your-Own Popsicles
- Shopping
- Pizza at Little Mia’s
- Kohrs Ice Cream
- Crab’s Claw Inn Events
Things to Do in Lavallette, NJ
1. Lavallette Beach
Beach Experience: One of the best things to do in Lavallette, NJ is to head up to the beach and hang out for the day. It’s an awesome spot to read, people watch, take a swim, or go boogie boarding and body surfing. In my humble opinion, Lavallette Beach is one of the top beaches at the Jersey Shore. While you’re on the beach, pay attention to where the lifeguards have erected the flags; they will designate areas for swimming, surfing, and boogie boarding.
Beach Badge Information: One other important thing to note is that all visitors must purchase a beach badge. Lavallette’s Beach Badge Office has all of the information on hours, prices, etc. You can also buy a badge from the badge checkers at every entrance to the beach. Badges are available for daily, weekly, or seasonal prices.
Parking Tips: For parking, the street parking operates on a first come, first served basis on the ocean blocks, so it pays to arrive early. However, make sure you check for parking signs since Lavallette does have some areas designated for permit holders and others that are 2 hour parking only. My personal recommendation for parking is on Philadelphia Ave. I can usually find a pretty good spot, and it is a common stop for ice cream trucks.
2. Ice Cream Trucks
While you’re at the beach, keep an ear out for the many ice cream trucks cruising the area and pulling in to the beach access points. Nothing beats a cold ice cream on a summer day! I’m also not ashamed to admit that I’ve definitely chased the ice cream truck down the boardwalk to catch it at the next stop.
There’s something about hearing the ice cream truck music drifting down the beach streets that instantly feels like summer at the Jersey Shore. It’s one of those nostalgic Shore traditions that kids (and adults) get excited about every single time. My order on really hot days is always the classic red, white, and blue popsicle, but I’m craving chocolate, I’ll go for a Cookies ’n Cream bar instead.
3. Breakwater Beach Water Park
If it’s a steamy day, might as well slide down some waterslides and cool off at the water park. Breakwater Beach’s FAQ page will answer all of your questions regarding admission prices, hours, cabanas, food options, parking, and locker rentals.
Growing up, the lazy river and wave pool were always my highlights at the park. The lazy river is perfect when you need a break from the bigger slides, while the wave pool is somehow fun no matter how old you are. It’s one of the best things to do in Lavallette for families looking to mix up their beach days.
4. Seaside Casino Pier
The Casino Pier is an absolutely unbeatable place to spend an afternoon or evening, and I have so many memories coming here as both a kid and an adult. Take a ride on the roller coaster, sky ride, and Ferris wheel, then wander the boardwalk with a slice of pizza in hand. We always went on Wednesdays during the summer to save money with the unlimited ride wristband. It is definitely worth checking out all of Casino Pier’s promotions and wristband specials before planning your visit!
If you’re visiting with kids or teens, this is usually the activity everyone agrees on. There’s enough to do for hours, and the mix of rides, games, snacks, and beach views makes it one of the best family-friendly Jersey Shore attractions near Lavallette.
5. Arcade Games
No Jersey Shore trip is complete without spending at least one evening on the boardwalk playing arcade games and attempting to win oversized stuffed animals. My personal favorite has always been the water racing game where you spray water into the clown’s mouth and frantically hope your horse crosses the finish line first.
Seaside Heights also has no shortage of arcades packed with classic games, skee-ball, and air hockey, if those are more your style. Even just walking the boardwalk at night is part of the experience. The smell of funnel cake, the sound of rides, and the summer energy make it one of the most iconic Jersey Shore traditions.
6. Crabbing at the Pier
Crabbing is a staple on the list of things to do in Lavallette, NJ. I grew up crabbing on my grandparent’s dock, and the great news is that there are two public docks for crabbing and fishing. The docks are located at Bay Boulevard & Magee Ave and Bay Boulevard & Reese Ave. Make sure you’re up to speed on New Jersey’s regulations before any crabbing or fishing.
If you need any gear, pop over to Chadwick Bait & Tackle, which is a 5 minute drive north. Even if you’ve never gone crabbing before, it’s incredibly easy to learn and makes for a fun low-key afternoon activity.
7. The Music Man Singing Ice Cream Shoppe
The Music Man is one of the most unique ice cream shops slash performance venues I’ve ever seen. I’ve always gone with my entire extended family, which makes for quite the spectacle. Expect a cabaret performance put on by waiters and waitresses dancing around tables, singing show tunes, and serving the most spectacular sundaes.
I am obsessed with the Cookie Monster sundae, but I honestly love every concoction I have ever ordered here. In season, there are five nightly shows and you’ll need to make a reservation in advance. The Music Man is truly a one of a kind experience and one of the top things to do in Lavallette, NJ.
8. Mini Golfing
I can’t say no to an evening of mini golf on a summer’s night. I’ve been mini golfing at most of the courses in the area and it is one of my top things to do in Lavallette, NJ. A few good options are Lava Golf and Barnacle Bill’s, although if you just drive up and down the Shore, you’ll see plenty of options.
9. Lavallette Movies on the Bay
The Borough of Lavallette offers free movies on Tuesdays at 8:30 pm at the Lavallette Gazebo during July and August. Check out the upcoming movie schedule to see what may strike your fancy.
Bring a beach chair or blanket and settle in for one of the most relaxing summer traditions in town. It’s a great place to gather with friends and family after a long beach day, and there’s something really fun about watching a movie outdoors with the bay breeze rolling in. Since the movies are completely free, it’s also one of the best budget-friendly things to do in Lavallette during the summer.
10. Summer Concert Series
Lavallette also offers a free summer concert series on Sundays at 7:00 pm in July and August. The concerts are also located at the Lavallette Gazebo, so make sure to bring a picnic blanket or folding chair to enjoy the music. Check out the summer concert schedule in advance.
One of the best parts is the variety of music throughout the summer—everything from classic rock to country put on by local bands. It’s such a fun and easy way to wrap up a summer day at the Jersey Shore. Families and groups of friends all gather around the gazebo, and the vibe is always chill.
11. Sunrise at Lavallette Beach
One of the best things to do in Lavallette, NJ is to catch one of the beautiful sunrises at the beach. It is incredibly early, so check the sunrise time in advance so you can make the best of it! The beach is unbelievably peaceful at sunrise, especially before the crowds arrive. The sunrises here bring me back to the mornings on Isle of Palms in Charleston.
12. Walk/ Bike the Boardwalk
Exercise and entertainment all at once, what more could you ask for? If you’re biking the Boardwalk, make sure you follow regulations and only bike early morning (5:00 am – 10:00 am). After that, the Boardwalk is pedestrians only.
The Boardwalk is a bit over a mile long and a huge plus is that it is completely noncommercial, so you can enjoy your walk, run, or bike ride without the crowds and noise of larger boardwalks. My morning routine in Lavallette almost always includes a walk along the boardwalk to start the day. However you choose to explore it, it’s definitely one of my go-to things to do in Lavallette.
13. Shore Store & Shore House
Growing up visiting the Jersey Shore and then later seeing Seaside Heights featured all over MTV’s Jersey Shore, it’s honestly pretty entertaining to see the actual filming locations in real life. You can visit the Shore Store where the cast worked and check out the famous summer house where they lived during filming.
The Shore House is located at 1209 Ocean Terrace in Seaside Heights, and even if you were never a huge fan of the show, it’s still a fun little pop culture stop while exploring the area. It’s kind of surreal seeing places you watched on TV mixed into the same boardwalks and beach towns you grew up visiting.
14. Lifeguard Tournaments
This may be one of my favorite things to do in Lavallette, NJ. The competitors row, swim, and compete against the lifeguards from other beaches to see who is better. It is so much fun to watch and cheer for the Lavallette lifeguards.
I love the rowing competitions…it looks surprisingly difficult to successfully pilot the lifeguard boats over the waves. I’ve just coincidentally stumbled upon the tournaments many summers, but this website gives a schedule of the lifeguard tournaments. No worries if your Lavallette trip doesn’t coincide with a tournament; it is still really cool to get to the beach early and watch them go through their warm up routines.
15. Sunset at Barnegat Bay
Watch as many sunsets as you can while you are in Lavallette. The best sunset views are over Barnegat Bay, which is on the opposite side of town from the beaches. It makes for a great evening walk or bike ride to round out your day at the Jersey Shore. You’ll usually spot people fishing off docks, families out walking, and boats making their way back in for the evening. The views alone make if one of the best things to do in Lavallette.
16. Make-Your-Own Popsicles
My great-grandmother made these popsicles growing up, and they were perfect after a day at Lavallette Beach. All you need are small plastic cups, wooden Popsicle sticks, and of course Popsicle ingredients (I always go for orange). It would go something like this recipe, except sub out the fancy popsicle molds for little plastic cups and voila, popsicles! This was one of our post-beach traditions growing up. If you’re not feeling up to make a popsicle, there are plenty of ice cream shops to get your sweet fix!
17. Lavallette Shopping
Do a little shopping in Lavallette’s main shopping area. Island Gypsy is great for cute boho beachy clothing and accessories. If you’re in the market for some coastal home goods, look no further than The Beach Home. Martin’s has a little bit of everything and you’ll find swim suits, athletic attire, and everyday clothing. Fun fact: my parents met while they were working at Martin’s when they were teenagers! They’re still happily married today, so the store definitely holds a special place in my family’s heart.
18. Pizza at Little Mia’s
When you’re at the Shore, pizza is basically mandatory, and Little Mia’s has long been one of my family’s go-to spots in Lavallette. If you want to eat in during peak season, definitely get there early because the wait can get long fast. One of the most unique menu items is the Honey Moon pizza, topped with mozzarella, pepperoni, and honey. I know honey on pizza sounds questionable at first, but just trust me on this.
19. Kohrs Ice Cream
No Jersey Shore summer feels complete without stopping at Kohr’s for their famous orange and vanilla swirl soft serve. There’s something incredibly nostalgic about walking down the boardwalk on a summer night with melting ice cream dripping faster than you can eat it.
And yes, if you’re counting, this officially makes three ice cream-related activities on my list. But honestly, ice cream is practically its own food group at the Shore. Between boardwalk treats, beach snacks, and late-night dessert runs, grabbing Kohr’s is one of those classic Jersey Shore traditions.
20. Crab’s Claw Inn
Dine at the Crab’s Claw Inn, which serves lunch, weekend brunch, dinner, and cocktails. The seafood here is seriously good and absolutely worth the wait during summer weekends.
The crab cakes are one of the standout menu items for me. Pair them with a cocktail, live music, and the buzzing atmosphere, and it’s easy to see why this spot has become such a longtime Shore staple. The historic Crab’s Claw Inn also hosts trivia nights, karaoke, and live entertainment throughout the summer, so check out their events calendar to see what’s happening during your visit.
Where to Stay in Lavallette, NJ
Vacation rentals are a great idea in Lavallette, especially if you’re traveling with family or friends and want easy beach access. The ideal house in on the beach block so you don’t have to cross any streets to get to the beach and you can keep your walk nice and short!
This 5 bed, 2 bath house is only 4 houses away from the beach! You can actually enjoy beach views from the upper deck and easily pop back and forth between the beach and the house throughout the day. For a large beachfront house, check out this rental, and if you’re traveling with a smaller crew, this 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom house is perfect.
If you choose to go the hotel route, check out the Lamplight Inn, which is pretty affordable. Lavallette doesn’t have a ton of hotel options, so make sure you book well in advance of your trip!
Flying to Lavallette, NJ
You have a few options for flights when visiting Lavallette, NJ. My preferred option is to fly into Atlantic City and drive up. The drive is about an hour and relatively painless.
Another option is to fly into Newark and then drive out to the Shore. For those familiar with Newark airport, you’re probably also familiar with the potential for traffic. With light traffic, the drive can take under 1.5 hours, but traffic is so unpredictable there and can really make you start your trip off on the wrong foot.
In any case, you’ll either need to rent a car for your trip out to Lavallette or grab an Uber. For me, it’s nice to have a car to drive to the surrounding areas and out for dinner, so I’d recommend looking into a car rental.
I hope this guide to Jersey Shore activities and top things to do in Lavallette, NJ was helpful! Whether you’re planning a family beach vacation or a classic Jersey Shore weekend, there are so many memorable things to do in Lavallette. Between the beach days, boardwalk traditions, sunsets, pizza, and ice cream runs, it’s the kind of place that keeps people coming back year after year.
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Grew up going to Stone Harbor, always with a night visit to the amusement parks of Wildwood, and later Long Beach. No idea what those areas are like now but they were both amazing spots to go.
You really can’t beat the Shore in the summer
Great list 🙂 Have pinned if we ever get to visit!
Awesome, thanks! Hope you get to visit one day!
I’d love to visit the Jersey Shore and now I know where to go and what to do when I get there. 😉
I hope you do! It’s such a fun summer spot