Belmar offers several distinct points of interest: the beach area along Ocean Avenue, Silver Lake with its aquatic life, and a path around the lake. There is also a local history museum, an annual seafood festival, and dining options in the town center. This gives you the opportunity to decide before your trip whether the beach, nature, history, or food will shape your stay.
Beach area and coastal orientation
Belmar’s boardwalk and beach area are along Ocean Avenue, stretching from First Avenue to Twentieth Avenue. The avenue names provide specific reference points along the coast. First Avenue Beach, also known as “Shell Beach,” is considered the only natural, unguarded beach between Sandy Hook National Park and Island Beach State Park. Its character sets it apart from a guarded beach area along this stretch of coast.
If you plan to fish from the beach, note the local restriction: fishing is permitted only near the Belmar Fishing Club pier and in areas outside the bathing zones. As beach-use rules can change, check the current regulations before fishing. This way, you can factor the planned activity into your choice of beach section.
Silver Lake: aquatic life and a path around the lake
Silver Lake is home to a variety of aquatic life and waterfowl. During migration, it serves as a resting place for many birds. Nature and birdlife enthusiasts will find a different focus here than at the beach: the lake and its importance to aquatic life and migrating birds take center stage.
A macadam path runs around Silver Lake and is popular for jogging, walking, and dog walking. These activities are easy to distinguish: you can plan to use the path for a run, a walk, or an outing with your dog. The lake thus brings together nature observation and exercise as distinct Belmar experiences, without requiring a set itinerary for the day.
The New Jersey Seafood Festival is also held annually in Belmar. The venue is Ferruggiaro Park at Silver Lake, at 5th and Ocean Ave. If the festival is one reason for your trip, check the dates for that year’s event in advance. That way, you can plan your visit around the actual festival dates rather than assume a particular edition or date.
History and dining in town
The Belmar Historical Society opened Belmar’s first history museum in April 2015. It is located at 900 E Street, in an extension of the Union Fire House. Its specific location makes the museum a distinct historical destination in town. If you plan to visit, check separately for current visitor information.
The town center offers dining options featuring authentic Mexican, Cajun, Italian, and traditional American cuisine. This range provides different options for a meal in town. The selection of individual establishments and their menus may change, so check what suits your preferences before visiting.
Getting there and choosing accommodation
Belmar Train Station is between 10th and 8th Avenue. The beach is a six-block walk from the station. Belmar Manutti Marina is one block from the station. If you plan to arrive by train, check the connections before setting out, as transport conditions and access information may change.
Then compare the specific hotel address with the places you want to visit. The reference points listed above can help with this planning, without implying that any one of them indicates the location of an accommodation.
Discover more destinations: Avon-By-The-Sea, Hazlet, Fair Haven, Keansburg, Eatontown, Middletown, Spring Lake, Long Branch.
View the broader travel overview: Monmouth.
