As summer vacations and long weekends away are ending, it’s a good time to reflect on days spent enjoying the weather the past few months. Going to the beach has always been a favorite pastime of mine and I look forward to visiting new beaches along the east coast each year. Here are some personal favorites and new beaches I look forward to exploring.
New Jersey – Growing up in New Jersey, beach days usually revolved around getting pizza and Italian ice after a long day in the heat. Here are some recommendations for beaches and where to eat afterwards. Reminder, you need to pay to get on the beach in NJ!
Avon – A relatively quiet beach spot to enjoy your summer reading list and warm water. Make sure to visit Pete & Elda’s for the best thin crust pizza in the area. Get the XL pie, trust me you’ll eat the whole thing.
Beach Haven – Located on Long Beach Island, a classic! Start your day at Shore Good Donuts and enjoy the long beaches.
Ocean Grove – known for its quaint Victorian houses along the water but to my family it has the best Italian Ice shop. Go to Day’s Ice Cream and order the Iced Tea with Lemon Italian Ice – so delicious and refreshing!
Massachusetts –
Wingaersheek – This year was my first time visiting and has been my favorite so far. The water there is always calm and clear, and they have a great sandbar!
Cahoon Hollow – a Cape Cod staple in my opinion. Gorgeous beach with massive dunes. Check out the Beachcomber for some seafood and music before heading home.
Nahant – Another beach I added to my list this summer. A nice and long beach with lots of room to spread out and enjoy the water.
Maine – I will be visiting for the first time this Labor Day. Here are the beaches and spots I look forward to enjoying over the long weekend.
Goose Rocks Beach– Kennebunkport has been on my list of must visit places for years! I can’t wait to spend time at this scenic beach.
Ogunquit Beach – I’ve been told Barnacle Billy’s is a must visit – looking forward to ending the summer season with a Maine lobster roll!
Thanks Bridget. I’m not a frequent Maine visitor but Kennebunkport is such a cute village. Visit before or after the beach and of course they have multiple ice cream shops. Enjoy!
I am now homesick for the Jersey Shore X 100! Pete & Elda’s is THE pizza at the Shore, hands down.
I spent a few years in the Westerly RI / Mystic CT area before making my way here to MA. Let’s add Blue Shutters Beach in Charlestown RI to the list. So comparable to those in NJ, expansive white sand and nice waves! We’d pick up some charcuterie from Sandy’s Market – best French brie and warm baguettes around – and then often end the day at Matunuck Oyster Bar down the road a bit.
Nice blog entry to wrap up Summer ’23!