There are few vacation spots that manage to combine convenience, price and atmosphere as well as New Jersey’s shore communities. They are more easily accessible to the entire northeast than any other coastal region. Jersey Shore towns tend to be far more affordable than other popular coastal retreats. And when it comes to capturing the kind of coastal lifestyle that so many find alluring, few regions have been doing it longer (and better) as the NJ shore communities have.
But how do you find the best ones? How do you settle on a place to stay? How do you make the most out of your hunt for a perfect family vacation, romantic getaway, or weekend away with friends?
It’s easy. And we’re going to show you how.
1) Scope Out Your Destination Towns
There are a lot of great communities along the NJ coast. Selecting which is right for you depends on what you’re looking for. Want a quiet getaway in an historic town? Trying staying in Cape May or Spring Lake, or booking a hotel in Long Beach Island. If you are looking for a family getaway, Wildwood, Ocean City and Point Pleasant are good options. If you want a great nightlife, Seaside Heights, Belmar and Asbury Park are the places to be. Just interested in sunning yourself? Try Lavallette or Long Beach Island.
2) Check For Attractions And Amenities
Before booking your LBI hotel, Seaside Heights condo, or other accommodations, check the maps and tourism guides to see what else is nearby. This will give you a sense for what you might end up doing all week (aside from catching some sun). Some towns boast aquariums. Others rides and attractions. Some are fairly reasonable drives away from theme parks. Others are near historic wine vineyards. Still others have easy access to fantastic nature trails, hiking, and biking. Throw in music venues, clubs, and more, and you can fill your itinerary pretty quickly.
3) Explore Options For Accommodations
If you’re staying at the Jersey shore, good news: you will have a lot of options available to you. There are homes for rent, condos, hotels and motels, roadside inns, bed and breakfasts, and more. You name it, you’ll find it. If booking a hotel in LBI, for example, you’ll find many options available to you. All you need to do is decide what sort of experience you want. Renting a house or bungalow is ideal for families, as you will have a lot of room and will have plenty of distance from your neighbors. A beachfront condo or hotel will give you easy access to the sun and sand. Motels make traveling to area attractions easier. Inns and bed and breakfasts give you a stronger sense of having gotten away and make you feel closer to the place you’re staying. Think about your wants and choose wisely!
4) Take Your Trip!
All that’s left is to hop in the car and go enjoy the sun! So go ahead, book your trip, and enjoy all that vacationing at the shore has to offer.
While you’re here, visit us here in Barnegat, NJ, just minutes away from Manahawkin, Forked River, and other surrounding communities. We have served the region for four decades and are ready to give you a dazzling smile!
There are few vacation spots that manage to combine convenience, price and atmosphere as well as New Jersey’s shore communities. They are more easily accessible to the entire northeast than any other coastal region. Jersey Shore towns tend to be far more affordable than other popular coastal retreats. And when it comes to capturing the kind of coastal lifestyle that so many find alluring, few regions have been doing it longer (and better) as the NJ shore communities have.
But how do you find the best ones? How do you settle on a place to stay? How do you make the most out of your hunt for a perfect family vacation, romantic getaway, or weekend away with friends?
It’s easy. And we’re going to show you how.
1) Scope Out Your Destination Towns
There are a lot of great communities along the NJ coast. Selecting which is right for you depends on what you’re looking for. Want a quiet getaway in an historic town? Trying staying in Cape May or Spring Lake, or booking a hotel in Long Beach Island. If you are looking for a family getaway, Wildwood, Ocean City and Point Pleasant are good options. If you want a great nightlife, Seaside Heights, Belmar and Asbury Park are the places to be. Just interested in sunning yourself? Try Lavallette or Long Beach Island.
2) Check For Attractions And Amenities
Before booking your LBI hotel, Seaside Heights condo, or other accommodations, check the maps and tourism guides to see what else is nearby. This will give you a sense for what you might end up doing all week (aside from catching some sun). Some towns boast aquariums. Others rides and attractions. Some are fairly reasonable drives away from theme parks. Others are near historic wine vineyards. Still others have easy access to fantastic nature trails, hiking, and biking. Throw in music venues, clubs, and more, and you can fill your itinerary pretty quickly.
3) Explore Options For Accommodations
If you’re staying at the Jersey shore, good news: you will have a lot of options available to you. There are homes for rent, condos, hotels and motels, roadside inns, bed and breakfasts, and more. You name it, you’ll find it. If booking a hotel in LBI, for example, you’ll find many options available to you. All you need to do is decide what sort of experience you want. Renting a house or bungalow is ideal for families, as you will have a lot of room and will have plenty of distance from your neighbors. A beachfront condo or hotel will give you easy access to the sun and sand. Motels make traveling to area attractions easier. Inns and bed and breakfasts give you a stronger sense of having gotten away and make you feel closer to the place you’re staying. Think about your wants and choose wisely!
4) Take Your Trip!
All that’s left is to hop in the car and go enjoy the sun! So go ahead, book your trip, and enjoy all that vacationing at the shore has to offer.
While you’re here, visit us here in Barnegat, NJ, just minutes away from Manahawkin, Forked River, and other surrounding communities. We have served the region for four decades and are ready to give you a dazzling smile!
Summer will be here before you know it, so if you want a Jersey Shore vacation, the time to start planning is NOW!
On Fridays during the summer, the Garden State Parkway and New Jersey Turnpike are often backed up with traffic. These aren’t people going home from work or on their way to the world’s largest pizza party. They are coming to the beautiful New Jersey Coast – and since our dentist office in Ocean County is right near the coast, we have a great fondness for the area!
No wonder Long Beach Island rentals, bungalows in Barnegat, apartments in Belmar, weekend homes in Point Pleasant and more are so popular each summer.
The New Jersey coast is not all created equal, however. Choosing one town over the other can be the difference between finding yourself in the middle of MTV’s “Jersey Shore” and relaxing in a quaint, historic community, so choose carefully!
If you plan to invest in a summer home at the Jersey Shore or to enjoy a vacation along the coast, these are a few of the communities you should be sure to consider when deciding to take a weekend, week, or even the rest of your life away with the family.
Point Pleasant Beach
This is a community that endeavors to straddle the line between a vibrant, active resort community and a quiet, peaceful ocean town. Indeed, this is a town that offers the architectural charm of yesteryear as well as the appeal of great dining and excellent shopping. The residential neighborhoods of Point Pleasant Beach are quiet, but the downtown is often bus with shoppers. Also busy is the boardwalk, which has the area’s only aquarium. There you will find rides, games, places to see bands playing music, and more.
Long Beach Island
The fact is, Long Beach Island (along with nearby communities like Manahawkin) is in high demand for a reason. This stretch of coastal barrier island remains one of the New Jersey coast’s most desirable places to both live and to vacation. Boasting plenty of bay and ocean facing property, it also has shopping, historic sites, and more. Even better, while there are plenty of things to do within a short walk or drive, the town itself is calm enough so that even retirees find this to be a small slice of heaven.
Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/macro-photography-of-black-sunglasses-on-sand-1209610/
Barnegat
The small oceanfront and bay community of Barnegat, where our dentist office in Ocean County are located, is a popular place for families thanks to its lovely beaches, paths, and docks for fishing and crabbing – not to mention its historic lighthouse. There are more than a few small shops run by residents of the town, as well as waterfront property along both the ocean and the bay. Barnegat is on Long Beach Island, so when we say that Long Beach Island has been increasingly popular in recent years thanks to its quaint, small town feel we include this town in the observation.
Belmar
Not unlike Point Pleasant Beach, the Borough of Belmar offers quiet shore living as well as attractions that will appeal to more energetic visitors. Quaint neighborhoods with snug coastal homes are just a short walk away from some of the New Jersey coast’s most active and popular nightclubs. Set that alongside some of the best fishing on the East Coast, a historic boating community, and a downtown that is a throwback to communities of eras long gone and it’s easy to see why people flock to Belmar each year.
Any one of these communities could serve at the perfect place for your New Jersey vacation or retirement!
Invisalign is a popular choice for people looking to straighten their teeth. It is an orthodontic treatment that uses clear plastic aligners to move teeth into the correct position. When compared to traditional braces, Invisalign has several benefits. Patients can expect faster treatment times, fewer appointments, and more discretion while wearing the aligners. In this article, we will discuss how getting Invisalign in Manahawkin works and the benefits of choosing it over traditional braces.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a system of clear plastic aligners that are used to gradually move teeth into the desired position. The aligners are made from a comfortable, invisible material that is worn for 20-22 hours per day. Invisalign treatment usually takes 12-18 months to complete. Because they are nearly invisible, many patients prefer Invisalign over metal braces.
What are the benefits of Invisalign over traditional braces?
Some of the benefits of Invisalign include shorter treatment times, fewer appointments, and more discretion while wearing the aligners. Invisalign is also practically invisible when worn, which means that patients can straighten their teeth discreetly. Overall, treatment with Invisalign is more comfortable than traditional braces since there are no wires or brackets to rub against your gums and cheeks.
What should you expect from Invisalign treatments?
Invisalign treatment begins with a consultation with an orthodontist. During the consultation, the orthodontist will take X-rays, photos, and impressions of the patient’s teeth. These records will be used to create a treatment plan. The patient will then be given a series of clear plastic aligners that they will need to wear for 20-22 hours per day.
The aligners are made from a material that is comfortable to wear and practically invisible when worn. Patients will need to visit the orthodontist every few weeks so that the progress can be monitored. Treatment times vary depending on each individual case, but most patients finish treatment within 12-18 months.
How does Invisalign compare to braces?
There are many benefits to choosing Invisalign over traditional braces. One of the biggest benefits is that the aligners are practically invisible when worn. This means that patients can straighten their teeth discreetly. Another benefit is that treatment times are generally shorter with Invisalign. Traditional braces often require treatment times of two years or more, while Invisalign can usually be completed within 12-18 months.
Invisalign also requires fewer appointments than traditional braces. With traditional braces, patients typically need to visit the orthodontist every four to six weeks for adjustments. With Invisalign, patients only need to visit every few weeks to monitor progress.
If you are considering orthodontic treatment, we encourage you to speak with a dentist about your options. Getting Invisalign in Manahawkin may be the right choice for you if you are looking for a discreet, fast, and effective way to straighten your teeth. Schedule a consultation today to learn more about Invisalign and how it can help you achieve your smile goals.
What comes to mind when you think of the Jersey shore? Sun, sand, and sea, right? The shore area of New Jersey has been a popular tourist destination for generations. People have come to enjoy the beaches, the boardwalks, and the nightlife.
But what is the history of this region? How did it become what it is today? In this article, we will take a look at the history of Long Beach Island, Barnegat, Forked River, Manahawkin, and Little Egg Harbor. We will explore how each town developed and grew over time. So pack your sunscreen and put on your shades – it’s time to hit the beach!
Long Beach Island is a barrier island off the coast of New Jersey. It is 18 miles long and about half a mile wide. The island is home to many towns, including Beach Haven, Ship Bottom, Surf City, and Barnegat Light. Long Beach Island was originally inhabited by the Lenape Native Americans. In 1609, the first European explorer to visit the region, Henry Hudson, sailed up the river that now bears his name. The Dutch soon settled in the area, and in 1664, they took control of the colony from the English. The Dutch named the island “Longa Eylandt,” which means “long island.”
In 1782, during the American Revolutionary War, British troops occupied Long Beach Island.
After the war, the island became a popular summer resort for wealthy Philadelphians. In 1854, the first hotel was built on the island. It was called the Surf Hotel, and it was located in Beach Haven. More hotels were built in the following years, and the island became known as a summer playground for the rich and famous.
In 1927, a massive hurricane struck Long Beach Island, causing extensive damage to the island’s towns and infrastructure. Many of the island’s hotels were destroyed, and many people lost their homes. The hurricane was a turning point for Long Beach Island. It was no longer seen as a safe place to vacation, and many people stopped coming to the island.
In the years following the hurricane, the island’s economy declined. Many of the island’s residents left, and those who stayed behind struggled to make ends meet. In 1962, another hurricane struck Long Beach Island, causing even more damage than the first one. This time, the island was hit by a tidal wave that was nearly 20 feet high. The waves destroyed homes, businesses, and infrastructure. Once again, the island’s economy took a hit, and many people left.
In recent years, Long Beach Island has made a comeback. Thanks to its natural beauty and its convenient location (it’s just a short drive from New York City and Philadelphia), the island has become a popular destination for tourists and second-homeowners. Today, Long Beach Island is a bustling community with a vibrant economy and is among the wealthiest communities in New Jersey.
Barnegat is a township in Ocean County located on Barnegat Bay, and it is home to the Barnegat Lighthouse. The town was originally named “Barent Gat” after its founder, Barend Janssen Gat.
Forked River is home to the Forked River State Marina. The town was originally named “Voorhees” after its founder, Cornelius Voorhees.
Little Egg Harbor is home to the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge. The town was originally named “Foure Mile Run” because it was four miles from the nearest Dutch settlement.
Searching for your dream home can be stressful. There are so many choices to make it can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with a unique region like the Jersey Shore. Thanks to amazing places like Long Beach Island, Manahawkin, Forked River / Lacey, Barnegat and others, this part of the country offers gorgeous homes, waterfront views, plenty of entertainment, and easy access to cities like New York and Philadelphia.
In other words, it’s a great place to live
When you are hunting for a house near the Shore, it is important to keep in mind the things that make this area unique.
Private Beaches
New Jersey beaches are not like others. In most other states, the beaches are free to access.
Not in New Jersey! The water line up to high tide is considered public property, but elsewhere in the state there are private beaches that are considered the private property of the homeowner. That means your lovely piece of Long Beach Island property could come with a stretch of sand that is your very own. That can be a major selling point.
Beaches Aren’t Free
Even when it comes to public beaches, most are not free to access. In the Garden State, you pay to get onto the beach. In many towns, residents get special discounts on beach badges. That means you might not need waterfront property to have a semi-exclusive beach experience.
Lots of Tolls
Jersey traffic and roadways are not like those in other states. Tolls roads are the norm here. The Parkway, Turnpike, and Atlantic City Expressway are the three major roads almost everyone uses to access shore towns, and those roads cost money to use. If you’re searching for homes nears Forked River, Barnegat, Manahawkin and other communities, whether for vacation or permanent residency, be prepared to pay when you drive.
Plenty of Tourists
Be ready for tourism. Towns along the Jersey Shore are geared towards accommodating tourism. Enjoy yourself! If you are looking for permanent residency, though, be prepared for an influx of visitors every single summer. Areas like Long Beach Island can be quiet during the off season, then their population can double or triple during the summer. Most visitors are people like just you – normal families who want to enjoy the sights and sounds of summer – so don’t worry about being disturbed too much. Enjoy the summer, especially knowing that it will die down come autumn.
Keep these unique aspects of the Jersey Shore area in mind when looking for a vacation home or a new home to move into.
Summer will be here before you know it, so if you want a Jersey Shore vacation, the time to start planning is NOW!
On Fridays during the summer, the Garden State Parkway and New Jersey Turnpike are often backed up with traffic. These aren’t people going home from work or on their way to the world’s largest pizza party. They are coming to the beautiful New Jersey Coast – and since our dentist office in Ocean County is right near the coast, we have a great fondness for the area!
No wonder Long Beach Island rentals, bungalows in Barnegat, apartments in Belmar, weekend homes in Point Pleasant and more are so popular each summer.
The New Jersey coast is not all created equal, however. Choosing one town over the other can be the difference between finding yourself in the middle of MTV’s “Jersey Shore” and relaxing in a quaint, historic community, so choose carefully!
If you plan to invest in a summer home at the Jersey Shore or to enjoy a vacation along the coast, these are a few of the communities you should be sure to consider when deciding to take a weekend, week, or even the rest of your life away with the family.
Point Pleasant Beach – This is a community that endeavors to straddle the line between a vibrant, active resort community and a quiet, peaceful ocean town. Indeed, this is a town that offers the architectural charm of yesteryear as well as the appeal of great dining and excellent shopping. The residential neighborhoods of Point Pleasant Beach are quiet, but the downtown is often bus with shoppers. Also busy is the boardwalk, which has the area’s only aquarium. There you will find rides, games, places to see bands playing music, and more.
Long Beach Island – The fact is, Long Beach Island (along with nearby communities like Manahawkin) is in high demand for a reason. This stretch of coastal barrier island remains one of the New Jersey coast’s most desirable places to both live and to vacation. Boasting plenty of bay and ocean facing property, it also has shopping, historic sites, and more. Even better, while there are plenty of things to do within a short walk or drive, the town itself is calm enough so that even retirees find this to be a small slice of heaven.
Barnegat – The small oceanfront and bay community of Barnegat, where our dentist office in Ocean County are located, is a popular place for families thanks to its lovely beaches, paths, and docks for fishing and crabbing – not to mention its historic lighthouse. There are more than a few small shops run by residents of the town, as well as waterfront property along both the ocean and the bay. Barnegat is on Long Beach Island, so when we say that Long Beach Island has been increasingly popular in recent years thanks to its quaint, small town feel we include this town in the observation.
Belmar – Not unlike Point Pleasant Beach, the Borough of Belmar offers quiet shore living as well as attractions that will appeal to more energetic visitors. Quaint neighborhoods with snug coastal homes are just a short walk away from some of the New Jersey coast’s most active and popular nightclubs. Set that alongside some of the best fishing on the East Coast, a historic boating community, and a downtown that is a throwback to communities of eras long gone and it’s easy to see why people flock to Belmar each year.
Any one of these communities could serve at the perfect place for your New Jersey vacation or retirement!
Beach Haven West is one of Southern Ocean County’s most desirable waterfront communities. A sleepy unincorporated community that is part of Stafford Township, it is home to both summer residents and all year residents.
It’s no surprise why. This waterfront community offers easy access to fishing and boating, with the entire Barnegat Bay just seconds away by boat.
For many, Beach Haven West itself is a dream come true. Constructed on over 100 lagoons and located right off Route 72 and just across the bay from Long Beach Island, it’s one of the Jersey Shore’s true hidden gems.
Here are 10 facts you might not know about this hidden gem of a community:
- Beach Haven West was first developed in the 1950s. Herbert and Jerome Shapiro created the 130 lagoons that make up this part of town.
- Beach Haven West began with a series of Cape Cod style homes being built.
- The earliest waterfront homes there cost about $7,000 circa the 1950s.
- The first phase of Beach Haven West opened in 1957 and makes up the area between Morris Boulevard and Jennifer Lane.
- The community’s phase two was finished in the early 1960s and spans the area between Jonathan Drive and Walter Boulevard.
- During the 1950s and 1960s, the Beach Haven West Civic Association was a focal point of the community. They ran a community center and pool off Jonathan Drive. The clubhouse was demolished in the 1980s.
- Beach Haven West was still being built-out as late as 1986, when Colony Lakes was completed.
- The construction of Beach Haven West, as well as Ocean Acres, coincided with the construction of the Garden State Parkway, which finally gave people in North Jersey easier access to the Jersey Shore.
- Today, Beach Haven West’s population is about 4,000 residents.
- One of the Real Housewives of New Jersey, Teresa Giudice, once had a summer home in Beach Haven West.
These days, you can ask anyone looking to stay in the Southern Ocean County area and they will all agree: there are few communities that have become as desirable to live in as this one.
Even more important? They get access to a priceless lifestyle of relaxation, boating, fishing, great dentists in Southern Ocean County, and more. And that’s not something you can find just anywhere.
The Jersey Shore is a beloved attraction that draws millions of people every year and generates billions of dollars in revenue for local businesses. People flock here in droves because there is a lot to do. Yes, you know about the beaches and night clubs and all the other things you see featured on MTV, but that’s not all the shore has to offer!
The reason so many turn out to the Shore? Because there is a LOT to do.
Here are things to do when you’re visiting the Jersey Shore:
Nature & Dolphin Sighting
The Jersey Shore is known for its wild clubs and active nightlife, so it’s no surprise that a lot of people don’t realize that you have easy access to some of the most pristine coastline on the East Coast in state parks like Island Beach State Park. There are also many dolphin sighting trips that are an easy drive from Manahawkin, Barnegat, and Forked River.
Go Out To Eat
When you’re done relaxing in the sun or enjoying the sights of the shore, you’re going to want to grab something to eat. The good news is, the Jersey Shore is packed with great restaurants. Seafood restaurants are the most popular, with Italian eateries a close second – every town is guaranteed to have at least one excellent pizzeria – but if you want Thai, Mexican, traditional American cuisine, German food, sushi, Indian, and more, you’ll be able to find it here. The Jersey Shore is more ethnically diverse than you realize, and so is its cuisine.
Surfing
Grabbing a board and surfing on the waves is a big deal on the New Jersey coast. You see it from time to time on Long Beach Island, people taking to the waves and riding them for all they’re worth. Many don’t realize that on the East Coast, New Jersey is among the best surfing areas around. No wonder people come here!
Play Boardwalk Games
At the Jersey Shore, there are dozens of great games you can play at the boardwalks that grace our shores. From tossing this into that to banging that onto this, the type of games are varied. More importantly, the prizes are varied, too. You can win stuffed animals and shirts and all that, but you can also win toys, games and more. Most important of all is, you can have FUN.
Crabbing
Going crabbing is a popular pastime for locals and visitors alike. Whether casting your traps from a dock or a rented boat, the crabbing is excellent here, letting you and your family have fun while you catch dinner for the weekend!
Historical Sites
Did you know that the Jersey Shore was once home to famous pirates? Or that it was the site of battles during the American Revolution? From Barnegat Lighthouse to historic ships and more, the Jersey Shore is home to wonderful glimpses into yesteryear.
As you can see, there is a lot to do here. If you want more suggestions, contact Bayside Dentistry at 609-698-1155. We’ll be glad to give you some tips!
Beach Haven West is one of Southern Ocean County’s most desirable waterfront communities. A sleepy unincorporated community that is part of Stafford Township, it is home to both summer residents and all year residents.
It’s no surprise why. This waterfront community offers easy access to fishing and boating, with the entire Barnegat Bay just seconds away by boat.
For many, Beach Haven West itself is a dream come true. Constructed on over 100 lagoons and located right off Route 72 and just across the bay from Long Beach Island, it’s one of the Jersey Shore’s true hidden gems.
Here are 10 facts you might not know about this hidden gem of a community:
- Beach Haven West was first developed in the 1950s. Herbert and Jerome Shapiro created the 130 lagoons that make up this part of town.
- Beach Haven West began with a series of Cape Cod style homes being built.
- The earliest waterfront homes there cost about $7,000 circa the 1950s.
- The first phase of Beach Haven West opened in 1957 and makes up the area between Morris Boulevard and Jennifer Lane.
- The community’s phase two was finished in the early 1960s and spans the area between Jonathan Drive and Walter Boulevard.
- During the 1950s and 1960s, the Beach Haven West Civic Association was a focal point of the community. They ran a community center and pool off Jonathan Drive. The clubhouse was demolished in the 1980s.
- Beach Haven West was still being built-out as late as 1986, when Colony Lakes was completed.
- The construction of Beach Haven West, as well as Ocean Acres, coincided with the construction of the Garden State Parkway, which finally gave people in North Jersey easier access to the Jersey Shore.
- Today, Beach Haven West’s population is about 4,000 residents.
- One of the Real Housewives of New Jersey, Teresa Giudice, once had a summer home in Beach Haven West.
These days, you can ask anyone looking to stay in the Southern Ocean County area and they will all agree: there are few communities that have become as desirable to live in as this one.
Even more important? They get access to a priceless lifestyle of relaxation, boating, fishing, great dentists in Southern Ocean County, and more. And that’s not something you can find just anywhere.