The Jersey Shore is home to many great communities that are explorable on foot or by bike. As many of the Jersey Shore's towns were developed in the late 20th century, they were designed as compact grids that allowed for easy travel across town. As a result, many Jersey Shore communities are still highly walkable to this day, meaning you won't be tied to your car when looking to get around.
More and more people are looking to ditch their vehicles for a cleaner, greener lifestyle, so we've compiled a list of the most walkable towns in the Jersey Shore, according to WalkScore.com.
Belmar, NJ
Walkability score: 89%
Belmar offers plenty of options for those looking to travel on foot. To start off, you can dock your boat at Belmar Marina, located in Shark River. The marina is only a few paces away from Belmar's Main Street, so you can easily enjoy a day on the town by leaving your waterfront home on foot. Along Main Street, you'll find most of Belmar's top dining options, including Federico's Pizzeria, Jersey Shore BBQ, Kaya's Kitchen, Strollos Italian Ice, and dozens more. There are also plenty of boutique shops, art galleries, grocery stores, bars, and cafes to keep you busy at all hours of the day.
Take a 20-minute stroll east from Main Street, and you'll find yourself at Belmar Beach, which consistently ranks as one of the best beaches in Monmouth County. The Belmar Boardwalk also offers several dining options with stunning ocean views to enjoy while you eat. Just about everything in Belmar is accessible on foot!
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Manasquan, NJ
Walkability score: 86%
Manasquan is renowned for its surfing, but we're also giving it credit for its walking. To get you started, the North Jersey Coast Line train drops you right off at Manasquan's Main Street. All of Main Street is easily walkable, and it features shopping, grocery stores, coffee shops, and a great nightlife. If you're looking for a bite to eat, Blend on Main offers incredible seafood. Main Street also hosts a variety of classic American diners, pizza shops, and great dessert spots. Also on Main Street, the Algonquin Arts Theater is a popular entertainment option.
Walking down Main Street, you'll arrive at the beach in under 20 minutes. Along the beach, 1st Avenue is home to more great dining and nightlife options, including the popular Leggetts Sand Bar. On the south end of town, two and four-legged walkers can enjoy the Fisherman's Cove Conservation Area, as the park and beach are both dog-friendly!
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Bradley Beach, NJ
Walkability score: 85%
Bradley Beach also has a North Jersey Coast Line connection that drops you off right on Main Street. Like the previous towns, Bradley Beach's main street is also home to a bevy of highly reviewed restaurants, including Vic's Pizza, Citrocos Mediterranean Italian Grill, UVA Restaurant & Wine Bar, and the local breakfast favorite, The Buttered Biscuit. Main Street also has all the major destinations for your daily errands, including banks, pharmacies, grocery stores, and more.
You can easily walk from downtown Bradley Beach to the beach itself within 15 minutes. Bradley Beach's boardwalk is more low-key than many other Jersey Shore communities, but it makes for a peaceful walk along the shore. Bradley Beach Elementary School is located at the center of the community, making it a convenient walk for neighborhood kids.
To learn more about the Bradley Beach boardwalk, and for more information about Bradley Beach real estate.
