One Day in Avalon, New Jersey
Avalon is a beautiful beach town in southern New Jersey that is a great day trip for anybody in the greater Philadelphia area. If you’re wondering how to make the most of your day in Avalon, New Jersey, we recommend following the itinerary below!
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1. Sunrise at the Jetty
If you can get down early enough, or happen to be staying over the night before, the best way to start your day in Avalon is to catch the sunrise from the north end jetty. This is without a doubt the best spot on the island to see the sunrise without any obstruction to your view.
The jetty is accessible from 8th Street, and has a few parking spots available if you need to drive in order to get there. Watching the sunset from the jetty is completely free (though if you’re there later in the day, you may need to bring your beach tag).
2. Breakfast at the Fishing Pier
Now that you’re up and moving, our recommendation for what to do after watching the sunrise is to grab a bite at the Fishin’ Pier Grille. This locally owned breakfast spot is a fan favorite on the island, and fills up quickly once the town starts to wake up. So if you have the chance, be sure to grab your spot at the table at the Fishin’ Pier while you’re in Avalon!
The Fishin’ Pier Grille opens daily at 6:30am and is located on the boardwalk of 32nd Street in Avalon, NJ.
3. Avalon Beaches
If you’re down the shore for just a day, we recommend spending the bulk of your day at – of course – the beach! You can go down to the beaches during any daylight hours, but the lifeguards and beach taggers both start their days at 10:00am in the morning. So pack yourself a lunch, grab a book, and make the most of your time in the sun.
Daily beach tags can be purchased on most entrances to the beach, or through the Avalon Borough Hall at 3100 Dune Drive.
4. Avalon Freeze
Once you’ve had enough time in the sun, head over to Avalon Freeze in the late afternoon for a quick ice cream cone. This Avalon staple serves classic soft-serve styled ice cream & milkshakes that always hit the spot.
Avalon Freeze is open daily from 12:00pm – 10:00pm on the corner of 23rd and Dune Drive.
5. Pirate Island Mini Golf
Just a few blocks up on Dune Drive is another crowd favorite for Avalon: Pirate Island Golf. The most popular place to mini-golf on the island, Pirate Island Golf serves as an activity that people of all ages can participate in after a long day at the beach.
Pirate Island Golf is located at 2738 Dune Drive and open daily from 9:00am – 12:00am during the summer.
6. The Princeton Bar & Grill
To end your day in Avalon, make a reservation at the Princeton Bar & Grill. This longstanding Avalon venue doubles as both a restaurant and bar. With a dining area, bar, and “Rock Room” that hosts live music through the summer – the Princeton offers entertainment through the whole evening, and is the best way to end your day in Avalon.
The Princeton is located at 2008 Dune Drive and opens daily at 11:00am.
Where to Stay in Avalon
- Popular Stay: ICONA Hotel
Let us know what your favorite thing to do on a day trip to the beach is in the comments below!
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Looking for a fun gift to give a loved one who loves going to Avalon? Check out our original poem below and purchase your own copy through Etsy to frame and decorate for a friend’s beach house!
About the Author: Hi, I’m Jill! I am a biomedical & mechanical engineer who loves traveling during my free time. My hope is to help make it easier for others to plan their dream trips by providing firsthand experience from the places I’ve been! Read More.
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New Jersey has never been on my radar of places to visit but your post makes it sound like fun! Pinning for a future trip!
Sunrise over the beach looks beeeautiful! You were up so early, you really deserved that breakfast at Fishin’ Pier Grille!
The jewel of the Jersey shore, upscale and lovely, not for partying but enjoying in style. Love it.
Definitely the best of the best! Thanks for reading 🙂