The Best Things To Do in Avalon, New Jersey
Avalon is a vacation beach town on the Seven Mile Island in New Jersey. With soft sand and beautiful blue oceans to look out to – I’m not judging if all you want to do while in Avalon is spend all of your time at the beach. But if you’re in search of some fun activities to do in town, our recommendations for the best things to do in Avalon are below!
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1. Avalon Department of Recreation
The Recreation Center in Avalon is the information hub for all things Avalon. This community space is not only a one-stop shop to find out all of the upcoming events in town, but also hosts several of its own events! While its activities vary weekly, the Recreation Center is a good place to stop in at the beginning of your visit to Avalon to see what is being featured during your stay.
The Avalon Department of Recreation is located on 30th Street & Beach Avenue and is open to the public.
2. Movies on the Beach
A fun weekly highlight in Avalon is Tuesday Movies on the Beach! Every summer night at dusk, the Recreation Center will project a movie on 30th Street beach for the public to enjoy. So grab your beach chair, snacks, and a blanket & enjoy a free movie in the sand!
The schedule for Avalon’s movies on the beach is posted on the Recreation Center’s website a few weeks prior to each showing.
3. Avalon Recreation Field Complex
Spanning several blocks along Dune Drive, the Avalon Recreation Field Complex is a massive park set aside to enjoy outdoor activities. Home to a baseball field, softball field, soccer field, basketball courts, tennis courts, pickle ball courts – there’s really very little that you can’t do at this amazing park!
The Field Complex also features a shaded pavilion and a couple playgrounds. Located from 8th Street to 12th Street along Dune Drive, the fields are free to the public.
4. The Avalon Free Public Library
If you’re looking to grab yourself a book to read on the beach, stop by the Avalon Free Public Library! As it’s name describes, the library is free and open to the public. Not only does the library host “story time” reading events, but it also features craft sessions, creative activities (like Lego sessions), workshops, and game nights!
The Avalon Free Public Library is located at 235 32nd Street & open Monday through Saturday during the following hours:
- Sunday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Monday: 9:30 AM – 8:00 PM
- Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 8:00 PM
- Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 8:00 PM
- Thursday: 9:30 AM – 8:00 PM
- Friday: 9:30 AM – 8:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
5. Avalon’s Kayak Park
If you’re a fan of water sports, Avalon’s Kayak Park will be your spot. This park is designated for public access to the bay, allowing you to bring your own kayaks & paddle boards and drop into the calm bay water. For local residents, you are also able to register your kayaks and store them at the park throughout the summer.
The Kayak Park is open from dawn until dusk and is located along the bay on 57th Street.
6. Surfside Park
Surfside Park is a relatively new park located near the public beach by the boardwalk. While the park has a playground for kids to enjoy all day long, its stage also hosts fun family events every Friday night throughout the summer. Check the schedule for upcoming concerts, DJs, trivia, face painting, and games!
Surfside Park is free to the public and located at 2901 Avalon Avenue.
7. Avalon’s Boardwalk Arcade
If you’re looking for a rainy day activity with kids, there’s no better entertainment than the arcade – formally called the Greyhound Poker Palace – on Avalon’s boardwalk. Home to classic games like ski ball & air hockey, victories at the arcade will win you tickets that you can save up to trade in for prizes.
The arcade is open everyday from 9:30am – 11:00pm at the address 2805 Boardwalk in Avalon.
8. Avalon’s Boardwalk
While you’re up by the arcade, don’t forget to take a stroll down Avalon’s boardwalk. While not very long, the boardwalk provides a nice place to walk along the breezy side of the island without having to walk in the sand. It also boasts a small pizza & ice cream shop near the arcade!
The Avalon Boardwalk is free to the public and located along 94 E 21st Street.
9. Avalon Sport Fishing Center & Moran’s Dockside
If you’re looking to get out on the water and spend some time fishing, the Avalon Sport Fishing Center & Moran’s Dockside is a great place to start. Here you can purchase bait & tackle for your next fishing trip, or even charter a boat to take out for the day! Group trips are capped at six people, and may be either inshore or offshore depending on your preference.
Avalon Sport Fishing Center & Moran’s Dockside are located along the bay on 14th Street in Avalon.
Fishing Charter Options:
- Back Bay: bluefish, flounder and striped bass
- Inshore: blues, sharks, bonito, and striped bass
- Offshore Chunking: tuna and shark
- Canyon Trolling: tuna, marlin, dolphin
- Overnight: swordfish, tuna, marlin and dolphin
10. The Fishin’ Pier Grille
Speaking of fishing, one of the most popular places in Avalon to stop for an early bite is the Fishin’ Pier Grille on the boardwalk. Be sure not to miss this staple during your visit to Avalon.
While the Fishin’ Pier has a sister site in Stone Harbor, the Avalon location is situated at 32 Boardwalk, lined up with 32nd Street.
11. Pirate Island Mini Golf
Another classic activity on the island is Pirate Island Golf – arguably the most popular (and most fun) mini-golf in Avalon. This putt putt course features a host of themed decorations, including a waterfall and stolen treasure!
Pirate Island Mini Golf is located at 2738 Dune Drive in Avalon.
12. Stop For Ice Cream
After a hot day at the beach there’s nothing quite like an ice cream cone to hit the spot. Some of the most popular spots in Avalon include: Avalon Freeze, Sundae Best, and the Buccaneer!
Avalon Freeze is located at 23rd and Dune Drive, the Buccaneer at 2659 Dune Drive, and Sundae Best at 2900 Dune Drive.
13. The Princeton
The most notable spot for dinner & drinks in Avalon is undoubtedly the Princeton Bar & Grill. Aside from the bar, the Princeton also has a dedicated Rock Room for concerts, DJs, and dancing. If you decide to check out the “P” on a weekend, keep in mind that they do typically ask for a cash cover.
You can visit the Princeton at 2008 Dune Drive.
14. Hoy’s 5 & 10 Store
If you’re looking for a great spot to grab some easy souvenirs from Avalon, or even pick up some new beach toys for the beach, the Hoy’s 5 & 10 Store is the biggest one-stop shop on the island. From clothes and accessories to sunscreen and beach chairs, Hoy’s is the place to start in Avalon.
Hoy’s is located at 28th & Dune Drive in Avalon (with another store on 96th Street in Stone Harbor).
15. Avalon Yacht Cub
If you’re enjoying an extended stay in Avalon, you may be interested in becoming a member of the Avalon Yacht Club. This local organization serves as a marina, but also offers dining, sailing lessons, and more for its members to enjoy.
The Avalon Yacht Club is tucked away on the bay at 704 7th Street.
16. Avalon History Center
If you’re looking to learn a little bit more about the town, walk into the Avalon History Center! Home to digital archives, informative presentations, and old photos, the History Center offers a peek into life down the shore in decades – and even centuries – past.
The Avalon History Center sits at 215 39th Street.
17. Beach Body Boot Camp
Looking to move your body, but would prefer not to exercise alone? Check out the “Beach Body Boot Camp” workout classes! Hosted by Ship Shape Health & Fitness, this bootcamp varies week to week and focuses on both cardio and strength training. While the class does have instruction, you can choose how heavy of weights you use for each exercise and go at a pace you can handle. Be sure to keep hydrated – remember you’re out in the sun!
The bootcamp is hosted on the 9th Street basketball courts and costs $20 to participate in.
18. Uncle Bill’s Pancake House
Another popular spot to grab some breakfast before heading to the beach is Uncle Bill’s Pancake House. Specializing in – you guessed it – pancakes, Uncle Bill’s also offers a lunch menu and remains open until 1:00pm each day.
Uncle Bill’s Pancake House in Avalon is located at 3189 Dune Drive.
Where to Stay in Avalon
- Popular Stay: ICONA Hotel
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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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I’m just a couple of hours from Avalon, and it looks like such a lovely day trip!! I can’t wait to check it out, especially the movies on the beach. How fun!
I love the feel of this town. Just from your post I get the feeling it’s a great place for families to vacation with plenty of activities and, of course, the beach. I’m actually getting a retro vibe – which sounds like lots of fun. Thanks for sharing!
I’ve never heard of Avalon before reading about it in your article! Looks like an interesting day trip to try. Thanks for sharing!
We LOVE Avalon, NJ. It is the only place we stay at the shore for over 40 years. Our family never gets tired of the family friendly atmosphere. Beautiful town. Can’t wait to vacation there again in early September.
It’s the absolute best! Thanks for reading 🙂