St. Patrick's Day at the Jersey Shore
From Belmar's legendary 100,000-spectator parade to Atlantic City's Boardwalk celebration, the Jersey Shore's Irish Riviera hosts some of the largest St. Patrick's Day parades on the East Coast.
The Irish Riviera Celebrates
The Jersey Shore has deep Irish-American roots, and St. Patrick's Day is one of the biggest celebrations of the year. Belmar-Lake Como hosts New Jersey's largest parade with 100,000+ spectators, while Atlantic City, Asbury Park, and Seaside Heights offer their own unique celebrations. NJ Transit runs extra trains - leave the car at home and enjoy the festivities.
Romantic Destinations
Belmar
NJ's Largest Parade
The Irish Riviera capital - massive parade, packed bars, unforgettable energy
Asbury Park
Music & Mayhem
Creative, inclusive parade with rock n roll spirit through iconic music landmarks
Atlantic City
Boardwalk Celebration
Classic boardwalk parade with casino entertainment and dining
Seaside Heights
Ocean County Pride
Ocean County's celebration on the iconic Seaside Boulevard
Long Branch
Pier Village Festivities
Upscale shore town with excellent Irish pub scene and transit access
Spring Lake
Elegant Irish Brunch
Refined celebration in the Irish Riviera with acclaimed Irish brunch spot
Romantic Activities
Pipe Bands
Traditional Irish pipe and drum bands march in every parade. Belmar features 17 bands alone.
Irish Pubs
Bar A, D'Arcy's, Johnny Mac's, St. Stephen's Green - shore bars go all out with specials and live music.
NJ Transit
Extra trains run on the North Jersey Coast Line for Belmar and other parades. Skip the parking hassle.
Irish Brunch
Start with a proper Irish breakfast. St. Stephen's Green in Spring Lake is legendary.
Family Friendly
All parades are free and family-friendly. Bring folding chairs and arrive early for best spots.
Book Early
Hotels fill up fast for parade weekends. Book 4-6 weeks ahead, especially near Belmar.
Romantic Restaurants
Book reservations early - these spots fill up fast for St. Patrick's Day:
Bar Anticipation
Lake Como
Week-long celebrations
D'Jais
Belmar
Live music & specials
Johnny Mac's
Asbury Park
Parade HQ
St. Stephen's Green
Spring Lake
Irish brunch
Celtic Cottage
Long Branch
Authentic pub
D'Arcy's Tavern
Bradley Beach
Post-Belmar spot
Planning Your St. Patrick's Day Getaway
Do's
- • Take NJ Transit - extra trains run for parades
- • Arrive 1-2 hours early for good viewing spots
- • Dress warmly - March shore weather is cold and windy
- • Bring folding chairs for 2+ hour parades
- • Book hotels weeks in advance
- • Pace yourself - long day of festivities
Don'ts
- • Don't drive expecting easy parking (100K+ crowds)
- • Don't arrive at parade start time
- • Don't underestimate March cold near the ocean
- • Don't bar hop during the parade (you'll miss it and can't get in anywhere)
Romantic Accommodations
Book your St. Patrick's Day getaway
From Victorian B&Bs with fireplaces to luxurious casino suites, find the perfect romantic retreat. St. Patrick's Day weekend is the busiest winter weekend - book early!
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Get Your Green On! ☘️
The Jersey Shore's Irish heritage comes alive every March. Join 150,000+ revelers at the East Coast's best St. Patrick's Day celebrations.