St. Patrick's Day Weekend
Parades and pubs on the Irish Riviera
The Jersey Shore transforms into the Irish Riviera every March with 7 St. Patrick's Day parades. This weekend itinerary covers the best parades, authentic Irish pubs, and festive atmosphere from Belmar to Asbury Park. It includes New Jersey's largest parade, with 100,000+ spectators, and the Irish pubs around it.
Suits
Trip Highlights
- ✓NJ's largest St. Patrick's Day parade in Belmar (100,000+ spectators)
- ✓Authentic Irish pubs with live music and proper Guinness
- ✓Traditional Irish brunch at St. Stephen's Green
- ✓Asbury Park parade passing Stone Pony music landmarks
- ✓Free pizza at Johnny Mac's on parade morning
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Day-by-Day Itinerary
Asbury Park Parade Day
Theme: Parade & Pubs
Asbury Park
Morning
Arrive early and grab a spot along Ocean Avenue
Ocean Avenue near Stone Pony
Tip: Take NJ Transit - parking fills early. Bring folding chairs.
Pre-parade breakfast at Johnny Mac's
Johnny Mac's House of Spirits
Tip: Official parade HQ. Opens at 10 AM with free pizza on parade day.
Watch the Asbury Park St. Patrick's Day Parade
Ocean Avenue
Duration: 2 hours
Tip: The parade passes Stone Pony and Wonder Bar - both music landmarks. Grand Marshal 2026: Kim Guadagno.
Afternoon
Post-parade celebration at Wonder Bar or Stone Pony
Asbury Park boardwalk area
Tip: Live music at both venues. Expect crowds and great energy.
Check into hotel and freshen up
Asbury Park or Spring Lake
Tip: Spring Lake B&Bs offer quieter lodging; Asbury Park keeps you in the action.
Evening
Dinner at St. Stephen's Green
St. Stephen's Green Publick House, Spring Lake Heights
Tip: Live Irish music almost every night.
Pub crawl along the Irish Riviera
D'Arcy's Tavern or Bar A
Tip: Bradley Beach and Lake Como have great post-parade atmosphere.
Day Tips
- • Take NJ Transit - extra trains run for parades
- • Dress in layers with green attire. March shore weather is 45-55°F with wind.
- • Pace yourself - it's a long day of celebrations
Rainy Day Plan
Parades happen rain or shine. Bring rain gear if needed.
Irish Riviera Exploration
Theme: Brunch, Pubs & Culture
Spring Lake / Belmar / Sea Bright
Morning
Irish brunch at St. Stephen's Green
St. Stephen's Green Publick House
Tip: Irish brunch; make reservations. Try the full Irish breakfast.
Walk the Spring Lake boardwalk
Spring Lake
Duration: 1 hour
Tip: Non-commercial boardwalk with beautiful Victorian homes. Understand why it's called the Irish Riviera.
Afternoon
Visit Brothers Daley for upscale Irish pub experience
Sea Bright
Tip: Crystal chandeliers, copper ceilings, craft Irish cocktails. Try the salt & vinegar martini.
Stop at Harrigan's for a proper Guinness
Sea Girt
Tip: Old-school Irish pub. Best Guinness BBQ ribs at the shore.
Evening
Depart for home
Tip: Take NJ Transit back to avoid traffic. Or stay another night for the Belmar parade (March 28)!
Day Tips
- • Pick up some Irish soda bread or other treats to take home
Rainy Day Plan
If cold, focus on the pub tour and skip the boardwalk walk.
Where to Stay
Hotel in Asbury Park
Asbury Park
Stay in Asbury Park at The Asbury or Berkeley Oceanfront.
Search Rentals in Asbury Park →Bnb in Spring Lake
Spring Lake
Victorian B&Bs like The Breakers or Spring Lake Inn offer elegant lodging.
Tip: Walking distance to Belmar parade.
Search Rentals in Spring Lake →Hotel in Belmar
Belmar
Budget-friendly motels along Route 35 for parade access.
Search Rentals in Belmar →Some links may earn us a commission. Learn more
Packing List
- Green attire (multiple options)
- Warm layers - March shore weather is cold and windy
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Folding chairs for parade viewing
- Hand warmers
- Rain gear (just in case)
- Cash for tips and smaller pubs
- NJ Transit app on phone
Pro Tips
- Take NJ Transit - extra trains run for parades and parking is a nightmare
- Johnny Mac's gives away FREE pizza on parade morning (while it lasts)
- Belmar parade (March 28) is largest with 100,000+ spectators
- Dress warmer than you think - March ocean wind is brutal
- Pace yourself - Irish celebrations are marathons, not sprints
Cost Breakdown
Accommodations
Check current rates for your dates
Food
$60-100/day for 2
Activities
FREE (parades)
Transportation
$30-50 (NJ Transit recommended)
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