Beach Bars
Sand between your toes, drink in hand, ocean views ahead. The Jersey Shore's best beachfront bars from Point Pleasant to Cape May.
The Beach Bar Experience
Nothing says Jersey Shore summer like a cold drink at a beach bar. Whether it's a frozen margarita at Martell's Tiki Bar, a pint of Guinness at Keenan's on the beach, or cocktails overlooking the Atlantic, these oceanfront spots deliver the quintessential shore experience.
Most beach bars are seasonal - open Memorial Day through Labor Day with peak crowds on summer weekends. Arrive early for the best spots, especially if you want oceanfront seating at sunset.
13
Beach Bars
9
Shore Towns
1
Year-Round
12
Serve Food
Atlantic City
All Atlantic City Nightlife →DAER Nightclub
Casino Club
Hard Rock's rooftop dayclub transforms into a nightclub after sunset. Pool parties by day, club vibes by night with panoramic Atlantic City views. Indoor/outdoor space.
- +Best rooftop in AC
- +Pool party + nightclub combo
- +Hard Rock energy
Best For
Tip: Book a cabana for the full dayclub experience. Gets crowded after 2pm on summer Saturdays.
Belmar
All Belmar Nightlife →Bar Anticipation
Bar
The legendary "Bar A" - a Jersey Shore institution since 1981. Massive indoor/outdoor complex with multiple bars, live music stages, volleyball courts, and thousands of 20-somethings every summer weekend.
- +Shore legend since 1981
- +Volleyball tournaments
- +Live bands every weekend
Best For
Tip: Thursday is local's night. Saturday is packed by 10pm - arrive early.
D'Jais
Bar
Ocean Avenue party palace and Belmar's premiere nightlife destination. DJ-driven dance floor, huge outdoor deck with ocean views, and a beautiful crowd. The place to see and be seen.
- +Best ocean views in Belmar
- +Top DJs
- +Sunday Funday legendary
Best For
Tip: Sunday Funday starts at noon. Ocean deck fills up fast on nice days.
The Boathouse
Bar
Waterfront bar on the Shark River with tiki vibes, live music, and a more relaxed alternative to the Belmar party scene. Great for sunset drinks and casual summer nights.
- +Best sunset views
- +Chill alternative to Bar A/D'Jais
- +Come by boat
Best For
Tip: Dock your boat and grab drinks. Best sunset spot in Belmar.
Cape May
All Cape May Nightlife →Cabanas Beach Bar & Grill
Beach Bar
Cape May's premier beachfront bar at the Grand Hotel. Live music, ocean views, and a more upscale beach bar experience fitting Cape May's Victorian elegance.
- +Best beachfront bar in Cape May
- +Live music
- +Sunset views
Best For
Tip: Time your visit for sunset with live music.
Highlands
All Highlands Nightlife →Windansea
Beach Bar
Sandy Hook Bay beach bar with stunning NYC skyline views, volleyball courts, and a tropical party vibe. One of the most unique bar settings at the shore.
- +NYC skyline views
- +Beach volleyball
- +Unique location
Best For
Tip: Come by boat if you can. Sunset + Manhattan skyline is magical.
Point Pleasant Beach
All Point Pleasant Beach Nightlife →Martell's Tiki Bar
Beach Bar
Point Pleasant's legendary oceanfront tiki bar. Live music, frozen drinks, and beach vibes right on the sand. A Jersey Shore classic since 1979.
- +On the beach since 1979
- +Best tiki drinks
- +Live music all summer
Best For
Tip: Sunday afternoon is the move. Get there early for beach seats.
Sea Bright
All Sea Bright Nightlife →Donovan's Reef
Bar
Sea Bright institution with live music, strong drinks, and a loyal local following. One of the longest-running shore bars with a classic neighborhood feel.
- +Shore institution since 1963
- +Great live music
- +Year-round
Best For
Tip: Check the band schedule - consistently great acts.
Sea Isle City
All Sea Isle City Nightlife →La Costa Lounge
Bar
Sea Isle's legendary dive bar with live music all summer. A more laid-back alternative to OD's club scene. Where the locals drink.
- +Local favorite
- +Great live music
- +No pretense
Best For
Tip: The bands here are often better than the "nicer" bars.
Dead Dog Saloon
Bar
Beloved Sea Isle dive with a loyal following. Cheap drinks, friendly bartenders, and a no-frills summer vibe. The perfect pit stop on a Landis Ave bar crawl.
- +Cheapest drinks on Landis
- +Sea Isle institution
- +No frills
Best For
Tip: Cash only. Great stop between OD and La Costa.
Seaside Heights
All Seaside Heights Nightlife →The Beachcomber
Bar
Seaside's oceanfront bar with deck seating, live music, and a more laid-back alternative to the boardwalk club scene.
- +Best ocean views
- +Chill alternative
- +Live music weekends
Best For
Tip: Grab a deck seat for sunset.
Wildwood
All Wildwood Nightlife →Oasis Bar & Beach Club
Beach Bar
Wildwood's beach club experience with pool parties, DJs, and poolside drinks right on the beach. A younger, party-focused alternative to the Irish pubs.
- +Pool + beach combo
- +Day party scene
- +Different from pub scene
Best For
Tip: Get there early on weekends for pool chairs.
Flounders
Bar
Boardwalk bar and a Wildwood summer institution. Great location near the amusement piers, live entertainment, and a mix of families by day and partiers by night.
- +Prime boardwalk spot
- +Near the piers
- +Great people watching
Best For
Tip: Grab a seat outside for the best boardwalk views.
Beach Bar Tips
Arrive Early
Prime oceanfront spots fill up by early afternoon on summer weekends. Get there by 2-3pm for the best seating.
Stay for Sunset
Beach bars face west or have ocean views - sunset hour is magical. Plan to stay through golden hour.
Cash & Cards
Most accept cards now, but some beach bars still prefer cash. Have some on hand just in case.
Weather Dependent
Beach bars may close or limit service in bad weather. Call ahead if skies look threatening.
Find Your Beach Bar Vibe
Not all beach bars are created equal. From tiki paradises to sports-focused hangouts, each vibe attracts a different crowd. Here's how to find your perfect match.
Tiki Paradise
Tropical decor, thatched umbrellas, reggae music, vacation vibes
Crowd:
Families by day, couples and groups by night
Best For:
Frozen drinks, sunset watching, all-day beach sessions
Signature Drinks:
Piña coladas, rum punches, anything with an umbrella
Examples:
Martell's Tiki Bar (Point Pleasant), Tiki bars at most boardwalk beaches
Sports Bar on Sand
TVs everywhere, cold beer, jerseys welcome, game-day energy
Crowd:
Sports fans, friend groups, guys' trips
Best For:
Watching the game with ocean breeze, fantasy football draft trips
Signature Drinks:
Draft beer buckets, wings, loaded nachos
Examples:
Various boardwalk bars with sports packages
Irish Pub Beachside
Pub feel with ocean views, Guinness on tap, traditional touches
Crowd:
Mixed ages, regulars, Irish heritage visitors
Best For:
Colder days, pint lovers, those wanting pub food by the sea
Signature Drinks:
Guinness, Irish whiskey, fish and chips
Examples:
Keenan's (Wildwood), various Irish pubs near beaches
Party Central
DJ booth, dance floor, loud music, high energy after dark
Crowd:
College-age, singles, groups looking for nightlife
Best For:
Night out after the beach, meeting people, dancing
Signature Drinks:
Shots, Long Island iced teas, bucket specials
Examples:
Wildwood boardwalk bars, Seaside Heights venues
Upscale Oceanfront
Craft cocktails, curated wine list, elevated food, sophisticated
Crowd:
Couples, foodies, those celebrating special occasions
Best For:
Date nights, anniversaries, impressing visitors
Signature Drinks:
Craft cocktails, local oysters, premium spirits
Examples:
Cape May beach bars, Stone Harbor and Avalon spots
🍹 What to Order: Beach Bar Drink Guide
Beach bars have their own ordering etiquette and signature drinks. Here's how to navigate the menu like a local.
Frozen Drinks
$12-18Best when: Hot summer days, afternoon sessions, vacation mode
Popular: Piña Colada, Frozen Margarita, Mudslide, Rum Runner, Miami Vice
Pro tip: Frozen drinks take longer to make. Order when the bar isn't slammed or expect a wait.
Beer Buckets
$25-35 for 5Best when: Groups, hot days, sports watching, budget-conscious
Popular: Corona, Modelo, Landshark, Local craft options
Pro tip: Buckets are best value - usually 5 beers for the price of 4. Split with friends.
Tropical Cocktails
$14-20Best when: Vacation vibes, photo ops, trying something different
Popular: Mai Tai, Painkiller, Dark 'n Stormy, Mojito, Rum Punch
Pro tip: Ask about house specialties - many beach bars have signature creations not on the menu.
Simple & Fast
$8-14Best when: Busy bar, want to get back to the beach quickly
Popular: Beer bottle, Vodka soda, Rum and Coke, Gin and tonic
Pro tip: When 3-deep at the bar, keep it simple. Bartenders appreciate it and you'll get served faster.
Ordering Pro Tips
- ✓Tip $1-2 per drink at beach bars - bartenders remember good tippers and serve you faster next round
- ✓Start a tab early in the day and keep it open - avoids the card dance every round
- ✓Many beach bars have happy hour specials 3-6pm - ask even if not advertised
- ✓Bring cash for smaller beach bars - some have spotty card service or minimums
Weekend Timing Strategy
Summer weekends at beach bars can be packed. Strategic timing helps you get seats, faster service, and the experience you want.
Early Afternoon (12-2pm)
Crowd: Light to moderate
✓ Pros
- • Best seat selection
- • Quick service
- • Relaxed vibe
⚡ Cons
- • Peak sun hours
- • May feel early for drinks
👤 Ideal For
Couples wanting prime seating, groups planning all-day sessions
Mid-Afternoon (2-5pm)
Crowd: Building to peak
✓ Pros
- • Beach crowd arriving
- • Energy picking up
- • Good people watching
⚡ Cons
- • Good seats going fast
- • Service slowing
👤 Ideal For
Those wanting social atmosphere without late-night crowds
Golden Hour (5-7pm)
Crowd: Peak crowds
✓ Pros
- • Best sunset views
- • Peak energy
- • Live music often starts
⚡ Cons
- • Hardest to get seats
- • Longest waits
- • Premium pricing sometimes
👤 Ideal For
The full experience - arrive earlier to secure spots
Evening (7-10pm)
Crowd: High but shifting
✓ Pros
- • Cooler temps
- • Dance floor opens
- • Transition to nightlife
⚡ Cons
- • Families leaving = less seating churn
- • Louder music
👤 Ideal For
Party seekers, those transitioning to clubs or live music
💡 Weekday Secret: Weekday beach bars are a completely different experience. Tuesday-Thursday you'll have your pick of seats, faster service, and often the same great sunset without the Saturday crowds.
🗓️ Beach Bar Seasonal Events
Beach bars come alive with special events throughout the summer season. Planning around these can make or break your experience.
Memorial Day Weekend
Late May
Season opener energy, everyone excited to be back, some venues still shaking off rust
Tip: Arrive early - everyone has the same idea. Some bars do soft opens the week before.
July 4th Week
Late June - Early July
Peak crowds, fireworks viewing parties, extended hours, premium pricing
Tip: Book accommodations early and claim your spot by noon. Many bars have fireworks viewing packages.
Live Music Nights
Typically Thursday-Sunday all summer
Cover bands, acoustic acts, sometimes local DJs - varies by venue
Tip: Follow your favorite beach bar on social media for weekly lineup announcements.
Labor Day Weekend
Early September
Last hurrah energy, nostalgic vibes, some venues closing for season after
Tip: Beautiful weather, warm water, but bittersweet - many staff saying goodbye until next summer.
September Weekends
Post-Labor Day
Reduced hours, skeleton crowds, local-heavy clientele
Tip: Hidden gem time - call ahead to confirm hours, but enjoy nearly-private beach bar experience.
Beach Bar Budget Planning
Beach bar prices reflect location and convenience. Here's how to enjoy the experience without breaking the bank.
Budget Day ($30-50/person)
Pre-game at your rental, hit the beach bar for 2-3 drinks during happy hour
Includes:
- •2-3 drinks
- •Small app to share
- •Peak experience without peak spending
Tips:
- →Look for happy hour specials
- →Split appetizers
- →Stick to beer/simple cocktails
Standard Day ($60-100/person)
Arrive mid-afternoon, enjoy a full session through sunset
Includes:
- •4-6 drinks
- •Full meal or several apps
- •Prime seat time
- •Live music
Tips:
- →Start with a bucket deal
- →Order food when you arrive (before getting too far in)
- →Close out before last call rush
Splurge Day ($100+/person)
Full day experience at an upscale spot with premium everything
Includes:
- •Premium cocktails
- •Bottle service at some venues
- •Multi-course meal
- •VIP treatment
Tips:
- →Reserve ahead if available
- →Ask about cabana or premium seating options
- →Some venues offer bottle service on the beach
💰 Money-Saving Tips
- ✓Weekday visits are often 20-30% cheaper with better service
- ✓Pre-game at your rental - first drink at the beach bar hits different
- ✓Share appetizers - portions are often generous
- ✓Water between drinks saves money and keeps you going longer
- ✓Look for all-you-can-drink specials during slower periods
Frequently Asked Questions
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