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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best beach bars on the Jersey Shore?▼
Top beach bars include Martell's Tiki Bar in Point Pleasant, Keenan's Irish Pub on the Wildwood beach, and the beachfront venues at Jenkinson's. Each offers oceanfront drinks with different vibes - from tropical tiki to Irish pub.
Are beach bars open year-round?▼
Most Jersey Shore beach bars are seasonal, operating Memorial Day through Labor Day. A few stay open on weekends into fall. Very few are truly year-round - check individual venues before visiting off-season.
Can I wear a swimsuit to beach bars?▼
Yes, beach bars are casual. Swimwear with a cover-up is typical during the day. Most require shirts and shoes. Evening hours may have slightly dressier crowds but nothing formal.
Do beach bars have food?▼
Most beach bars serve food or are adjacent to restaurants. Expect casual fare - seafood, tacos, burgers, apps. Some are drink-focused with limited menus.
Explore More Nightlife
Discover other ways to enjoy the Jersey Shore after dark.