Strathmere exists in the space between shore towns—an unincorporated community of fewer than 200 year-round residents that appears on few tourist itineraries. Most visitors driving Route 619 pass through without stopping, focused on Sea Isle City to the north or Ocean City to the south. This invisibility is precisely what makes Strathmere valuable: no beach tags required, no crowds to navigate, no boardwalk intensity. Just free beach access on sand that feels private even in July.
The beach itself connects to Corson's Inlet State Park at its southern boundary—341 acres of preserved barrier island that New Jersey protected specifically to prevent development. The park offers hiking trails through dune systems, excellent birding (the Atlantic Flyway runs directly through), and the kind of natural beachfront that existed everywhere before the shore towns arrived. Swimming at the inlet requires caution (currents can be strong), but the park beaches provide solitude that feels increasingly rare on the Jersey Shore.
Strathmere's culinary reputation punches far above its 200-resident weight class. The Deauville Inn has anchored the waterfront since the 1920s—fresh seafood, craft cocktails, and sunset views over the bay that justify the drive from anywhere on the shore. Figure $40-60 for dinner; reservations recommended in summer. Twisties Tavern on the Bay carries legends of Prohibition-era speakeasy operation (1929-1933), with rumors of Al Capone visits that may or may not be local mythology—but the sunset drinks are definitely real.
Accommodations require planning. Strathmere has no hotels, no motels, no inn beyond the Deauville's restaurant. Visitors book vacation rentals through VRBO or Airbnb, and inventory is limited—maybe two dozen properties in the entire community. Sea Isle City (5 minutes north) and Ocean City (10 minutes north) offer more options for those wanting Strathmere's beaches without Strathmere's scarcity.
Parking is free but competitive. Street parking fills the residential blocks, and there are no public lots. Arrive before 10am on summer weekends or accept the walk from wherever you find space.
Strathmere works best for beach-goers who prioritize free access and minimal crowds, nature enthusiasts exploring Corson's Inlet, dining travelers seeking the Deauville's waterfront experience, and anyone who appreciates that the best hidden gems stay hidden because they don't advertise. Skip Strathmere if you want amenities, nightlife, or guaranteed parking—the shore towns on either side handle those needs. But for the community that combined free beaches with legendary restaurants and chose not to develop beyond recognition, Strathmere delivers exactly what its 200 residents have protected for generations.