Lavallette is the antidote to Seaside Heights. Just 10 minutes north of the famous boardwalk, this small barrier island town offers everything Seaside doesn't—quiet beaches, no commercial chaos, and a tight-knit community of 2,000 year-round residents who prefer it that way. Families who discover Lavallette tend to return for generations, often booking the same rental house year after year.
The beaches are clean, well-maintained, and patrolled by lifeguards through Labor Day. Badges cost $8/day, $20/week, or $50/season (under 12 free)—significantly more affordable than many shore towns. There's no boardwalk here, just beach and ocean, which is precisely the point. The waves tend gentler than nearby breaks, making this an excellent choice for families with young children learning to swim. Beach wheelchairs are available at the beach office for visitors who need them.
What sets Lavallette apart is the bay side. The Barnegat Bay shoreline offers calm waters for kayaking, paddleboarding, and one of the shore's best family traditions: blue crabbing. The T-docks at Magee Avenue and Reese Avenue are local favorites—bring a handline, chicken necks, and a bucket. Early morning and evening produce the best catches. Kids who grow up crabbing in Lavallette remember it forever. The bay beach itself is perfect for toddlers who need calmer water than the ocean provides, and sunset watching from this side of the island is spectacular.
Downtown Lavallette consists of a few blocks along Route 35—enough for the essentials without overwhelming the small-town feel. Crab's Claw Inn has served fresh seafood with bay views since 1958; it's the kind of place where the waitstaff knows the regulars. Carluccio's delivers excellent coal-fired pizza. The ice cream shop handles post-beach treats. Don't expect fine dining or late-night options—that's not what Lavallette does. Expect $20-35/person for dinner at sit-down spots, less for casual fare.
Parking is easier here than in busier shore towns—street parking and beach lots at $10/day, no aggressive meter enforcement. The lack of attractions means the lack of traffic. NJ Transit bus 137 runs along Route 35, but most visitors drive.
Lavallette works best for families with young children who want gentle waves and crabbing adventures, budget-conscious visitors who want affordable badges and rentals, and anyone who specifically wants to escape crowds and commercialism. Repeat visitors—the families who've been coming for 30 years—love that Lavallette never changes. Skip this town if you want boardwalk rides, nightlife, or extensive dining options—Seaside Heights is 10 minutes away for all of that. But for visitors seeking the quiet Jersey Shore that existed before the reality TV cameras arrived, Lavallette preserves it perfectly.