Lavallette is a borough in Ocean County, New Jersey, around 53 miles from the state capital Trenton.
It is a lovely beach destination that attracts many vacationers during the summer season.
Incorporated in 1887, the borough was named after Elie La Vallette, one of the United States Navy’s first rear admirals.
It is located on a barrier island surrounded by Barnegat Bay on the west and the Atlantic Ocean on the east.
Like other central New Jersey barrier beaches, Lavallette traces its history to the Lenni-Lenape Indians who fished in the surrounding waters.
With its clean sand beaches and dining, shopping, and entertainment spots, this destination offers plenty of opportunities for leisure and relaxation.
Here are the best things to do in Lavallette, New Jersey, to help you get started on planning your well-deserved vacation:
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There’s no better way to spend a beautiful summer day at Lavallette than to enjoy its ocean beach.
Wherever street you find yourself in Lavallette, it will lead you to the mile-long boardwalk along the ocean.
Go for a swim and have fun in the water.
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Soak up the sun, enjoy the ocean beach scenery, and have a great time catching up with friends.
Lounge by the lovely shore and catch up on reading.
Lifeguards are on duty along the beach during the summer months to ensure your safety.
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Of course, no vacation would be complete without checking out the local dining spots.
Whether you’re looking for a breakfast spot to jumpstart your day or a lunch place to refuel, plenty of food options await you at the restaurants, eateries, and cafes around town.
Feast on meat fresh off the grill, tasty sushi, delicious seafood dishes, pizza, and other hearty meals.
Don’t forget to pick up ice cream or try other sweet frozen treats to beat the heat.
In addition to these dining spots, food trucks are set up around town during the season.
Take the family to The Music Man Singing Ice Cream Shoppe for some delicious frozen treats and great entertainment!
This shop has been entertaining families since 2003.
Choose a delicious treat from their wide menu of ice cream, sundaes, shakes, and classic 60s fudge fondue.
Then, sit back and enjoy your sundae as the servers turn to performers dancing and singing to popular upbeat tunes.
From Disney songs to Broadway tunes, the shows are designed to entertain everyone in the family, including your young ones.
You can find The Music Man Singing Ice Cream Shoppe along Grand Central Avenue.
While strolling around, why not also explore the shops around Lavallette?
Whether you’re looking for clothing and accessories, gifts, or just casually browsing, these local shops have a great selection of items.
Get some new beach outfit or swim gear.
Browse the quaint boutiques for accessories to match your beach look.
Pop in the gift shops for some souvenirs and unique items.
You can also check out the home furnishing and decor shops, where you might find some lovely pieces to add a beach vibe to your home.
Looking for more exciting ways to enjoy Lavallette’s beaches?
Take your friends on a beach buggy adventure!
Hop on a 4-wheel drive and enjoy an exciting cruise along the sands.
Take in sweeping views of the shore while you soak up some sun.
Beach access points for your beach buggy are via designated streets along the boardwalk.
Head out and take your friends on a fishing adventure in the abundant waters of Barnegat Bay.
On the bayfront, Lavallette has two T-docks you can use for recreational crabbing and fishing.
Catch striped bass, summer flounder, and bluefish.
Or get some famous New Jersey blue crabs.
You can access the T-docks via Magee Avenue and Reese Avenue.
No summer trip to Lavallette would be complete without experiencing the beach community’s vibrant summer concert series.
Pack a blanket or bring a chair and find your cozy spot.
Enjoy a fun evening under the stars with live music entertainment by the beach.
If you’re in town at the start of the season, you also get to see the first concert kickoff with a fireworks display!
Lavallette hosts this summer concert series annually, with various local bands making up the lineup.
Take a break from lounging on the beach for some open-air court action.
Lavallette’s well-maintained courts offer plenty of opportunities for playing some active sports.
Head to one of the tennis courts and play a round with friends.
Pickle ball can also be played on the tennis court.
You can also play basketball and volleyball at the courts along Magee Avenue and the bay front.
There are also bocce ball and shuffleboard courts you can enjoy with your family.
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Take the family on a fun, relaxing summer day along Lavallette’s bay beaches.
Lavallette’s bay shoreline offers a lovely view and gentle waters of Barnegat Bay, which is ideal if you have kids in tow.
Have fun in the waters along these two stretches of the swimming beach, with lifeguards on duty during the summer season.
Enjoy playing on the sand with your little ones, and make beautiful summer memories.
There are also several playground structures like swings and slides along the bay front that your kids can enjoy.
These two bay beaches off Bay Boulevard can be accessed via Reese Avenue and Washington Avenue.
Bond with your kids while you play at Kites and Castles along the beach.
This fun-filled family event features themed sandcastle-building activities.
Team up with your kids to sculpt the best sand creation and get to win a prize!
End the beautiful day by guiding your kids to fly their kites in the lovely sky.
The Lavallette Business Association organizes the annual summer Kites and Castles event.
After a day of summer fun in the water, treat yourself to relaxing beach yoga.
Join in a session hosted by This Is Yoga NJ along Lavallette Beach.
Take a blanket (or even your beach towel), head to the beach, and enjoy an hour-long practice.
You can also bring any of the props you use in your regular yoga practice.
For a more cozy session, you can also try their yoga with picnic session.
If you’re looking for some quiet time to admire the beach scenery, wake up early and head to the boardwalk in the morning.
Hop on your bike and take a slow early morning ride along the mile-long boardwalk.
Don’t worry if you haven’t brought your bike, as bicycle rentals are available around town.
Take in the cool summer breeze as you enjoy the beautiful sight of the morning sky and shore.
Afterward, head for a hearty breakfast in nearby cafes to fuel you for the rest of the day’s adventures.
Gather your family and friends and go for some mini golf fun at Lava Golf.
This establishment features a themed 18-hole mini golf course, perfect for hosting tournament parties.
You can play the Taylor Ham Pork Roll hole or the Garden State Parkway hole.
After your game, cool off with their cold brew coffee and refreshing iced tea.
Lava Golf is located along Grand Central Avenue.
After a lovely day at the beach, go for a fun summer night out with friends at Crab’s Claw Inn.
Serving fresh seafood and offering a great selection of liquor and beverages, an evening at this spot is a great way to experience the vibrant Lavallette nightlife.
No summer night at this spot would be complete without live music and some entertainment.
Try one of their specialty drinks and sing your heart out at the karaoke.
Or just grab a beer, unwind, and have fun telling stories of the day’s adventures.
You can find Crab’s Craw Inn along Grand Central Avenue.
Looking for a relaxing way to spend the evening?
Head to the gazebo with the kids to catch Movies on the Bay.
After watching the sunset, find a cozy spot, settle down, and enjoy the free screening of family-friendly films.
Much on some snacks and admire the lovely early evening summer atmosphere.
The Movies on the Bay is held at the gazebo along Philadelphia Avenue and Bay Boulevard.
If you’re looking for a creative activity to try your hands on for the summer, check out the Beach House Studio’s programs.
This creative space offers various arts and wellness activities and hosts special pop-up events.
Take a break from the water, sign up for an art class, or join a yoga session to relax and unwind.
Even your little ones can join in, as they offer art playdates for you and your kids.
You can find the Beach House Studio along Grand Central Avenue.
There are many other nearby attractions you can explore from Lavallette.
Here are some more spots you can add to your summer list:
Take a break from the beach scenery and enjoy a day in nature at Cattus Island County Park in the nearby Toms River.
This 530-acre park features 7 miles of nature trails, open spaces, picnic areas, and playgrounds, offering plenty of opportunities to enjoy nature throughout the year.
During the summer, you can see young ospreys take their first flights.
Come autumn, hike along the trails, and admire the lovely fall foliage.
You’ll also see wonderful views of Barnegat Bay from the park.
The park’s beautiful butterfly garden features a spectacular collection of flora that nourishes and shelters butterflies and hummingbirds.
The park is also home to the Cooper Environmental Center, where you can view birds, see fish and live reptiles, and enjoy various educational displays.
Cattus Island County Park is just about a 7-mile drive from Lavallette.
Sample some local Ocean County craft beer at Toms River Brewing.
Established in 2019, this state-of-the-art brewery features over 15 beers on tap, crafted using a mix of traditional and modern brewing techniques.
Learn about the art of brewing when you go on a self-guided tour at their brewhouse.
Unwind while you enjoy a flight at their beautiful tap room.
Have a pint with friends at the outdoor beer garden.
If you want to sample more of their brews, you can also take a growler to enjoy back home.
Toms River Brewing is a 13-mile drive from Lavallette.
See beautiful nature scenes and seascapes come alive in paintings at the Ludlow Thorston Gallery in nearby Island Heights.
This small gallery features the lovely watercolor paintings of hometown artist Ludlow Thorston.
Admire the artwork and enjoy the gallery’s warm and friendly atmosphere.
Check out the limited-edition prints, and you might find a beautiful piece to adorn your walls at home or add to your collection.
You can also browse their selection of gifts and crafts.
The Ludlow Thorston Gallery is around a 7-mile drive from Lavallette.
Lavallette is a lovely beach destination great for a family summer vacation.
With clean sand beaches, a variety of dining options and shopping spots, and plenty of fun-filled activities for your little ones, this Jersey shore beach town offers a lot of leisure and relaxation opportunities for everyone.
Plan your trip now and experience a wonderful vacation with some of the best things to do in Lavallette, New Jersey.
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