Like many of you, my family looks at the Jersey Shore almost as a second home. Many generations of my husband’s family have spent summers on Long Beach Island, and we carry on the Beach Haven tradition with our girls.
Along with all New Jerseyans, I watched footage of the damage wreaked by Sandy on the news, but never truly realized the extent of the devastation until I walked among the boarded-up stores and restaurants in LBI’s Bay Village at the end of March.
Even though my in-laws’ house will be demolished and rebuilt this summer, we still plan on enjoying the island, and other shore towns, this summer. The Jersey Shore has undergone fervent rebuilding in time for summer, and below is a guide to what is open for visitors.
Sandy Hook, Sea Bright
Sandy Hook beaches (on both the ocean and bay sides) are open and ready for visitors! The main access road has been repaved to allow access to the park and campground. Fishing Beach Road, which has been washed away during the storm, is still being worked on. The Seastreak ferry service to the area has been restored, and the bike paths are being repaired for the summer season. Sea Bright beaches are open with temporary restrooms and showers in place of the bathhouse that was destroyed.
Long Branch
Beaches between Seaview and Brighton Avenues are open with limited access points. There is still plenty of shopping and dining to enjoy on Pier Village. Seven Presidents Park is also open.
Asbury Park, Ocean Grove, Bradley Beach, Avon-by-the-Sea
Everything is status quo at all four beaches, though Ocean Grove is still appealing FEMA’s rejection to provide funding to rebuild the boardwalk and dunes. A new “Shipwreck Island” mini-golf course has opened in Bradley Beach, and Asbury Park remains a great destination for live music and dining.
Belmar, Spring Lake
Perhaps one of the hardest-hit shore towns, Belmar has been working hard to revitalize its 138-year-old boardwalk. The beach reopened in time for Memorial Day, and many of the businesses are operating out of trailers. For a quieter excursion, Spring Lake might be a better bet. While the entire boardwalk has not been repaired, the South End Pavilion is open.
Point Pleasant, Bay Head
Jenkinson’s and its boardwalk of arcades, amusements, and eateries has been back in operation since early February. At the time of this printing, Bay Head anticipated that beach access at Osborne and Bridge Avenues, as well as Johnson Street would be complete by June 15, with limited access at other entry points.
Mantoloking, Lavalette, Ortley, Seaside, Seaside Heights
As of early June, Mantoloking beaches were still off limits, with resident-only access permitted in certain parts of town. Lavalette fared the best and is open as scheduled. A portion of Ortley Beach reopened in time for Memorial Day. Seaside was the picture of destruction with its famed roller coaster submerged in the ocean. The entire boardwalk has been rebuilt, though, and was reopened for Memorial Day, with Gov. Christie cutting the ribbon. Island Beach State Park is open!
Long Beach Island
While all six municipalities have operating beaches, portions of Harvey Cedars, Surf City, and Brant Beach will be closed as the Army Corps of Engineers conducts a $30 million repair project. Beach Haven’s Fantasy Island Amusement Park celebrated its summer reopening in May.
Atlantic City, Margate
AC and Margate both fared well during the storm. Margate’s famed “Lucy the Elephant” landmark only suffered minor damage and is ready for visitors. And AC’s free beaches are open, in addition to its casinos and nightlife.
Ocean City, Sea Isle City
Ocean City, known as “America’s Greatest Family Resort,” has made a full recovery and is open for business as usual. Sea Isle City is open and is a popular destination for both families and visitors looking for an active nightlife.
Avalon, Wildwood, Cape May
Luckily, much of Cape May County was spared during the storm. Avalon is still a great small-town escape, while Wildwood’s Morey’s Piers remains a fantastic destination for families and large groups. And Cape May, with its quaint Victorian B&Bs, offers year-round enjoyment—from museums and wineries to carriage rides and its famous zoo.
If you know any of the latest developments happening at the Jersey Shore, let us know! Plus, share your shore stories with us! Comment below.
