There is the Snooki-poofed version of the Jersey Shore and then there is this one. The village of Spring Lake, NJ is located one hour and 15 minutes from NYC by way of the New Jersey Transit rails. Here, there are calm stretches of sandy beach, Victorian homes, the longest non-commercial boardwalk in the state, Shakespeare plays in a garden, an old pond-perched copper church, and charming inns right on the sea.
Watch this video to get a glimpse:
If you’d rather not schlep a bike on the train, you can rent one at The Chateau Inn, built in 1888 and a winner for its luxurious parlor suites, sundecks, jacuzzis, free-wifi and passes to Spring Lake Beach. If this is just a day jaunt or you’re staying elsewhere—such as the Hewitt Wellington Hotel, the Breakers or other historic b&b’s like the Normandy Inn.
The quaint downtown district includes a few gourmet delis and restaurants, gift shops and boutiques, and the St. Catharine’s Church. Visit springlake.org for upcoming art festivals and events like Shakespeare by the Sea (currently showing “The Merry Wives of Vegas”).
Bike away from the ocean towards a smaller body of water called the Old Mill Pond for some wasabi sesame crusted Ahi Tuna and a beautiful setting at the Mill at Spring Lake Heights. Guests dining after 8:30p.m. Thurs-Saturday will eat a complete meal for two for $89, including alcohol. During the day, stop by Joseph’s Deli or Drews Market for picnic provisions.
How to get there: Check the NJ Transit schedule at njtransit.com and consult the map below for specific locations.
Things to do in Spring Lake, New Jersey
Enjoy the Beach and the Boardwalk
Of course, no trip to the Jersey Shore is complete without spending some time on the beach. Spring Lake has two miles of pristine shoreline, with soft sand, gentle waves, and lifeguards on duty. You can swim, surf, sunbathe, or play in the water, or simply relax and enjoy the view. The beach is also home to the longest non-commercial boardwalk in New Jersey, which stretches for 2.5 miles along the ocean. The boardwalk is perfect for walking, jogging, biking, or rollerblading, and offers a peaceful and picturesque setting. You can also stop by the historic pavilions, where you’ll find restrooms, showers, snack bars, and benches.
Explore the Lake and the Park
If you’re looking for a change of scenery, you can head to the other side of town, where you’ll find Spring Lake, the namesake of the town. The lake is a serene and scenic spot, where you can enjoy the wildlife, the flowers, and the fountain. You can also rent a paddle boat, a kayak, or a canoe, and explore the water at your own pace. Around the lake, you’ll find Potter Park, a lovely green space with a playground, a gazebo, a tennis court, and a picnic area. The park is a great place to have some fun, have a snack, or have a nap.
Visit the Historic Sites and the Museums
If you’re interested in the history and culture of Spring Lake, you can visit some of the historic sites and museums in the area. One of the most notable landmarks is the St. Catharine Catholic Church, a stunning Gothic-style building that overlooks the lake. The church was built in 1902 and features stained glass windows, a pipe organ, and a bell tower. You can also check out the Spring Lake Historical Society Museum, which showcases the town’s heritage and exhibits various artifacts, photos, and memorabilia. Another option is the Allaire State Park, which is located a few miles away from Spring Lake. The park is a living history museum that recreates a 19th-century iron-making village, with restored buildings, demonstrations, and events.
Have Some Fun in the Nearby Towns
If you’re looking for some more excitement and entertainment, you can also explore some of the nearby towns on the Jersey Shore, which offer a different vibe and atmosphere. One of the closest options is Belmar, which is known for its lively nightlife, its colorful murals, and its fishing pier. You can also visit Asbury Park, which is famous for its music scene, its boardwalk, and its quirky attractions. Or, you can go to Point Pleasant Beach, which is home to Jenkinson’s Boardwalk, a family-friendly destination with amusement rides, arcades, aquariums, and more.
Conclusion
Spring Lake is a hidden gem on the Jersey Shore, where you can have a relaxing and enjoyable vacation. Whether you want to soak up the sun, explore the nature, learn about the history, or have some fun, you’ll find something to suit your taste and budget. Spring Lake is a place where you can escape the crowds, enjoy the beauty, and create some memories. So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Spring Lake today, and discover why it’s one of the best things to do in New Jersey.
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Annie is a travel writer, environmentalist, and surfer based in Venice, CA. She heads up our West Coast team, keeps our grammatical errors in check, and makes sure our California writers always have a plan for their next adventure. Follow Annie’s travels @annelisemcb.
Sarah Knapp is a Brooklyn based entrepreneur whose love for the outdoors and community building led her to the October 2013 creation of OutdoorFest. She has a BA in History, is a Wilderness First Responder and a NY state hiking, camp and boating guide. Her proudest achievement to date is reading the Aeneid in Latin. 
Allison was one of our first top writers and Chief Editor but is no longer working with offMetro. Allison is a native New Yorker, who has lived in Rome, Tuscany, Melbourne, Toronto and Los Angeles. She frequently contributed travel pieces to Family Travel Forum, using her own children as guinea pigs as they travel the globe. She never missed a chance to sample local delicacies, as her love for travel goes hand-in-hand with her love for food and wine. 
Josh Laskin is a freelance travel writer and photographer based in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. When he is not at work or on the road, you can find him in the mountains snowboarding, climbing, hiking, fly fishing, mountain biking, and eating bagel bites.
Annie is a travel writer, environmentalist, and surfer based in Venice, CA. She heads up our West Coast team, keeps our grammatical errors in check, and makes sure our California writers always have a plan for their next adventure. Follow Annie’s travels @annelisemcb.
Carly Pifer is a freelance writer who has been known to follow whims inspired by romantic movie scenes or colorful street style shots to India, Japan, Tunisia and Argentina. After stints living in Seoul, Boston, Paris and Los Angeles, writing and searching for something intangible, she landed somewhat steadily in Brooklyn and has begun to find inspiration in her more immediate surroundings. 
Kate E. O’Hara is a New York based freelance writer and photographer who loves all things food—especially the people who make it and market it. Her writing aims to capture the essence of the food experience; the stories that go well beyond a plate of ingredients. In addition to her love of food, Kate is also known to have a hankering for red wine and craft beer. You can also find Kate on Instagram