Nestled along the Jersey Shore just north of Asbury Park, the small town of Bradley Beach offers visitors a charming escape with a laid back attitude. This quiet oceanfront community may be compact, but it overflows with scenic beaches, friendly shops and restaurants, family attractions, and plenty of ways to unwind by the sea. Whether you love strolling the boardwalk, sunbathing on the beach, or exploring local flavour, Bradley Beach serves it all up with cozy Jersey Shore vibes. Read on for some of the top things to do in Bradley Beach, New Jersey during your coastal getaway.
What to Do in Bradley Beach
Hit the Beach
It wouldn’t be a proper Jersey Shore vacation without spending time on the beach, and Bradley Beach offers a scenic strand that’s less crowded than other shore towns. Stretch out on the soft sand, build sandcastles, go for a swim in the ocean or just relax and soak up the seaside atmosphere. The beach has lifeguards on duty during the summer months for peace of mind. Stop by Bradley Beach’s promenade for snacks, restrooms and beach gear rentals so you have everything needed for a day of sun, surf and sand.
Take a Stroll on the Bradley Beach Boardwalk
Running parallel to the beach is the Bradley Beach boardwalk, providing the classic wood-planked walkway experience. The promenade stretches over a mile from 1st Street south to Brinley Avenue with snack bars, beach shops, miniature golf courses and pretty ocean views the whole way. See the historic dictated wheel carousel dating from the 1920s. Catch free live music performances during summer at the gazebo. Grab ice cream at Jersey Freeze and continue strolling as you take in the sights and smells of this nostalgic seaside town.
Explore Downtown Bradley Beach
In addition to the beachfront, downtown Bradley Beach has a quaint main street filled with boutiques, galleries, eateries and more to discover. Pop into Pink Moon Boutique for chic fashions and accessories from local designers. Willow & Whisk specializes in beautifully crafted brooms and home wares with free mini calligraphy lessons. At Artisan Collective, browse rotating works by local artists and attend creative events. When you’ve worked up an appetite, stop for a bite to eat at one of the charming cafes or bistros. From shopping to dining, downtown Bradley Beach provides plenty of ways to experience local flavours.
What to See in Bradley Beach
Catch a Show at The Beach Cinema
For an evening activity the whole family can enjoy, catch a movie at The Beach Cinema located right on the Bradley Beach boardwalk. This historic theatre opened in 1925 and continues showing first-run films on its three screens today. Sip wine or beer from the concession stand as you watch Hollywood’s latest blockbusters surrounded by the cinema’s lovingly preserved antiquated decor. With reasonable ticket prices and a great beachfront location, The Beach Cinema is a perfect night out during any Bradley Beach vacation.
Ride the Antique Carousel
No trip to the Jersey Shore is complete without taking a nostalgic spin on an antique carousel. At Bradley Beach, kids and kids-at-heart can take a ride on the beautifully restored antique Dentzel/Looff Carousel dating back to the 1920s. This historic merry-go-round still thrills riders with its hand-carved horses, chariots and decorations. During summer months, live circus music accompanies your ride. Located at the beachfront mini golf course on Ocean Avenue, the antique carousel delivers timeless fun for all ages.
See the Bradley Beach Lighthouse Replica
At the corner of Ocean and Brinley Avenues stands a miniature replica of the Bradley Beach Lighthouse. The decorative white lighthouse was built to memorialize the original lighthouse that once stood offshore guiding maritime traffic from 1871 until its demolition in 1964. Though no longer an active navigational aid, this dainty replica remains an iconic symbol of Bradley Beach’s coastal heritage. Be sure to snap some photos next to the diminutive lighthouse during your seaside stroll.
Where to Eat and Drink in Bradley Beach
- The Buttered Biscuit – Charming corner cafe dishing up tasty breakfast and lunch entrees like lemon ricotta pancakes, Carolina BBQ sandwiches, and loaded tater tots.
- The Feedbag – Cozy comfort food joint serving stick-to-your-ribs fare like meatloaf, pot roast and chicken pot pie in a laidback environment. Cash only.
- Sal’s Pizza – Classic NY-style pizza by the pie or slice, plus classic Italian dishes like baked ziti, eggplant rollatini and chicken parmigiana.
- Shore House Kitchen – Creative gastropub cuisines like short rib grilled cheese, bone marrow burgers and lobster mac-n-cheese with a great craft beer selection.
- Vic’s Italian Restaurant – Family-owned favourite for Italian classics like shrimp scampi, veal parmigiana and homemade pastas served in a cozy trattoria setting.
Where to Shop in Bradley Beach
Main Street offers a nice selection of indie boutiques and shops to browse during your stay.
- Beau Monde Boutique – Upscale fashions, jewelry, handbags and accessories from local designers.
- Sweet Suites – Candy and sweets shop with retro candies, fudge, giant lollipops and old-fashioned treats.
- The Book Garden – Lovely used and new books, gift items, and a tea room located in a 1922 historic home.
- Willow & Whisk – Purveyors of beautiful handcrafted brooms, mops and home decor items with mini calligraphy lessons.
- The Artisan Collective – Local artist co-op featuring paintings, pottery, glasswork, textiles and handmade items.
Where to Stay in Bradley Beach
- The Shore House Bed & Breakfast – Charming 1913 home turned B&B offering personalized hospitality just two blocks from the beach.
- The Mainstay Inn Bradley Beach – Quaint Victorian-style inn providing clean, cozy rooms just a block from the ocean. Continental breakfast included.
- The Beachcomber Motel – Classic 1950s style motel with renovated rooms, free beach passes and outdoor pool located on the boardwalk.
- The Inn at the Shore – Bright, modern rooms with mini fridges just half a block from the beach and boardwalk. Free beach towels and chairs for guests.
- The Savoy Inn – Renovated inn 1 block from the beach with complimentary breakfast and outdoor pool with bar and fire pit.
How to Get to Bradley Beach
By car: Bradley Beach sits right off NJ-35 on the Jersey Shore. It is about 1.5 hours from both NYC and Philadelphia accessible via the NJ Turnpike.
From New York City: Take NJ Turnpike South to Exit 105 onto NJ-35 heading south. After 50 miles, reach Bradley Beach.
From Philadelphia: From I-295 North, take NJ Turnpike North to Exit 105. Continue south 50 miles on NJ-35 to reach Bradley Beach.
By train: NJ Transit offers train service to Bradley Beach station from Metropark and Penn Station NYC. From Philly, transfer at Metropark.
By bus: Take Greyhound or NJ Transit bus to Asbury Park then transfer to local bus 832C to Bradley Beach.
So if you’re seeking a scenic beach getaway with small town charm near NYC, Bradley Beach delivers the quintessential Jersey Shore experience without the crowds. Its main street shops, eateries, beachfront boardwalk and family attractions offer the perfect ingredients for summer fun or off-season relaxation by the sea.
Conclusion
With its peaceful beaches, historic boardwalk and downtown, and abundant ways to unwind oceanside, Bradley Beach provides everything needed for an idyllic Jersey Shore escape. Enjoy salt air and sunshine while strolling the lively promenade, ride the antique carousel, browse Main Street boutiques, dine at cozy restaurants, stay at inviting inns and soak up the nostalgic seaside atmosphere. Located just a short trip from major cities yet maintaining its own distinctive character, Bradley Beach beckons visitors looking for beach town charm without the chaos. Whether you seek restorative relaxation, family bonding or romantic seaside moments, Bradley Beach will leave you feeling refreshed and restored.