When my brother and I were young, my uncle lived in Ortley Beach at the Jersey Shore—one block from the bay and two blocks from the ocean. With his season beach passes always on the kitchen table, we went “down the shore” whenever we wanted. With that house and my uncle long gone, we are now relegated to day trips. But as August rolls on, if you just haven’t found the time to get there, I have the perfect day trip down to a science—and you still have time.
Spring Lake Beach
First, choose a weekday; it will be much less crowded. Head straight down 195 to the Belmar/Spring Lake beaches. There’s usually plenty of parking along Ocean Avenue. On my most recent trip with a neighbor, the ticket attendant at the booth refused my cash for a beach badge. Despite my “this is legal U.S. tender” arguments, she said they could only take electronic payment from my phone. “Don’t you have Zelle?” she asked. “No,” I told her, “and I don’t even know who she is.” We later learned there is a building somewhere along the boardwalk that still takes cash—ask where it is if you find yourself in my sandals.
The water was perfect that day, and we stayed in the ocean for a long time, rolling over the waves. After a not-so-short nap on our towels, we took a long walk to see the jetties along the shore and watch the shorebirds and other scavengers.
Counting Crows
The jetties are my favorite part of the beach. Yes, we’ve gone out on them when we shouldn’t and have the cuts to prove it, but each one is unique and beautiful—a little ecosystem of its own. No two are exactly alike. And while our feathered friends like seagulls, crows, or other birds are fun to watch, resist the urge to feed them—it’s not their natural diet.
Surf Taco and Shark River
By 5:30, we pack up and head to 1003 Main Street in Belmar—Surf Taco. They offer a variety of tacos and burritos, but I always get the Surf Burrito: tempura cod, rice, black beans, cabbage, pico de gallo, and white cilantro sauce, all wrapped in a 12-inch tortilla. The sauce bar has many options, but trust me, don’t skip the Baja sauce—it rules.
From there, it’s a short drive to the Shark River, where we pick out a bench, sit, and eat as we watch the quiet goings-on. The sky over the river always puts on a show, and it’s a magnificent spot to relax and eat.
As the sun sets, we head home full of sand, smelling of surf—and maybe tacos. If you get a day off, try our standard itinerary. You won’t be disappointed. Even the view driving home on Route 195 is always wonderful.
