Down the Shore

Vol. 42 - Week of June 28

June 29, 2026

As we say goodbye to June, we can feel the energy around here ramping up into full swing summer mode. Jenkinson’s Boardwalk was mobbed on Saturday (even in the downpours) with families beginning their vacations.

When Sunday lived up to its name, we headed to lunch with some friends at Red Rock and then over to the massive new playground(s) in Marine Park nearby.

Unbeknownst to us, it was the official re-opening, and they had food trucks and music to mark the occasion. Judging by the Black Eyed Peas, Ke$ha, and Pitbull playlist, the DJ was definitely catering to us Millennial parents.


The Perfect Shore Weekend

We've seen a few people share their perfect Shore weekend, and with Fourth of July just around the corner (aka peak visitor time), we thought we'd chime in on the matter.

Whether you've got family staying or friends escaping the city, here's the itinerary we've tried and tested on our own out-of-town guests. We’d love to hear yours!

Day One: The Classic Beach Day

Head to Spring Lake early and you'll usually find a parking spot. Our little hack? Park near downtown if you don't have too much to carry. You can hit up Driftwood Coffee for an iced coconut shaken espresso and sip it on the walk. If you forgot to pack a beach read, pop next door to Thunder Road Books before heading to the sand.

After a few hours on the beach, head to the boardwalk pavilion snack shack (as food and drinks aren’t allowed on the beach itself) or back into downtown Spring Lake. Sun & Waves Cafe is a great casual spot, or Spring Lake Seafood if you're looking for a sit-down meal.

Before heading home, browse the shops. Coral Cove is a cute boutique to visit especially if you're shopping with your mom or mother-in-law, and they frequently have sales going on. The Kelly-McKenna Gallery is also a unique stop to peruse art from all over.

Day Two: Beyond the Beach

If your guests like to stay active, we recommend heading to the Henry Hudson Trail.

Park in the lot next to the Seastreak Ferry in Atlantic Highlands, follow the pathway behind the boatyard, and you'll be rewarded with beautiful shoreline views. About a two mile walk brings you to Popamora Point in Highlands, where you’ll thankfully find public restrooms and water fountains.

If you've worked up an appetite, grab lunch at nearby One Willow, or drive to one of our other waterfront favorites: Bahr's Landing, Moby's, or Mule Barn Tavern on Sandy Hook.

DTS Tip: Snag a cold-pressed juice, smoothie, or iced coffee from JÜS Organic in downtown Atlantic Highlights as a pre or post-walk treat. The CJ Juice (kale, apple, lemon, aloe vera, and frozen pineapple) is particularly refreshing.

If the Weather Doesn't Cooperate...

Hopefully your visitors luck out with some perfect sunny Shore days. But if the forecast has other plans, we've got you covered like an umbrella.

For Music Lovers: Spend an afternoon at the Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music, then take a moody stroll on the Asbury Park boardwalk. Convention Hall is a vibe even in the rain.

For Families: Jenkinson's Aquarium in Point Pleasant Beach is the perfect rainy-day activity. (They’re celebrating their 35th birthday this year!) Time your visit around one of the daily seal feedings—Turbo and Noelani are the stars of the show.

For Pub Lovers: Dublin House in Red Bank is a cozy spot to wait out the rain with a Guinness, fish and chips, and their surprisingly generous claw-filled lobster bisque.

Shore Points

Here were some local stories we had our eyes on this week:

Nj.com’s 4th of July Roundup: 160+ Fireworks, Parades and Events by County. Highlights include the Manasquan 4th of July Parade, Fireworks on the Navesink, and Long Branch Oceanfest at Pier Village.

Tour the Dramatic Remake of Red Bank’s Marine Park - This ain’t your usual jungle gym. We’re talking 30-foot tall “climbing tower” and a zipline.

Weekly Forecast

There’s a heatwave incoming…

Monday 6/29 - 79°/67° Mostly Cloudy

Tuesday 6/30 - 83°/70° Mostly Cloudy

Wednesday 7/1 - 86°/73° Partly Sunny

Thursday 7/2 - 93°/78° Sunny

Friday 7/3 - 95°/76° Scattered Thunderstorms

Saturday 7/4 - 88°/74° Mostly Cloudy

Sunday 7/5 - 81°/73° Light Rain

And for the surfers out there, here are the weekly surf conditions in Belmar courtesy of Surf Captain:

Surf Conditions

Mon 6/29

AM: Fair, 1+ ft

PM: Fair, 1-2 ft

Tues 6/30

AM: Fair, 1-2 ft

PM: Choppy, 2+ ft

Weds 7/1

AM: Fair, 1-2 ft

PM: Choppy, 1-3 ft

Thurs 7/2

AM: Clean, 1-2 ft

PM: Choppy, 1-2 ft

Farmers Market Roundup

And if there are any markets we should definitely feature this season, let us know!

Happenings Down the Shore

As always, if there’s an upcoming event you’d like us to cover, feel free to pass it along!

Monday 6/29

Loch Arbor - NY Knicks Trivia Night at Deal Lake Bar + Co (7:30 pm)

Oceanport - Weekly Trivia at Skinny Flowers Brewing (6:30 pm)

Point Pleasant Beach - Beach Walk with Jenkinson’s Aquarium staff (6 pm)

Red Bank - Sam Sims at Birravino (6 pm - live music)

Tuesday 6/30

Atlantic Highlands - Fireman’s Fair Opening Night(6 pm)

Highlands - Vlasic Classic Open Mic Night at The Chubby Pickle (8:30 pm)

Holmdel - Bell Works Annual Fireworks at Bell Works (5 pm and an after party starting at 9:30 pm)

Red Bank - Steve Delopoulos at Birravino (6 pm - live music)

Red Bank - Trivia with Jenn at Jamians (7:30 pm)

Wednesday 7/1

Asbury Park - Rumours ATL - A Fleetwood Mac Tribute at The Stone Pony (7 pm - get tix)

Long Branch - Bingo Night at Beach Bee Meadery (6:30 pm)

Point Pleasant Beach - Beach Bingo at Jenkinson’s (6 pm)

Red Bank - Kids Karate on BroadWalk (11 am)

Red Bank - Karaoke at Jamians (8 pm)

Tinton Falls - Bingo & Brews at Twin Lights Brewing (6 pm)

Thursday 7/2

Bradley Beach - Summer Yoga in the Garden at The James Bradley (6:30 pm - get tix)

Holmdel - Sundown Sessions at Bar Bella: feat. DJ Robbie Woodside at Bell Works (5 pm - live music)

Red Bank - Kids Takeover at BroadWalk (4 pm)

Red Bank - Book Club (July Pick): Flesh by David Szalay at Crazy Story (6 pm - learn more)

Red Bank - Connor Qugiley at The Molly Pitcher Inn (6 pm - live music)

Red Bank - Gab Cinque Trio at Jamians (8 pm - live music)

Sandy Hook - Rise to Rise: Sunrise Yoga Series with Tootsie Olan (6:30 am - get tix)

Tinton Falls - Trivia on Tap at Twin Lights Brewing (7 pm)

 

Friday 7/3

Asbury Park - Founding Fathers Pool Party at the Asbury Hotel (4 pm - get tix)

Atlantic Highlands - Fireman’s Fair (6 pm)

Belmar - Friday Night Concert Series: Wait and See (6 pm - live music)

Holmdel - Kickin Wing at Fox Hollow Vineyard (6 pm - live music)

Loch Arbor - Charlie Brown at Deal Lake Bar + Co (5 pm - live music)

Manasquan - Kids at Play at Harpoon Willy’s (8:30 pm - live music)

Oceanport - Sean Collichio at Skinny Flowers Brewing (6 pm - live music)

Red Bank - James Larsen at The Molly Pitcher Inn (6 pm - live music)

Red Bank - The Black Ties at Jamians (9 pm - live music)

Tinton Falls - Open Mic Night: Hosted by Charlie Krause at Twin Lights Brewing (6 pm)

Saturday 7/4

Atlantic Highlands - Fireman’s Fair Last Night (6 pm)

Bradley Beach - Summer Yoga in the Garden at The James Bradley (7 am - get tix)

Fair Haven - Fourth of July Procession at Memorial Park (9 am)

Highlands - DJ Deen Anthony 4th of July Bash at The Chubby Pickle (8:30 pm)

Holmdel - Chris Turner at Fox Hollow Vineyard (2 pm - live music)

Loch Arbor - Groove Vultures at Deal Lake Bar + Co (8 pm - live music)

Oceanport - Matt Forte at Skinny Flowers Brewing (6 pm - live music)

Red Bank - Frank Rainey at The Molly Pitcher Inn (6 pm - live music)

Spring Lake - Spring Lake Art Walk (10 am)

Sunday 7/5

Holmdel - Marin Contini at Fox Hollow Vineyard (2 pm - Live Music)

Loch Arbor - Brothers Morrisy Trio at Deal Lake Bar + Co (5 pm - live music)

Sandy Hook - Painting USA-themed Seashells at Sandy Hook(10 am- learn more)

Did we miss an event? Let us know.

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