Belmar New Jersey Information
Belmar, New Jersey did not always have its current name. The town was first named “Ocean Beach” in 1872, but the name was changed in 1889 to Belmar, which is French for “Beautiful Sea.”
The town’s first hotel, The Ocean Beach House, was built in 1873. By 1890, more than 17 hotels were running and catering to hundreds of summer visitors. The town became a well-known summer resort. It has remained so ever since, being known for a large addition of tourists.
About 6,000 people reside in this town during the year and that number soars to more than 60,000 in the summer. The town spans 1.7 square miles. Belmar includes a bustling downtown area with the usual mix of shops. There are several pubs and bars to visit and a few seafood restaurants that continue to draw tourists. Belmar sits along the Shark River, and Avon-by-the-Sea runs along the other side. The inlet opens up into the Atlantic Ocean. The adjacent town, Lake Como, was formerly known as South Belmar. There are three schools in Belmar.
Throughout this charming Jersey Shore municipality, visitors have their choice from a variety of fine accommodations. There are B&Bs and motels, as well as larger venues. From the convenience of hotels to the quaintness and charm of bed and breakfast inns, Belmar‘s accommodations provide something for everyone.
Each year, Belmar is home to many notable events. The St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a huge happening here. The New Jersey Seafood Festival is also a gigantic event for the town. Notably, Belmar is home to the first and oldest first-aid squad in the United States.
The beach is the real attraction here, and includes a boardwalk with a few shops. Several eateries and large homes line the streets along this strip. The 17th Avenue Beach is a surfer’s delight, and it’s there that the annual Belmar Pro and junior surfing tournaments are hosted. Volleyball tournaments on the sand are also big here during the summer. Any of the town’s events are held at the Taylor Pavilion and the Huisman Gazebo. But the beach is not the only water hotspot–down along Route 35 is the Belmar Marina, which offers plenty of recreation opportunities such as tennis courts, a playground, a marina, kayaking, crabbing, and much more. Driving down the coast, you’ll come into Spring Lake, and if you go north, you can go into Avon-by-the-Sea, which leads up towards Asbury Park.
From superb water sports to artistic outlets to kid-centric fun, it is no wonder this Jersey Shore hub remains a top destination.
