Bay Head, NJ

Bay Head, NJ: Beautiful Beaches, Coastal Charm & Relaxed Getaways

Bay Head invites you to slow down and enjoy a quieter side of the Jersey Shore, where sandy beaches, historic homes, and inviting local shops set the scene. Start your morning with coffee and crumb cake from Mueller’s Bakery before heading to the ocean for a few relaxing hours beside the surf. Explore the shops around Bridge Avenue and Main Avenue, then pause near Twilight Lake to take in the waterfront scenery. Lunch might mean a gourmet sandwich or a colorful smoothie bowl, while dinner brings choices ranging from homemade pasta to elegant lakeside dining. Historic inns and distinctive seaside architecture give the town a character that’s easy to appreciate on a leisurely walk. Whether you’re planning a couples’ escape, a family vacation, or a peaceful beach day, Bay Head offers plenty to enjoy at your own pace.

Follow Bay Head & Stay Connected

Official Borough Website • Beach Information • Beach Badge Updates on Facebook • Bay Head Historical Society

Things to Do in Bay Head

Enjoy the ocean beaches: Spend the day swimming, reading, and relaxing beside the Atlantic. Visitors can access Bay Head’s beaches through its seasonal badge system; you do not have to be a resident. bayheadnj.org
Explore the village shops: Browse Bridge Avenue and Main Avenue for gifts, clothing, specialty foods, and something to remember your visit.
Take in Twilight Lake: Enjoy the scenery from public waterfront access points. It’s a lovely place to pause during a walk through town.
Admire the historic homes: Look for distinctive porches, shingled cottages, and Victorian-era details while exploring public streets. Respect private properties and gardens.
Visit the Bay Head Historical Society and Museum: Explore local history and artwork inside a restored 1867 farmhouse, along with the grounds and Slade Dale Cottage. Check seasonal opening dates before visiting. bayheadnj.org
Make a bakery stop: Pick up Mueller’s crumb cake, pastries, or fresh bread for breakfast or a treat back at your rental.
Add a nearby boardwalk afternoon: Visit Point Pleasant Beach for Jenkinson’s Aquarium, rides, arcades, and miniature golf, then return to Bay Head for a quieter evening.

Plan Your Day

Beach badges: The Bay Head Improvement Association manages beach operations and badge sales. Its office is at 532 Lake Avenue, and its phone number is 732-892-4179. Check beach information for current rates, purchase arrangements, and seasonal dates. co.ocean.nj.us
Parking: Free on-street parking is available in designated areas, but spaces are limited on busy summer days. Read posted restrictions carefully and keep driveways and beach entrances clear. Arriving early makes a beach visit easier. bayheadnj.org
Restrooms: Public restrooms are listed behind the municipal building at 83 Bridge Avenue. Plan ahead, as facilities are not available at every beach entrance.
Accessibility: Beach-access options vary by entrance. Contact the Improvement Association before visiting to confirm the best access point and any available assistance for your needs. co.ocean.nj.us
Beach rules: Check current rules for dogs, food, shade equipment, and recreational activities before packing. Use designated beach entrances, stay off the dunes, and swim only in guarded areas when lifeguards are on duty.
Arrive by train: Bay Head Station offers an alternative to driving. Check NJ TRANSIT schedules and plan your walk or transportation from the station to your beach entrance or accommodations. New Jersey Public Transportation Corporation
An easy itinerary: Start with breakfast and a village stroll, spend midday on the beach, then return for shopping and dinner near Twilight Lake.

Restaurants, Cafés & Specialty Food Stops

Bay Head has a compact dining scene, with additional options in neighboring towns. The restaurant with a confirmed full bar appears first, followed by BYOB dining, casual stops, and clearly labeled nearby choices.

Monmouth County

Highlands

Ocean County

Atlantic County

Cape May County

Dining in Bay Head

Charlie’s of Bay Head: Contemporary American dining overlooking Twilight Lake, with seafood, an elegant atmosphere, and attentive sit-down service. Full bar with cocktails, craft beer, and wine. Contemporary American Cuisine
Theresa’s South: Homemade pasta and creative entrées in a welcoming, upscale-casual setting. A good choice for date night or a relaxed dinner. BYOB. Bay Head NJ
The Grenville Restaurant: American dishes, steaks, and seafood in a historic hotel dining room, with veranda seating when available. Sit-down dining and scheduled brunch service. BYOB. New Grenville Site
Burkes Market & Fine Spirits: Gourmet sandwiches, prepared meals, Italian specialties, coffee, and gelato. Casual café seating and takeout, with wine and spirits sold in the market. Experience Quality & Service
Mueller’s Bakery: A longtime stop for crumb cake, doughnuts, pastries, breads, and coffee. Traditional bakery counter service, perfect for breakfast or treats to take home. Where Quality Makes The Difference
Playa Bowls: Fruit bowls and smoothies in a colorful, casual counter-service setting on Bridge Avenue. An easy stop before or after the beach. Playa Bowls Location
Bay Head Cheese Shop & Bottles Too: Imported and domestic cheeses, homemade soups, quiches, and gourmet accompaniments. Specialty-shop service with wine and spirits available for purchase. Bay Head, NJ

More Dining Nearby

Point Pleasant Beach, restaurants with bars:

The Shrimp Box & Outside the Box Patio Bar: Seafood, steaks, and sandwiches with waterfront views. Casual sit-down dining and an outdoor patio. Cocktails, beer, and wine served.
B2 Bistro + Bar: American and Mediterranean-inspired dishes in a stylish downtown setting. Sit-down dining with full bars and outdoor seating.
Frankie’s Bar & Grill: Char-grilled burgers, steaks, and pub favorites in a nostalgic neighborhood atmosphere. Casual dining with a full bar. theshrimpbox.com

Point Pleasant Beach, BYOB favorites:

Spano’s Ristorante Italiano: Traditional Italian cooking and freshly made pasta in a welcoming downtown restaurant. BYOB; reservations required.
The Poached Pear Bistro: Contemporary American cuisine in a polished dining room. A sit-down option for date nights and celebrations. BYOB.
Point Lobster Company: Lobster rolls, seafood, and a fish market near the working waterfront. Casual patio dining and takeout. BYOB. spanos.net

South of Bay Head:

Dune Grass Café at Used To Be’s: A casual breakfast and lunch option now located at 287 Route 35, with a Mantoloking mailing address. It is no longer at its former Bay Head location. Dune Grass Cafe

Family Fun & Date-Night Ideas

With the kids: Build a relaxed day around sandcastles, swimming, a bakery stop, and a visit to the local museum when open. For rides and aquarium adventures, add an outing to nearby Point Pleasant Beach.

For couples: Browse the village shops, take in Twilight Lake, then reserve dinner at Charlie’s or bring a favorite bottle to one of Bay Head’s BYOB restaurants.

On a rainy day: Explore the museum during its seasonal hours, enjoy a leisurely lunch, or browse shops before settling into your inn or rental with coffee and something sweet.

A Little Bay Head History

Bay Head incorporated as a borough in 1886, developing as a seaside resort with distinctive summer cottages and a strong connection to the water. Its Shingle Style, Stick Style, and Queen Anne homes remain an important part of the town’s character. Boatbuilding also helped shape the community, including the locally built Bay Head skiffs. Today, the historical society preserves these stories through exhibits, artwork, and its restored museum property. bayheadhistoricalsociety.com

Where to Stay

The Grenville Hotel & Restaurant: A historic Victorian hotel on Main Avenue with an on-site restaurant and classic seaside character. thegrenville.com
The Bentley Inn: An intimate coastal inn with wraparound porches and rooms inspired by Bay Head’s nautical character. Listed amenities include continental breakfast and beach equipment; guest rooms require stair access. Rooms
Vacation rentals: Compare homes near the ocean with properties closer to the village and bay. Confirm parking, beach badges, air conditioning, and the actual walking distance to a beach entrance before booking.

Local Churches

Check each congregation’s website for worship schedules, seasonal services, and visitor information.

All Saints Episcopal Church: 500 Lake Avenue.
Bay Head Chapel: At the corner of Bridge and Main avenues. A nondenominational chapel with visiting pastors.
St. Paul’s United Methodist Church: 423 West Lake Avenue. Call 732-892-5926 for current information.
Church of the Sacred Heart: 751 Main Avenue, Roman Catholic. All Saints Church, Bay Head, NJ

Explore Nearby Shore Towns

Keep exploring with these Seaside Search town guides:

Point Pleasant Beach: Boardwalk rides, an aquarium, waterfront restaurants, and a lively downtown.
Mantoloking: A quiet coastal community with ocean beaches and bay scenery.
Manasquan: Surfing, inlet views, Main Street shopping, restaurants, and live theater.
Lavallette: Oceanfront walks, beach days, local shops, and casual dining.

Pack for Your Bay Head Beach Getaway

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Sun protection: Sunscreen, SPF makeup, lip gloss, sunglasses, hats, visors.
Beach comfort: Beach chairs, beach umbrellas, beach towels, coolers.
Swimwear & layers: Women’s swimwear, men’s swimsuits, water shoes, women’s lightweight clothing, men’s lightweight clothing, women’s hoodies, men’s hoodies.
Relax & explore: Books and Kindle reads, insect repellent.

Check current beach rules before choosing shade equipment or packing food and drinks.

Find Your Bay Head Escape

A morning bakery stop, an afternoon beside the ocean, and dinner worth lingering over, Bay Head makes the simple pleasures feel special. Come for the beach and leave time to enjoy the village. A good place to stay near Bay Head is Shoreside Village.