Summer Traditions in Lavallette: 10 Things to Do on Your Jersey Shore Vacation
The borough of Lavallette, New Jersey, is one of the most beloved destinations on the Jersey Shore. It offers the best of both worlds for
your family vacation – a quiet, quaint beach town atmosphere for relaxing during the day, plus close proximity to the excitement and nightlife at the Seaside Heights Boardwalk.
If you’re planning a trip to Lavallette this summer, make time for these 10 local activities that are perfect for all ages.
1. Go Crabbing and Fishing at the Pier
Crabs and fish are plentiful in the Atlantic Ocean, and at Lavallette’s two T-docks off Bay Boulevard, you and your family can catch some of your own. These activities are regulated by the Division of Fish and Wildlife. Information on saltwater fishing registration, seasons, and catch limits can be found on the Lavallette Borough website.
2. Fly Kites and Build Sand Castles
Flying kites and constructing sand castles are classic beach pastimes. You can, of course, do this on any of Lavallette’s pristine beaches, but for the competitive members of your family, check out Kites and Castles on Thursday nights in
the summer. Gather at the Philadelphia Avenue Beach at 7 p.m. for a weekly themed sand castle contest and kite flight.
3. Check Out the Lavallette Summer Concert Series
On Sunday nights, bring a lawn chair or a blanket to the Lavallette Gazebo to be “serenaded under the stars.” The Lavallette 
Heritage Committee’s Summer Concert Series occurs weekly at 7 p.m. in July, August, and September, and features local bands playing a variety of musical genres.
4. Enjoy Ice Cream and a Show at The Music Man Singing Ice Cream Shoppe
Looking for a unique entertainment experience while you’re in town? Reserve your table at The Music Man Singing Ice Cream Shoppe, a one-of-a-kind, cabaret-style performance that’s sure to dazzle everyone in your party. When you attend one of The 
Music Man’s six nightly performances during the summer season, you’ll enjoy a delicious ice cream sundae while singing waiters and waitresses belt out beloved showtunes.
5. Search for Hidden Treasures Along the Shore
You never know what kind of treasures you’ll find walking along the beach. Sea glass and shells collected from the shore line are a unique (and free) souvenir from your family vacation. Want to up the ante? Bring the kids to participate in the Monday night Beach Treasure Hunt, where everyone wins a prize!
6. Shop at Locally Owned Boutiques
Lavallette boasts dozens of local clothing stores, trinket shops, and other boutiques selling everything you’ll need for your trip – and things you’ll want to take back with you. Find gorgeous gifts and accessories at My Sister’s Jewelry Box, or look for beach-inspired apparel and home goods at The Beach Home.
7. Watch the Sunset and a Movie on the Bay
What could be better than watching a picturesque sunset on the ocean? Sticking around for a free, family-friendly movie afterward, 
of course! On Tuesday nights in July and August, gather the family at the Lavallette Gazebo at 8:30 p.m. to watch a feature film, sponsored by the Lavallette Municipal Alliance. “Movies on the Bay” offers closed captioning and handicapped-accessible restrooms, as well as an alternate location in case of inclement weather.
8. Dine at The Crab’s Claw Inn
The Crab’s Claw Inn is more than just a renowned Ocean County seafood restaurant. Its weekly events, such as trivia, bingo, and karaoke, plus six-nights-a-week 
Happy Hour specials, make this establishment a must-visit during your trip to Lavallette. If you’re in the mood for an appetizer when you get here, locals and vacationers alike love the Inn’s famous Buffalo Calamari.
9. Go for an Early-Morning Boardwalk Bike Ride
Before the wave of morning beachgoers washes in, hop on your bike and ride along Lavallette’s mile-long boardwalk. If you haven’t brought your own, you can rent one at Beach Authority. Bicycles are allowed on the boardwalk from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. during the summer season.
10. Relax on the Beach
While there are countless adventures to be had in Lavallette, it wouldn’t be a vacation without some good old rest and relaxation. With the borough’s nine ocean beaches and two bay beaches, you have plenty of locations to choose from when you want to soak up the sun, read a good book, or even take a nap.
When you’re ready to catch some waves, look for the green flags indicating surf and kayaking locations at the Haddonfield, Brown, and Dover Avenue beaches. Details about hours and beach badges can be found on the Lavallette Beach Patrol page.
For more information and vacation ideas, visit and explore EnjoyLavallette.com.
