The borough of Avalon, New Jersey, welcomes you to an idyllic stretch of the Jersey Shore where the year-round residential population stands at approximately 1,200. Though small, the community has a character and reputation that draws seasonal visitors and longtime families alike. The peninsula juts confidently into the Atlantic and enjoys an identity shaped by dunes, ocean breezes, and salt-water rhythms. The town is known for its broad beaches, quiet streets in comparison to larger resort towns, and the motto “Cooler by a Mile,” which nods to its slightly advanced position into the water relative to other barrier-island shore towns.
From the earliest days the area was part of Seven Mile Island; an old legend, though not fully verified, says that pirates buried treasure somewhere along the sand dunes, and that explorers such as Henry Hudson may have anchored offshore in the 17th century. Over time the landscape shifted from timber and pasture land to beachfront cottages and graceful seaside homes. Walking along the shoreline, you can feel that layered history, from Victorian boarding houses to modern beach houses, as if the past lingers in the sea breeze.
Visitors and locals alike know the dining scene here remains a highlight. One notable establishment is The Diving Horse, known for its seafood-centric menu built on day-boat catch and local farm ingredients, served in a modern farmhouse ambiance with large windows facing the town’s main promenade. For a casual café experience, Café Loren serves up warm muffins and lattes and is praised for its morning fare and relaxed pace that captures the slow rhythm of the shore.
In addition to dining, the community supports local businesses that contribute to daily life beyond tourism. One such business is SUP Guy, a stand-up paddleboard rental outfit offering delivery to local bayside access points, making water sports convenient and accessible for both residents and visitors. Another popular destination is Ocean Galleries, an art gallery representing national and local artists, offering original artwork and limited-edition pieces that appeal to collectors and casual admirers alike.
Of course, a key draw is the natural environment. Days can begin with gentle walks across the dune trails in the morning light or an early dip in the Atlantic. As midday arrives, the beach becomes a prime place for sunlit relaxation, swimming, and sand-castle building. In the mellow evenings, you might drop into the public breezeways and boardwalk zone between 21st and 32nd Streets for a sunset stroll, where informational plaques recall the town’s history and benches invite quiet pauses as the sky deepens into shades of rose and gold.
Community spirit is not limited to the seasons. The annual Arts and Seafood Festival held at Surfside Park brings together live music, artisan craft vendors, face-painting, hayrides on the beach, and seafood from local restaurants all in one engaging day. And throughout the year, one can check local event calendars for other gatherings such as movie-nights on the beach during summer or gallery showings downtown.
When it comes to local customs, you’ll notice how people greet each other by first names in familiar restaurants, how children and dogs share the dune walks, how the trolley service runs seasonally to ease the beach-traffic flow, and how mid-afternoons slow because surf sessions often take precedence over errands. From kite-flying on wide lawns to early-morning fishing boats setting off from the bayside, daily life carries a relaxed rhythm that balances leisure and community connection.
If you’re thinking of exploring activities beyond the beach, you might visit the Avalon History Center where exhibits trace the island’s transition from its early days to modern resort life. A lesson in how the shoreline has responded to major storms over the decades is displayed inside, while historic markers such as the old life-saving station remind visitors that this shoreline has seen shipwrecks and dramatic weather long before its present calm.
At Bug Off Exterminators, we’re proud to serve the Avalon area and stand ready to bring our professional pest control services to your door. We handle everything from seasonal termite inspections to year-round rodent management, mosquito treatments, and more so that you can focus on enjoying your home without worry. Contact us today and let us work with you to keep your property comfortable and free from unwanted intruders.