Bradley Beach, NJ

The early 19th century put Bradley Beach on the map as a summer hot spot for vacationing New Yorkers, Pennsylvanians and travelers from other surrounding urban areas. Beachfront dressing rooms, two swimming pools, shops and hot-water baths made this beach a popular resort town.

Today, the population remains a meager 5,000 during the year with an increase to about 30,000 when the summer months move in.

The Bradley Beach Historical Museum serves to promote public interest in the history and geography of the town. A collection of pictures and historical materials donated by residents make up displays of days gone by and serve in preserving the heritage of this beachside town.

Main Street is humming with energy in the summer months, with barefoot beachgoers walking up to food stands and sun-dressed shoppers browsing the boutiques. The dining scene brings another delectable layer for visitors to explore while in town.

For an inventive spin on breakfast, The Buttered Biscuit Cafe, with its atmosphere resembling an old-world French cafe, keeps patrons rushing the doors daily. With selections such as the lump crab meat omelette stuffed with avocado and jack cheese or the banana bread French toast topped with macadamia nuts and shredded coconut, customers are willing to skip the diner for this local favorite. Also serving lunch, The Buttered Biscuit prevails as a top spot to nosh.

Fins is a local favorite for its creative tacos and burritos, and the proof lies in the long lines seen outside its doors throughout the year. The restaurant has garnered a cult following for their Mayan lava sticks, a Tropi-Cali twist on the mozzarella stick. Diners return in droves to munch on favorites, such as the Cabo taco with fried chunks of white fish and cheddar in a sweet-and-spicy sauce.

Nightlife tends to be more subdued than the surrounding towns, but a few pubs and bars make for good options when you want to go out for a beer or meet up with a friend. D'Arcy's Tavern is one of those local hot spots flowing with good beer specials, a cheerful bartender and a cozy ambiance. A great bar crowd and an upstairs deck area provide the perfect combination for a nice night out. Come back Sunday morning for a mimosa or bloody Mary to go with the Sunday brunch.

Getting around by car remains the preferred method of travel in the neighborhood. With Interstates 295 and 95 and the Garden State Parkway having exits close by, getting in and out of the town tend to be effortless. Metered public parking can be found near the beach, but there are parking areas in town that don't cost a penny. Parking lots also pop up in the summer for a fee.

NJ Transit provides train service at the Bradley Beach Station, and bus service is an option to get to the nearby Philadelphia area. Uber does not have service in the area, but a taxi stand is located at the train station with call-ahead service.

This mainly residential area has low speed limits, making walking and cycling the town a breeze. Ample sidewalk space makes up for the lack of bike lanes in this small borough, affording cyclists smooth surfaces to glide over on their way to the beach. Miles of boardwalk provide fitness enthusiasts with panoramic views of the sandy beaches while they cycle, walk or jog through the area.

Public beaches stay open June through Labor Day and charge a daily fee for use, but season passes can be purchased at discounted rates. Pets, alcohol and fires are prohibited, while food and beverages are allowed. Food concessions, umbrellas and beach chairs can be purchased or rented on the boardwalk.

Located right on the boardwalk, Bradley Beach Park features a gated playground for children to play in. The added bonus of a miniature golf course right next door keeps both kids and parents entertained for an afternoon.

A five-minute car ride takes you to scenic Shark River Park in Neptune City. Featuring a walking trail along the riverbank, picnic area and inlet where the kids can swim on a hot day, it's one of the best-kept secrets in the area. The park welcomes dogs, as long as they are leashed, and fitness enthusiasts are encouraged to bring along their bike for a great cycle around the scenic river.

The free two-day Bradley Beach Lobsterfest remains a highlight of the community's summer. Tourists flock to the area in droves to feast on lobster mac and cheese, broiled lobster or a lobster roll while listening music played by one of six bands. Craft vendors, art exhibits, and wine and beer gardens all converge against the backdrop of the ocean, making for a fun time for all.

As with most tourist towns, the cost of living runs higher than the rest of the state, with the average rent running $1199 a month. The summer months tend to drive up prices due to the demand for both long- and short-term rentals.

An average beer at the local bar runs $8. Gas prices tend to run 10 percent lower than the national average, alleviating the cost of getting around. A train ticket to New York's Penn Station costs $18 one way.

With nearby beach towns such as Asbury Park and Ocean Grove so close, Bradley Beach continues to be a more family-oriented option for visiting and living. Coffeehouses, restaurants and a smattering of small shops dot the Main Street and provide an almost old-school atmosphere in the midst of other up-and-coming towns.

To satisfy a sweet craving, Del Ponte's Bakery has quite the selection of Italian pastries. The old Italian belief that you can stuff cannoli cream into anything and make it delicious holds true here, whether its the classic lobster tail stuffed with it or the cannoli-cream-stuffed cupcake with a Nutterbutter and Fluff frosting. Cakes, cookies and pastries of all sorts make it an easy choice for occasions that call for sweets.

An unlikely spot for a military-geared store, Murray's Army Navy makes its home on Main Street in the heart of this beach town. Carrying a variety of overflow items from the U.S. Military, good bargains on everything from tents to boots can be found within Murray's doors. The store also contains an on-site screen-printing and embroidery service.

Nearby Neptune City has a ShopRite for your grocery needs. Aldi supermarket, a discount chain featuring marked-down groceries, produce and meats makes its home in the neighboring town of Neptune. A few miles away, Asbury Fresh Farmers Market remains a popular way to access locally sourced produce, crafts, organic foods and vegan delights.