Sometimes you want to get away from it all without getting away from it all, so to speak. Luckily for us wandering souls, New Jersey is full of beautiful, pristine small towns that are just begging to be explored over a weekend. One of our favorite little towns is Spring Lake, and it makes for great weekend trips in New Jersey. The following is our general itinerary for a great, relaxing getaway to the not-so-far-away land of Spring Lake. Feel free to alter it in any way you’d like – after all, it’s your adventure! Let’s say you arrive in the morning. First things first, you should check out Saint Catherine’s Catholic Church.
St. Catherine’s is named after the architect’s daughter, who died of a contracted illness.
Peter Miller/Facebook It’s still in operation today, and its stunning architecture and beautiful mural artwork is worth the trip on its own.
Address: 215 Essex Avenue, Spring Lake, New Jersey, 07762
Next, rent a bike from Pedago Electric Bikes and zip around town.
J J/Flickr You’ll be scooting in style as you pass by shops, galleries and more throughout the town. No worries - you’ll spend some time there later.
Address: 217 Jersey Avenue, Spring Lake, New Jersey, 07762
It’s probably lunchtime, so head to lunch at the luxurious Larimar Restaurant.
225thomasv/TripAdvisor It’s an upscale Italian and Mediterranean menu that changes often. There’s always something new at Larimar, so make sure to come back again. Everything, including their pasta, is made in-house, and better yet - it’s BYOB, so you won’t spend an arm and a leg on wine.
Address: 1311 Third Avenue, Spring Lake, New Jersey, 07762
Next, we strongly recommend you go dessert shopping.
Jean Louise Homemade Candies/Facebook Jean Louise Homemade Candies has been a staple of Spring Lake for years. The candies are all handmade and hand-dipped, and they’ve also got a sugar free selection.
Address: 1205 Third Avenue, Spring Lake, New Jersey, 07762
Spend the rest of your afternoon lazing on beautiful Spring Lake Beach.
Peter Miller/Flickr It’s got clean, clear blue water, and the beach is always super clean as well. It’s got piers and a beautiful boardwalk, and sunsets here are amazing.
Looking for a place to stay the night?
Andreia K/TripAdvisor We suggest the gorgeous, historic Spring Lake Inn. It’s quaint and peaceful, having been built in 1888. It was originally used as a stagecoach stop by the man who built it, Timothy Hurley. It was renovated in the 1970s and has moved more than once. We love this little nook.
Address: 104 Salem Avenue, Spring Lake, New Jersey, 07762
For breakfast, we suggest Bagel Basket Cafe, a highly-rated cafe and breakfast joint in Spring Lake.
Chris P/TripAdvisor Don’t let the modest exterior fool you. Bagel Basket has bagels that are seriously to die for. You need to try them to believe them.
Address: 105 State Route 71, Spring Lake, New Jersey, 07762
After breakfast, check out the Spring Lake Historical Society Museum.
Spring Lake Historical Society/Google Maps It’s exactly what it sounds like - a museum about Spring Lake. It includes a permanent exhibit about the history of the town, and an ever-changing gallery focusing on events and specific chapters in the town’s past. They often have events and host tours, so make sure to check them out early in the day.
Address: 423 Warren Avenue, Spring Lake, New Jersey, 07762
After exploring the Museum, the beautiful Spring Lake Boardwalk will be calling.
clarke thomas/Flickr It’s 2.2 miles of easygoing boardwalk, and if offers simply incredible shoreline views. It’s beautiful all year round, and we’re confident you’ll love it.
Finally, top your adventures off with some shopping and browsing through the town of Spring Lake.
Barefoot - an athleisure boutique/Facebook There are countless galleries, wineries, local shops (like this one, Barefoot, which sells adorable and cozy “athleisure” clothing), and so much more. There’s even an old-school Merle Norman Cosmetics shop that you just have to see.
We feel like this is definitely one of the better weekend trips in New Jersey that you can take. The town of Spring Lake is so relaxed and laid back that you’ll never want to leave, and you’ll always think of it later on when you’re wondering about your next vacation.
Peter Miller/Facebook
It’s still in operation today, and its stunning architecture and beautiful mural artwork is worth the trip on its own.
Address: 215 Essex Avenue, Spring Lake, New Jersey, 07762
J J/Flickr
You’ll be scooting in style as you pass by shops, galleries and more throughout the town. No worries - you’ll spend some time there later.
Address: 217 Jersey Avenue, Spring Lake, New Jersey, 07762
225thomasv/TripAdvisor
It’s an upscale Italian and Mediterranean menu that changes often. There’s always something new at Larimar, so make sure to come back again. Everything, including their pasta, is made in-house, and better yet - it’s BYOB, so you won’t spend an arm and a leg on wine.
Address: 1311 Third Avenue, Spring Lake, New Jersey, 07762
Jean Louise Homemade Candies/Facebook
Jean Louise Homemade Candies has been a staple of Spring Lake for years. The candies are all handmade and hand-dipped, and they’ve also got a sugar free selection.
Address: 1205 Third Avenue, Spring Lake, New Jersey, 07762
Peter Miller/Flickr
It’s got clean, clear blue water, and the beach is always super clean as well. It’s got piers and a beautiful boardwalk, and sunsets here are amazing.
Andreia K/TripAdvisor
We suggest the gorgeous, historic Spring Lake Inn. It’s quaint and peaceful, having been built in 1888. It was originally used as a stagecoach stop by the man who built it, Timothy Hurley. It was renovated in the 1970s and has moved more than once. We love this little nook.
Address: 104 Salem Avenue, Spring Lake, New Jersey, 07762
Chris P/TripAdvisor
Don’t let the modest exterior fool you. Bagel Basket has bagels that are seriously to die for. You need to try them to believe them.
Address: 105 State Route 71, Spring Lake, New Jersey, 07762
Spring Lake Historical Society/Google Maps
It’s exactly what it sounds like - a museum about Spring Lake. It includes a permanent exhibit about the history of the town, and an ever-changing gallery focusing on events and specific chapters in the town’s past. They often have events and host tours, so make sure to check them out early in the day.
Address: 423 Warren Avenue, Spring Lake, New Jersey, 07762
clarke thomas/Flickr
It’s 2.2 miles of easygoing boardwalk, and if offers simply incredible shoreline views. It’s beautiful all year round, and we’re confident you’ll love it.
Barefoot - an athleisure boutique/Facebook
There are countless galleries, wineries, local shops (like this one, Barefoot, which sells adorable and cozy “athleisure” clothing), and so much more. There’s even an old-school Merle Norman Cosmetics shop that you just have to see.
Hungry for more New Jersey day trips? Check this article out!
Have you ever visited this adorable coastal town? What was your favorite shop? Tell us about it in the comments!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: 215 Essex Ave, Spring Lake, NJ 07762, USAAddress: 217 Jersey Ave, Spring Lake, NJ 07762, USAAddress: 1311 3rd Ave, Spring Lake, NJ 07762, USAAddress: 1205 3rd Ave, Spring Lake, NJ 07762, USAAddress: Spring Lake Beach, Spring Lake, NJ 07762, USAAddress: 104 Salem Ave, Spring Lake, NJ 07762, USAAddress: 105 NJ-71, Spring Lake, NJ 07762, USAAddress: 423 Warren Ave, Spring Lake, NJ 07762, USA
