Town Guide: Lavallette
Lavallette is a small town directly adjacent to Toms River and Seaside Heights, two larger towns that have much more hustle and bustle. But it is beloved for its low-key, quiet nights and beautiful beaches.
Directly in the center of the Barnegat Peninsula, much of the action, as it were, takes place on North 35, a highway that is nonetheless walkable and suitable for bikes.
The town has a straightforward grid system, with both the North and South 35 highway forming much of the thoroughfare.
Each perpendicular street directly approaches the beach, which is the prototype of no frills. Much of Lavallette, almost all, is walkable, so you will see many people do that.
A Brief History
Named after Rear Admiral Elie A. F. La Vallette and co-founded by his son in 1887, Lavallette’s formation and growth was inextricably tied to the growth of seaside tourism. It is approximately one square mile in size, flanked by the Atlantic Ocean and Barnegat Bay, both of which offer myriad activities for adults and kids of all ages.
The Beaches
They are consistently ranked among the best in NJ. Clean and well-maintained. Badges are required and meticulously checked at every entrance. No alcohol or smoking allowed.
- Free for all kids under 12
- $65.00 per person, per season; $25.00 per person for seniors 65 and older
- $35.00 per person per week (Saturday through the following Saturday)
- $13.00 per person for each daily badge.
Other Activities
There is a pickleball court on Route S 35, tennis, volleyball, and basketball courts at the Bay, and a baseball and soccer field on Baltimore Avenue.
Area Restaurants and Bars
Expect a wait most nights at The Crab’s Claw and Lenny’s, both on Route 35 North (also known as Grand Central Avenue). The former serves alcohol and has a nice outdoor bar while you wait, and the latter is BYOB.
Other dining options on the same road include Little Mia’s Pizzeria (not to be confused with Mia’s Ortley - which is nearby), stalwart The Oven, Hoshino Sushi and others. If you’re not enjoying drinks at Crab’s Claw or on your porch or backyard, you might go to relatively new Castaways Pub
For breakfast and lunch, there is the iconic Sunny Hunny, Meg’s Grill, Lava Java - or if you’re picking up bagels - Bakin Bagels or Beach Bagels and Deli.
Mini Golf
Lavallette boasts one miniature golf course, though others are well within reach: Lava Golf on (you guessed it - Grand Central Avenue) is a wonderful course that you can usually zip through without much delay.
Food & Beverage
The biggest super market is Acme, located in neighboring Ortley Beach, and Big Ed’s is the farmer’s market in town.
Neighboring towns: Ortley Beach, Toms River, Bay Head, Chadwick Beach, and Seaside Heights
