Lavallette is a small town directly adjacent to Toms River and Seaside Heights, two larger towns that have much more hustle and bustle.
Ocean County·Central Shore·Verified May 15, 2026·Official site ↗
Route 67 bus; nearest rail: Bay Head (5 mi)
Summer bus service available but infrequent
NJ Transit 67 — Lavallette
What people who actually go to Lavallette know. Tips are moderated.
No tips here yet. Got one about Lavallette? Share it below.
Sign in to share a tip about 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.
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
dogs
No dogs on beach during summer
tents
Open-sided canopy shades under 10×10ft allowed. Cabanas and walled tents banned
smoking
Smoking banned on all NJ public beaches (state law since 2019). Fines $250–$1,000
glass
Glass containers prohibited on beach
alcohol
Alcohol prohibited on beach (local ordinance)
surfing
Bikes allowed on boardwalk 5am–10am only during summer
rentals
Brooklyn Ave Bay Beach
bay beachReese Ave Bay Beach
bay beachMain Beach Areas
Bayfront lot
Bayfront municipal parking lot
Side streets & ocean blocks
Free street parking on side streets and ocean blocks, first come first served
Route 35
Time-limited parking on Route 35 (15 min to 2 hours depending on section)
Bay Blvd
No on-street parking on Bay Blvd — use connecting streets
No restrooms, no concession stands, no commercial boardwalk
67°
Mostly Sunny
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued May 18 at 2:52AM EDT until May 19 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Mount Holly NJ
✈Rip current risk HIGH along entire NJ coast
Avoid swimming beyond waist-depth. Swim near lifeguards only.
✈Heat advisory in effect through 8pm tonight
Temperatures expected to reach 98°F. Stay hydrated and limit time in direct sun.
Route 35 bridge single-lane closure through Friday
Expect 10–15 minute delays during peak hours.
Today
74°
Sunny
Tonight
63°
Partly Cloudy
Tuesday
79°
Mostly Sunny
Tuesday Night
66°
Partly Cloudy
Wednesday
81°
Mostly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Wednesday Night
57°
Showers And Thunderstorms