New Jersey’s Rising Star: This Underrated City Is Ideal for Any Traveler

The Jersey Shore is pretty much my home away from home, but I still haven't been able to explore anywhere close to all of it. There are so many distinct regions along the coast, but I'm partial to the more northern areas of the shore that are still serviced regularly by New Jersey Transit trains, making it easy to jump from one town to another in one day. There are plenty of famous towns along this corridor, but the lesser-known ones are just as charming and worth visiting. A perfect example is Bradley Beach, a town of over 4,000 people not far from some of the shore's best hot spots. Despite this proximity, it still maintains a laid-back, blue-collar vibe that's great for either visiting or settling down. I've discovered plenty of great things to do in Bradley Beach, New Jersey, and I can't wait for you to discover it too.

Bradley Beach is served by the NJ Coast Line throughout the day and is easily accessible by car, so it's a great stop on any shore trip. You might not have planned a trip here, but this laid-back town is ideally located. It's walking distance from the entertainment hub of Asbury Park and only a short drive of less than 20 minutes from peaceful Allenhurst and thrilling Point Pleasant Beach.

One of the things I love about smaller beach towns is the shores are much less crowded, offering perfect vistas and peaceful escapes. Bradley Beach is also a residential town, not a tourist town, which means much more of the town is open for business even when the boardwalks are closed.

Another great reason to visit? Bradley Beach has an amazing dining scene. The most popular restaurant in town is probably Vic's, a fantastic old-school Italian joint known for its pizzas. For breakfast, the latest outpost of Hatch 44 Cafe is bringing the mini-chain's southwest-inspired brunch favorites to the shore. Skratch Kitchen is a popular choice for dinner thanks to its innovative takes on Italian classics, and you don't want to leave without getting some of the famous cookies from Del Ponte's Bakery.

Have you visited this hidden gem on the Jersey Shore? If not, tell a friend and discover some of the best things to do in Bradley Beach for yourself! The town might not have as many hotels as some of its neighbors, but it does have one highly acclaimed one: The James Bradley, a stately independent hotel perfect for a luxurious getaway.