Avalon vacation rentals

Avalon has all the ingredients of a Jersey Shore vacation wrapped up in five square miles — it’s the northern borough of the New Jersey barrier island of Seven Mile Island. Beach block homes — houses that sit right across the street from the beach — line the coastline, with an atmosphere that’s decidedly laid-back, since the main focus in town is the beach. But Avalon’s central location also makes it easy to go beach hopping: Stone Harbor sits on the island’s southern end, and both are hugged by other essential shore towns, including Brigantine 41 miles to the north, Ocean City 20 miles north, Sea Isle City four miles north, and Wildwood 11 miles south.

Like many of the Jersey Shore cities, Avalon is characterized by warm and muggy weather in the summer and cold and wet days in the winter, so the peak season for vacation rentals rests between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Highs are in the mid-70s to low 80s Fahrenheit from June through mid-September, while lows during that time remain temperate in the 60s. Midday temperatures can feel uncomfortable because of the humidity, so stick with lightweight clothing, although the breezes on the barrier island can provide relief. Lows in the chilly winters can dip into the high 20s, but are usually in the 30s, while the highs just barely hit 50. Spring and fall are about equal, with temperatures stretching from the high 30s to low 70s.

Seven Mile Beach

The star attraction in town is no doubt the beach, but note that beach tags are required and can be purchased at the Beach Tag Booth between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. or by using the mobile app Viply. If you’re ready to commit for the season, you can purchase a pass for a full summer of Jersey beach fun.

Dune Drive

Honestly, there’s no reason to ever go off Seven Mile Island, since you’ll likely find any essential you need on Dune Drive. Stock up on necessities at the grocery store or go on a shopping spree through surf shops, boutiques, and major retailers. And there’s no shortage of tasty eats, whether you’re in the mood for pizza, pancakes, crab cakes, or beach snacks. Be sure to save room to cool down at the many ice cream shops.

Avalon History Center

Add a little perspective to your beach days with a stop at this history center run by the Avalon Historical Society, seeking to record and preserve the borough’s legacy through written and spoken word, as well as in photos.