Bradley beach or belmar

Which one is better with smaller children. We need one that has a public restroom that is easily accessible. I have heard good reviews re  Seven Presidents beach so maybe I should put that in the mix. I value SOMA peeps thoughts. So please send them in....

Obvious answer is Avon by the Sea

7 Presidents is best for little kids. 

7 Presidents.  Easy Peasy.  Get there early. There is a big parking lot, outdoor showers, bathrooms, changing rooms, snack bar.  

And stop at Rook Coffee on the way for a New Orleans style iced.

Belmar used to attract lots of teens, young adults, and overall a party crowd. Not sure if that's still the case.

Love Avon; public restrooms, no showers, small Boardwalk (a restaurant, ice cream, small shop). There's a playground on one of the Avon beaches. Street parking. Need to arrive early on weekends.

Re Belmar: Depends where you are. Northern part much quieter than southern part.

Re Avon: It's a nice beach, but in recent years they've become somewhat less welcoming to "outsiders," adding more detailed restrictions to the beach. Also, parking is very tough. Below are their beach rules. (My personal favorite is the one about not being allowed to position anything "to function as a table.")

Beach Rules and Regulations:

No tents or canopies are
 
permitted, only umbrellas that
 
require one central station to
 
support shade whether upright
 
or a 90 position.

No fire or any other combustibles
 
including but not limited
 
to sterno, propane flame or
 
electric burners.

No tables or stands or boards or
 
other products positioned to
 
function as a table.

No serving trays, warming trays
 
or other devices utilized for the
 
preparation and service of
 
food for consumption by more
 
than one person.

Beach badges and wristbands
 
must be worn before entering
 
beach and while on the beach.

The transferring of badges is
 
not permitted.

Smoking is only permitted in
 
the designated smoking areas.

No littering. Trash receptacles
 
must be used.

No conduct which endangers
 
the safety or comfort of others.

Bikes and roller blades are
 
not permitted on the boardwalk
 
except between the hours of
 
midnight and 9:00 a.m.

No persons on the beach between
 
midnight and 6:00 a.m. – except
 
fishermen.

No changing of clothes on
 
beach or in any public restroom.

No dogs or other pets on the
 
beach except between
 
October 1st through May 1st.

Swimming in designated areas only

Surfing in designated areas only

No alcoholic beverages

No skateboards

No loud music

cubby said:

Belmar used to attract lots of teens, young adults, and overall a party crowd. Not sure if that's still the case.

Love Avon; public restrooms, no showers, small Boardwalk (a restaurant, ice cream, small shop). There's a playground on one of the Avon beaches. Street parking. Need to arrive early on weekends.

Hi I grew up in Bradley Beach and bought a house here about 20 years ago. Second Avenue beach is kind of buffered by two jetties and as a result, it's perfect for small children since the water starts out very shallow.  It's also more family oriented than certainly Belmar.  If you can stay during the week and not the weekend it's a lot quieter.  There is a public restroom right there on the boardwalk as well as a cold shower and a sandbar with food right there on the beach.  Enjoy!

The difference between weekdays and weekends at Bradley and other shore towns is amazing. Wide open areas during the week; crowded on weekends the closer you get to the water. Parking easier too.