Lavallette, New Jersey is a world away from the honky-tonk atmosphere associated with other regions of the Jersey Shore. Located on a barrier island on the Barnegat Bay, Lavallette offers beachgoers a choice between the Atlantic Ocean and the quieter waters of the bay. Lavalette is kept low-key and family friendly by design, and you'll find plenty of places to grab a pizza or an ice cream after your swim.
Nine access points along the Atlantic side of town offer pathways to the water. There are two swimming beaches available on the bay. Beach badges, required for all beach goers over the age of 12 at all times when lifeguards are on duty, can be purchased at access points or at the official Beach Badge Office located next to the Lavallette Police Station.
Different areas, marked by different colored flags, are set aside for swimming, boogie boarding, surfing and kayaking. Beach buggies are allowed by permit during the off season. The bay side offers two piers for fishing and crabbing and numerous playgrounds for children. A public boat launch and 60 mooring points are also available on the bay side.
Alcoholic beverages, loud and profane conversation, cooking, ball games and activities deemed to interfere with the "quiet use" of the beach by others are strictly forbidden, as is littering. Beach goers are advised to stay off the dunes, which are protected by local ordinance, and not to dig holes deeper than their knees. Pets are not allowed at the beach at any time, although they can be walked on the boardwalk during the off season.
Beach wheelchairs are available through the lifeguard headquarters of the Lavallette Beach Patrol in season, and from the town's public works department at other times of the year. Smokers must obtain and use disposable ashtrays, available from lifeguards or the Beach Badge Office. Free parking is available at the Atlantic Ocean access points. Parking decals for the Barnegat Bay side lots are available from the Beach Badge office, as are boat ramp permits.
