Avalon will always be my favorite beach spot. I grew up going there every summer and now that I'm an adult we still love to go back. I live in the D.C. area and no one understands why we would go to Jersey beaches, but Avalon is a jewel. It's a peaceful beach town, geared towards the family vacation. They are growing by leaps and bounds in the way of luxury homes and condos. When I was a kid, it was the 5&10, Uncle Bill's and the candy store. Now they have upscale shopping and some new cafes and restaurants. Uncle Bill's is still the hands down best for breakfast though! Avalon is within a short drive to Ocean City or Wildwood for the evening. We took a ride over to Atlantic City as well. Avalon has a small boardwalk, mostly just for walking, with a small arcade and a pizza shop that have both been there for many years. At the same location they have a nice playground and small skateboarding "park." You can bike (or drive) to Stone Harbor for some shopping and more restaurants. The beaches are pretty wide. To avoid the crowds stay away from the beaches near the parking area by the boardwalk. Going even 5 or 10 blocks in either direction provided almost empty sand (in late June).

We'll be back!!