Avalon: Coast, Beach and History

If you are considering Avalon as a destination for a coastal getaway, it is worth taking a look at its location and the different options for visiting. Avalon lies at the northern end of 7 Mile Island. Here, the town extends one kilometer farther east into the ocean than the neighboring seaside resorts. The high dunes have been carefully preserved over the years and help protect the beaches from storm erosion.

Marina, Fishing and Designated Beaches

At Avalon's southern end, Bay Park Marina is located at 54th Street and the bay. It has a municipal boat ramp and slips. At the northern end of the seaside resort, between 15th and 16th Streets on the bay, is the Avalon Sport Fishing Center, home to a large fleet of charter and excursion boats. This gives you two distinct waterfront departure points: the marina with its ramp and slips in the south, and the center for charter and excursion boats in the north.

Charter, excursion and private boats depart daily from Avalon for the easily accessible fishing grounds in the bay, ocean and canyon. Daily operations may vary by season. If a boat trip or fishing is part of your travel plans, check current operations in advance.

A kayak beach is designated at 57th Street and the bay. The beaches at 41st and 42nd Streets, as well as the stretch from 44th to 49th Street, are surfing-only beaches. These designated areas offer different options for kayaking and surfing. Beach designations are updated seasonally; check the current signage if you are planning either activity.

Walking Routes and Beach Access

Avalon has a promenade about half a mile long for walking. Bicycles are allowed on the promenade only from 5 to 10 a.m.; check this rule again before your trip.

Walkways at the ends of streets provide access to the beach. Accessible walkways are located at the bay near 20th Street and 5th Avenue, as well as at 23rd, 33rd, 37th and 57th Streets; there is also the 8th Street Pier on the bay side. Access locations may change due to maintenance or storms. Check their condition before your visit.

Local History and Tours

The Avalon History Center covers Avalon's heritage from before its development through its growth as a seaside resort. Its exhibits feature photographs, artifacts and stories from the late 19th century through the decades of the 20th century. The center is open six days a week; admission is always free.

The History Center also offers a self-guided tour of Avalon's churches. It is approximately three miles long, begins at 9th Street and ends at 50th Street. Compared with the promenade, which is about half a mile long, the tour is considerably longer. The approximate route lengths can help you distinguish between the two walking options when planning.

The Avalon Historical Society holds an annual Historic House Tour, among other events. Check the date for the relevant year before making the event a firm part of your travel plans.

Discover more destinations: Middle Township, Ocean City, Wildwood Crest, Dennis, Stone Harbor, North Wildwood, Marmora, Sea Isle City

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