NEW JERSEY - The Jersey Shore is famous for its sandy beaches, lively boardwalks, and classic summer fun. But in recent years, it has also become a premier destination for craft beer lovers. Nestled in these coastal towns, you'll find an incredible array of breweries, from large-scale operations with sprawling beer gardens to small, artisanal producers pushing the boundaries of flavor. So, after a day on the beach, skip the usual spots and cool off with a pint from one of the best breweries the Jersey Shore has to offer.
Cape May County: A Southern Brewing Powerhouse
Cape May County has become a true craft beer oasis, boasting some of the state's most well-known and respected breweries.
- Cape May Brewing Co. (Cape May)
- Why It's a Must-Visit: One of New Jersey's largest and most influential craft breweries, Cape May Brewing is an essential stop. Their massive facility includes a multi-room tasting area and a huge, inviting outdoor beer garden. They offer a vast and constantly rotating tap list, featuring everything from their flagship Cape May IPA to seasonal specialties, sours, and stouts. It's a lively, family-friendly destination.
- Address: 1288 Hornet Rd, Cape May, NJ 08204
- The Seed: A Living Beer Project (Atlantic City)
- Why It's a Must-Visit: For those who appreciate the artistry of brewing, The Seed is a pilgrimage site. This highly acclaimed brewery focuses on meticulously crafted lagers, mixed-fermentation saisons, and delicate wild ales. It's a more refined, nuanced experience, showcasing complex flavors and brewing techniques that have earned them a stellar reputation among beer connoisseurs.
- Address: 801 N. New Hampshire Ave, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
- Slack Tide Brewing Company (Clermont)
- Why It's a Must-Visit: A local favorite with a passionate following, Slack Tide consistently produces high-quality, approachable craft beer. They are known for solid flagships like their Bell Buoy Belgian Blonde Ale and Angry Osprey IPA, alongside a great rotation of seasonal beers. Their tasting room offers a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a day on the water.
- Address: 1072 Route 83, Unit 3, Clermont, NJ 08210
Monmouth County: Critically Acclaimed Brews
This county is home to some of the most respected names in New Jersey's craft beer scene.
- Kane Brewing Company (Ocean Township)
- Why It's a Must-Visit: Consistently ranked as one of the best breweries in New Jersey, Kane Brewing is renowned for its exceptional IPAs and rich, complex stouts. Their flagship Head High IPA is an iconic Jersey Shore beer. Their spacious, modern taproom and commitment to quality make them a top destination for serious beer lovers.
- Address: 1750 Bloomsbury Ave, Ocean Township, NJ 07712
- Carton Brewing (Atlantic Highlands)
- Why It's a Must-Visit: Known for its innovative and often experimental approach, Carton Brewing has been a trailblazer in the state. They are famous for unique beers like Boat Beer (a session ale) and their 077XX series of East Coast Double IPAs. A visit to their tasting room offers a chance to try something new and exciting.
- Address: 6 E Washington Ave, Atlantic Highlands, NJ 07716
- Last Wave Brewing Co. (Point Pleasant Beach)
- Why It's a Must-Visit: With its laid-back, surf-inspired theme and prime location in a classic beach town, Last Wave Brewing Co. perfectly captures the spirit of the Jersey Shore. They offer a great lineup of ales and IPAs in a fun, friendly taproom that feels like the perfect post-surfing hangout.
- Address: 601 Bay Ave, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742
Ocean County: Hazy IPAs and Boardwalk Proximity
- Icarus Brewing (Lakewood)
- Why It's a Must-Visit: Icarus Brewing has built a massive following, largely thanks to its expertise with juicy, flavorful New England-style Hazy IPAs. They are incredibly prolific, constantly releasing new and creative beers, including stouts and sours, in their large, industrial-style taproom.
- Address: 1790 Swarthmore Ave, Lakewood, NJ 08701
- Heavy Reel Brewing Co. (Seaside Heights)
- Why It's a Must-Visit: Located just a short walk from the iconic Seaside Heights boardwalk, Heavy Reel Brewing is the perfect escape for craft beer on the barrier island. They focus on well-crafted ales and IPAs in a cozy, fishing-themed taproom, providing a great local alternative to the typical boardwalk bars.
- Address: 1520 Boulevard, Seaside Heights, NJ 08751
Tips for Your Jersey Shore Brewery Tour:
- Check Hours & Food Policies: Many Jersey Shore breweries have seasonal hours. Additionally, some tasting rooms don't serve food but allow you to bring your own (BYOF) or feature food trucks on-site.
- Designate a Driver: Plan your transportation. Use a designated driver or rideshare service to travel safely between breweries.
- Look for Can Releases: Many of these breweries have special can releases, often on Fridays or Saturdays. Check their social media for the latest drops.
- Explore the Styles: The Jersey Shore scene offers everything from crisp lagers and hazy IPAs to complex wild ales. Try a flight to sample a variety!
The Jersey Shore has genuinely become a craft beer destination. Its breweries offer a perfect way to enhance any beach trip, providing unique flavors, local character, and a refreshing break from the sun and sand. So next time you head "down the Shore," make sure to add a few of these top-notch breweries to your itinerary. Cheers!
