Brigantine Travel Tips
The island oasis of Brigantine, New Jersey, is approximately six miles from Atlantic City and sits along the Atlantic coast, providing a wealth of activities for the family to enjoy. While many travel to Atlantic City for its casinos and clubs, those seeking a friendlier family atmosphere will find it in Brigantine. Considered New Jersey's hidden gem, Brigantine boasts a number of beaches that offer various activities and exciting opportunities for all ages. Several beaches are reserved for four-wheel driving, kite-flying, dog-walking, surfing, jet-skiing, and kayaking, ensuring that something is always happening in Brigantine. Rentals are a popular choice for vacationing families, as by-owner properties are an affordable way to save on travel-related housing costs. Many visitors prefer staying in Brigantine, NJ, rentals to enjoy the comforts of home while taking in all that this beautiful, seaside getaway has to offer.
Neighborhoods
Brigantine is comprised of four separate neighborhoods; however, not all are identifiable by distinctive names. Instead, each neighborhood is known for the streets it encompasses or a main focal point. The first, northern neighborhood is City Center, and the second neighborhood covers West Brigantine Avenue to 17th Street South. The third neighborhood includes Bayshore Avenue, and the fourth region covers Harbour Beach Boulevard. When choosing Brigantine, NJ, rentals, you'll find that each neighborhood offers something unique. There are beautiful homes, apartments, and condominiums available for rent throughout Brigantine. Rentals are plentiful and provide families the luxury of having easy access to some of the city's most notable sites, attractions, and activities.
Activities
Water activities are plentiful in Brigantine, NJ, and knowing your way around the city's many beaches is a must. The official city of Brigantine website has a thorough breakdown and explanation of each beach's rules, dates the beaches are open, rules regarding rental kayaks, canoes, or water-skis, and what activities each beach permits. Fishing along the piers is a popular activity, but there are additional beach areas reserved for fishing. Boat rentals, fishing charters, and sightseeing tours are well-liked excursions families engage in. Rather than staying in a hotel or inn, Brigantine beach rentals are a great way to ensure that you have a prime location for the city's most beautiful and popular beaches and activities throughout your family vacation. Many properties are within walking distance from beaches, making them a top choice.
In addition to Brigantine's beaches, families will find many activities to keep kids occupied. The city has a number of recreational areas and fully equipped parks as well as biking and hiking trails, museums, and wildlife areas. With a close location to neighboring cities and the open expanse of the Atlantic, venturing to a nearby event is a breeze; however, many who visit Brigantine will find ample opportunities for fun and enjoyment within the city limits.
A wildlife-lover's dream location is the
Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge. Extending into Brigantine Beach, the refuge includes a salt marsh and is home to countless species. Visitors may be delighted to spot bald eagles, piping plovers, and American black ducks while hiking, birding, or just taking a nature walk. There are educational programs for kids, and the area is a wonderful location for budding photographers to capture wildlife in its natural environment. While the varying seasons bring changing wildlife, there are always animals who call Edwin B. Forsythe home.
The Brigantine Lighthouse, though not a functioning lighthouse, is a historical attraction and popular local site of interest. The Marine Mammal Stranding Center is the only facility of its type in all of New Jersey. The center rescues, rehabilitates, and releases injured marine wildlife such as dolphins and whales. Those interested in cultural events will want to plan a visit to the Brigantine Beach Historical Museum. With exhibits that explore the city's marine past, the museum offers community events and activities all can enjoy. While there is always something underway, the summer months are the most popular for tourism in Brigantine. Summer rentals are always in high demand and ensure easy and convenient access to major beaches, museums, restaurants and parks.
Seafood lovers will delight in the many restaurants, shacks, and diners offering wares from the Atlantic. Two popular spots with locals and tourists are Hooper's Seafood Cafe and Pirate's Den restaurant. Hooper's is revered for its fresh seafood and chef specialties. They don't have a liquor license, so families need not worry about patrons behaving inappropriately in front of children. You won't find pirates at the Pirate's Den restaurant, but you will find a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere, lines of patrons waiting to get in, and delectable home-style food you're sure to love. Other popular eateries with a family-friendly atmosphere include Aunt B's, Aversa's Italian Bakery, Primo Pizza, and Cool Cones.
In days past, many travelers balked at the idea of finding hotel rooms that would accommodate a family on vacation. Not only is staying in a hotel room with children tiresome and at times even frustrating, it but is often expensive. For those considering a trip to Brigantine, NJ, vacation rentals are an excellent choice. No longer do visiting families have to sacrifice the creature comforts of home when exploring a new area or places of interest. Rentals in Brigantine, NJ, offer the comfort and coziness associated with being in a home or condominium and are affordable options. Brigantine vacation rentals ensure that families can relax in the privacy of a spacious home, have access to necessities such as kitchens and laundry facilities within the home, and have more time to focus on enjoying their vacation rather than on day-to-day tasks. With so many things to do in Brigantine, visitors would rather spend their time filling their itineraries as opposed to doing laundry in hotel facilities or throwing their catch back into the ocean because they are unable to clean, prepare, and cook their fishing spoils.
Events
Brigantine hosts a number of annual events that keep visitors entertained. One of the newest events is the Movies at the Beach that saw more than 100 people drive their vehicles onto the beach to enjoy the show. Music lovers will enjoy the gazebo summer concert series that takes place at the Recreation Center each year. Other annual events include the Summer Fine Arts Festival and the Brigantine Beach Sand Castle Building Contest. The official
city of Brigantine website provides an online list of events throughout the year and is a great place to find out what happenings are going on. With exquisite beaches, parks, and playgrounds, protected wildlife, and a plethora of aquatic and cultural events to experience, Brigantine, NJ, summer rentals are a wonderful way to ensure your family's comfort throughout your stay.
----
About Brigantine, NJ
Just north of Atlantic City, Brigantine has the best of everything you could want in a vacation destination. From beaches to beautiful landscapes to your pick of Brigantine condos, this island city is the ideal setting for a coastal getaway.
Transit
Brigantine visitors will find driving to be the easiest way to get around, especially if they intend to explore beyond the island. NJ Transit also has a bus route between Brigantine and Atlantic City, making day trips easy. Much of Brigantine is also bike friendly, and many spots along the waterfront rent bikes by the hour or by the day.
Climate
Thanks to its seaside location in the Mid Atlantic, Brigantine enjoys a humid subtropical climate. In the summer months, temperatures top out at a balmy 80 degrees, while winter temperatures average about 35 degrees. June, July, and August are typically the best times to visit Brigantine, which tends to fill up in the summer.
Things to Do
As an island city, Brigantine condos are never far from sandy beaches and beautiful Atlantic views. Visitors can swim at more than a dozen public access points along the coast, though most beaches are open for swimming only from mid-June through Labor Day. Surfing and fishing are also permitted in several locations along the beach. Keep in mind that dogs are only allowed on the beach during the off season, from October through Memorial Day.
Brigantine is surrounded by protected land and wildlife refuges, some of which are open for exploration. The Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge encompasses over 47,000 acres of coastal habitats near Brigantine. Visitors can spot white tail deer, mink, muskrats, and wild turkeys, as well as fish, hunt, and hike. Some of the most popular points include Wildlife Drive, an eight-mile trail along unique habitats, and Songbird Trail, a five-mile hiking trail where visitors can see numerous bird species. Keep in mind that the refuge may close during serious weather, extreme temperatures, or other environmental conditions.
Just down the road from Brigantine, the Absecon Wildlife Management Area features more than 3,700 acres of salt marsh. Visitors can spot a number of birds throughout the different seasons, such as bald eagles in winter, salt marsh sparrows in spring, and diamondback terrapins in summer. Visit during the quieter fall months to see sandpipers, plovers, and peregrine falcons.
Nightlife
When you’re ready for some city nightlife, head a few miles south to Atlantic City. One of the largest Atlantic City casinos, Harrah’s Resort, features over 175,000 square feet of space and more than 2,500 slot machines. Known as one of the luckiest casinos in Atlantic City, Tropicana has more than 2,600 slots and over 100 game tables. For a stylish casino experience, don’t miss Revel, which features over 100 game tables, 2,000 slot machines, and huge windows, a rarity in Atlantic City casinos.
From natural beauty to sandy beaches to colorful casinos, Brigantine has something for everyone. Snag the Brigantine condos that work best for your group, and start planning your getaway.
