On any given hot summer day, numerous visitors flock to the spectacular beaches of the Jersey Shore, chasing the dream of relaxing on fine white sand, swimming under a big blue sky and surfing on waves that are arguably the best around on a good day. With so much beautiful beachside, it is understandable that many folks are completely unaware that an entirely different scene unfolding on the bayside. Equally as vibrant on a summer day, boaters, rowers, paddlers and jet skiers are cutting through calmer blue-grey waters and taking in unique experiences and opposite views of our much-loved barrier islands.
For some, "the bay," as we all like to call it, as if it's a singular body of water – is merely the water you cross over to get to your destination. But in reality, it's part of a connected network of navigable channels that together make up the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) that stretches a whopping 3,000 miles from its northern point in Massachusetts, southward all the way to the southern tip of Florida. It then follows the Gulf Coast where it winds up in Texas. If you had the wherewithal, you could boat your way to the very end of the Sunshine State, while barely having to encounter the rough open ocean! But locally speaking, and more realistically for most, the bay connects the boater and jet skier to an array of fun restaurants and lots of entertainment up and down the shore.
As a true beach bum, I was once completely oblivious to what took place on "the other side." But a new world was opened up to me a few summers ago, when my husband Rob trailered our bow rider Jersey Girl from her former home in New England to her new home in Ventnor. As Rob, who grew up in Massachusetts, navigated around the local waterways to get his bearings, he told me about places I never knew, even though I am the one who grew up here. He was calling inlets and bays by names I didn't recognize and discovering how to connect from point A to point B. Soon, I found myself taking in breathtaking views I'd never seen, as if we were in an entirely new place. I guess we actually were. Whether we found a great sandbar to stop for a picnic, a quiet place to drop a fishing line, an inlet beach, or a lively restaurant/bar with great music to pull into – I soon learned that a day out on the bay is about the journey AND the destination, in no particular order.
With a GPS guiding us, we've zipped around just about everywhere from Gardener’s Basin, to just south of Sea Isle City, and westward through the marshy creeks in Galloway and Mayslanding. Not all restaurants that you pass have boat access, but those that do make excellent places to stop. So get out your compass and navigate to any of these local options for great food an entertainment by boat, and check out some interesting points of interest along the way.
Atlantic City
The Deck Bayfront Bar at the Golden Nugget: The B Street Band is among some great cover bands that play weekly here.
The Deck Bayfront Bar & Restaurant at the Golden Nugget
Boating around Gardiner’s Basin, it is hard not to be drawn to The Deck Bayfront Bar & Restaurant at the Golden Nugget. Flanking the bay side of the casino, you cannot miss the giant red awning beyond the Farley Marina. Known for its theme nights and great cover bands, the Golden Nugget Deck offers spectacular views of the water, with Gardener’s Basin and the AC skyline as a backdrop. We caught Hells Bells--the rockin' all female ACDC cover band. As Bruce Springsteen fans, we came back to hear the B Street Band, who were so spot on, they might impress the Boss himself. They have been playing on the Deck every Thursday for more than 20 years! We enjoyed the fresh garden salads, coconut shrimp appetizer and tasty shrimp and lobster roils.
Boat access: Although most slips at Farley Marina at the Golden Nugget are private, call ahead to the Golden Nugget marina office and the staff will find a dock space for you.
Back Bay Ale House
Directly across the water, adjacent to Gardener’s Basin, the Back Bay Ale House offers a Caribbean feel and the spacious deck offers stunning views of the water, and lots of good boat watching as vessels, from fishing boats to swanky cabin cruisers and fancy yachts make their way through the channel.
Boat access: There is public dock space located a few steps away from the restaurant, with free parking for four hours.
The Wonder Bar on a typical busy summer day. (Photo left courtesy of Michael Pennock)
The Wonder Bar
In the Chelsea area, you’ll find the Wonder Bar, alongside the Albany Ave. Bridge. It’s fun to sit outside at the covered rectangular tiki bar that offers the beautiful water views and order from the creative and extensive margarita menu. There is indoor and outdoor seating. The menu includes yummy seafood appetizers, salads and lighter fare, such as lettuce cups, sandwiches served with homemade chips, burgers and pizza.
Boat access: The Wonder Bar has a long parallel parking dock for boats on one side and wave runners on the other.
Pro Tip: When traveling by boat along the bay in Atlantic City, be ready to slow down frequently for “no wake zones” as you hit more populated areas. Best to look at this as an opportunity to enjoy your cheese and crackers without fear of spillage.
Points of interest: Along this route you’ll encounter the NJ Transit AMTRAK railroad swing bridge that uniquely opens like a jackknife so boaters can pass, after a train has departed from the A.C. train station. If you are traveling at dusk, the views of the lit up skyline from the bay angle are stunning.
Bay angle views of the casinos during the day or after dusk and the unique railroad bridge (in the open position) are among sites to take in while boating on the bay in Atlantic City
Margate/Longport
Lamberti’s
Heading south from AC you'll find Lamberti’s, which reopened at its original location on Amherst Ave. in Margate in 2024, offers a fine dining experience with its signature Italian dishes. The restaurant is in a spacious new two-story building offering stunning sunset views of the bay. Come casual off your boat or jetski during the day, and sit outside on the outdoor deck just off the main dining areas and take in magnificent water view, especially at sunset. The menu offers Italian cuisine, from clams and spaghetti and brick oven pizzas, as well as filet mignon and fresh catch options.
Boat access. The restaurant sits behind a large marina that has about six spots dedicated to restaurant docking.
LaBarca
LaBarca in Longport is accessible to boaters through Seaview Harbor Marina. The restaurant offers a white table cloth fine dining experience, featuring oysters and crude, and an extensive menu of Italian dishes. Windows all around provide lovely views of the marina. The restaurant also offers an extensive happy hour menu served from 12-5 p.m.
Boat access. You can dock your boat at Seaview Harbor Marina, which will allow you to park for a fee of $20. With one of the few gas docks around, you may want to fill up while at the marina.
Tideline
Coming Summer 2025! From the owners of Tomatoes, a new restaurant bar, with a large outdoor seating area on the bay in Margate, serving lunch and dinner AND accessible by water, will be opening in early summer. Tideline promises to serve a little bit of everything, using only fresh ingredients and live music. We can't wait to try it!
Great Egg Harbor Bay
Crabby Jacks
Crabby Jacks is an extension of the landmark Crab Trap Restaurant in Somers Point. It offers a spacious covered deck and full service bar and dining area. The relaxing vibe is heightened by beautiful views of Great Egg Harbor Bay. Think super fresh high quality seafood that the Crab Trap is widely known for, but in the form of lighter fare. The menu includes small bites, a raw bar, salads and sandwiches. There is live entertainment seven nights a week.
Boat access: A spacious boat dock is available in front of the restaurant.
The Point
The Point is an island style beach bar, entirely outdoors, located on Bay Ave., complete with sand under your feet, palm trees, a dance floor and tiki style huts. You can lounge on a comfortable couch, sit at a table or one of three tiki bars. Cabanas must be reserved. Live music is there daily, including live bands and live DJs.. Casual dining selections include yummy apps such as crispy shrimp and mango, chilled seared tuna or veggie potstickers. Also on the menu are burgers, cheese steaks and, taco boxes.
Boat access: A boat dock is available that extends the length of the restaurant
Back Bay Café @ The Tuckahoe Inn,
Located at the water’s edge on Great Egg Harbor Bay in Marmora, The Tuckahoe Inn is a family friendly stop with a festive atmosphere, live music and a spacious outdoor game area the kids will enjoy. We've been there a few times and haven't had to wait, as they have plenty of outdoor tables, dotted with red and blue umbrellas, offering welcomed shade. We enjoyed their black bean hummus appetizer and their award-winning Maryland style crab cakes are a must-try.
Boat access: Dock with plenty of spaces available for boats and jet skis.
Pro Tip: When going to restaurants in Somers Point, be aware of the tides. Low tide may impact your ability to dock your boat, or delay your departure.
The Deauville Inn offers an oyster bar, sunset deck and a sandbar. You also have the option of full service dining at your boat.
The Deauville Inn
The Deauville Inn, in Strathmere, is a popular haven for boaters and jet skiers alike, looking for a party scene on the waterfront. There is an oyster bar, where you can enjoy an assortment of freshly shucked local oysters while taking in the stunning views; a sunset deck with many tables for casual dining, and a sandbar, where you can hang out in your bathing suit on a lounge chair or eat at one of the picnic tables with toes in the sand. There is an extensive menu of fresh seafood offerings, and a smaller menu of land options, including slow-roasted prime rib. You also have the option full dining service right on your boat.
Boat access: You can pull into one of the Deauville’s 36 boat slips with the assistance of one of their dock hands.
Pull your boat or jets ski into Corson's Inlet State Park and enjoy a day of hiking, fishing and crabbing.
Point of interest : Along the way to the Deauville, coming from the Great Egg Harbor Bay, you may find yourself struck by some of the most scenic natural beauty in the area. Corson’s Inlet State Park, an undeveloped and protected tract of land, is a site to behold with its picturesque sand dunes and marine estuaries, that are home to various wildlife species. This is a popular spot for fishing, hiking, and crabbing and a frequent destination for boaters. It’s the perfect spot to pull over for a picnic. For more information, visit:https://www.nj.gov/dep/parksandforests/parks/corsonsinletstatepark.html
Up the Creek
Top: Oyster Creek Restaurant and Boat Bar. Bottom: Mott's Creek Inn. Performing: Kim McKinnon and Tony Pontari
Oyster Creek Restaurant and Boat Bar and Mott's Creek Inn
From the Atlantic City Inlet, heading through Great Bay, you can cut over to the Oyster Creek inlet and weave your way off the beaten path through the marshy calm creek to Oyster Creek Restaurant and Boat Bar at Leeds Point, or further down, you'll find Mott's Creek Restaurant in Galloway. These restaurants offer rustic charm, casual fare, a calendar of great music and far reaching camera worthy vistas of the surrounding marshes. Upon your return to the AC Inlet, you'll catch a unique view of the AC skyline. There is a full schedule of live music and other events. We recommend bringing bug spray, as our friends the green heads enjoy the creek!
Pro tip:
It is important to have plenty of sturdy rope with you on your journey. Tie up with these and you are good to go!
