Sea Isle City is another family destination, tucked away from the sensory assault of Atlantic City or the busy Wildwood boardwalk.

Before 1962, Sea Isle City did have its own boardwalk… but after being destroyed in a storm, the town opted not to rebuild.  Instead, the waterfront promenade is paved and lined with shops, arcades, and eateries.  You’ll actually find three shopping districts in Sea Isle City:  downtown, the promenade, and the Shopping Center.  Watch for kids’ shows on the promenade during the summer.  And when you need to stretch your legs, join a Sea Isle City Environmental Commission beachcomber walk on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  It only costs a buck for grownups and fifty cents for kids.

As far as dining goes… don’t miss the She Crab Soup at Busch’s Seafood Restaurant.  It’s a local favorite!  You can get more great seafood at Busch’s or dine on the deck at Mike’s Seafood.  For dessert, the locals pick Yum-Yum Affair as their favorite ice cream parlor.

The nightlife in Sea Isle City is a little more rowdy than Avalon or Stone Harbor.  Whatever your taste in music, you can probably find it in Sea Isle City.  Acoustic music is the norm at the Dead Dog Saloon — a nice place to hang out if you actually want to be able to carry on a conversation.  Locals voted the Dead Dog Saloon one of the two top nightclubs in town in 2004.  Your favorite New Jersey cover bands will appear at Kix-McNutley’s Wednesday through Saturday nights.  For DJs and popular dance music, check out Shenanigans or the Lacosta Lounge.

If you’re planning to hit the beach, keep in mind that Wednesdays are free beach days in Sea Isle City.  The rest of the week, you’re going to have to buy a badge.  Another fun freebie to keep in mind is the summer concert series, Summer Concerts Under the Stars.  Enjoy great live music every Monday and Wednesday night.  The town also offers fun family entertainment like Tuesdays for Tots and the weekly Family Night Dance Party.

Looking for a place to stay?  Step back in time at the Doctor’s Inn.  This gorgeous mansion is a great accommodation for families or couples.  And call the Surf Buggy Center to rent a bike or surrey during your stay.  It’s a healthier way to get around, and Sea Isle City isn’t that big anyway!  They also rent baby strollers, beach equipment, and more.  It may be worth packing lighter and giving Surf Buggy Center a call!

When you need a break from the beach, Sea Isle City has several mini-golf courses.  Pirates Island Miniature Golf is one of the best, if you ask the locals.  And if your family is like most families, a game of putt-putt is a great chance to create some memories that really last.  I can still remember my dad screaming “FORE-TEEN!” as I tried to smack the ball through the evil loop-de-loop.  Twenty years and countless games of mini-golf later, it’s still a vivid memory!