The beaches that cover the southern Jersey shoreline have become popular destinations over the last two decades, welcoming tourists from all parts of the globe. Whether they arrive to catch waves on surfboards, take relaxing swims in the ocean, or dine on delicious local seafood, the masses that descend on the area have marked it as a great place to vacation. Ship Bottom has also become a popular spot for people who want a summer home, with many transplanting themselves there seasonally. If you’re a tourist or a new resident of this Jersey beach community, knowing where to shop is a must. Locals and travelers have rated the following as their go-to places when in Ship Bottom.
1. The Ron Jon Surf Shop has been a hotspot for more than 60 years
When the first Ron Jon Surf Shop opened its doors in 1959, no one knew of the booming business this beach gear and accessories store would experience. With locations in five states and a dominant online presence, Ron John’s has been the go-to place for surfers, boaters, swimmers, and skaters for generations.
The shop sells a variety of swimwear and must-have beach accessories. Umbrellas, beach chairs, towels, and sunscreen are but a small part of their retail lineup. Ron Jon’s has become a popular place for tourists to grab souvenirs, too. The shop stocks a wide variety of tee shirts, jewelry, and gift items, making it the perfect spot to grab mementos of your trip to the beach.
The shop sells a variety of swimwear and must-have beach accessories. Umbrellas, beach chairs, towels, and sunscreen are but a small part of their retail lineup. Ron Jon’s has become a popular place for tourists to grab souvenirs, too. The shop stocks a wide variety of tee shirts, jewelry, and gift items, making it the perfect spot to grab mementos of your trip to the beach.
2. Faria’s Surf and Sport is a popular family-owned retail store that is a must-see
This shop was founded in 1969, and boasts that it is operated by a family of surfers who have spent decades curating the business for enthusiasts of the sport. Faria’s has grown to include six locations, each one with their own unique flair. Traditional surfing gear is a mainstay at this store, but you can also find a large variety of men's, women's, and children's swimwear. They stock a great clothing line that caters to surfers, too, with well-known brand names prominently displayed.
Faria’s is the place to get surfing and SUP lessons along the beach. You’ll also find that they have a good selection of boards and bikes for rent during your stay. And if you need beach chairs or umbrellas to rent while you’re on your beach vacation, they have you covered.
Faria’s is the place to get surfing and SUP lessons along the beach. You’ll also find that they have a good selection of boards and bikes for rent during your stay. And if you need beach chairs or umbrellas to rent while you’re on your beach vacation, they have you covered.
3. The Stafford Square Mall offers essentials for those staying in the area long-term
Just outside Ship Bottom in the community of Manahawkin, you’ll find the Stafford Square Mall. The wide variety of shops in this location offers a lot more than the beach items you’ll see when shopping in Ship Bottom along the beach.
Anyone looking for furniture and home decor will find that the Ashley Homestore will have something to suit their taste. Peppered throughout the mall are other retail spots that carry items you use regularly, but with the convenience of having them in a central location to save you time. Here, you’ll find a Dollar Tree and Party Fair among specialty shops like Stafford Dry Cleaners and Horizon Eye Care.
If you need groceries while you’re in Ship Bottom, the Stafford Square Mall hosts the ShopRite supermarket. You’ll be able to get all of the staples for your home or vacation condo here, without having to travel far from the beach.
Anyone looking for furniture and home decor will find that the Ashley Homestore will have something to suit their taste. Peppered throughout the mall are other retail spots that carry items you use regularly, but with the convenience of having them in a central location to save you time. Here, you’ll find a Dollar Tree and Party Fair among specialty shops like Stafford Dry Cleaners and Horizon Eye Care.
If you need groceries while you’re in Ship Bottom, the Stafford Square Mall hosts the ShopRite supermarket. You’ll be able to get all of the staples for your home or vacation condo here, without having to travel far from the beach.
4. Country Corner gives visitors to Ship Bottom an authentic general store experience
For more than 50 years, visitors and residents alike have been giving patronage to Country Corner, a unique general store in Ship Bottom. Alongside sundry items, Country Corner has a large selection of fresh baked goods for sale. It’s also well-known for its careful curation of a variety of plants and flowers, both of which have been popular draws to the retail shop.
5. The Mod Hatter is a gift shop that shouldn’t be overlooked
What began as a micro-business on a pushcart in the early 1990s eventually grew into the brick-and-mortar store known as the Mod Hatter. If you are shopping in Ship Bottom during your trip, you’ll definitely not want to miss this fun and unique shop in nearby Beach Haven.
Jewelry, hats, and handbags are mainstays at the retail store. But there are a great selection of gift items, perfect to bring back to your friends and family at home.
Jewelry, hats, and handbags are mainstays at the retail store. But there are a great selection of gift items, perfect to bring back to your friends and family at home.
6. Society Beach gives shoppers more than just beachwear
If you’ve been to any beach community, you’ll see the boardwalks dotted with varieties of shops that seem to sell a lot of the same items. And while you’ll be able to get the swimwear and beach accessories needed for a beach vacation at Society Beach, you’ll discover that this shop is about a whole lot more than swim trunks and bikinis.
Society Beach stocks a great selection of hip tee shirts, hats, and accessories, allowing you to add some fun stylings to your shopping in Ship Bottom. The carefully curated selection here caters to both men and women and is sure to not disappoint.
The shop also stocks some gift and souvenir items that will be a sure hit back home.
Society Beach stocks a great selection of hip tee shirts, hats, and accessories, allowing you to add some fun stylings to your shopping in Ship Bottom. The carefully curated selection here caters to both men and women and is sure to not disappoint.
The shop also stocks some gift and souvenir items that will be a sure hit back home.
The bottom line
The borough of Ship Bottom is a wonderful place to take a beach vacation. Whether you’re packing up the family for your annual trip or meeting a group of friends for an adults-only weekend, you’ll find that Ship Bottom offers experiences you’ll want to come back to enjoy again. It’s also a great area to have a summer home, with many folks living there seasonally. If you want a team of professionals that can help you find a home in this popular beach destination, consider the experts at Beach House Realty. Their years of experience in the industry will lead you to the beach home you’ve always dreamed about.
