After leaving the contemporary beachfront homes of Deal Beach, turn back the clock a century and enjoy the small historic beach town of Allenhurst. Developed cohesively by one company starting in 1895, the town features popular architectural styles of the period—Colonial Revival, Queen Anne, Prairie, and Craftsman. With fewer than 500 people, Allenhurst has been able to resist
development and, thus, garner a designation on the National Register of Historic Places for its Victorian, late 19th and 20th Century Revival architecture.
Its beachfront is only four blocks so it's easy to miss if you're walking along the beach from Deal to Asbury Park.
Mister C's Bistro
Allenhurst offers something many towns wish they had -- a beachfront restaurant with indoor and outdoor dining. Mister C's Bistro which is surprisingly never busy and has a good reliable menu and looks out directly on the ocean with a great seat at the bar.
The town has its own train station and a few shops along Main Street. Like Deal residents to north, Allenhurst residents make Asbury Park their go-to location for dining and entertainment.
The Infamous Speed Trap
Driving south along the wide, four-lane Ocean Avenue in Deal, it's easy for drivers to push their foot on the gas. Asbury Park is in view. Suddenly, the four-lanes turn to town, and the speed limit drops
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to 25mph. Hello, speeders! The Allenhurst Police Department is infamous for sitting unobtrusively on Ocean Avenue eager to hand out speeding tickets to add to the town's coffers. Be warned! They seemingly are there day and night, 365 days a year.
How Allenhurst got its name
In 1895, a 120-acre farm owned by Abner Allen farm was bought by the Coast Land Improvement Company in order to build an exclusive resort community to attract upper class summer residents. Allenhurst owes its name to Mr. Allen.
Allen received was also noteworthy for being the keeper of the lifeboat house that was established as part of a network of life-saving stations in 1847. Allen helped save more than 200 people from the off-shore wreck of the New Era. in 1854. The anchor from the boat is on display in front of the Allenhurst Historical Society in Allenhurst. The marker reads, “In solemn reverence of this disaster’s role in establishing the U.S. Lifesaving Service, known today as the U.S. Coast Guard. It is hoped that this memorial shall inspire a permanent and prominent appreciation of our local heritage.”
By 1878, the volunteer life-saving role was assumed by a new federal agency, the Life-Saving Service, which refurbished, replaced or built 40-plus stations from Sandy Hook to Cape May. From 1871 through 1914, the Service aided 28,121 vessels, and rescued or aided 178,741 persons. It's unofficial motto: “Remember, you have to go out, but nothing says you have to come back.”
Tips for Visiting Allenhurst Beach
What's New: Seasonal beach badges are back.
Road Access & Parking: There is no charge for parking on the street, but a few spaces that are limited to two hours.
Amenities: With your beach badge, you can access the showers and restrooms for the daily beach badge holders at the Allenhurst Beach Club. As of now, membership at the Allenhurst Beach Club is full, and no new members are being accepted.
Beaches: Beach badges are only required weekends from May 29 through June 20 and then daily from June 21 to September 6. Daily beach badges are $10 for people 13 and over. A seasonal beach badge is $300 but without access to the Allenhurst Beach Club.
Follow Jersey Shore author and expert R.C. Staab as he recounts his 2021 walk of every beach along the 139 miles of the Jersey Shore coastline from Sandy Hook to Cape May. Read all updated stories at www.JerseyShoreWalk.com.
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