Introduction

Welcome to the Belmar Treasure Trail – a self-guided tour that features 50 stops with environmental, art and historical gems that make our beautiful shore town such a special place to live and visit.

Starting as a summer community of just 25 people in 1872, the borough was officially named Belmar – meaning French for “beautiful sea” – 17 years later. By the 1920s there was an influx of year-round residents and by 1940, Belmar’s commercial center was in full swing. Today, the vibrant one-square-mile borough retains its historical small town charm while earning a reputation for leadership in environmental sustainability and the arts.

The Treasure Trail tour is divided into two routes. One covers the Main Street and Shark River sections of town and features stops 1 through 27. It is about 4 miles and takes about two hours, done at a leisurely pace. The second route is an Ocean Area route that features stops 28 to 50. It’s about 2-and-three-quarters miles and will take you around an hour-and-a-half at a leisurely walking pace. Of course, you are welcome to use the Treasure Trail map to break the routes into shorter sections, or to create your own route, and visit the stops you’d like. Along the way, we are sure you’ll discover many beautiful homes, gardens and other sights that make you happy to be in Belmar.

The Belmar Environmental Commission wishes to thank the Belmar Historical Society, the Belmar Arts Council, the Belmar PUBLIC LIBRARY, and the Belmar Mayor and Council along with our partners in the N.J. Water Conservation program and NJ Sea Grant for their support of this Belmar Treasure Trail Tour.

If you want to find out more about Belmar’s events, natural resources and fascinating history, visit Belmar’s website at www.belmar.com. We hope you enjoy the Belmar Treasure Trail!