When people think about joining a boat club, they often picture fishing trips, island hopping, or cruising along the back bays. But one of the most underrated perks of being part of Carefree Boat Club Avalon is access to a whole world of dock-and-dine experiences. Imagine stepping off your boat straight onto a waterfront deck, greeted by live music, delicious food, and a cold drink—all without ever worrying about slips, slips fees, or maintenance.
Here in Avalon and the surrounding waters, there are plenty of options, but three local favorites stand out among our members: Sunset Pier, The Lazy Bass, and The Wharf.
Sunset Pier Restaurant and Juice Bar – A True Favorite
Just a short ride from our docks, Sunset Pier in Sea Isle City lives up to its name. Whether you’re there for breakfast after an early morning cruise, or dinner and drinks as the sky turns pink and orange, Sunset Pier is all about relaxed, toes-in-the-sand dining with some of the best views around.
A waterfront family restaurant located on 86th Street and the Bay in Sea Isle City, NJ. Wether you’re looking to start the day with a stack of fluffy pancakes piled high with fresh fruit, loaded omelettes or a healthy juice bar option; or relax on the deck on a cool summer evening, enjoying fresh local seafood and vibrant pasta dishes while taking in the Sunset, there’s no better place around!
Members love pulling up by boat, tying off, and unwinding as the sun dips low on the horizon. It’s casual, BYOB, it’s family-friendly, and it’s one of those places that feels like the Jersey Shore at its best.
The Lazy Bass – Dockside Fun & Food Trucks
If you’re looking for a spot with personality, The Lazy Bass delivers. Located on the water in North Wildwood, it has a laid-back, beach-bar vibe complete with picnic tables, fire pits, and live music. What makes it especially unique is the rotating lineup of food trucks—you never quite know if it’ll be shrimp tacos, cheesesteaks, barbecue, or fresh seafood!
With very experienced dockhands ready to help you tie up, it’s one of the most boat-friendly restaurants around. They have great live music, fun merchandise and very reasonably priced drinks!
The Wharf – A Wildwood Classic
For decades, The Wharf in Wildwood has been one of South Jersey’s iconic dock-and-dine destinations. Known for its live entertainment and classic Shore seafood dishes, it’s a must-visit stop for boaters. With over 80 transient boat slips and multiple bar options there is something for everyone. Enjoy a rock show out on the sandbar, or a frozen espresso martini with a nice bay breeze at the rio bar, listen to the band on the deck, or step inside to try the fine dining, white table cloth indoor restaurant. Whether you’re arriving for a casual afternoon lunch or there to see your favorite local band, The Wharf offers a mix of energy and waterfront charm that keeps boaters coming back year after year.
20+ More Options
Carmen’s Seafood Restaurant (Sea Isle City)
Great BYOB seafood restaurant that also serves a fantastic breakfast menu!
Website: Visit Website
Phone: (609) 263-3471
Buckets Margarita Bar & Cantina (Stone Harbor)
A lively, fun taqueria-style spot with graffiti-style décor, indoor/outdoor bars, and deck seating over the bay—perfect for enjoying punchy Mexican-inspired bites and drinks
Website: Visit Website
Phone: (609) 961-3015
Stone Harbor Pizza Pub (Stone Harbor)
A casual, bayside pizzeria serving up slices, fries, and pub-style fare. Features 12 draft beers on tap, a full bar, and a second-level “Crew Room” for events and sunset
Website: Visit Website
Phone: (609) 368-5454
The Reeds at Shelter Haven (Stone Harbor)
Water Star Grille – An upscale yet casual dining experience right on the bay. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or cocktails—complete with stunning sunset views and a lively, relaxing atmosphere
Website: Visit Website
Phone: (609) 368-0100
The Deauville Inn (Strathmere)
Longtime waterfront restaurant & sports bar with a large of number of boat slips offering traditional American seafood & meat dishes.
Website: Visit Website
Phone: (609) 263-2080
Beach Creek Oyster Bar & Grille (Wildwood)
Casual surf ‘n’ turf restaurant & bar with an intimate dining room, marina-side deck & live bands.
Website: Visit Website
Phone: (609) 522-1062
Boathouse Restaurant & Marina Deck (Wildwood)
Restaurant with seafood & classic steakhouse fare, harbor views & a menu of tropical cocktails.
Website: Visit Website
Phone: (609) 729-5301
Urie’s Waterfront Restaurant (Wildwood)
Roomy, longtime (since 1956) casual choice for seafood, steaks & drinks on Wildwood Yacht Basin.
Website: Visit Website
Phone: (609) 522-4189
The Point Tiki Bar (Somers Point)
Outdoor bar and restaurant featuring live music, sand areas, and bay views with a Caribbean themed menu.
Website: Visit Website
Phone: (609) 626-4692
Two Mile Crab House (Wildwood Crest)
Waterfront site with boat docking & 2 restaurants with views (upscale dining or casual crab house). The Crab House features 3 bars, 1 indoor dining room and three large outdoor dining areas. The vibe is casual and fun and very family friendly!
Website: Visit Website
Phone: (609) 522-1341
The Lobster House (Cape May)
Fresh seafood, multiple dining rooms, indoor Raw Bar, and dockside fish market.
Website: Visit Website
Phone: (609) 884-8296
Tavern on the Bay Hotel, Marina & Restaurant (Somers Point)
Website: Visit Website
Phone: (609) 926-3500
Crabby Jack’s (Somers Point)
Outdoor waterfront destination with a full bar serving seafood, sandwiches & salads.
Website: Visit Website
Phone: (609) 927-7377
The Tuckahoe Inn (Marmora)
Longtime, family-owned bar/fixture with a homey feel & bay views offering seafood & steak dishes.
Website: Visit Website
Phone: (609) 390-3322
Tideline (Margate)
Prepare to be swept away by the most spectacular sunset on the island, our unassumingly casual menu, and a bar list to please any enthusiast. Come for the food, stay for the view, and create lasting memories.
Website: Visit Website
Phone: (609) 350-6717
Betty’s Seafood Shack (Margate)
Casual BYOB seafood shack serving lobster rolls and other New England fare with bay views.
Website: Visit Website
Phone: (609) 246-7411
Lamberti’s Sunset Marina & Restaurant (Margate)
Luciano Lamberti’s Restaurant & Sunset Marina is an ode to a ship sailing in the seas, along the bay in Margate, NJ.
Website: Visit Website
Phone: (609) 541-6069
The Deck Bayfront Bar & Restaurant at Golden Nugget (Atlantic City)
Casual spot for American eats, drinks, and marina views, plus live music. Located at the Golden Nugget casino.
Website: Visit Website
Phone: (609) 441-2000
Back Bay Ale House (Atlantic City)
Homey bar & restaurant offering patio seating with views, mason jar drinks & a full pub menu.
Website: Visit Website
Phone: (609) 449-0006
Wonder Bar (Atlantic City)
American pub fare & drinks served in a lively space with an outdoor deck overlooking the water.
Website: Visit Website
Phone: (609) 344-8888
The Surfing Pig (North Wildwood)
BBQ plates, burgers, seafood & cocktails in a casual, nautical-themed setup with water views.
Website: Visit Website
Phone: (609) 522-0977
The Dock (West Wildwood)
Generous tacos, locally sourced seafood & other casual eats in a chill seasonal venue by the marina.
Website: Visit Website
Phone: (609) 770-8303
Port Marina and Restaurant (Cape May)
Informal waterside restaurant serving seafood, drinks & more in a beachy space with a deck & views.
Website: Visit Website
Phone: (609) 884-5444
Ship ‘N Shore Bar (Wildwood)
Dive bar with live music offering burgers, fries, and other bar bites, plus sports on TV.
Website: Visit Website
Phone: (609) 522-0377
Mad Viking (Cape May)
Owned by local fisherman and farmers, Mad Viking is a new Dock Bar and Grill located at Snug Harbor Marina on the Cape May Harbor.
Website: Visit Website
Phone: (609) 899-0990
Twisties Tavern on the Bay (Strathmere)
Stalwart bayside standby featuring seafood & flatbread pizzas in a wood-paneled space with a patio.
Website: Visit Website
Phone: (609) 263-2200
Oar House Pub (Sea Isle City)
Waterfront spot offering seafood specialties & full bar in chill digs with live music some nights.
Website: Visit Website
Phone: (609) 263-3000
More Than Just Boating — It’s a Lifestyle
Dock-and-dine outings are just one example of how life changes when you join Carefree Boat Club Avalon. Instead of worrying about slips, trailering, or maintenance, you simply show up, grab the keys, and head out. From family dinners at Sunset Pier to music nights at The Lazy Bass or a lively afternoon at The Wharf, your membership opens the door to experiences that go far beyond simply driving a boat.
If you’ve been thinking about joining a boat club, consider this: boating with Carefree isn’t just about where you can go—it’s about what you can do when you get there.