Beach Haven Historic District

Beach Haven Historic District is a neighborhood covering roughly 23 acres between Bay and Atlantic Avenues, containing hundreds of residential and commercial buildings from the Victorian and Colonial Revival eras. The structures range from simple cottages to elaborate homes featuring characteristic wood details, shingle work, and decorative elements typical of the period.

The neighborhood developed in the late 1800s when entrepreneurs transformed farmland into a coastal resort, quickly building homes for wealthy visitors seeking seaside escapes. It received National Register status in 1983 and underwent expansion to recognize additional structures of historical importance.

The name Beach Haven refers to the sheltered location between ocean and bay, where buildings from different periods stand side by side in a cohesive neighborhood. Visitors can observe how wealthy families of the late 1800s designed their summer homes with attention to architectural detail and comfort.

Visitors can walk through the quiet streets and view the homes from outside, as many remain private residences or serve commercial purposes. The neighborhood is best explored at a leisurely pace, wandering between Pearl Street and 3rd Street to take in the full range of architectural styles.

The district was shaped by one architectural firm that designed buildings in Gothic Revival, Queen Anne, and Shingle styles, creating a rare example of a cohesive wealthy neighborhood from that era. This concentrated creative vision gives the area a distinctive character you can feel while walking through the streets.

Location: Beach Haven

GPS coordinates: 39.55889,-74.24194

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:46