When the beach gets too crowded and the sand gets too hot, an escape to the bay is always a good alternative. Just take a look at some of the bars and restaurants located bayside — relaxing spots with loads of personality and killer views to boot.

We travelled up the coast to find some of the best bayside bars at the Jersey Shore. With tons of drink specials, lots of live music and specialty bar menus, you might never make it back to the beach this summer.

Cape May

Harbor View Deck: The Harbor View Restaurant’s marina-side dock serves up it’s own original menu alongside a view that’s hard to beat. Grab a cocktail or any of their extensive beers on tap-including plenty of local brews- and pair it with sushi rolls, lots of seafood bites, or a sandwich. There’s live music that runs through the summer and plenty of specials from dawn until dusk. (954 Ocean Dr.; 609-884-5444)

The Raw Bar at The Lobster House: Right off Fisherman’s Wharf sits this Cape May staple, with an outdoor bar that’s relaxed and easygoing. It’s where we go when we’re looking to kick back with a glass or pitcher of craft beer or a glass of wine and some freshly caught clams and oysters. The skilled hands at The Raw Bar shuck their shellfish right on the dock and onto your plate. (906 Shellengers Landing Rd.; 609-884-8296)

Wildwood Crest

The Crab House at 2 Mile Landing: With three separate bars serving up seasonal craft selections, rum punches and even oyster shooters, there’s no shortage of selection at The Crab House. There’s indoor and outdoor options, depending on the weather that day, but each spot promises a view of the bay, happy hour every evening of the week, and your pick of specialty Crab House cocktails, like the Orange Crush, which blends orange vodka with triple sec and freshly squeezed orange juice. (956 Ocean Dr.; 609-522-1341)

Somers Point

Crabby Jack’s: If you’re looking to escape another dry night in Ocean City, this fan favorite is our local pick. The Crab Trap’s outdoor area backs right into Great Egg Harbor Bay, with a clear view of the Stainton Causeway. A seat outside will get you access to a full menu of fruity and frozen drinks, craft beers as well as domestics on tap, and live entertainment all summer. (2 Broadway Rd.; 609-927-7377)

Atlantic City

Wonder Bar: You’ll find a beautiful view of the back bay inside at the Sunset Room and from their outdoor Tiki Bar. Happy Hour runs all week, and includes bar bites and appetizer deals. The wine, beer and cocktail menu features familiar brands and blends, but also includes some creative cocktails and plenty of bottles of wine for sharing. (3701 Sunset Ave.; 609-344-8888)

Long Beach Island/Beach Haven

Ketch Bar: This massive bar wraps around the bay and with two floors it guarantees a great view of the sunset every evening. The drink specials are hard to beat, and change from night-to-night. Pair them with bar bites and daily food specials, and you can find yourself sticking around all night. (529 Dock Rd.; 609-492-3000)

Margate

Steve and Cookie’s By the Bay: Steve and Cookie’s has concocted it’s own original list of luxury cocktails for guests to enjoy dockside, like “Ducktown John Rob Roy,” which uses Johnnie Walker Double Black blended Scotch and Carpano Antica 1786 sweet vermouth to create a smooth and smoky sip. This is the spot to check out when looking for a more adult scene, where quality shines above all else. (9700 Amherst Ave.; 609-823-1163)

Point Pleasant

Wharfside Patio Bar: Located right off the Manasquan River, this view is unforgettable. And when the live music gets going, this dock transforms into the ultimate party destination, complete with expansive cocktails, rotating specials and a four hour-long happy hour that extends into the weekend. And the food menu goes beyond traditional wings, fries and bar snacks with specialty wood fired pizzas cooked in their authentic pizza oven. (101 Channel Dr.; 732-892-9100)

Clarks Landing Dockside Bar & Grill: Clarks underwent a serious makeover this winter, premiering an all-new, tropical-themed menu and housemade drinks. The sangrias and mojitos have become legendary, and you can’t seem to beat their killer burgers served right next to the yacht club. It may have some changes, but the bar still pays homage to fan favorites with a menu that aims to please. (847 Arnold Ave.; 732-899-1111)

Barnegat Bay

Waters Edge on the Bay: Looking for a place to stop while on the water? Waters Edge’s Waterfront Bar provides free dock slips and mooring buoys for boats, and a water taxi to help get you there. Or stick to the dry land and enjoy the same cocktails, specialty mojitos and wines available on the dock. They offer a margarita bar flight, allowing guests to pick three of their original margaritas on the rocks to sample in 5 oz. flights. (125 Bayview Ave.; 732-269-3000)