After a long day in the surf and sand grabbing a cold one and relaxing seems sort of obligatory. And on days when you don’t want to travel far for a beer or cocktail, a short walk from the shore can make all the difference.

So we rounded up some of our favorite bars within walking difference from the beach. These watering holes have all sorts of original cocktails, feature some truly worthwhile specials, and are close enough to your beach towel that you’ll still be drying off when the bartenders pour your first pint.

Cabana’s: You can’t get much closer to the beach without getting some sand in your shoes. Cabanas features a sprawling cocktail list of martinis, margaritas and frozen blends, along with a brunch list that includes specialty mimosas and bloody Marys. Happy Hour runs seven days a week, and the bar taps an impressive list of craft beers all summer long. (429 Beach Ave., Cape May; 609-884-4800)

Laguna Grill & Rum Bar: It’s all about rum at Laguna’s bar. Aside from a selection of bottled domestic cans and pounders, most of their cocktails feature plenty of rum varieties. From build-your-own daquiris to frozen drinks and their specialty rum runner- made with banana, blackberry brandy, grenadine and fresh citrus- these drinks are designed to cool you down beachside. (1400 Ocean Ave., Brigantine; 609-266-7731)

Flip Flopz Beach Bar & Grill: The downstairs bar features live music, DJs and drink specials that are good for any night out or for a rainy day drink spot. But its Tiki Topz, located outside and upstairs, that brings the beach theme to the bar, with a pool open to bar-goers. So you can get a tan and take a dip with a drink in your hand, and enjoy the shore life without all that pesky sand. (300 North New Jersey Ave., Wildwood; 609-522-3350)

Jersey Girl Drinks and Dining: Their cocktail menu features a ton of unique martinis, along with classic drinks like the Arnold Palmer, Pimm’s Cup and dark & stormy, familiar favorites that feature a fruity punch that’s perfect for the beach. Grab a seat on their front porch or cozy up to the bar featuring a daily happy hour with drinks ranging from $3 to $6. (3601 Atlantic Ave., Wildwood; 609-523-1800)

The Windrift: This sprawling hotel restaurant and bar is just steps away from the beach and offers picturesque views of the surf from two outdoor seating areas. There’s the TIki bar — a small crow’s-nest like area — perched on one end and a casual outdoor lounge area complete with couches and a fire pit. All the hotel’s bars feature craft beers and cocktails served up by their fun team of bartenders. (105 80th St., Avalon; 609-368-5175)

Spicy Mexican Cantina: Located right on the boardwalk, you can walk off the beach and grab a few drinks before heading back to your shore house. This Seaside staple includes a huge horseshoe bar with plenty of room to enjoy a pint or, of course,a margarita. Flat screens line the walls if you’re looking to catch the game, and when the sun goes down live music keeps the fun going into the morning. (500 Boardwalk, Seaside Heights; 732-793-4777)

O’Donnell’s Pour House: Getting tired of fruity drinks at the standard beach bar? Head to O’Donnell’s Pour House for a proper pint of something a little heavier. This Irish pub- with an outdoor bar to boot- hosts events all week including live music and quizzo. Thursday is Pint Night and you can get a $2.75 refill of that Guinness or whatever else you’re drinking. You can keep the 20-ounce O’Donnell’s pint glass too. (3907 Landis Ave., Sea Isle City; 609-265-5600)

Joe Pop’s: Both Joe Pop’s and it’s sister bar, Tiki Joe’s, have happy hour’s seven days a week and new specials every day. Tiki Joe’s is the perfect place to escape the sun under a straw-topped umbrella with a frozen drink, and its earned a reputation for its entertainment, with live acts six night a week. (2002 Long Beach Blvd., Ship Bottom; 609-494-0558)

Bally’s Bikini Beach Bar: The beach party goes all day and all night at this spot set right on the Atlantic City beach. Fruity cocktails and mixed drinks- served by bikini-clad bartenders- cools everything down, and live reggae, rock and Latin performers keep you dancing even once the beaches close for business. (1900 Pacific Ave., Atlantic City; 609-340-2000)

The Crab's Claw Inn: Craft beer flows from the taps at The Crab’s Claw’s bar, with literally dozens of brews from around the world, including plenty from the US, England and even Vietnam. Split up your picks with a tasting flight (or two!) and drink your way around the globe. Or skip the beers and try any of their specialty, well-done cocktails, like their bloody Mary which comes topped with a briny steamed shrimp. (601 Grand Central Ave, Lavallette; 732-793-4447)

Martell’s Tiki Bar: It’s easy to escape from the stress of everyday life when you’re lounging in the sand under a palm tree with friends and a few good drinks. Martell’s brings that escape to the Jersey Shore with their beach bar, located right on the sand. The party runs all day and is like a tropical escape, with the water serving as a sparkling vew and cocktail and drink specials keeping you cool. You can even buy a specialty beach badge for the summer, that will give you personal access to the Tiki Bar coast. (308 Boardwalk, Point Pleasant Beach; 732-892-0131)

Jenks: Jenk’s Pavillion is just a quick stroll away from the waves of Point Pleasant Beach and offers relief from the summer heat with weekend drink specials. If Jenk’s Pavillion beach bar gets too crowded, just head over to their North Inlet Bar to enjoy food and specialty drinks with your feet in the sand. (300 Ocean Ave, Point Pleasant Beach; 732-899-0569)