Matawan Travel Guide

Explore the top attractions, activities, accommodations, and transportation logistics in Matawan, New Jersey, with this comprehensive travel guide.


If you’re looking for a relaxing getaway that’s also culturally rich and full of outdoor activities, look no further than Matawan, New Jersey. Located in Monmouth County, in Jersey Shore, in New Jersey, in Mid-Atlantic, in the United States of America, Matawan is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll show you around the town and give you insider tips on the best attractions, activities, accommodations, and transportation logistics.

Introduction to Matawan

Matawan is a small town filled with rich history, dating back to the 17th century. It’s located along the Raritan Bay, surrounded by scenic views and outdoor adventures. Throughout the years, the town has survived natural disasters and has evolved into a charming community with a unique character all its own. Today, visitors can enjoy several cultural attractions, outdoor recreational areas, delicious food, and much more.

List of Places to Visit in Matawan

Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or outdoor activities, Matawan has something for everyone. Here are some of the must-visit places in town:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Burrowes Mansion Museum: This historic home, built in 1709, was once owned by Matawan’s founder, John Burrowes, and later converted into a museum, which showcases the town’s heritage and exhibits various antiques.
  • Christ Church: Constructed in 1868, this beautiful church combines Gothic and Victorian architecture and is a must-visit for architecture enthusiasts.
  • Old Bridge Township Raceway Park: A historical car racing park that has been the host of multiple national events
  • Williamson Park: This park is a historic and scenic location for picnics and family outings, featuring a gazebo that is often used for weddings.

Natural Attractions of Matawan: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Cheesequake State Park: This park is a nature lover’s paradise, with miles of hiking trails, campsites, fishing ponds, and wildlife.
  • Lake Lefferts: A serene, peaceful lake that spans across 10.2 acres, the lake area has picnic facilities and a charming gazebo, perfect for lakeside wedding ceremonies.
  • Raritan Bay waterfront: Miles of scenic shoreline, where you can take a stroll and soak in spectacular views of the bay.
  • Poricy Park: A 250-acre nature reserve with hiking trails, wetlands, and a 18th-century farm house.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Matawan

For outdoor enthusiasts, Matawan has plenty of scenic hiking and biking routes. Cheesequake State Park has several trails that vary in difficulty and length. You can also visit Poricy Park, which has 4 miles of nature trails where you can spot wildlife, wetlands, and diverse plant life.

Best Things to Do in Matawan: Activities and Tours

In addition to hiking and biking, Matawan offers several other activities and tours:

  • Fishing: Around Matawan, there are several prime fishing spots, from the coastline to parks like Cheesequake State Park.
  • Kayaking and Canoeing: Cheesequake State Park’s park leads into the Raritan Bay, making it an ideal launching site for your kayaking and canoeing adventure.
  • Haunted Matawan Walking Tour: Visit the spookiest places in Matawan via a walking tour that covers locations associated with ghost sightings and supernatural occurrences.
  • Local Farmers’ Market Tour: Visit the farmers market and explore the local culture by sampling artisan-quality cuisine and locally-sourced farm produce.

Week-Long Itinerary for Matawan

If you’re planning to stay a week in Matawan, here’s how you can make the most of your time in town.

Day 1: Check into your accommodation and enjoy a relaxing day exploring local restaurants and shopping. Day 2-3: Explore the local attractions by visiting Cheesequake State Park, the Burrowes Mansion Museum, and the Old Bridge Township Raceway Park. Day 4: Go for a kayaking or canoeing adventure and end your day with a sunset cocktail at a bay-side bistro. Day 5-6: Try your hand with some fishing or take a trip to the farmers’ markets for a leisurely day. End your day with a walking tour and visit some of the spookiest places in town for a truly unique experience. Day 7: Take a leisurely morning by the lakeside and head back to the airport in the afternoon.

Food and Drink Scene of Matawan

Matawan has an eclectic food scene, from locally-sourced, artisan-quality cuisine to classic diner fare. Some of the must-try dishes and local beverages in Matawan are:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Taylor Ham: A local variety of pork roll, egg, and cheese sandwich.
  • Bruce’s Jumbo Wings: A Hungarian style chicken wing with blue cheese and very flavorful sauce.
  • Birch Beer: A local variety of soda made from the roots of birch trees.

Local Beverages

  • Asbury Park Brewery: This brewery offers tours and tastings and offers delicious locally made craft beer.
  • Cape May Wine Cellar: This winery offers tastings of its sunny wines, made from the grapes grown on its vineyard.

Where to Stay in Matawan: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There are several options available in Matawan, whether you’re looking for a luxurious stay or a budget-friendly option. Some of the notable options are:

  • Holiday Inn Express Matawan-Aberdeen Area: A luxurious accommodation with a pool and an on-site fitness center.
  • La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham: A budget-friendly option with free breakfast and an on-site gym.
  • The Inn at The Shore B&B: A luxury bed and breakfast, offering a serene environment and outstanding amenities.

What to Buy in Matawan: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Support the local artisans by buying the following products and souvenirs in Matawan:

  • Antiques at The Burrowes Mansion Museum: Local antiques available in the museum store.
  • Produce from Farmers’ Markets: Fresh produce, locally grown, and supplied by regional farmers.

Local Culture and Customs of Matawan

Matawan is a friendly, open-minded, and accepting town that welcomes people from all walks of life. When interacting with locals, it’s important to keep in mind their traditional customs, which include the following:

  • Greet people with a smile and handshake.
  • Dress conservatively and modestly in public places.
  • Be respectful of others’ religious, cultural, and spiritual beliefs.

Best Time to Visit Matawan

Matawan has distinct seasons and different weather patterns throughout the year, so the best time to visit depends on your preferences. If you’re looking for optimal weather and fewer crowds, the best time to visit is between May and September. However, if you’re interested in fall foliage and seasonal activities, you may want to plan your trip in October or November.

Do’s and Don’ts of Matawan

Here are some essential do’s and don’ts for traveling in Matawan:

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and customs.
  • Dress modestly in public places.
  • Try the local cuisine and support the local economy by shopping locally.
  • Visit the historical sites and museums, and learn about the town’s rich history.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter in public places.
  • Don’t talk loudly on public transportation.
  • Don’t engage in disruptive behavior at local events or venues.

Safety and Health

Safety in Matawan

Matawan is a relatively safe town with low crime rates. However, visitors are advised to take the necessary safety precautions, such as keeping an eye on personal belongings, especially when frequenting public transportation or tourist hotspots.

Health in Matawan

The town has several medical facilities available, including the Bayshore Medical Center and the Matawan Medical and Pediatric Associates. It is advisable to have travel insurance and basic first-aid equipment on hand when traveling to Matawan.

Getting to Matawan: Transportation Options and Logistics

Matawan is accessible via different modes of transportation. Here are some of the options to get to Matawan:

Airports Near Matawan

The three closest airports to Matawan are John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), and LaGuardia Airport (LGA).

Bus Stations Near Matawan

NJ Transit operates buses to and from Matawan. Matawan NJ Transit train station is within driving distance from many small towns.

Other Options

Matawan is accessible via major highways such as the Garden State Parkway, NJ Routes 34,35, and extensive highways such as I-95 and I-295.

How to Get Around in Matawan

Matawan is relatively small, and most attractions are within walking distance. If you prefer public transportation, buses and trains are available, though they can be unreliable during peak hours.

Where to Go Next from Matawan: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you have extra time on your trip, you can explore nearby destinations such as Atlantic City, New York City, and Philadelphia. All these cities are within driving distance from Matawan and offer unique experiences.

Conclusion

Matawan is an underrated destination with a rich history and a unique personality. Whether you prefer hiking, exploring local cultural attractions, or just enjoying the scenic bay-front, there’s something for everyone in Matawan. We hope this comprehensive guide helps you plan your trip and make the most of your time in the town.

Aberdeen-Matawan Station Aberdeen-Matawan Station Major John Burrowes House on Main Street Major John Burrowes House on Main Street