Ocean County Travel Guide

Read this travel guide to Ocean County to plan your trip to Jersey Shore, New Jersey, with information on places to visit, local food and drink, culture and customs, safety, transportation, and nearby destinations.


Introduction to Ocean County

Located in the heart of Jersey Shore, Ocean County is a popular tourist destination in Mid-Atlantic region of the United States of America. The county is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and has a diverse range of attractions, including beautiful beaches, cultural landmarks, amusement parks, natural parks, museums, and more. Travelers of all ages will find plenty of things to see and do in Ocean County.

List of Places to Visit in Ocean County

Ocean County is a treasure trove of attractions that are suitable for every kind of traveler. Here are some of the most popular places to visit in Ocean County:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Tuckerton Seaport & Baymen’s Museum - This outdoor museum showcases the maritime history and culture of New Jersey. Visitors can explore the replica of a 1920s whistle-stop train station, a lighthouse and other maritime buildings showcasing the life of local baymen.
  • New Jersey Museum of Boating - Here, visitors can learn about the history of boating in New Jersey. The museum highlights a large and diverse collection of watercrafts and maritime artifacts.
  • Barnegat Lighthouse State Park - this historic lighthouse was commissioned in 1855 to help sailors navigate the treacherous waters near Barnegat Inlet on the northern tip of Long Beach Island. Visitors can climb the lighthouse and enjoy the scenic views.

Natural Attractions of Ocean County: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Island Beach State Park - This beautiful barrier island offers visitors several miles of undeveloped beach, dunes, and tidal marshes. Island Beach is known for its nesting birds, wildlife, and beautiful scenery along with hiking and biking trails, swimming, fishing, and boating.
  • Double Trouble State Park - This park features an extensive network of hiking and mountain biking trails through forested landscape. Visitors can also explore the remains of the historic Double Trouble village, a sawmill, and cranberry bogs that once operated on the land.
  • Jacques Cousteau National Estuarine Research Reserve - This is a 44,000-acre reserve has a diverse array of ecosystems, providing a home to various wildlife species. Visitors can learn about the reserve’s long-term research efforts at the Coastal Education Center.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Ocean County

Ocean County has a variety of scenic trails for hiking, walking, and biking. Here are some of the most popular routes for outdoor enthusiasts:

  • Barnegat Branch Trail - this 16-mile trail stretches between Barnegat to the town of Toms River, offering hikers and bikers breathtaking scenery and shaded resting areas. The trail is paved with asphalt, safe for riders of all skill levels.
  • Cattus Island County Park - This park has over 530 acres of nature preserves and wildlife habitats and includes several walking trails, boardwalks, and observation decks.
  • Ocean County Park - This park offers a network of trails for runners, hikers and bikers, surrounded by scenic views of the beach and natural scenery.

Best Things to Do in Ocean County: Activities and Tours

From amusement parks and waterparks to spas and cruises, Ocean County offers something for everyone. Here are some must-try activities and tours:

  • Six Flags Great Adventure & Safari - This world-renowned amusement park features an extensive safari park, an adventure park, and a thrilling water park.
  • J Barnegat Light Adventure Tours - This tour company offers boat tours along the Barnegat Bay and surrounding areas, giving visitors a chance to see the local wildlife, quaint coastal towns, and scenic landscapes.
  • River Lady - This classic riverboat offers lunch, dinner, and sightseeing cruises through the scenic Toms River.

Week-Long Itinerary for Ocean County

Here’s a suggested itinerary for a week-long trip to Ocean County:

Day Activities
Day 1 Visit the Tuckerton Seaport & Baymen’s Museum and have lunch at the Ocean View Diner.
Day 2 Spend the day exploring the Island Beach State Park, and have dinner at Bahama Breeze.
Day 3 Visit the New Jersey Museum of Boating, followed by a scenic drive around Barnegat Lighthouse State Park.
Day 4 Hike the Barnegat Branch Trail or hit the rides at Six Flags Great Adventure.
Day 5 Take a boat tour with J Barnegat Light Adventure Tours followed by lunch at the Crab’s Claw.
Day 6 Spend the day at Double Trouble State Park and have dinner at The Plantation.
Day 7 Visit Jacques Cousteau National Estuarine Research Reserve and have a farewell dinner at the H20 Beach Club.

Food and Drink Scene of Ocean County

Ocean County has a diverse food and drink scene, serving up everything from fresh seafood to classic American cuisine. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Crab Cakes - Made with the freshest ingredients, this dish is a staple of Jersey Shore cuisine and always hits the spot.
  • Tomato Pie – A thin-crust, cheesy pizza loaded up with juicy tomatoes and seasoned with herbs and spices.
  • Boardwalk Fries – French Fries seasoned with salt, pepper and vinegar, served with a side of ketchup.

Local Beverages

  • Apple juice- Made with local apples from Pleasant Acres or Eastmont Orchards with no preservatives.
  • Tomato Juice- A glass of tomato juice with a dash of Tabasco sauce and a celery stick is a great way to start your day at the shore.
  • Local microbrews - Choose from a wide range of microbreweries like Pinelands Brewing and Ship Bottom Brewery, who offer a huge selection of craft beers, ales, and lagers.

Where to Stay in Ocean County: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Ocean County offers many accommodation options to suit every budget. Visitors can choose from several hotels, motels, guesthouses, and hostels. Here are some popular options:

  • Hotel LBI – a luxurious beachfront hotel with spacious rooms, a rooftop restaurant, and poolside bar.
  • Boardwalk Hotel Charlee & Apartments - Located in Seaside Heights, this budget-friendly hotel is directly on the boardwalk and sand.
  • The White Whale Motel – A classic seaside motel that offers affordable rates, clean rooms, and a convenient location near many attractions.

What to Buy in Ocean County: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Visitors can find plenty of souvenirs to bring home from Ocean County. Here are some popular items:

  • Beachwear - From sun hats to swimsuits, visitors can purchase beachwear and other accessories from any boardwalk or beach shop.
  • Saltwater Taffy - is a popular candy in Ocean County, and visitors can purchase freshly made taffy from any of the local candy stores. 0- Jersey Shore Souvenirs - Visitors can find unique souvenirs to bring back home, including specialty items like maps, postcards, and seashells.

Local Culture and Customs of Ocean County

Ocean County has rich traditions and customs, and visitors should respect them and follow local etiquette. For instance, Ocean County residents tend to be conservative and show respect for family values.

Best Time to Visit Ocean County

The best time to visit Ocean County is during the summer months (June to August), when the weather is pleasant, and the days are long. Visitors can enjoy the many outdoor activities, beaches, and attractions that Ocean County has to offer.

Do’s and Don’ts of Ocean County

Here are some Do’s and Don’ts of Ocean County:

Do:

  • Respect the locals and the environment.
  • Spend time on the beach, go fishing and follow all safety measures.
  • Enjoy the amusement parks, water parks, and other fun attractions.

Don’t:

  • Litter or disrupt the environment.
  • Do not feed the birds or wildlife.
  • Do not cross the boundaries and respecting the private property of the residents.

Safety and Health

Visitors should be aware of Ocean County’s safety and health regulations, here are some major safety and health pointers:

Safety in Ocean County

  • Visitors should not swim during rough tides and avoid swimming in unguarded areas.
  • Keep an eye on children and be careful of any signage posted on the beach.
  • There are designated areas for fires, so one must always set up a fire there and ensure if everything is safe.

Health in Ocean County

  • Visitors must ensure they have proper sun protection at all times as the saltwater can cause severe sunburns.
  • Be careful of the local wildlife as some of them might be venomous or cause injuries if provoked.
  • All visitors should carry all necessary medical documentation on hand, especially those who have pre-existing conditions.

Getting to Ocean County: Transportation Options and Logistics

Ocean County is easily accessible by road, air, and water. Here are some transportation options to consider:

Airports Near Ocean County

  • Philadelphia International Airport - about 70 miles away.
  • Newark Liberty International Airport - located 98 miles from Ocean County.

Bus Stations Near Ocean County

  • Greyhound Bus Lines - Offers regular services to New York City and the surrounding area.
  • Big Kahuna Beach Bus - A private shuttle company that connects several towns along the coast of New Jersey.

Other Options

  • Personal Vehicles - Visitors can also choose to use their own vehicle for their trip to Ocean County.
  • Private Car Rental – Visitors can rent a car from several companies like Enterprise or Hertz to experience Ocean Country at their own convenience.

How to Get Around in Ocean County

Visitors can get around Ocean County by using public transport or by car. Here are some options:

  • Taxi Services – There are several taxi services available in Ocean County that can transport passengers to their required destinations.
  • Bicycles - Visitors can hire bicycles available for rent at several coastal resorts in the area.
  • Private Car Rental – Visitors can rent a car from various rental companies like Enterprise, Hertz and more.

Where to Go Next from Ocean County: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Ocean County is surrounded by several destinations and excursions within a few hours drive. Here are some destinations worth exploring:

  • Atlantic City – A casino resort city known for its nightlife, boardwalk, and beautiful beaches.
  • Philadelphia - a city known for American history, arts, culture, and food.
  • Cape May - A quiet, tranquil town with Victorian-style houses and a beautiful beach.

Conclusion

Ocean County is a fantastic destination for anyone looking to explore the Jersey Shore. With plenty of attractions, beautiful scenery, and a vibrant food and drink scene, it offers something for everyone. Visitors can enjoy the outdoors, cultural landmarks or simply relax on the beach while taking in the scenic views. Plan ahead using this comprehensive guide to enjoy all that Ocean County has to offer.



    Brick Township
    Lakehurst
    Long Beach Island
    Point Pleasant
    Point Pleasant Beach
    Seaside Heights
    Toms River