The Jersey Shore has a wealth of well-known hot spots, and smack in the center is Ocean Grove NJ, one of the best beach towns in the state. At just one square mile, Ocean Grove NJ is one of the best family-friendly towns to visit that provides an escape from the crowds and commercialism that so many New Jersey beach towns are known for. From the Great Auditorium to the pinball museum and its famed eateries, there are tons of things to do in Ocean Grove and here are some places you won’t want to miss.
The Best NJ Shore Dining
Ocean Grove restaurants range from informal cafes to fine-dining. For a casual meal, be sure to stop at Nagle’s Apothecary Cafe, a former pharmacy that now serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and ice cream. You’ll enjoy the nostalgic décor, showcasing antique pharmacy equipment enclosed behind. Fresh bakeries like Ocean Grove Bake Shoppe carry sweets, specialty desserts, and sandwiches and will even deliver lunch to the beach. For dinner, try Seagrass Restaurant, which serves fresh, local American dishes, or Bia, serving menus with a European flair within the Majestic Hotel.
The beach
Voted one of the top 15 beaches in the world by Fodor’s, Ocean Grove NJ lures people all over the world with pristine sand and ocean views. It’s the perfect place to take a jog in the morning, a long walk during the day, or simply relax while the kids play in the surf. Summers are filled with fun beach activities like boogie board and inner tube races, sand castle contests, volleyball games, kite flying contests, and more. Plus, this is one of the New Jersey beach towns where dogs are allowed on the beach in the off-season!
The history
One of the easiest things to do in Ocean Grove NJ is to just take a stroll through the beautiful tree-lined streets. The town is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, because it features more stunning Victorian gingerbread homes than any other town in the country. You can learn about the area’s rich history at the Centennial Cottage, the historical society of Ocean Grove’s living history museum. Built in 1884, the Cottage lets you discover what life was like in this seaside resort community during the 19th century. And no visit to Ocean Grove would be complete without a stop to the historic tent colony, where you can see 114 of the tent cottages that date back to 1869.
Attractions
Speaking of the town’s history, you can take a tour of the largest enclosed
auditorium in New Jersey, The Great Auditorium. Built in 1894, it’s used for
Sunday services in the summer as well as a variety of concerts and exhibitions.
Be sure to also check out the Silverball Pinball Museum, a living, breathing tribute to our
pinball and video gaming past. With 600 games in rotation, you’ll find your
favorites while getting to know and enjoy some new machines.
The Shopping
And finally, when you’re not checking out the NJ dining, you’ll probably find yourself shopping at one of the lovely stores in town. Ocean Grove’s Main Avenue is home to an array of unique boutiques, antique shops, jewelry stores, and pet stores. There truly is something for everyone.
Visit Ocean Grove NJ Today!
With so many things to do in one of the most hopping New Jersey beach towns, there’s no reason not to plan a trip there today. Located centrally in the state, it’s easy to get to and offers a beautiful escape for the whole family. What more could you ask for?