From beaches to boutiques - a local’s list of the best things to do in Monmouth County, NJ.
Sections
5
Outdoor Activities
Restaurants
Other Food & Drinks
Arts & Entertainment
Shopping
Outdoor Activities
Monmouth County has so many amazing outdoor activities including beaches, hiking, and historical sites.
My favorite beach on the Jersey Shore! FYI: You need to pay to get onto NJ beaches. Asbury Park also has paid parking.
Asbury Park Beach & Boardwalk
Mount Mitchell is the highest natural elevation on the Atlantic seaboard with views of Sandy Hook and the NYC skyline. There is also a 9/11 memorial.
Mount Mitchill Scenic Overlook
Asbury Fresh features pop-up markets of local produce, handmade goods, and artisan creations. Held seasonally, its the perfect spot to shop small, support local makers, and enjoy the community vibe.
Asbury FRESH Markets - Pop Up Shopping For Local Communities
This 10 foot wide, 24 mile long trail is pretty flat, with views of the Atlantic Highlands Marina, Sandy Hook Bay, and other beautiful sites.
Henry Hudson Trail
This battlefield preserves one of the largest battles of the American Revolution which was fought in June 1778. Visitors can explore scenic trails, historic farmhouses, and reenactments that bring colonial history to life.
Monmouth Battlefield State Park
Awesome playground and sprayground!
Dorbrook Recreation Area
Restaurants
NJ is known for having amazing food. These are some of m
Located right on the ocean, this restaurant has amazing views to go along with their amazing food! Try the Angry Lobster.
Rooney's - Seafood Restaurant in Long Branch, NJ
Bahr's Landing has been around for over 100 years - and for good reason! Their seafood is always fresh and delicious and their lobster is so good.
Bahrs Landing - Seafood in Highlands, NJ
The best sushi on the Jersey Shore! Make sure you get a Mai Tai to go with it.
Taka Japanese Restaurant in Asbury Park, NJ
Excellent food, excellent drinks, excellent atmosphere. You can't go wrong here.
618 - Modern American Restaurant and Cocktail Bar in Freehold, NJ
Amazing steaks and cocktails. Make your reservation early!
Gabriella's Italian Steakhouse in Red Bank, NJ
Their Australian Rack of Lamb is my favorite!
Shipwreck Grill - Seafood Restaurant in Brielle, NJ
Their Grand Marnier Prawns are incredible!
Peking Pavilion - Chinese Food in Manalapan, NJ
The best pizza on the Jersey Shore! It's super thin crust.
Pete and Elda's Bar and Carmen's Pizzeria in Neptune City, NJ
Delicious, authentic Mexican food. Their chips and salsa are so good!
El Meson - Authentic Mexican Cuisine in Freehold, NJ
The scallops here are amazing!
Anemos Greek Cuisine in Manalapan, NJ
This BYOB is delicious and has a wonderful atmosphere. The Truffle Arancini is ridiculously good!
Clarizio's - Italian Food in Freehold, NJ
Other Food & Drinks
We really are spoiled in NJ with such amazing food and drinks.
Rook coffee is the best coffee around and I will be taking no notes.
Rook Coffee - Various Locations
My favorite donuts hands down!
Broad Street Dough Co. in Freehold, NJ
I am obsessed with their Campfire S'Mores Ice Cream!
Jersey Freeze Ice Cream in Freehold, NJ
An incredible bakery located in Shrewsbury!
The Baker's Grove in Shrewsbury, NJ
Tuesday night trivia night is the best!
Olde Silver Tavern - Manalapan, NJ
Great place to watch the game!
Tommy's Tavern + Tap in Freehold, NJ
The most delicious sandwiches!
Taliercio's Ultimate Gourmet in Middletown, NJ
What's better than a glass of wine around the fire pit?
Fox Hollow Vineyards in Holmdel, NJ
Such delicious empanadas!
Empanada Guy Food Truck - Monmouth County, NJ
Two words: Homemade mozzarella
Livoti's Old World Market - Various Locations
Arts & Entertainment
NJ is home to some of the most famous actors and musicians ever.
The home of so many music legends!
The Stone Pony in Asbury Park, NJ
Outdoor concert venue
PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, NJ
A great place to see a show!
The Count Basie Theater
Great shows!
Axelrod Performing Arts Center in Deal, NJ
A great place to see a show.
Two River Theater in Red Bank, NJ
So many great productions!
Algonquin Arts Theatre in Manasquan, NJ
A bowling theater and concert venue!
Asbury Lanes in Asbury Park, NJ
Where Severance was filmed!
Bell Works in Holmdel, NJ
Vintage video games and pinball
YESTERcades in Red Bank, NJ
Vintage video games and pinball on the boardwalk.
Silverball Retro Arcade in Asbury Park, NJ
A great children's museum!
Monmouth Museum & Children's Museum in Middletown, NJ
Shopping
Shopping is my favorite hobby, and with these places who can resist?
So many brands in one place. I could spend an entire day here.
Jersey Shore Premium Outlets in Tinton Falls, NJ
So many high end shops in one place!
The Grove in Shrewsbury, NJ
Vinyls, instruments, sheet music, and more!
Jack's Music Shoppe in Red Bank, NJ
High end thrift shop with really awesome finds.
Squan Dry Goods in Manasquan, NJ
Popular boutique on the Jersey shore.
Hazel Boutique in Belmar, NJ
Local merch in Asbury Park
Wanderlust Land and Sea Outfitters in Asbury Park, NJ
