Ocean Gate New JerseyATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Ocean Gate, New Jersey.
1. Ocean Gate Beach
SERENE BAYFRONT BEACH
Ocean Gate Beach offers a peaceful bayfront experience with its calm waters perfect for families with young children. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking with beautiful views of the Toms River and Barnegat Bay. The beach features amenities including lifeguards during summer months, public restrooms, and nearby parking.
2. Island Beach State Park
PRISTINE NATURAL RESERVE
Island Beach State Park boasts pristine beaches and diverse ecosystems spanning over 3,000 acres of coastal terrain. Visitors can explore natural dunes, coastal forests, and observe abundant wildlife including foxes, osprey, and more than 400 plant species. The park offers swimming, fishing, hiking trails, and nature programs throughout the year.
3. Barnegat Lighthouse
HISTORIC MARITIME LANDMARK
Barnegat Lighthouse has been standing on the northern tip of Long Beach Island since 1859, though the current structure was built in 1951. Visitors can climb the 217 steps to the top for panoramic views of Long Beach Island, Barnegat Bay, and the Atlantic Ocean. The surrounding state park includes a maritime forest, interpretive center, and fishing areas.
4. Beach Haven Historic District
VICTORIAN SEASIDE ARCHITECTURE
The Beach Haven Historic District, recognized on the National Register of Historic Places since 1983, showcases remarkable 19th-century architecture in this historic beachfront resort. Visitors can stroll through streets lined with Victorian-era buildings, colorful gingerbread houses, and historic hotels that capture the charm of a bygone era. The district offers shopping, dining, and a glimpse into the area's development as one of the Jersey Shore's first resort destinations.
5. Toms River Seaport Society Maritime Museum
LOCAL MARITIME HERITAGE
The Toms River Seaport Society Maritime Museum preserves and celebrates the rich maritime history of the Barnegat Bay region. The museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts, boat models, photographs, and exhibits detailing the area's seafaring traditions and shipbuilding legacy. Visitors can view restored historic vessels and participate in educational programs about local maritime culture.
6. Double Trouble State Park
HISTORIC VILLAGE AND NATURE
Double Trouble State Park combines natural beauty with historical significance through its preserved 19th-century village and cranberry bog operations. Visitors can explore more than 8,000 acres of Pine Barrens ecosystem featuring hiking trails, canoeing opportunities, and excellent birdwatching. The park's restored historic buildings include a general store, sawmill, and cranberry sorting and packing house that tell the story of rural industry in the region.
7. Seaside Heights Boardwalk
CLASSIC SHORE ENTERTAINMENT
Seaside Heights Boardwalk offers a quintessential Jersey Shore experience with its lively atmosphere, amusement rides, and games of chance. Visitors can enjoy thrill rides at Casino Pier, splash in the water parks, or try their luck at numerous arcade games along the wooden promenade. The boardwalk features a variety of food vendors offering everything from pizza and cheesesteaks to funnel cakes and saltwater taffy.
8. Cattus Island County Park
COASTAL WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Cattus Island County Park encompasses 530 acres of coastal habitats including salt marshes, maritime forests, and bay beaches. The Cooper Environmental Center within the park offers interactive exhibits about local ecosystems and wildlife, making it an excellent educational destination for families. Visitors can explore several miles of trails, observe diverse bird species, and enjoy scenic views of Barnegat Bay.
9. Ocean County Historical Museum
REGIONAL HISTORY COLLECTION
The Ocean County Historical Museum chronicles the rich history of Ocean County through its extensive collection of artifacts, photographs, and documents. Housed in a 19th-century building, the museum features exhibits on indigenous peoples, colonial settlers, maritime industries, and the development of tourism along the Jersey Shore. Visitors can participate in guided tours, special events, and educational programs that bring local history to life.
10. Joey's Pizza & Pasta
LOCAL ITALIAN FAVORITE
Joey's Pizza & Pasta serves authentic Italian cuisine in a casual, family-friendly setting in Ocean Gate. Their menu features hand-tossed pizzas with homemade sauce, fresh pasta dishes, and classic Italian-American favorites like parmigiana and marsala entrees. This local establishment has been satisfying hungry visitors and residents alike with generous portions and friendly service for years.
11. Jenkinson's Boardwalk
FAMILY FUN CENTER
Jenkinson's Boardwalk offers a complete family entertainment experience with its aquarium, amusement rides, and arcade games along the Point Pleasant shoreline. Visitors can view marine life at the aquarium, enjoy thrilling rides at the amusement park, or test their skills at numerous games of chance and skill. The boardwalk is home to multiple dining options, sweet shops, and a beach bar with live entertainment during summer months.
12. Robert J. Miller Airpark
AVIATION AND RECREATION
Robert J. Miller Airpark combines aviation facilities with outdoor recreational opportunities across its 700-acre property. Visitors can watch small aircraft take off and land at the county airport or explore miles of hiking and mountain biking trails through the surrounding pine forests. The park also features picnic areas, fishing spots, and opportunities to observe local wildlife in their natural habitat.
13. The Crab's Claw Inn
ICONIC SEAFOOD RESTAURANT
The Crab's Claw Inn has been serving fresh seafood and providing a lively atmosphere for locals and tourists since 1979. Known for its Maryland-style crab cakes, lobster rolls, and raw bar offerings, this restaurant captures the essence of Jersey Shore dining. The nautical-themed interior, friendly staff, and extensive menu make it a must-visit destination for seafood lovers in the area.
14. Ocean County Mall
PREMIER SHOPPING DESTINATION
Ocean County Mall is the largest enclosed shopping center in the region, featuring over 100 retail stores, restaurants, and entertainment options. Shoppers can browse national retailers like Macy's, JCPenney, and Boscov's alongside specialty boutiques offering everything from fashion to electronics. The mall provides a climate-controlled shopping experience year-round with regular events, a food court, and a modern movie theater complex.
15. Albert Music Hall
AUTHENTIC PINELANDS ENTERTAINMENT
Albert Music Hall preserves the musical heritage of the New Jersey Pinelands with weekly live performances of country, bluegrass, and folk music. The rustic venue, operated by the Pinelands Cultural Society, hosts local musicians in a casual, family-friendly atmosphere every Saturday night. Visitors can experience authentic regional culture through music that has been passed down through generations of Pinelands residents.