The Jersey Shore has more than just beaches and vibrant boardwalks, it also has a surprising amount of farmland. Just a few miles inland, visitors can find acres of sunflower fields, alpaca sanctuaries, pick-your-own produce experiences, scenic farm tours, country stores, hay rides, vegetable gardens, and more. Agri-tourism draws visitors to charming family farms and lush garden destinations for themed events such as fall festivals, spring blooms, and winter wonderlands. Whether you’re a foodie, a nature enthusiast, or simply looking to connect with the land, farms, and gardens at the Jersey Shore are a refreshing way to enjoy the area’s rich agricultural heritage. Read on to learn more about some of the must-visit farms and gardens at the Jersey Shore.

Asbury Park

Kula Urban Farm | 115 Atkins Avenue

Kula Urban Farm in Asbury Park is a hydroponic farm that supplies greens to the community, as well as local restaurants, on a weekly basis. The farm has cultivated community gardens on vacant lots and hosts classes, tours, workshops, volunteer days, farm-to-table dinners, yoga classes, and much more. Kula has a community compost with a series of compost bins along the rear of the old Turf Club on Atkins Avenue, south of Springwood Avenue. Its produce market is open to the public on Fridays between 11AM and 4PM.

Read More: October 2024 Events at the Jersey Shore

Colts Neck

Eastmont Orchards | 321 County Road 537

Eastmont Orchards is a family-owned farm that has been operating for over 100 years. The farm is open July through October offering peaches, apples, and pumpkins, based on the season. There are no admission fees to enter or pick fruit at Eastmont Orchards. The farm charges by the pound for everything except sunflowers, honey, jam, and straw bales. Fresh summer and fall vegetables are for sale at the Eastmont Orchards farm stand, along with pre-picked pumpkins and gourds in the fall. The farm also sells local jars of honey and jam.

Delicious Orchards | 320 NJ-34

 

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Delicious Orchards is a farm and country food market as well as a full-service retail store located in Colts Neck. Shoppers can find produce, baked goods, cheese, deli meats, seafood, prepared foods, coffee, tea, candy, gift baskets, and more. Delicious Orchards has a cafe, juice bar, and outdoor patio.

Cream Ridge

Holland Ridge Farms | 108 Rues Road

 

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Holland Ridge Farms is New Jersey’s largest U-Pick farm. Every April the 300+ acre farm bursts into bloom with tulips for U-Pick Tulips: Spring Spectacular. In September, its flower fields are transformed into a sunflower dreamland. The U-Pick Sunflowers: Fall Festival features sunflowers in all different colors, as well as gladiolus, dahlias, and calla lilies. Both seasonal festivals feature photo props, food trucks, farmers’ and makers’ markets, musicians, animals, and more.

Forked River

Argos Farm | 1250 Lacey Road

 

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Argos Farm in Forked River calls itself an “Agritainment Farm” which is defined as the promotion of farms as places to visit for entertainment. The 100-acre farm — which is conveniently located right off of the Garden State Parkway at Exit 74 — hosts weddings, events, farm markets, fall and summer events, farm camp, and parties. Argos’ Jack and Lights event is a glowing pumpkin experience that runs from September 20th to November 3rd. This is a must-stop location for those looking to enjoy fall activities such as, but not limited to, u-pick pumpkins, corn mazes, hay rides, pony rides, photo ops, and more.

Freehold

Battleview Orchards | 91 Wemrock Road

 

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Battleview Orchards is a family-owned and operated farm located in Freehold that harvests locally grown fruits and invites the public to “Pick Your Own” strawberries, sour cherries, peaches, nectarines, apples, and pumpkins. Battleview’s country store is open all year long and features fresh fruits and vegetables, home-baked pies, breads and pastries, gifts, fresh pressed apple cider, and apple cider doughnuts. There is an entrance fee during strawberry picking season but all other crops do not have an entrance fee. Check Battleview Orchards’ calendar for “Pick Your Own” dates and times.

Holmdel

A.Casola Farms | 178 NJ-34

 

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A.Casola Farms is a 200-acre nursery with greenhouse facilities that grows its own hay, straw, and produce for retail and wholesale. A.Casola’s Fall Fest features a Pick-your-own pumpkin and hayride farm. Other events on the farm include pop-up petting zoos, pony rides, a corn maze, a sunflower maze, and a haunted house. A.Casola Farms provides free admission to all visitors.

Oak Hill Farms | 177 Stillwell Road

 

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Oak Hill Farms is a family-owned farm in Holmdel, New Jersey. The farm features honey, flowers, homewares, natural skincare, animals, and a coffee bar. Oak Hill Farms often has live music, goat yoga, a bloom bar, vendors, face painting, photo ops, as well as specialty drinks and foods.

Howell

The Herbary | 494 Lakewood Farmingdale Road

 

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The Herbary is a one-of-a-kind garden center, gift shop, cafe, and tea house. The unique destination is nestled on a picturesque farm in Monmouth County, New Jersey. The gift shop sells perennials, annuals, herbs, shrubs, tropical plants, and garden accessories. The 15-acre property also features gazebos, trails, and a koi pond with a waterfall and is a wonderful spot to host a private dinner party or special event.

Manalapan

Happy Day Farm | 106 Iron Ore Road

 

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Happy Day Farm is a 130-acre, family-owned, U-pick farm that is open seasonally for blueberry, raspberry, sunflower, lavender, and pumpkin picking. Happy Day closes for the summer season but reopens in September for the Fall Festival. The Fall Festival features pumpkin picking, corn mazes, and photo ops. 

Maple Leaf Farms | 525 US-9

 

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Maple Leaf Farms is one of the largest garden centers and country stores in New Jersey. From the Fall Fun Fest to the Winter Wonderland, the farm hosts family-friendly events that feature everything from hay rides and pig races to corn mazes and photo ops. The Country Store is filled with decor, gifts, and outdoor landscaping accessories. Visitors can enjoy apple cider donuts, roasted peanuts, nostalgic candy, jams, fudge, and syrups. Its greenhouse is abundantly stocked with a variety of annuals, perennials, and tropicals.

See More: Dog-Friendly Apple-Picking Farms to Visit on the East Coast

Wall

Alpacas on Allaire | 2660 Allaire Road

Alpacas on Allaire is located in Monmouth County just a few short minutes from the beach. The sustainable alpaca farm serves as a sanctuary, creating harmonious coexistence between humans and alpacas.​​​ Through ethical breeding practices, education, and promoting the remarkable qualities of alpaca fiber, the farm aims to inspire a greater appreciation for the animals. The farm has a happy herd of 12 alpacas and a store with natural Alpaca products. Visitors can feed, walk, and even adopt the alpacas.