Ocean Grove is a small beach town located between the iconic Asbury Park and Bradley Beach in New Jersey. In the heart of Monmouth County, Ocean Grove shouldn’t be overlooked. This quaint beach town is packed with restaurants, hotels, bed + breakfasts, and shopping. Read on our list of what to do when visiting Ocean Grove, New Jersey.
The History
Originally founded as a Christian camp meeting ground, this quaint town stems from some pretty interesting roots. All of the land in town is still owned by the camp meeting association and you’ll even notice the beach pass booth is managed by the association. This means that on Sunday mornings, the beaches are closed from 8:30AM until noon. More information about beach hours and regulations could be found here.
Where to Stay
Ocean Grove has a bevy of small hotels and bed & breakfasts all within very close walking distance to the beach. Most of them offer up a complimentary daily breakfast and all the charm you could want. Think porches, turrets, and decorative bedrooms galore.
With so many small hotels to choose from, here are a few to check out to get you started:
The Majestic | 19 Main Avenue
Built in 1870, this hotel features 16 guest rooms (one of which is a three-room penthouse) and Bia, a charming restaurant where you can grab a table on their enclosed porch.
Quaker Inn | 39 Main Avenue
This hotel has been standing tall next to the Atlantic for nearly 150 years. If the walls could talk, we could only imagine what they would have to say.
The Ocean Plaza Hotel + The Ocean View Inn | 18 Ocean Pathway
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The porches and balconies around The Ocean Plaza Hotel make the perfect setting to take in the sights of town — from the beach to the Great Auditorium.
Read More: Luxe Boutique Hotels + Cozy Inns in The Asbury Park Area
Langdon Hotel | 8 Ocean Avenue
For those cool summer nights, cozy up at one of their fireplaces after a dinner out on the town before settling into one of Langdon Hotel’s guest rooms.
Where to Eat
SeaGrass | 68 Main Avenue
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With its seasonal menu, SeaGrass offers visitors a relaxed, upscale atmosphere with seating both inside and outside. Bonus: the outdoor seating lends itself to some great people-watching.
Cheese on Main | 53 Main Avenue
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The second you walk into this shop, that delicious pungent odor of good cheese hits your nose. The shelves are stocked with all kinds of delicious cheese accouterment, but your eyes immediately drift toward the display counter. It’s stocked with cheese from all over the world which is noted by the little country flags sticking out of each wedge. Buy a hunk and head to the beach.
The Victorian Grill | 60 Main Avenue
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From burgers to salads, the husband and wife duo behind The Victorian Grill opened shop for the Ocean Grove community. Thie signature omelets are a must-try. Also, if you’re looking for a restaurant that will satisfy all of those in your party’s cravings, The Victorian Grill is worth trying out.
The Starving Artist at Days | 48 Pitman Street
If you’ve had your fill of sugar and cream and are looking for something more substantial, head into The Starving Artist, connected to Days, for a scrumptious breakfast or lunch on their patio.
What to Do
See a Show or Concert at the Great Auditorium
Built by shipbuilders in the 1980s, the Great Auditorium seats 7,000 people for worship services, concerts, and shows. Check out the summer 2023 lineup, which has featured a choir festival and is currently featuring a Summer Stars Classical Concert Series, here.
Visit Tent City
Perhaps the most surprising thing about Ocean Grove is its Tent City which is comprised of 114 tents that are erected on wooden platforms every May until September. In the winter months, the wooden platforms remain, but in the summer months, they come alive with the tents and the residents who “glamp” all summer long. But don’t even think about Airbnb-ing one of these for a week. The rules of Tent City forbid any subletting of the structures. The neighborhood has been around for 150 years and the only way to acquire a plot is to have it passed down from generation to generation or to get on an exceptionally long waitlist. In modern times, the platforms have been modified, each with a wooden structure to house a kitchen and a bathroom, but the rest remains as it was when it first began. You can find most residents on their porches chatting with their neighbors or just reading a book. Stop by and say hello!
Where to Shop
Ocean Grove is dotted with shops selling an array of goods, from souvenirs to Christmas ornaments. Here is our roundup:
Mermaid Haberdashery | 45 Pilgrim Pathway
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This spot features jewelry made by the owner, Miss Ellie, whose aim is the make timeless pieces that will become tomorrow’s antiquities.
See More: A Serious Guide to New Jersey Slang Terms for Out-of-Staters
Comfort Zone | 44 1/2 Main Avenue
This shop sells skincare and fragrances to improve body and spirit.
Main Avenue Galleria | 57 Main Avenue
For those interested in art, even on vacation, this gallery also offers art classes to the public.
Ocean Grove Trading Co. | 74 Main Avenue
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Ocean Grove Trading Co. is your go-to boutique featuring women’s clothing and accessories.
