THINGS TO DO

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Just two blocks from the train station and 10 blocks wide, Ocean Grove is a town made for walking. You can walk to your B&B, grab a taxi (which you may want to call ahead to reserve if you have a lot of luggage) or contact your B&B owner, who usually will be more than happy to pick you up. If you choose to drive, you can get there in no time (an hour from the Holland Tunnel), but once you're in Ocean Grove, leave the car keys in your room. Once you get settled into your accommodations, the world is your oyster.

You can throw off your clothes and run to the beach (which costs $6.00/day - $30.00 week from May 26-Labor Day, most B&B's offer discounted beach tickets) and sign up for shuffleboard, tennis, bocci or just wander along the boardwalk while taking in the fresh sea air. Fishing off the pier and off the rock jettys is also popular, but you must bring your own rod. The best time to fish is 5am - 7am and 8pm.

If you're not ready for the beach or the pier yet, you may want to just walk around town.

Ocean Grove has the largest aggregate of Victorian architecture in New Jersey and every street is a dramatic testament to the beauty and style of the Victorian age. Ornate homes line the shore and create picturesque backdrops to summer sunsets. If you're interested in taking a peek into history, take one of the many Historic House Tours, sponsored by the Historical Society of Ocean Grove. Tours leave from the small museum on Pittman Ave. on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, May-September.

Be sure to visit the Beersheba Well, the first well struck in Ocean Grove, and Thornley Chapel, which has fun activities for the kids.

If you're ready to shop, you can find anything you need along Main Avenue. While on Main Avenue, a must stop shop is Kitch & Kaboodle, which has a fantastic assortment of 30-50's era housewares, kitchenwares, linens and much more. You can find anything from unique salt and pepper shakers to fine china in this shop that epitomizes cute.

Gingerbreads, also along Main Avenue, offers home decor that is both new and old. Plush pillows with scenes taken from antique Ocean Grove postcards are a popular item as well as antique linens, furniture and gifts.

If you're looking for souvenirs, Smuggler's Cove offers Ocean Grove cards, jewelry and works from local artists. They also gift-wrap and ship your treasures to loved ones.

Need some summery vacation clothes? Check out Ocean Grove Trading, Favorite Things and Oh Gee Kids! If antiques are on your agenda, Scarlett Unicorn and Echoes of the Past Antiques, both on Main Avenue, have something for everyone. As you take in the sights, be sure to stop in Found Treasures, just off Main Avenue, which has quite a collection of cool acquirables.

After a hard day at the beach or shopping, nourish your body and soul at Holistic Healing Arts, located on Main Avenue. Work out the weekday kinks as you relax with a massage, acupuncture or many of the other therapeutic healing experiences available.


A must see during your visit to Ocean Grove is The Great Auditorium. This 7,000-seat auditorium, along Auditorium Parkway, is a truly site to behold. Almost as big as a football field, this wooden structure is home to the largest pipe organ in the country. Catch a Saturday night show or one of the many other events that take place in the Auditorium throughout the year.

LODGING

One of the greatest aspects of Ocean Grove is its diverse choice of inns. Whether your looking for a quiet solace or the center of activity, you're sure to find it in Ocean Grove, and all of them are within walking distance of the beach!


Angel Nook Inn, is a charming bed and breakfast just 8 houses off the beach! Sit on the porch and watch the waves roll in or take the afternoon off and do some shopping.

The Bath Avenue House, rates starting at $45, is in a 120-year-old home that has been restored to its original condition. Filled with authentic Victorian furnishings, the Bath Avenue House offers a full breakfast in a very comfortable, low-key atmosphere.

The Bellevue Stratford Inn, rates starting at $45, offers the comfort of home and the luxury of five porches overlooking the ocean. With its rocking chairs on the porches, elaborate breakfasts and eclectic mix of clientele, this romantic inn offers something for the most diverse tastes.

The Carriage House, rates starting at $120, offers English and French dècor in beautifully spacious rooms. There are fireplaces in six special rooms, while everyone has access to the balconies overlooking the ocean and a lovely dining room where you can enjoy your full breakfast and tea.

The Central Avenue House (left), offers several weekly and mid-week packages, has been in continuous operation since 1899 and is the only inn in Ocean Grove owned and operated by the same family for over 100 years. Each room is decorated in the Victorian tradition.

The House By The Sea, rates starting at $65, is like a nostalgic trip to Grandma's house right on the ocean. Staying at House By The Sea is a lifestyle rather than a typical hotel experience. There are no phones or TV sets in the rooms, but you won't miss them as you sit on the porch watching the sun come up over the Atlantic as you start your day.

The Laingdon Hotel, rates starting at $50, is another inn right on the ocean where you can enjoy your full continental breakfast as you gaze over the ocean. Be sure to bring plenty of quarters and your dancing shoes for the player piano in the sitting room.

The Lillagaard, rates starting at $85, is a B&B with old world charm and modern amenities, each room has it's own personality and theme to fit your mood or desire. From the watermelon room to the polo room you can stroll downstairs and enjoy tea by the baby grand piano.

The Love Letter Inn, rates starting at $125, is an elegant Victorian B&B that offers wine & cheese every Saturday night as well as afternoon tea and full breakfasts everyday, which you can enjoy on one of the porches overlooking the ocean. The Bridal Suite has an amazing view of both the Ocean and nearby Fletcher Lake.

The Manchester Inn Bed & Breakfast, rates starting at $55, is teeming with activity year-round. Between the Murder Mystery weekend, the Chocolate Lover's weekend (make your own candy!) and the Mother-Daughter weekend, there is never a dull moment at the Manchester... unless you feel like reclining on one of the four private porches.

The Melrose Bed & Breakfast, rates starting at $95, is beautifully decorated with antiques and offers weekend theme packages as well as a filling continental breakfast. Take advantage of their special rooms featuring Jacuzzis!

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DINING

There is a wide array of restaurants to choose from along Main Avenue and in the inns themselves. Ocean Grove is a dry town, but you are more than welcome to bring your own beverage of choice.

Along Main Avenue, Captain Jack's offers cool ambience and great seafood. Nagle's Apothecary Cafè is a great place to grab a burger and The Pizza Shoppe offers the best (and only) pizza in town.

As you wander around town, a great place to grab a bite is the Secret Garden Restaurant, located in the Manchester Inn. If you're in the mood for a great deli sandwich, pop over to the Main Avenue Deli. If cafes are your fave, stop in the Raspberry Cafe or Savory Cafe, both on Main Avenue.

Just off Main Avenue, The Starving Artist's at Day's serves a wonderful breakfast and lunch. They also offer theater performances in the Victorian Garden. Day's Ice Cream serves up ice cream the old fashioned way.

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NIGHTLIFE

The Great Auditorium offers "great" concerts every Saturday as well as special events throughout the week.

Starving Artist's at Day's is a great spot to catch some live theater in the courtyard outside. The Daily Grind, on Main Avenue offers a hopping cafe for live music over your favorite coffee, and the Boardwalk always has something fun going on.

Check with your innkeeper or visit the event calendar for more info.

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TRANSPORTATION

Getting to Ocean Grove is as easygoing as the natives. The least expensive way to get there is by bus, but whichever way you choose, you'll be there in no time.

BUS

From Port Authority take Academy Buses 800-442-7272 to
the Main Avenue and Pilgrim Pathway stop in Ocean Grove.

Travel time: 1.5 hours.

TRAIN

From Penn Station take the NJ Transit North Jersey Coast Line. Stop at the Asbury Park Station (Asbury Park Transportation Center) and you're there. Take a left from the station and walk 1/2 mile to Ocean Grove.
973-491-8757.

Travel time: 1 hour, 45 minutes.

CAR

From New York City take the Garden State Parkway south to exit 100B and follow Route 33 East to Ocean Grove. Be sure to bring change for tolls.

Travel time: 1.5 hours.

TAXI

Tops Taxi (732-776-7711) has a stand at the train/bus station.

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