Monmouth County, New Jersey

The Jersey Shore and So Much More!

If you were Born in the USA or just love Bruce Springsteen you’ve probably heard of Asbury Park, New Jersey, home of legendary The Stone Pony, the classic Jersey boardwalk complete with shops, mini-golf, restaurants, the Silverball Museum (featuring video games, arcade games, and pinball machines dating back to the 1930s), and the singer who made it all famous. However, this Preferred Destination also has a host of luxury marinas, decadent dining options and breathtaking vistas from the Twin Lights of the Highlands.

Arriving By Boat

There’s a vast selection of marinas all along the northern end of the county from Rumson/Fair Haven across to the Carriage House Marina in Sea Bright and Monmouth Beach. Consider two of our favorite stops, Atlantic Highlands Municipal Harbor in Atlantic Highlands and Navesink Marina in Sea Bright which has an on-site restaurant and bar famous for their sunsets – Eventide Grille. For pure luxury we choose The Channel Club Marina in Monmouth Beach situated midway between New York City and Atlantic City. The four-acre facility on the Shrewsbury River is a perfect destination marina or year-round boat docking and storage location.

Atlantic Highlands and Highlands are equally attractive to cruisers and offer many amenities from services to attractions and top-notch marine facilities. Consider docking at the Atlantic Highlands Municipal Harbor. The downtown of Atlantic Highlands is a great stop for cruisers transiting the coast and looking for a safe harbor to spend a night, a few days, or even longer.

Head south on the Atlantic and take the entrance to the Shark River Inlet between Avon-by-the-Sea and Belmar. We enjoy the Shark River Yacht Club Inc, Shark River Municipal Marina and Belmar Marina where you can grab a bite to eat at Marina Grille.

Photo Credit: Bill McKim Photography

Restaurant tours, seafood festivals, classic car shows, and a famous shipwreck off its shore make Belmar’s small-town charm, rural beauty, and an abundance of recreational activities on or off the mile-long boardwalk. Shops on Belmar’s Ocean Avenue offer surfing gear, souvenirs, beach sundries, snacks, and fine dining while Belmar’s Main Street features chic boutiques, art galleries, home decor specialists, coffee houses, and diverse and delicious eateries.

At the most southern end of the county is the Manasquan Inlet, head down this way and find Hoffman's Marina and Brielle Yacht Club Marina, both in Brielle. Hang out here and hit up some of the best restaurants around – Waypoint 22, The Pig and Parrot Sandbar, Shipwreck Grill, and Brielle River House.

Majestic Beacons

Experience the Highlands' long tradition of maritime heritage starting with the lighthouses and many coastal heritage trails. Visit the Sandy Hook Lighthouse, the oldest working lighthouse in the United States and a National Historic Landmark, which was first lit on June 11, 1764, to assist ships in the New York Harbor.

Photo Credit: Mark Canny

Self-guided and guided tours are available at the Twin Lights, a former lighthouse standing 200 feet above sea level since 1828. It was the first to use a Fresnel lens and one of the first electricity lit lighthouses in the country. Listed on both the State and National Registers of Historic Places, Twin Lights offers one of the best views in Monmouth County, including the New York City skyline.

Restaurants with Some of the Best Jersey Shore Views

Right next door to the Twin Lights Marina is one of our favorite haunts for waterfront dining, the Proving Ground. They’re open for outdoor lunch, dinner, drinks, fire pits and brunch.

If you’re looking for an all-in-one marina and magnificent meals try Bahrs Landing Marina & Bahrs Landing Restaurant in Highlands.

Watermark is one of Asbury Park's hot spots, and you couldn't get a better view than right there on the boardwalk. Less than a few blocks away is a downtown filled with history and creativity – Asbury has become a cultural hub. With a yearly calendar filled with events, there’s always something to do including a visit to the Danny Clinch Transparent Gallery or taking in a great concert on the beach.

Greetings from Asbury Park

Photo Credit: Jeff Crespi

For nightlife we close this journey with the Stone Pony, one of the world’s best known music venues that opened its doors on February 8, 1974. It shot to international fame with the success of Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes with guest appearances by Bruce Springsteen, members of the E Street Band and legendary singers Ronnie Spector and Lee Dorsey. This live music venue is open all year and hosts a summer-long party at its Summer Stage, featuring national headliners.

This destination will rock and roll your world.

See you there…

To see what’s happening in Monmouth County, visit www.tourism.visitmonmouth.com today!

Monmouth County, New Jersey

The Jersey Shore and So Much More!

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