Welcome to Monmouth County
YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE
Nestled along the picturesque New Jersey Coast, discover a haven for beach lovers, history buffs, and anyone seeking a perfect blend of quaint small-town charm and modern lifestyles: Monmouth County.
From stunning beaches and picturesque downtowns to its lush parks, rich history and cultural attractions, Monmouth County is a vibrant and diverse destination that offers a little something for everyone. So whether you live here or are just visiting, we hope you enjoy this ultimate guide for this must-visit destination!
Beach Bliss
With over 50 miles of coastline, Monmouth County boasts some of the most breathtaking beaches and waterfront vistas on the East Coast.
Sea Bright NJ is the first Shore Town with river and ocean access and a popular downtown.
The sun, surf, sand and waves provide a Monmouth County welcome to locals and daytrippers alike. Are you looking for a relaxing day of sunbathing, a refreshing swim, or thrilling water sports? You’ll find it all here. Sandy Hook, a stunning barrier peninsula, is where it all starts. In clear view of NYC , Sandy Hook is a popular spot for beachgoers. Offering pristine beaches, hiking trails, and historic lighthouse.
Sea Bright offers the first town along the shore with a popular downtown featuring great dining, bars and a public beach. Belmar and Long Branch are also well-known for their vibrant beach scenes, offering everything from surfing and fishing to beach volleyball and live music concerts. Don’t forget the bayshore towns like Atlantic Highlands, with its municipal harbor and great fishing, plus Keyport and Union Beach. Then there’s the riverfront towns like Brielle, Fair Haven, Neptune City and Oceanport offering boating, paddle boarding and more! If you like the water, you’ll love it here!
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Charming Downtowns
Monmouth County is home to many vibrant downtown areas that are sure to charm you with their unique blend of history, culture, and modern flair.
Red Bank, known as the “cool little town” on the Navesink River, is a trendy hotspot for dining, shopping, and entertainment. With its artsy vibe and diverse culinary scene, Red Bank has something to please every palate. Asbury Park, a historic seaside city, has experienced a renaissance in recent years. It’s become a hipster haven with its eclectic mix of shops, trendy restaurants, and live music venues. Atlantic Highlands offers a craft brewery, great eats, shopping, and cinema. The town also has a plethora of historic Victorian homes perched on the hill with some of the most stunning views of NYC and the Atlantic Ocean.
More about our favorite Monmouth County towns…
Rich History
History buffs will be delighted to explore Monmouth County’s rich past dating back to the colonial era.
Twin Lights Lighthouse on the hill above the Shrewsbury River, Highlands, NJ.
The county played a significant role in the American Revolutionary War. Most notably, Monmouth Battlefield State Park, where one of the largest battles of the war took place. Historic villages like Allaire and Freehold offer a glimpse into the county’s early history. These historic villages offer well-preserved buildings and living history museums.
Monmouth County is home to many beautiful and historic mansions. The grand estates of Rumson and Middletown’s Navesink River Road are wonderful examples. The postcard perfect history of Ocean Grove offers a glimpse of the area’s golden era, as well. It is a treasure trove of history and culture thawaiting to be explored. One of its most famous landmarks is the Twin Lights Lighthouse, located in Highlands.
This historic lighthouse, which dates back to 1828, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the New York City skyline. It’s a must- visit spot for history buffs and anyone looking for a scenic adventure.
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Cultural Delights
If you’re a culture vulture, you will find plenty to experience here.
Red Bank’s Two River Theater has gained national attention for its production of new work.
The Two River Theater in Red Bank is a Tony Award-winning regional theater that presents world-class performances of plays and musicals. The Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank is a historic venue that hosts concerts, comedy shows, and other events. The Monmouth Museum in Lincroft features art exhibitions and educational programs for all ages.
The PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel is a renowned outdoor amphitheater that hosts major concerts and events throughout the summer. And Asbury Park’s legendary Stone Pony offers live music inside and out featuring top touring acts.
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Outdoor Adventures
Nature enthusiasts will be thrilled to explore the abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities in Monmouth County.
Hartshorne Woods offers over 700 acres of paved and unpaved trails for biking, jogging or taking in the magnificent views.
Gateway National Recreation Area in Sandy Hook offers miles of trails for hiking and biking, as well as opportunities for birdwatching, fishing, and camping. But there’s so much more than the beach! Monmouth County Parks System boasts over 30 parks with facilities for hiking, picnicking, boating, mountain biking and sports including the 700 acres of Hartshorne Woods along the Shrewsbury River. The Manasquan Reservoir in Howell is a popular spot for fishing and kayaking, and Deep Cut Gardens in Middletown is a serene oasis with beautiful gardens and walking paths. Mother Nature herself will best welcome you to Monmouth County.
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Family Fun
Monmouth County is a haven for families, offering an endless opportunity of kid-friendly attractions.
Keansburg’s Runaway Rapids offers an all-ages fun way to beat the heat.
Keansburg’s Runaway Rapids Waterpark offers great family fun as do the many carnivals and fairs which happen throughout the summer. The River Rats program located on the Navesink in Fair Haven has been training kids (and adults) how to sail for over 50 years. The Jersey Shore Premium Outlets in Tinton Falls is a shopper’s paradise with over 120 stores offering designer brands at discounted prices. The Adventure Aquarium in Point Pleasant Beach is a top-rated aquarium that never fails to excite the nature lover in everyone.
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Living Here
Despite its location at the top of the NJ coastline, Monmouth County – both at the beach and inland – is composed mainly of full-time residents.
Yes, of course, things get a bit busier in the summer as our visitors arrive (trust us, you will never know just how many friends you have until you move to the beach) but this is a bustling, vibrant place to live all year round.
Transportation-wise we have high-speed ferry to NYC, and bus & rail service, as well. Newark Liberty Airport is close by and NYC is about a 1 hour drive. New Jersey schools are highly rated and we have some of the best. Monmouth County offers some of the most highly rated hospitals in the U.S. Housing options vary widely, including single-family homes and mid-rise condominiums, catering to different budgets and preferences. Be sure to check out our website for real estate market reports, available homes and more!
More about Living in Monmouth County…
We welcome you to Monmouth County with this great resource guide and promise you will enjoy the adventure of getting to know this wonderful place. Let us know of any of your favorites and new discoveries!
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