Ocean County
Ocean County is on the Jersey Shore. It is the southernmost county in the New York City metropolitan area. The county is also home to many tourist attractions such as the beachfront communities of Seaside Heights, Long Beach Island, and Point Pleasant Beach, and Six Flags Great Adventure, an amusement park in Jackson Township that is the home to the world's tallest and second-fastest roller coaster. Ocean County is a gateway to New Jersey's Pine Barrens, one of the largest protected land areas on the East Coast.
Regions
Cities and towns
- 1 Toms River — The county seat of Ocean County
- 2 Jackson Township — The location of Six Flags Great Adventure, with the tallest rollercoaster in the world
- 3 Lakewood — The most populous town in the county, with a significant Jewish community
- 4 Tuckerton
— Known for the Tuckerton seaport
Long Beach Island
- 5 Barnegat Light — Home of the Barnegat Lighthouse
- 6 Beach Haven —
- 7 Ship Bottom — The entry point of Long Beach Island
Barnegat Peninsula
- 8 Bay Head —
- 9 Brick Township —
- 10 Lavallette —
- 11 Mantoloking —
- 12 Ortley Beach —
- 13 Point Pleasant —
- 14 Point Pleasant Beach — Known for Jenkinson's Boardwalk
- 15 Seaside Heights — The home of Casino Pier and Breakwater Beach
Get in
By plane
There are no major airports in the county, but Newark Liberty International Airport and Atlantic City International Airport are nearby. Travelers wanting to travel from nearby regions including Atlantic City can use the SJTA TransIT Link shuttle to travel between Atlantic City International Airport and the Pleasantville Bus Terminal. At the bus terminal you can catch another NJ Transit bus to Ocean County. Car rental services are available at both airports.
By train
Amtrak does not have stations in Ocean County. New Jersey Transit trains serve Point Pleasant in the northeast of the county.
By bus
New Jersey Transit buses make stops in Toms River and Lakewood on the route between New York and Atlantic City. Long Beach Island is served during the summer.
By car
From North Jersey and New York City, take the Garden State Parkway South. From South Jersey including Atlantic City, take the Garden State Parkway North. From the west, including Philadelphia, take State Route 70 East.
Get around
By bus
Ocean Ride provides bus transportation for US$2.00, though the fixed routes aren't really that extensive, catering more to locals than tourists.
By car
A car is highly recommended, as public transport is very limited in the area.
See
Ocean County is best known for its beaches along the Atlantic Ocean, including Island Beach State Park, an undeveloped stretch of coastline. Just south of it is Barnegat Lighthouse on Long Beach Island.
The Barnegat Bay runs along eastern Ocean County, with some small parks surrounding the bay.
There are many museums covering local and maritime history.
Do
The Barnegat Bay provides opportunities for boat cruises from Toms River and Beach Haven.
Ocean County has 2 public golf courses: Atlantis Golf Course in Little Egg Harbor and one at Forge Pond in Brick.
There are a few amusement parks in the county: Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson Township, Jenkinson's in Point Pleasant Beach, Casino Pier and Breakwater Beach in Seaside Heights, and Fantasy Island Amusement Park on Long Beach Island.
Eat
Many waterfront restaurants serve Italian-inspired dishes and seafood.
Drink
Stay safe
The Barnegat Bay in the east of the county is host to a population of bay nettles, a type of stinging jellyfish. While these are not invasive, they have become more abundant in the 21st century, mostly due to human causes. To reduce the chance of a sting while in the waters, apply petroleum jelly to exposed skin or wear lightweight protective clothing, such as a pantyhose. In case you get stung, use salt water to remove any tentacles (they can still sting on their own), then apply shaving cream and scrape it off. Ice may be used to alleviate any pain and itching.
Cope
92.7 and 98.5 FM serve the county.
Go next