Ocean Grove is a place unknown to even the most seasoned Jersey Shore visitor, particularly because it’s sandwiched between the more popular Asbury Park to the north and Bradley Beach to the south. Though it is small, it is not to be overlooked. Read on to learn more about this Jersey Shore town of Ocean Grove, things to do, + places to stay {and why you might just be convinced to plan a trip}:
The History
Originally founded as a Christian camp meeting ground {a retreat for Protestants to gather during communion season}, 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. It also means that Ocean Grove is a dry town, forbidding alcohol to be sold {but visitors can still bring their own}.
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
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
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 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.
Langdon Hotel
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
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
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.
Bürbelmaiers
Pie lovers, this is your spot. Think: meat pies like buffalo chicken, veggie pies like veggie korma, sweet pies like blueberry, and gluten-free pies like pumpkin with fresh cream. Whatever you’re in the mood for, you’ll find it at Bürbelmaiers.
Nagles Apothecary Café
For over a century, Nagles has been serving up the goods, originally as a pharmacy and now as a breakfast, lunch, dinner, and ice cream spot. There’s a good chance this place is seriously haunted, but don’t let that scare you away. Coming to Nagles feels like stepping back in time with all the names of the pharmacists who have ever worked there printed on the front window. Despite the restaurant being closed on Tuesdays for “cleaning” as the sign out front states, the walk up ice cream window is open every day of the week until people stop showing up.
READ: Things to Do in Spring Lake {Jersey Shore Getaway}
Days Ice Cream & The Starving Artist
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.
Eat Poke Bro
Ocean Grove is not immune to the Hawaiian food craze that is sweeping the mainland and we aren’t mad about it. Eat Poke Bro serves up all different variations of poke from the classic tuna to salmon to chicken pineapple and even tofu. Get any kind of poke served on rice or on greens. It’s a refreshing meal on a hot summer day.
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 full summer 2018 lineup, which features a Queen cover band and The Beach Boys, 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” {glamorous camping} 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 wait list {20 years is a short wait}. 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 porch chatting with their neighbors {quietly, because after all, the sound carries from tent to tent} 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
This spot features jewelry made by the owner, Miss Ellie, whose aim is the make timeless pieces that will become tomorrow’s antiquities
Mermaid’s Yuletide
It’s Christmas heaven at Mermaid’s Yuletide — a great option for unique souvenirs.
See More: Things to Do in Cape May {Jersey Shore Getaway}
Comfort Zone
This shop sells skincare and fragrances to improve body & spirit
Main Avenue Galleria
For those interested in art {even on vacay} this gallery also offers art classes to the public.
Ocean Grove Trading Co.
Ocean Grove Trading Co. is your go-to boutique featuring women’s clothing and accessories.
Have you ever visited Ocean Grove? Share your favorite thing about it in the comments below!
