An unincorporated community that is part of Neptune Township in Monmouth County, New Jersey, Ocean Grove was founded by the Ocean Grove Camp Meting Association in 1869 by a group of Methodist clergymen, led by William B. Osborn and Elwood H. Stokes. This was during the “camp meeting” era following the Civil War. Today, it remains the longest-active camp meeting site in the United States. Situated on the Atlantic Ocean between Asbury Park to the north and Bradley beach to the south, is it well-known for its many Victorian homes and is on the National Register of Historic Places and the New Jersey State Register of Historic Places. Ocean Grove is still a dry town to this day, and although it declined somewhat over time, there has been a rebirth there in what has been described as the largest assemblage of Victorian architecture in the nation.
The boardwalk in Ocean Grove, New Jersey in Monmouth County is a simple wooden structure that allows you to see the beautiful beach and the community, but, unlike many beach areas in New Jersey, there are public bathrooms, public changing rooms, a public gazebo, free parking along the streets (no parking meters!), and beach chairs and umbrellas are available to rent in the summer season. You’ll still need beach tags, of course, but you’ll be enjoying a unique town that is roughly a square mile in area that was founded as a Methodist summer camp back in 1869.
One of the most remarkable structures is the Great Auditorium dating to 1893. It has been expanded over the decades to the size of a football field, and such notables as Billy Sunday, Billy Graham, Gypsy Smith and Norman Vincent Peale have spoken to packed houses there. Presidents Ulysses S. Grant, James Garfield, William McKinley, Teddy Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson and Richard Nixon have also spoken in the Great Auditorium, which seats 6,000 people. Many Christian entertainers appear regularly at the Great Auditorium during the year. The year round population today is 4,256 people (2000 Census).
Ocean Grove has many arts and crafts shows during the year, their twice-annual Giant Flea Market in June and September, and many other events for vacationers and visitors. Shoppers can also find just what they’re looking for in the stores and antique shops. There are a number of special Theme Parades celebrating historical events, and many year-round cultural events, as well. The tourism office is a good place to begin your visit, and you can call toll-free to 1-800-388-4768 for information.
Rail passenger service via New Jersey Transit to New York City is available from nearby Asbury Park station. The closest major airport in Newark Liberty International Airport, 45 miles to the north, but general aviation planes can use the Monmouth Executive Airport, which is just six miles away. Interstate 195 accesses Ocean Grove from the New Jersey Turnpike, Philadelphia and points west, while the nearby Garden State Parkway connects Ocean Grove with points north and south, including New York City and Atlantic City.
Beach Information:
Beach Tag Fees:
Season (Pre-season purchase) - $65.00
Season - $70.00
Season, Senior (65+) - $40.00
Season, Youth (ages 12-17) - $35
Weekly Special (7 continuous days) - $35.00
Weekend Special (Sat & Sun) - $12.00
Daily - $7.00
After 4pm - $2.00
Children under 12 (accompanied by a paid adult) – Free
Beach Tag Purchase Locations:
Beach Badges are available at the Beach Office located by the Ocean Grove Pier (Embury Avenue and Ocean) during the week Mon- Fri 8:30am - 4:30pm and at every entrance to the beach.
Lifeguard Hours:
Daily and Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Sunday: 12:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Parking:
2 free municipal lots and non-metered on-street parking
Boardwalk/Promenade:
Boardwalk extends along entire beach
Piers:
Private fishing pier at Embury/Ocean
Guarded Bathing Beach:
Seaview Avenue
Bath Avenue
Ocean Pathway
Olin Avenue
Main Avenue
Webb Avenue
Broadway
Surfing Beach:
North Beach (Seaview Avenue)
Fishing:
Near jetties outside of bathing areas
Boat Launch:
Kayaks – outside of bathing areas
Handicap Access:
Seaview Avenue
Bath Avenue
Ocean Pathway
Embury Avenue
Public Restrooms:
Ocean Pathway
Embury Avenue
Great Auditorium
Information: 732-775-0035
