Discover Ocean: Nature, Coast and Culture

Nature, coastal culture and history offer different ways to plan a trip to Ocean. The featured destinations have varied highlights: from the Pine Barrens forest to a protected barrier island ecosystem, water excursions and a historic tavern site. First consider which landscapes and themes you want to shape your trip.

Forest, Island and Habitats

Wells Mills County Park encompasses more than 900 acres of pine and oak forest in the Pine Barrens. A three-story Nature Center complements the natural setting with exhibits and a library. The center also includes the Elizabeth Meirs Morgan Observation Deck. So, in addition to the forest, exhibits and a named lookout are highlights of a visit to the park.

The annual Pine Barrens Jamboree takes place at Wells Mills County Park in October. The program includes music, regional specialties and handmade goods. The festival therefore offers a different focus from a visit centered mainly on the forest and Nature Center. Check event dates before your trip.

Another landscape is protected at Island Beach State Park in Ocean County: an undeveloped barrier island ecosystem nearly 10 miles long and covering 3,000 acres. The Forked River Interpretive Center explains the island’s geology, the forces behind dune formation, and the park’s plants and animals. The interpretation also covers the history of the Lenape, who lived on the island before the arrival of Europeans. Forest, dunes and island geology each offer their own topics for a nature outing.

At Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, the 8-mile, self-guided Wildlife Drive is a loop through saltwater marshes, freshwater habitats and upland forest. The trails and Wildlife Drive are open daily from sunrise to sunset; however, closures may occur to protect visitors or habitats. Check current access conditions before your visit. The self-guided drive differs from the exhibits at the Nature Center or Interpretive Center.

Coastal Culture, Water Excursions and History

Tuckerton Seaport & Baymen’s Museum showcases New Jersey’s coastal culture. In addition, Tuckerton Seaport offers a narrated cruise along Tuckerton Creek. The Tuckerton Seaport/Beach Haven Water Ferry is a 30-foot pontoon boat; the scenic ride takes about an hour and includes an eco-tour. This offers a narrated creek cruise and a ferry ride with an approximate duration as two different ways to get out on the water. Check the schedule before your trip.

Cedar Bridge Tavern Historic Site combines a historic connection with a named trail. Cedar Bridge Tavern dates to around 1816; the historic site includes a 3.5-mile trail. The site is open Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., except on major holidays. Confirm opening hours before your visit. This lets you plan between a visit focused on history and time on the trail at the site, without equating the trail’s length with walking time.

New Jersey Museum of Boating is also connected to a historic designation: in 2002, it was added as a new stop on the New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail. The National Park Service recognized the museum for the historic value of its collection and location. This historical context adds another perspective on maritime heritage to the coastal culture showcased at Tuckerton Seaport & Baymen’s Museum.

When planning your hotel stay in Ocean, you can start by deciding which of these interests you: forest and parkland, island geology and dunes, habitats, coastal culture or history. Use these preferences to organize your days, then find hotels for your stay. For the festival, ferry ride and Cedar Bridge Tavern visit, check the relevant dates, schedules and opening hours as you finalize your plans.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Manchester Township, Toms River, Long Beach, Beach Haven, Point Pleasant, Seaside Heights, Point Pleasant Beach, Seaside Park, Lavallette, Lakehurst, Bay Head, Lakewood Township, Berkeley Township, Barnegat Light, Brick.

For the broader travel overview: New Jersey.