Best Things to Do in Ocean Grove, NJ
Ocean Grove is unlike any other town on the Jersey Shore. Founded in 1869 as a Methodist camp meeting ground, it’s still run by the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association – which means the land is leased, the town is dry, and the beaches close Sunday mornings until noon. What you get in return is one of the most architecturally preserved, genuinely peaceful, and surprisingly interesting shore towns on the East Coast.
See the Great Auditorium
The 7,000-seat Great Auditorium on Pilgrim Pathway is one of the most remarkable wooden structures in America. Built in 1894, it’s nearly as big as a football field and houses one of the largest pipe organs in the country. Concerts and events run all summer – check the schedule and book tickets ahead. Even if you can’t get to a show, walking past it is worth it.
Address: 21 Pilgrim Pathway, Ocean Grove
Walk the Victorian Streets
The architecture in Ocean Grove is exceptional and exceptionally well-preserved. Victorian homes, gingerbread cottages, and the famous tent community surrounding the Auditorium – 114 tent structures still in use by descendants of founding families, each decorated with flowers and flags. Walk the streets near the beach and around Pilgrim Pathway slowly.
The Tent Community
One of the most unusual things you’ll see anywhere on the Shore. The permanent kitchen and bathroom structures in the back, with canvas tent living and sleeping areas up front. The tents are decorated individually, are deeply personal, and have been passed down through generations. It’s living history and completely unique to Ocean Grove.
Walk the Boardwalk
Ocean Grove’s boardwalk is the antidote to every other boardwalk on the Shore. No food stands, no arcades, no carnival rides. Just a clean wooden walkway, ocean views, and the Boardwalk Pavilion that hosts free worship services and musical events throughout the summer. Walk it at sunrise for one of the best experiences the Jersey Shore offers.
Visit the Historical Society Museum
The Historical Society of Ocean Grove Museum tells the story of the town’s founding, its camp meeting roots, and its Victorian heyday. Engaging exhibits, local artifacts, and good context for everything you’re seeing on the streets outside. Worth 45 minutes.
Historic House Tour
A self-guided trolley tour of Ocean Grove’s most historic homes and properties. Victorian-era gems, quaint seaside cottages, and insight into how the town was built and how it’s been maintained. Check availability and book ahead – popular in summer.
Rent Bikes
Ocean Grove is small and completely flat. Renting bikes and riding through the tree-lined Victorian streets is one of the most enjoyable ways to spend a morning here. Several inns including The Majestic provide bikes to guests.
Shop and Eat on Main Ave
Main Avenue is the social spine of Ocean Grove. SeaGrass for lunch or dinner, Odyssey Coffee for your morning, Ocean Grove Bake Shoppe for pastries, Tino’s for pizza, the Main Avenue Galleria for art and gifts. Walk it end to end at least once.
Day Trips From Ocean Grove
- Asbury Park – 10 minutes north. Music, murals, boardwalk energy, and the Stone Pony. Walk the boardwalk directly from Ocean Grove.
- Spring Lake – 15 minutes south. The other jewel of the Shore – quiet, beautiful, excellent dining.
- Bradley Beach – 5 minutes south. Relaxed and local, good beach day option.
- Belmar – 10 minutes. Bigger beach scene, boardwalk, and more activity.
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