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 is still closely shaped by the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association, its Victorian architecture, and its dry-town tradition. The beach is currently open on Sunday mornings while the OGCMA complies with an NJDEP order and continues its legal challenge. Check the official beach page for current operations before your trip.
See the Great Auditorium
The Great Auditorium on Pilgrim Pathway is one of Ocean Grove’s defining landmarks. Built in the 1890s, the vast wooden hall houses one of the world’s largest pipe organs. Concerts, worship services, and cultural events run through the season, so check the official calendar before you go. 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 surround the Auditorium. Walk the streets near the beach and around Pilgrim Pathway slowly, and remember that the tents are private seasonal homes.
The Tent Community
One of the most unusual things you’ll see anywhere on the Shore. Permanent kitchen and bathroom structures sit behind canvas living and sleeping areas, and each seasonal home is decorated individually. Learn more through the official Tent Community page, and admire the area respectfully from public sidewalks.
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. Seasonal hours vary, so check before you go.
Historic House Tour
The Historical Society’s House Tour is an annual ticketed fundraiser rather than a daily trolley tour. It offers a rare look inside selected historic homes and supports local preservation work. The 2026 tour has already taken place, so check the Historical Society’s website for the next date.
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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