Toms River

Toms River is the county seat of Ocean County, New Jersey. It is a few miles west of the beaches of the Jersey Shore Region, midway between New York and Philadelphia and a short distance from Atlantic City. Toms River is easy to get to by car as the Garden State Parkway bisects the town, and it is served by express bus service to and from New York City.

See: 7
Do: 11
Eat: 9
Buy: 2

29 places

Eat

Aqua Blu

An American restaurant serving Italian-inspired foods made from locally-sourced ingredients, as well as a wide selection of alcoholic beverages. The menus change every season, and there is live entertainment almost every day.

Wed-Sat 2-10PM, Sun 4-10PM$60

Bey Lea Golf Course

This golf course is on the easier side, with larger greens than usual. Golf attire required.

Mar, Dec 9AM-dusk, Apr, Sep-Nov 8AM-dusk, May-Aug 7AM-dusk$34 weekdays, $41 weekends

See

Cattus Island Park

Includes many miles of trails with unspoiled views of Silver Bay. There is a small environmental center to learn about local flora and fauna of this bayside environment. In the park, there are places to go fishing, crabbing, cycling, and picnicking.

7AM-duskFree

Exit 82 Theatre

A nonprofit performing arts organization with theatrical programming featuring its own performing arts academy of secondary school students, as well as adults. A BYOB venue for those over 21.

$30

Eat

Four Seasons

Serves breakfast, pizza baked in a brick oven, lunch and dinner.

7:30AM - 9PM$27

See

Huddy Park

This park in downtown Toms River hosts a replica constructed in 1931 of the Revolutionary War fort that was once standing near the site. The park is named after Joshua Huddy. Nearby is one of the anchors of the USS Randolph, an aircraft carrier which played a role in the Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II.

See

Insectropolis

The Bugseum of New Jersey

The museum that has everything about insects! Here you can not only learn about bugs, but also see them live. There is a praying mantis statue on the road to the museum.

Fri-Sun 10AM-3PM, school summer vacation Mon-Fri 10AM-3PM$10, free for children 2 and under

Jakes Branch County Park

Tucked in the Pine Barrens, this park provides several miles of trails, sports fields, and an educational nature center with an observation deck.

7AM-duskFree

See

John F. Peto Studio Museum

A showcase of John Frederick Peto, known for trompe l’oeil-style paintings. Fully accessible.

Apr-Dec Sat Sun 1-3PM, by appointment otherwise$10 adults, $8 seniors and students

Buy

Main Street Antique Center

Beyond the seemingly small facade, there is a wide selection of items, including glassware, furniture, and decor. The staff there are friendly and knowledgeable.

Mon-Fri 10AM-3:30PM, Sat 10AM-4:30PM, Sun noon-4:30PM

See

Ocean County Historical Museum

The museum building was named after Elizabeth Sculthorp Force, a local social reformer. On the lower level, the Birdsall Room showcases the county's past, while the Pauline S. Miller Exhibit holds temporary exhibits. Historical clothing can be found on the upper level in the Pierson Emporium. The online bookstore sells vintage maps and local history books.

1st and 3rd Sat of month, 1–3PM by appointmentFree

Buy

Ocean County Mall

Mostly a single-story mall with typical mall fare, but also with more local chains such as Turning Point (serving breakfast) and Rare Pairs (selling sneakers). Ocean Ride has its hub here, and there's a place to get brochures about Ocean County. There is also a lifestyle center at the site of the former Sears.

10AM-9:30PM

River Lady

Cruise along the only genuine paddleboat in New Jersey. There are several options available, including a sightseeing cruise. Tickets must be paid in advance.

May-Oct$15-60/person depending on cruise type and age

Route 37 Watersports

Jet Ski, waverunner and boat rentals, no boating license required, however age restrictions are in force; bring valid photo ID.

Carolina skiff from $160 for a half day

Shelter Cove

Beach with free showers, playgrounds, softball fields, tennis and basketball courts.

$10-11

Eat

Shogun Legacy

Serves fresh Japanese cuisine. They have hibachi tables which are great for birthdays and a group of people. Also has tables for sushi and other menu selections.

Lunch: Mon–Fri noon–3PM; dinner: Mon–Thu 5–10PM, Fri 5–11PM, Sat 4:30–11PM, Sun 3–10PM$25

Eat

The Office Lounge

This popular restaurant, serving sushi, pizza and other items, is busy all times of day, especially during lunch, when it is packed with workers from downtown. Also a popular bar on weekend nights.

11:30AM-2AM$40

See

Toms River Seaport Society & Maritime Museum

Barnegat Bay Maritime Museum

A small museum featuring historic boats from around the Jersey Shore, with a library and gift shop.

Tue Thu Sat 10AM-2PM

Toms River Skate Park

The skating facility, with a bowl and structures for street-style skating, is illuminated after dusk.

Free (waiver required, available at 1555 N Bay Ave)

Eat

Uncle Dood's Donnts

With over a dozen different types of donuts to choose from, including classics and some unusual flavors, this donut shop has something to offer for everyone with a sweet tooth. There are also some flavors that are only available for a month out of the year.

6:30AM-1PM (closed Mon)

Eat

Villa Amalfi

An Italian restaurant with large windows overlooking a garden and a bar serving wine by the bottle.

Mon-Thu 11AM-9PM Fri-Sun 11AM-10PM$36

Eat

Water Street Bar & Grille

Good waterfront restaurant in the riverfront area to visit in the summer months to enjoy live music on Friday and Saturday, fresh seafood and watch as the boats pull into the docks at the end of the day. It is moderately priced with a full bar.

Sun-Thu 11:30AM-midnight, Fri Sat 11:30AM-1AM$45

Winding River Skating Center

There is an outdoor rink and an indoor rink, which has vending machines and an upper seating area. There is a DJ every Friday 8:30-10:30PM and Saturday 8-10PM.

Public skating, indoors: Mon Wed Fri 10AM-noon, Tue Thu 10AM-2PM, Sat Sun 2-4PM; Public skating, outdoors: Wed 4-6PM, Sat Sun 10AM-noonGeneral admission: $7-10/adult, $6-8/child or senior; $4-5 skate rental; Freestyle $15-20; DJ Skate $15; Open Hockey $15

Do Not mapped

Comfort Food Festival

Every September, food trucks from all over the Jersey Shore provide opportunities to sample the local cuisine for the afternoon. Live music, crafts, kids activities and beer + winegarden.

Free