Need a hip small-town getaway with river views and artsy flair? I’d recommend heading to Red Bank. This charming town along the Navesink River in Monmouth County is a great blend of culture, dining, and boutique shopping, all with a walkable downtown. Whether you're catching a live show, sipping craft cocktails, or strolling along the riverfront, Red Bank offers a perfect mix of relaxation and excitement, and it’s just a short drive from the Jersey Shore.
Red Bank, NJ Highlights:
- For Adventurous Travelers: Paddle or kayak the Navesink River – If you’re up for an adventure, I highly recommend kayaking or paddling along the Navesink River. It’s a fun way to see the town from the water, with beautiful views of both nature and Red Bank itself.
- For History Buffs: Visit the T. Thomas Fortune Cultural Center – If you love history, the T. Thomas Fortune Cultural Center is a must-see. It’s the restored home of an important African-American journalist and civil rights leader, and the history here is inspiring.
- For Shoppers: Browse boutiques on Broad and Monmouth Streets – I love walking through Red Bank’s charming downtown. The boutiques, indie bookshops, and galleries along Broad and Monmouth Streets are perfect for finding something unique. Whether it’s stylish clothes or home goods, you’ll find plenty of treasures.
- For Couples: See a live show at Count Basie Center for the Arts – For a romantic night out, I’d recommend catching a show at the Count Basie Center for the Arts. Whether it’s a concert, comedy, or theater, this beautifully restored venue named for the jazz legend has an intimate vibe that’s perfect for couples.
- For Families: Picnic and play at Riverside Gardens Park – I’ve spent a relaxing afternoon here with the family. This waterfront park is perfect for a picnic, and the playground and outdoor events are great for keeping kids entertained while you enjoy the river views.
Best Time to Visit Red Bank, NJ
The best time to visit Red Bank is from late spring to early fall (May–October). I’ve been in these months and found the weather to be perfect for open-air concerts, sidewalk dining, and river activities. Fall is great too, with fewer crowds and beautiful foliage along the riverfront.
How to Get to Red Bank, NJ
- If you are traveling by car: Red Bank is easy to get to—just off the Garden State Parkway (Exit 109). It’s about an hour south of NYC, or 30 minutes north of Asbury Park. Perfect for a weekend getaway!
- By Train: If you prefer public transport, the NJ Transit North Jersey Coast Line has a stop right in downtown Red Bank, and it connects directly to NYC’s Penn Station. It’s a super convenient way to get there without the hassle of driving.
- By Ferry: If you’re coming from Manhattan, the Seastreak Ferry offers service from nearby Atlantic Highlands. It’s only about 20 minutes from Red Bank by car or ride-share, and the ferry ride is a scenic way to get to town.
Where to Stay in Red Bank, NJ
- Recommended for Families: Molly Pitcher Inn – I’ve stayed here a few times, and it’s perfect for families. The riverside location is stunning, and there’s a pool and marina views. It’s also close to the park, which is a great bonus for kids.
- For Couples: Oyster Point Hotel – If you’re after something more romantic, I’d suggest the Oyster Point Hotel. The modern design, waterfront dining, and cozy vibe are perfect for couples looking to unwind and enjoy the views.
- For a Boutique Stay: The T. Thomas Fortune House Guest Suites – For something unique, I’d recommend this historic guesthouse. It’s cozy, with a rich history, and the location is great for exploring Red Bank on foot.
Best Things to Do in Red Bank, NJ
Catch the Spotlight at Count Basie Theatre
The Count Basie Theatre is located in downtown Red Bank’s Basie Center. This historic theater dates back to 1926 and presents more than two hundred shows every year, and is also home to the Count Basie Center Performing Arts Academy. In addition to Count Basie, the theater has hosted several legends like Tony Bennett and James Brown, as well as many other headline performers, such as Jon Stewart, Brian Willson, Jon Bon Jovi, Counting Crows, Bruce Springsteen, and George Carlin. Along with shows, the Count Basie Theatre also offers an array of professional training courses and workshops.
99 Monmouth St, Red Bank, NJ 07701, Phone: 732-842-9000
Experience Live Storytelling at Two River Theater
Two River Theater strives to stay true to its founding principles, bringing a fresh perspective to both world and American classics, along with producing a number of original projects, such as Hurricane Diane and Be More Chill. Every performance season, the Two River Theater hosts many artist residencies, readings, and workshops, as well as the annual Cabaret of New Songs for the Musical Theater, produced in partnership with the Graduate Musical Theatre Writing program of New York University. The theater, which was founded by Robert and Joan Rechnitz in 1994, is easily accessible with several hotels, shops, and restaurants nearby.
21 Bridge Ave, Red Bank, NJ 07701
Where to Eat:
Raise a Glass at Dublin House
The Dublin House is a popular local watering hole that dishes up Irish-style eats alongside beer on tap to loyal customers. The pub itself is located within a historic Victorian-style building that has been moved and remodeled several times throughout its existence, which dates back to the 1840s. There is a packed menu available to patrons, but some of the classics and crowd pleasers for newcomers to sample include the Dublin House Burger, the Dublin House Bangers and Mash, and the Irish Surf and Turf. Now when it comes to alcoholic beverages, a good old Guinness beer from the tap is definitely the local favorite, but there are several beers to choose from and a number of cocktails as well.
30 Monmouth Street, Red Bank, New Jersey 07701, Phone: 732-747-6699
Dine with Downtown Energy at Bistro in Red Bank
The Bistro In Red Bank is a Red Bank BYO that has been a significant part of the downtown restaurant scene since 1996, keeping techniques simple and highlighting the same passion for using market-fresh ingredients. The bistro features a sushi bar, an open kitchen, and an eclectic menu that offers something for nearly anyone. Options at the Bistro at Red Bank consists of an assortment of sushi, homemade pastas, both classic and artisan thin crust, brick-oven pizzas, and fresh salads. Popular Bistro classics include the Chicken Teriyaki, the Peking Duck Salad, and the Crackling Calamari Salad to name just a few.
14 Broad St, Red Bank, NJ 07701, Phone: 732-530-5553
Taste Tradition at Monticello at Red Bank - Italian Restaurant
The Monticello At Red Bank is an Italian restaurant with a philosophy of “from the vine to the table.” The local eatery promotes clean eating and aims to provide guests tasty dishes made with the freshest and best ingredients possible. Since 2015, the Monticello has used ingredients from their on-site organic garden, available between June and October. Open six days a week, the restaurant specializes in non-processed, non-GMO food and all of the produce and meats used are premium quality, including all-natural pork, wild caught fresh seafood, free-range eggs, degreased and homemade all-natural stocks, and antibiotic-free, hormone-free chicken.
69 Broad St, Red Bank, NJ 07701, Phone: 732-450-0255
For Couples:
Honor a Legacy at the T. Thomas Fortune Cultural Center
When it comes to historical and cultural sites to visit in Red Bank, the T. Thomas Fortune Cultural Center is at the top of the list. The center exists to conserve the legacy and home of T. Thomas Fortune, a celebrated African American journalist and civil rights advocate who was born into slavery and later freed in 1863 by the Emancipation Proclamation. Because of its affiliation with African American History, the Fortune Home was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1976 and was later placed on the National Register for Historic Places. Visitors to the T. Thomas Fortune Cultural Center can see beautiful works of art and peruse educational exhibits about T. Thomas Fortune and his contributions to the civil rights movement as well as journalism. Tours and presentations can also be enjoyed alongside movie screenings, readings, and other similar events.
94 Drs. James Parker Boulevard, Red Bank, New Jersey 07701, Phone: 732-383-5483
Jump to a Spot...
- • Catch the Spotlight at Count Basie Theatre
- • Experience Live Storytelling at Two River Theater
- • Raise a Glass at Dublin House
- • Dine with Downtown Energy at Bistro in Red Bank
- • Taste Tradition at Monticello at Red Bank - Italian Restaurant
- • Honor a Legacy at the T. Thomas Fortune Cultural Center