"I didn't expect to find such quiet this close to the boardwalk towns." Lakewood snuck up on me like that—softly, slowly. Just inland from the buzz of the Jersey Shore, it offered something different: calm parks, reflective waters, historic stage lights, and a brewery that made me pause mid-sip to appreciate balance. It wasn’t loud, but it didn’t need to be.
Best Things to Do in Lakewood, New Jersey
Lake Carasaljo
I began at Lake Carasaljo, a 2-mile loop of water rimmed by walking paths and old-growth trees. Joggers passed with nods, ducks stirred the surface, and the air was perfumed with pine, algae, and late-summer warmth. I sat under a willow and watched a canoe drift lazily in the center. "This feels like a pause button," I thought. It was the kind of place you don’t rush—where the pace slows to match the ripple of the lake.
FirstEnergy Park
From there, I headed to FirstEnergy Park, home to the Jersey Shore BlueClaws. Even if you’re not a baseball person, minor league games here are about more than the score. Families cheered in unison, the scent of popcorn mingled with fresh-cut grass, and a kid behind me kept yelling, “You got this!” to every batter, no matter the team. It was joy with a plastic cup of lemonade and the promise of fireworks later.
Ocean County Park
Ocean County Park was a slice of nature tucked neatly into suburbia. I strolled the shaded trails, passed a disc golf game in progress, and watched dogs splash in the off-leash area. The picnic areas buzzed softly with birthday songs and grill smoke. It reminded me of a place I might’ve gone as a kid—right down to the squeak of swings and the thud of tennis balls on old asphalt courts.
Downtown Lakewood
Downtown Lakewood surprised me with its range. I walked past kosher bakeries, storefronts with Hebrew lettering, and classic diners with vinyl stools. A record shop caught my eye, and inside I flipped through old Springsteen and Sinatra albums while soft jazz played overhead. There's a cultural blend here that feels rooted, not curated. "This is lived-in charm," I wrote in my notes.
The Strand Theatre
At The Strand Theatre, the marquee glowed like a time capsule. Built in the 1920s, its gold trim and velvet seats whispered of a grander era. I didn’t catch a show, but just walking into the lobby—where chandeliers still sparkle and vintage posters line the walls—was worth the visit. A staffer told me Sinatra once graced the stage. I believed it.
Icarus Brewing
Before leaving town, I stopped at Icarus Brewing, a cozy, warehouse-style taproom with a loyal crowd and an easy vibe. While I don’t drink, I asked for a tour and was met with warm enthusiasm. The air smelled of hops and toasted malt, and the conversation at the bar was full of laughter. It wasn’t about the alcohol—it was about the space. About community. About the pause between errands when you get to just... be.
Lakewood At a Glance
- Drive Time from NYC: ~1 hour and 15 minutes southwest
- Vibe: Relaxed, community-driven, a little nostalgic
- Highlights: Lakeside views, local theater, small-town baseball, vibrant downtown
- Best Time to Visit: Spring through early fall for walking trails and park events
- Cost: Budget-friendly; parks and downtown walks are free, events vary
- Base Tip: Start at Lake Carasaljo for morning peace, end downtown with food and conversation
Travel Tips: Best Time to Visit
If you ask me, May through September is the sweet spot. That’s when I’ve had the best weather for exploring parks, enjoying outdoor events, or making quick trips to the nearby beaches. I’ve also visited in the fall, and if you catch the foliage in Ocean County’s parks—trust me—it’s totally worth the trip.
How to Get There
- Driving in? I usually take the Garden State Parkway (Exit 91) or Route 9. You’ll get there in about 1 hour and 15 minutes from NYC, or just under an hour from Atlantic City. It’s a super smooth drive either way.
- Taking the bus? NJ Transit has direct service from NYC’s Port Authority. I’ve done this before—it’s convenient, especially if you want to avoid driving.
- Train option? While Lakewood doesn’t have a direct station, I’ve used the ones at Bay Head and Point Pleasant Beach on the North Jersey Coast Line when exploring the area. From there, it’s just a short drive in.
Where to Stay
- Hilton Garden Inn Lakewood – I’ve stayed here and really appreciated how modern and comfortable it was. You’ll enjoy the pool and restaurant, and the location makes it easy to get around.
- Ramada by Wyndham Toms River – This is a great nearby option if you’re looking to stay somewhere spacious and quiet. I liked how it’s right between Lakewood and the beaches—it made getting to both really easy.
Final Thoughts
Lakewood doesn’t shout for your attention. It hums, gently. Between lake views, community ballgames, and the lingering scent of buttery popcorn in the air, it gave me a quieter kind of joy. One rooted in rhythm. One easy to miss if you move too fast. But if you slow down? There’s a whole lot to love here.