Looking for a mix of beach vibes, boardwalks, and local history? Head to Toms River! Located near the Jersey Shore, Toms River blends classic coastal fun with riverside charm, museums, family-friendly parks, and quick access to oceanfront adventures.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Toms River is from late spring through early fall (May through September). Enjoy warm beach days, outdoor dining, water sports, and summer events all around the region.

How to Get There

  • By Car: Toms River is located along the Garden State Parkway (Exit 82), about 1.5 hours from New York City and 1 hour from Atlantic City or Philadelphia.
  • By Bus: NJ Transit runs bus routes to Toms River from NYC’s Port Authority Bus Terminal and nearby towns.
  • By Train: The closest NJ Transit train station is in Bay Head (about 25 minutes away); connecting buses or rideshares are available.

Where to Stay

  • Howard Johnson by Wyndham – Budget-friendly stay close to downtown and Seaside Heights beaches.
  • Clarion Hotel & Conference Center – Full-service hotel with a restaurant, pool, and convenient location near major roads.
  • Mathis House at 600 Main – Historic Victorian bed and breakfast offering elegant rooms and traditional tea service.

Top Attractions

Explore Coastal Trails and Wildlife at Cattus Island County Park

Explore Coastal Trails and Wildlife at Cattus Island County Park

© Cattus Island County Park

Spanning across approximately 530 acres, the Cattus Island County Park is home to seven miles of hiking trails, including ones leading to the beautiful views of Barnegat Bay and the beach.

The park also includes the Cooper Environmental Center, which offers several hands-on displays and exhibits for visitors of any age, including collections of live fish and reptiles, a children’s activity corner, a bird viewing area, a habitat tunnel and tree, and the live view osprey camera.

The center highlights the Barnegat Bay and the park’s natural beauty as well. There is also a butterfly garden at the Cattus Island County Park.

1170 Cattus Island Blvd, Toms River, NJ 08753, Phone: 732-270-6960

Meet Creepy-Crawlies Up Close at Insectropolis, the Bugseum of New Jersey

Meet Creepy-Crawlies Up Close at Insectropolis, the Bugseum of New Jersey

© Insectropolis, the Bugseum of New Jersey

Insectropolis, also known as the “Bugseum of New Jersey,” is a unique attraction in Toms River where visitors can view thousands of different bizarre, beautiful, and exotic insects from throughout the world. The “bugseum” also provides several other activities that are particularly fun for children, such as pretending to be a termite crawling through a mud tube and playing bug games on the facility’s touchscreen computers. Guests can watch numerous live insects, including safely getting up close to the Insectropolis observation bee hive, as well participate in one of the daily touch presentations, which include millipedes and tarantulas.

1761 Route 9, Toms River, NJ 08755, Phone: 732-349-7090

Sample Craft Brews with Local Flavor at Toms River Brewing

Sample Craft Brews with Local Flavor at Toms River Brewing

© Toms River Brewing

The Irish are a large part of the population of New Jersey and the town of Toms River is possibly the home to the state’s largest Irish population. Toms River Brewing is rooted in the Rinn Duin Brewery, known for its Irish-style and UK ales.

In 2018, Jim Mulligan acquired the brewery and began his vision of a wide selection of beer styles that are able to be explored through adding natural extracts and fruits, in addition to an expanded selection of hop and yeast. The Tap Room at Toms River Brewing is open Wednesday through Sunday.

1540 Rt 37 W, Toms River, NJ 08755, Phone: 732-608-1004

Catch a Live Show or Concert at the Jay and Linda Grunin Center for the Arts

Catch a Live Show or Concert at the Jay and Linda Grunin Center for the Arts

© Jay and Linda Grunin Center for the Arts

The Jay and Linda Grunin Center for the Arts is situated on the campus of Toms Rivers’s Ocean County College and is dedicated to providing the Jersey Shore and Ocean County with entertainment and art. The performing arts center features premiere acts from all over the world, allowing guests to experience “once-in-a-lifetime performances” from unique entertainers, hometown musicians, and venerated artists within an intimate venue. The Jay and Linda Grunin Center for the Arts also includes an Art Gallery and fine arts and performing arts programs, educational organizations, and an Orchestra-in-Residence, which is the Garden State Philharmonic.

1 College Drive, Toms River, NJ 08754, Phone: 732-255-0500

Travel Through Local History at the Ocean County Historical Museum

Travel Through Local History at the Ocean County Historical Museum

© Ocean County Historical Museum

The Ocean County Historical Museum is operated by The Ocean County Historical Society, which was formed during the centennial celebration of Ocean County in 1950 by Dr. Joshua Hilliard, as well as several other dedicated residents who had a strong desire to collect and preserve the local area’s history. The historical museum is housed inside of a Victorian home in the town of Toms River and offers guided tours led by docents on certain days.

26 Hadley Avenue, Toms River, NJ 08753, Phone: 732-341-1880

Shop, Dine, and Stroll at the Ocean County Mall

Shop, Dine, and Stroll at the Ocean County Mall

© Halfpoint/stock.adobe.com

The Ocean County Mall in Toms River, New Jersey is a “super-regional mall” that first opened in the community in July of 1976.

Located off of New Jersey’s Garden State Parkway at Exit 82 down Route 37 East, the Ocean County Mall, which is the county’s only enclosed mall, is anchored by Macy’s, JCPenney, and Boscov’s. The mall, owned by the Simon Property Group, is also a particularly popular place for tourists in the area during the summer months. There are several places to eat at the mall as well, such as Applebee’s, Bahama Breeze, and BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse.

1201 Hooper Ave, Toms River, NJ 08753, Phone: 732-244-8200

Support Local Talent at an Exit 82 Theatre Company Production

Support Local Talent at an Exit 82 Theatre Company Production

© aerogondo/stock.adobe.com

The Exit 82 Theatre Company was established in 2009 as a non-profit performing arts organization in the town of Toms River, New Jersey.

The theater company boasts a mission of producing quality theatrical programming, as well as an educational environment that unifies the arts community, in addition to inspiring artistic development. Along with its adult theatrical programming, Exit 82: A Toms River Theatre Company operates the Creative and Performing Art Academy, which was formed to educate the next generations of artists. A wide variety of theatre performances are put on by Exit 82 throughout the year.

73 Main St, Toms River, NJ 08753

Savor Sushi and Hibachi Delights at Shogun Legacy

Savor Sushi and Hibachi Delights at Shogun Legacy

© Shogun Legacy

Shogun Legacy provides locals and visitors alike in Toms River with a unique dining experience, serving a menu of traditional sashimi and sushi, as well as contemporary Asian dishes within an upscale and elegant setting.

The restaurant features an elegant dining room, a private dining room for private parties, a large sushi bar, and an outdoor deck consisting of a dining and bar area. Shogun Legacy offers a menu of originality and creativity, representing some of Central New Jersey’s finest Asian cuisine, consisting of a comprehensive assortment of Asian entrees. The restaurant also contains a wine cellar designed to compliment the menu.

1536 North Bay Ave, Toms River, NJ 08753, Phone: 732-286-9888

Put Your Wits to the Test at Solve the Room Escape Games

Put Your Wits to the Test at Solve the Room Escape Games

© Solve the Room

Solve the Room provides an escape room experience for friends and team building in the quiet township of Toms River, New Jersey.

Participants have sixty minutes to solve the clues and puzzles of one of several different rooms in order to escape. That escape could be a prison break from a high security prison or finding a way out from a watering hole during the Prohibition Era. Or perhaps players will choose to try to replace the Pharaoh’s lost necklace and escape from the tomb before they run out of oxygen or pull off a heist for the Cullinan Diamond.

1555 NJ-37 #12, Toms River, NJ 08755, 732-244-2481

If you are a first time visitor to Toms River, NJ:

  • River Lady Cruises – Cruise the Toms River and Barnegat Bay aboard a paddlewheel boat with dining options.
  • Ocean County Historical Society Museum – Explore exhibits on local history in a charming Victorian home.
  • Huddy Park – A scenic downtown park on the river with walking paths, a gazebo, and seasonal events.
  • Ortley Beach – Quick drive from downtown to soft sand, calm waves, and a relaxing coastal vibe.

Where to Eat

  • Xina Restaurant – Trendy waterfront sushi and Asian fusion spot known for its fresh seafood and river views.
  • The Office Restaurant & Lounge – Lively tavern with hearty American fare, craft beer, and live music.
  • – Caribbean-inspired dishes and tropical drinks just minutes from the shore.

If you are interested in local events:

  • Toms River Halloween Parade (October) – One of the largest Halloween parades in the U.S. with floats, costumes, and fun for all ages.
  • Downtown Toms River Farmers Market (Wednesdays, May–Nov) – Fresh produce, baked goods, flowers, and local vendors.
  • Summer Concert Series (July–August) – Free music at Huddy Park with food trucks and a family-friendly atmosphere.

If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Toms River, New Jersey:

  • Seaside Heights (15–20 min) – Ride the boardwalk, visit Casino Pier, or soak up sun on the beach.
  • Island Beach State Park (25–30 min) – Pristine dunes, wildlife, and uncrowded beaches perfect for nature lovers.
  • Point Pleasant Beach (25–30 min) – Family-friendly boardwalk with aquarium, arcades, and beach access.
  • Double Trouble State Park (20 min) – Hike forest trails or explore a historic village in this unique pine barrens preserve.
  • Bay Head (25 min) – Quaint coastal town with boutique shopping, galleries, and quieter beaches.
  • Lakewood BlueClaws Stadium (20 min) – Catch a minor league baseball game in a lively, family-friendly ballpark.
  • Berkeley Island County Park (20 min) – Waterfront picnicking, splash pad fun, and fishing on Barnegat Bay.
  • Lavallette (20–25 min) – Peaceful shore town with great restaurants and wide sandy beaches.
  • Barnegat Bay Sailing School (25 min) – Try a sailing lesson or sunset charter on calm bay waters.

FAQ

  • What makes Toms River a great destination?
    • The vibrant waterfront town of Toms River, New Jersey, offers a wide array of activities for both visitors and local residents, including outdoor recreation, shops, entertainment, arts, and kid-friendly activities.
  • What outdoor attractions can visitors explore in Toms River?
    • Cattus Island County Park provides wooded trails for exploration and features an environmental center.
  • Where can visitors go shopping in Toms River?
    • The Ocean County Mall offers plenty of shopping opportunities for visitors looking for retail experiences.
  • What unique attractions does Toms River offer?
    • For those who enjoy something out of the ordinary, Toms River is home to Insectropolis, an attraction dedicated to the fascinating world of insects.
  • Are there good restaurants in Toms River?
    • Yes! Toms River has a variety of great restaurants offering diverse dining experiences.

At a Glance


Best Time to Visit Places to Stay Top Activities
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and blooming gardens. Clarion Hotel & Conference Center – A comfortable and centrally located stay. Visit Cattus Island County Park – Explore scenic trails and wildlife.
Summer (June-August) – Peak beach season with warm weather. Days Hotel by Wyndham Toms River – A well-rated stay near the shore. Relax at Ortley Beach – Enjoy sunbathing and water activities.
Fall (September-November) – Fewer crowds and beautiful autumn scenery. Howard Johnson by Wyndham Toms River – A budget-friendly and cozy option. Take a scenic drive through the Pine Barrens – Experience New Jersey’s unique wilderness.
Winter (December-February) – Cool with festive holiday events. SpringHill Suites by Marriott – A modern and comfortable hotel. Visit the Toms River Christmas Tree Lighting – Enjoy holiday festivities downtown.


Plan Your Trip


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