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Township in Ocean County, New Jersey, US
Photo: Smallbones, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
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.
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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.
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.
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.
A showcase of John Frederick Peto, known for trompe l’oeil-style paintings. Fully accessible.
Artists from all over the county exhibit their works here.
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.
Barnegat Bay Maritime Museum
A small museum featuring historic boats from around the Jersey Shore, with a library and gift shop.
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.
This golf course is on the easier side, with larger greens than usual. Golf attire required.
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.
Tucked in the Pine Barrens, this park provides several miles of trails, sports fields, and an educational nature center with an observation deck.
The skating facility, with a bowl and structures for street-style skating, is illuminated after dusk.
Cruise along the only genuine paddleboat in New Jersey. There are several options available, including a sightseeing cruise. Tickets must be paid in advance.
Jet Ski, waverunner and boat rentals, no boating license required, however age restrictions are in force; bring valid photo ID.
Beach with free showers, playgrounds, softball fields, tennis and basketball courts.
Every June, on a weekend. This downtown gathering of the regional LGBT community is one of the largest on the Jersey Shore. Pop-op food vendors and live performances. Family-friendly.
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.
Every October 31 since 1919, one of the largest Halloween parades in the region features decorated vehicles and floats by people of all ages.
Traditional Italian dishes, including pizza.
Family-owned Italian restaurant with a wood-fired oven.
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.
Serves breakfast, pizza baked in a brick oven, lunch and dinner.
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.
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.
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.
An Italian restaurant with large windows overlooking a garden and a bar serving wine by the bottle.
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.
Along with a conference center, this hotel also has an outdoor pool, business center with computers, restaurant and fitness center. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.
The employees there can cater to those who speak a foreign language and those with disabilities. An indoor pool. The on-site Palms Restaurant serves breakfast and dinner. Two ballrooms, a business center, and a gym are also available on the premises.
Two-storey, pet-friendly hotel with an indoor pool, restaurant, free Wi-Fi and breakfast.
A Victorian-style bed and breakfast with modern luxuries. Every suite has its own feel.
A budget hotel with balconies (albeit without an ocean view), basic amenities and a pool.
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.
Beyond the seemingly small facade, there is a wide selection of items, including glassware, furniture, and decor. The staff there are friendly and knowledgeable.
By train
Amtrak does not have a station in Toms River, but at stations in Point Pleasant approximately 20 miles away and in Trenton, New Brunswick, and Princeton Junction, around 40 miles away.
By bus
New Jersey Transit buses arrive approximately four times an hour, twice en route from New York to Atlantic City and twice en route from Atlantic City to New York.
By car
Toms River is located off the Garden State Parkway exit 82(A) which leads visitors to the main commercial corridor, NJ-37. Downtown is easily accessible from exit 81.
By boat
There are marinas and docks for small craft to park, though most of them require a fee to rent.
By taxi
There are a number of taxi services around and within Toms River as well as services like Uber and Lyft. Fares vary.
By bike and on foot
Downtown is more walkable than other sections of the town. The bus terminal is about 15 minutes by foot from the heart of downtown Toms River. There are places to rent bikes to get around for the day.
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Ewing Township · Regional · TTN
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