Ocean County, NJ Road Trips

Ocean County is best known for its beaches along the Atlantic Ocean, including Island Beach State Park, an undeveloped stretch of coastline. Just south of it is Barnegat Lighthouse on Long Beach Island. The Barnegat Bay runs along eastern Ocean County, with some small parks surrounding the bay. There are many museums covering local and maritime history.

The Barnegat Bay provides opportunities for boat cruises from Toms River and Beach Haven. Ocean County has 2 public golf courses: Atlantis Golf Course in Little Egg Harbor and one at Forge Pond in Brick. There are a few amusement parks in the county: Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson Township, Jenkinson's in Point Pleasant Beach, Casino Pier and Breakwater Beach in Seaside Heights, and Fantasy Island Amusement Park on Long Beach Island.

Many waterfront restaurants serve Italian-inspired dishes and seafood.

There are no major airports in the county, but Newark Liberty International Airport and Atlantic City International Airport are nearby. Travelers wanting to travel from nearby regions including Atlantic City can use the SJTA TransIT Link shuttle to travel between Atlantic City International Airport and the Pleasantville Bus Terminal. At the bus terminal you can catch another NJ Transit bus to Ocean County. Car rental services are available at both airports. Amtrak does not have stations in Ocean County. New Jersey Transit trains serve Point Pleasant in the northeast of the county. New Jersey Transit buses make stops in Toms River and Lakewood on the route between New York and Atlantic City. Long Beach Island is served during the summer. From North Jersey and New York City, take the Garden State Parkway South. From South Jersey including Atlantic City, take the Garden State Parkway North. From the west, including Philadelphia, take State Route 70 East.

Ocean Ride provides bus transportation for US$2.00, though the fixed routes aren't really that extensive, catering more to locals than tourists. A car is highly recommended, as public transport is very limited in the area.

The Barnegat Bay in the east of the county is host to a population of bay nettles, a type of stinging jellyfish. While these are not invasive, they have become more abundant in the 21st century, mostly due to human causes. To reduce the chance of a sting while in the waters, apply petroleum jelly to exposed skin or wear lightweight protective clothing, such as a pantyhose. In case you get stung, use salt water to remove any tentacles (they can still sting on their own), then apply shaving cream and scrape it off. Ice may be used to alleviate any pain and itching.