Exploring Local Attractions From The Beachliner Hotel: Your Complete Guide to Ocean Grove and Beyond
Nestled in the heart of picturesque Ocean Grove, New Jersey, the Beachliner Hotel offers stunning ocean views and serves as the perfect base for exploring one of the Jersey Shore's most charming destinations. Whether you're a history enthusiast, beach lover, or cultural explorer, the area surrounding this newly renovated hotel provides an abundance of experiences that capture the essence of coastal New Jersey living.
Why Ocean Grove Should Be Your Next Destination
Global spending on tourism is expected to reach $2 trillion in 2025, surpassing its previous peak, and travelers are increasingly seeking authentic, less-crowded destinations. Ocean Grove perfectly fits this trend. Ocean Grove beach is along the New Jersey Shore, nearly perfectly triangulated between New York City, Atlantic City and Philadelphia – about 90 minutes from each, making it an accessible getaway for millions of travelers.
The Beachliner Hotel is located in picturesque Ocean Grove, New Jersey, positioned right across from the boardwalk and steps from the beach, and a short walk to Asbury Park. This prime location means you can enjoy the tranquility of Ocean Grove while having easy access to the vibrant entertainment scene of neighboring Asbury Park.
The Victorian Charm of Ocean Grove
A National Historic Treasure
Ocean Grove was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976, and for good reason. It was founded in 1869 by a group of Methodists looking for land to develop a summer meeting spot, and today Ocean Grove's tree-lined-streets contain the largest assemblage of Victorian and early 20th century structures in America.
As you stroll through the town's one square mile, you'll encounter meticulously preserved Victorian homes with wraparound porches, gingerbread trim, and manicured gardens. The architectural consistency creates a feeling of stepping back in time, offering a respite from modern life that resonates with today's travelers. Emerging trends include slow travel, multi-generational family trips, and microcations—short getaways lasting 3–4 days, making Ocean Grove an ideal destination for these types of experiences.
The Great Auditorium
One of Ocean Grove's crown jewels is the Great Auditorium, located just minutes from the Beachliner Hotel. This 129-year-old theater features a breathtaking wooden interior designed to evoke an upturned ship. The venue hosts classical concerts and special events throughout the year, particularly during the summer season. The natural acoustics and historic ambiance create an unforgettable concert experience that you won't find in modern venues.
Ocean Grove's Unique Tent City
Ocean Grove boasts a truly unique feature that sets it apart from other beach communities. Each summer, a tent community appears, offering a glimpse into the town's Methodist camp meeting origins. These tent structures, which have been part of Ocean Grove's landscape for over a century, provide seasonal housing and represent a living piece of history that continues to fascinate visitors.
The Beach Experience at Ocean Grove
Pristine Shores Steps Away
With a stay at Beachliner Hotel in Ocean Grove, you'll be near the beach, just a 3-minute walk from Ocean Grove Beach. The beach itself is one of the cleanest and most family-friendly along the Jersey Shore. Ocean Grove is a dry town, so it attracts more families and folks looking for a quiet day, weekend or week at the beach.
The beach offers excellent conditions for various activities. There's a dedicated surfing spot at the northern end of the beach, and anglers are allowed to cast off the jetties for a chance to catch striped bass and fluke. The lifeguards are attentive and professional, ensuring a safe swimming environment for all visitors.
The Rebuilt Fishing Pier
The pier was rebuilt – to the tune of $1.3 million of private money, paid for entirely by the Christian Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association – and reopened in April 2023. This stunning structure extends over the Atlantic Ocean, providing panoramic views north and south along the coastline. It's an ideal spot for fishing, photography, or simply enjoying the ocean breeze while watching the sunset.
Beach Amenities
The Beachliner Hotel makes beach-going effortless. The hotel offers beach towels, passes, and bikes to explore the area, plus books and games for laid-back downtime after the beach. This thoughtful provision means you can pack lighter and enjoy more spontaneous beach visits during your stay.
Main Avenue: Ocean Grove's Shopping and Dining District
Just steps from the Beachliner Hotel, Main Avenue provides a charming collection of shops, cafes, and restaurants that reflect the town's character.
Culinary Delights
Start your day at Odyssey Coffee, which bills itself as a "vigorous refuge for thinkers," and welcomes the sleepy and footsore in need of a caffeine fix and a nibble. For cheese enthusiasts, Cheese on Main offers an excellent selection of artisanal cheeses perfect for a beach picnic or evening gathering.
Dining options include SeaGrass Restaurant, which offers an ocean-inflected menu that includes sesame-encrusted ahi tuna, roasted Atlantic salmon in shrimp beurre blanc, and seared dayboat sea scallops. Ocean Grove is a dry town, so you'll have to BYO if you wish to enjoy wine with your meal.
Special Events Throughout the Year
Special events abound, especially in the summer and on weekends throughout the year, including car shows, flea markets, house and garden tours, and classical concerts in the Great Auditorium. These events provide opportunities to engage with the local community and experience Ocean Grove's vibrant cultural scene.
Asbury Park: Urban Energy Meets Beach Culture
One of the greatest advantages of staying at the Beachliner Hotel is its proximity to Asbury Park. The hotel is just a 4-minute drive from Asbury Park Boardwalk, though many guests prefer the pleasant 18-minute walk along the connected boardwalks.
The Asbury Park Boardwalk
Fantastic food, eclectic boutiques, family fun, colorful nightlife and one of the best live music scenes in the world are just some of the things going on—all tucked neatly along a historic beachfront promenade splashed with vibrant murals.
The boardwalk is a fun zone a mile-long, offering a stark contrast to Ocean Grove's Victorian tranquility. The Asbury Park boardwalk transitions seamlessly into Ocean Grove boardwalk with completely different vibe, allowing you to experience two distinct communities in a single stroll.
Historic Music Venues
Asbury Park's musical legacy is legendary. This year marks the 50th anniversary of The Stone Pony, the legendary rock venue where Bruce Springsteen got his start. The venue continues to host both emerging artists and established acts, maintaining its reputation as one of the most important music venues in America.
The Wonder Bar is another iconic spot where the stage has been graced with performances by New Jersey natives Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi. The venue also features a weekly "Yappy Hour" where dogs are welcome, creating a unique social atmosphere.
Paramount Theater and Convention Hall
The iconic Paramount Theater and Convention Hall are historic sites from the 1930s that are a testament to Asbury Park's cultural heritage and have hosted the likes of Frank Sinatra and The Rolling Stones. These venues continue to host concerts, theater performances, and special events throughout the year.
Family Entertainment
For families, Asbury Park offers several attractions:
Silverball Retro Arcade: This arcade celebrates the evolution of pop culture through its collection of pinball machines from the 1930s and on up, with over 200 vintage machines providing nostalgic entertainment for all ages.
Asbury Splash Park: This playful water park caters to families and children and is adjacent to Asbury Park Boardwalk, with a variety of water features, including sprinklers and water guns.
Asbury Eighteen Mini Golf: This music-themed 18-hole miniature golf course features anecdotes from local venues at each hole, combining entertainment with Asbury Park's rich musical history.
Dining in Asbury Park
The culinary scene in Asbury Park is diverse and innovative. From German-style beer halls to upscale New American cuisine, the variety ensures something for every palate. Tim McLoone's Supper Club offers an elegant dining experience with nightly musical entertainment, while casual spots provide beach-friendly fare perfect for a post-boardwalk meal.
Regional Attractions Within Easy Reach
Belmar Beach and Boardwalk
The hotel is 2.4 mi (3.8 km) from Belmar Beach and Boardwalk, another popular Jersey Shore destination known for its surfing culture and vibrant summer scene. Belmar offers additional dining and shopping options, as well as its own distinctive beach atmosphere.
Six Flags Great Adventure
Six Flags Great Adventure & Wild Safari is 28 miles from the hotel, making it a feasible day trip for thrill-seekers and families. The combination theme park and safari offers a completely different type of entertainment that complements the beach-focused activities closer to Ocean Grove.
Monmouth University
The property is 5.3 mi (8.6 km) from Monmouth University, which often hosts cultural events, sporting competitions, and performances that are open to the public.
The Tourism Landscape: Why Now is the Perfect Time to Visit
The timing couldn't be better for a visit to the Jersey Shore. With 1.4 billion international tourist arrivals recorded globally, 2024 marked the recovery of international tourism from the worst crisis in the sector's history. However, this recovery has created a new challenge: overtourism at popular destinations.
This is where Ocean Grove and the Beachliner Hotel shine. Almost 59% of UK holidaymakers would consider a 'dupe'; with 60% choosing it due to it being less crowded and 26% because they are looking for more authentic culture. Additionally, 68% of travelers take pride in discovering lesser-known travel spots before they become popular.
Ocean Grove offers the authentic beach experience that modern travelers crave without the overwhelming crowds of more commercialized destinations. Looking ahead to 2025, 70% of Americans plan to maintain or increase their travel activities, with key anticipated trends including a continued preference for road trips, an increase in microcations, and a focus on off-season travel.
Planning Your Stay at the Beachliner Hotel
Accommodations and Amenities
The recently renovated Beachliner Hotel provides modern comfort within a historic setting. Rooms are stocked with fluffy towels and fresh toiletries, a mini fridge, flat screen, and a coffee maker. Many rooms feature ocean views, allowing you to wake up to the sight and sound of the Atlantic.
Guests can start their day with fresh coffee, lemonade, and homemade cookies in the lobby, and savor delicious daily breakfasts indoors or al fresco paired with ocean breezes and stunning beachfront views. This complimentary breakfast receives consistent praise from guests and provides excellent fuel for a day of exploration.
Getting There
Asbury Park, NJ, is located at exit 100 on the Garden State Parkway. Driving from New York City or Philadelphia to Asbury Park, NJ will take about 90 minutes with minimal traffic. The hotel's location makes it accessible for weekend getaways or longer vacations.
The nearest airport is Newark Liberty International Airport, 43 miles from Beachliner Hotel, providing convenient access for travelers from across the country or internationally.
Parking and Transportation
Free parking is ample everywhere in Ocean Grove, though arriving early during peak summer weekends is advisable. The compact nature of Ocean Grove and its connection to Asbury Park makes walking and biking practical transportation options once you've arrived.
Best Times to Visit
While summer is naturally the most popular season, Ocean Grove offers year-round appeal. The fall brings comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, and beautiful beach walking conditions. Spring provides opportunities to enjoy the town's gardens in bloom without summer's heat. Even winter has its charms, with the Victorian architecture looking particularly enchanting after a light snow.
Note that the beach opens at 9 a.m. Monday to Saturday but doesn't open until noon on Sunday, reflecting Ocean Grove's religious heritage.
Sustainable and Mindful Travel
Ocean Grove's preservation efforts align perfectly with modern travel values. Sustainability has become a priority, with travelers wanting to integrate green practices and highlighting commitment to responsible tourism. By choosing a destination that has maintained its historic character and natural beauty, visitors to Ocean Grove participate in sustainable tourism that supports preservation rather than development.
Ocean Grove's status as a dry town attracts more families and folks looking for a quiet experience, creating a more relaxed atmosphere that encourages mindful enjoyment rather than excessive consumption.
Making the Most of Your Visit
Create an Itinerary with Flexibility
While planning is important, modern travelers prefer flexibility. 69% of travelers surveyed expressed a desire to head on holiday with a loose plan they can change without a lot of hassle. The Beachliner's central location makes spontaneous decisions easy—wake up and decide whether to spend the day on Ocean Grove's quiet beach, explore Asbury Park's vibrant scene, or venture further afield.
Multi-Generational Appeal
The area surrounding the Beachliner Hotel excels at accommodating different age groups and interests. Grandparents can enjoy the Victorian architecture and Great Auditorium concerts, parents can explore the dining and shopping scenes, teenagers might gravitate toward Asbury Park's music venues and arcade, while younger children will love the beaches and splash park. This multi-generational appeal makes it an excellent choice for family reunions or extended family vacations.
Photography Opportunities
From Victorian architecture to vibrant boardwalk murals, from sunrise over the Atlantic to the colorful tent city, the area provides endless photography opportunities. The preserved historic character creates an aesthetic that stands apart from typical beach resort imagery, offering social media content that genuinely stands out.
Conclusion: Your Ocean Grove Adventure Awaits
The Beachliner Hotel serves as more than just a place to sleep—it's your gateway to experiencing one of the Jersey Shore's most unique and well-preserved communities. From the Victorian splendor of Ocean Grove to the energetic cultural scene of Asbury Park, from pristine beaches to world-class music venues, this corner of New Jersey offers a beach vacation unlike any other.
As tourism continues its strong recovery and travelers increasingly seek authentic, uncrowded destinations, Ocean Grove stands poised to offer exactly what modern vacationers desire. The travel experience industry (which includes tours, activities, attractions, and the entire "things to do" category) is expected to be worth $375 billion by 2025, and Ocean Grove provides exceptional value within this growing market.
Whether you're seeking a romantic weekend escape, a family beach vacation, or a cultural exploration of America's Victorian past, the Beachliner Hotel and its surrounding attractions offer a memorable experience that will have you planning your return visit before you've even left.
Book your stay at the Beachliner Hotel and discover why Ocean Grove has been a beloved Jersey Shore destination for over 150 years. The Victorian charm, pristine beaches, and proximity to Asbury Park's vibrant culture create a combination that truly offers something for everyone.