Shore

The Shore Region lives by its name. Most of the activity is along the long stretch of shoreline at the belly of the state jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean. Drive down the Garden State Parkway or State Route 9 and every few miles there is an outlet to a quaint village and accompanying beach where one can swim, sunbathe, stroll the beach, fish, surf or explore the many boardwalks. Away from the beach are historic sites, museums, theater, live entertainment and night life. Thoroughbred horse racing and auto raceways for the sports minded. Nature trails along the dunes, state parks and camping grounds proliferate the region. It is a region of fun and excitement. So, come on down and be part of it. Things to See and Do Attractions Fantasy Island Amusement Park in Beach Haven - Provides family fun at a boardwalk arcade, rides, games, carousel, ice cream parlor, food and entertainment. Six Flags Great Adventure/Wild Safari/Hurricane Harbor in Jackson - America's largest seasonal theme park with more than 100 rides, shows and attractions in seven theme areas. The Wild Safari offers a 4.5-hour drive through the 350-acre preserve to view over 1,200 species of animals from around the world. Hurricane Harbor is the world's largest new water park with rides, slides, wave pool and river floats. Separate admission for each theme. Tucker's Island Lighthouse in Tuckerton - Situated on a 40-acre restored maritime village. It serves as a museum and interpretive center providing information on the history of the area. Historic Sites Barnegat Historical Society's Heritage Village in Barnegat - Small restored village of transplanted historic buildings from other locations reflecting early communal life. Covenhoven House in Freehold - Exhibits of Colonial and Revolutionary War artifacts. Fort Hancock in Highlands - Part of the Gateway National Recreation Area and whose role was defense and navigation since the construction of the Sandy Hook Lighthouse in 1764. Gun batteries. Naval Air Engineering Station in Lakehurst - Site of the American terminal for transatlantic lighter-than-air flights in the 1920's-30's and where the German airship Hindenberg crashed in 1937. A small monument commemorates the 36 people who died at the crash site. Navesink Light Station at Twin Lights Historic Site in Highlands - At 256-feet above sea level, its two-beacon lighthouse overlooks Sandy Hook and the Atlantic Ocean. Woodrow Wilson Hall in West Long Branch at Monmouth University - The summer White House for President Wilson. A National Historic Landmark. Museums Barnegat Light Museum in Barnegat Light - Housed in a 1903 one-room schoolhouse exhibiting items including wrecked ships, and nautical, fishing and decoy artifacts. Lakehurst Historical Society Museum exhibits historical memorabilia from the Hindenberg disaster, Lakehurst and local area towns. Wetz Bicycle Museum in Freehold - Features world-class collection of antique bicycles from the 1850's to the 1950's, children's riding toys, and household and farm paraphernalia. Parks & Trails Barnegat Lighthouse State Park in Barnegat Light - 32-acre park encompassing a 172-foot lighthouse rebuilt in 1857-58 after the original fell into the ocean. Overlook viewing areas, picnic area, nature trail, birdwatching, and fishing. Monmouth Battlefield State Park in Freehold - Site of one of the longest Revolutionary War battles. Molly Pitcher gained fame here when she carried water to the embattled American forces. Mt. Mitchell Scenic Overlook in Atlantic Highlands - Rises 266-feet above sea level, providing a stunning view of Sandy Hook, New York City skyline and the Atlantic Ocean. The Highland hills were the setting for James Fenimore Cooper's novel The Water Witch. Science & Nature Related Black Whale Cruises at Beach Haven - Provide 1-hour sight-seeing cruises around Little Egg Harbor Bay, Atlantic City cruises, and charter service. Jacques Cousteau National Estuarine Research Reserve in Tuckerton - A reserve of aquatic and forest habitat. Hiking, biking, birdwatching, fishing, canoeing. Jenkinson's Aquarium & Boardwalk in Point Pleasant - A family amusement park and aquarium which features a touch tank, live coral reef and aquatic animals. Robert J. Novins Planetarium in Toms River on the campus of Ocean County College - Presents a variety of sky shows for children and adults. Tours Swan Boats - 15-minute paddleboat cruise through the Public Garden Lagoon.

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