You Can Explore This Coastal New Jersey City Entirely on Foot—and It’s Stunning

Located on the Jersey Shore, Ocean Grove is a walkable city in New Jersey that offers a very different type of beach getaway.

As a non-driver, travel is always an interesting experience, but I'm lucky enough to live in one of the most transit-friendly regions in the country, and I grew up using buses, trains, and the good ol' "Number 11", as the old joke goes. Finding a walkable city in New Jersey is always a treat, as I'm no longer on anyone else's schedule. Surprisingly, large swaths of the Jersey Shore — my favorite region in the state — are fairly pedestrian-friendly, with visitors even being able to walk cleanly between stops on the train line if they desire. For the ultimate walkable destination on the shore, though, I'd have to pick the small town of Ocean Grove.

With a population of around 3,000, Ocean Grove is a beautiful and sleepy town with a deep history steeped in religion and community. It doesn't have the big, flashy attractions of other beach towns, but it more than makes up for that with its charming atmosphere and relaxed vibe. You can explore pretty much the entire small town on foot — and it's right next door, walking distance, to one of the most bustling nightlife spots in the state. I love when the Jersey Shore gets busy in the summer, but during that period, Ocean Grove is truly a breath of fresh air.

Why This New Jersey City Is So Easy to Explore on Foot

Ocean Grove is one of the most centrally-located towns in New Jersey, sandwiched on the coast between Asbury Park and Belmar. In fact, you can easily walk from the town to either of those bigger areas — Belmar is about an hour away on foot, with Asbury Park's boardwalk being only a mile away. As both are near the beach and far away from any major highways, the entire region is fantastic for foot traffic.

The Best Things to See Within Walking Distance

Ocean Grove's downtown is one of the most charming in the state, with many of the businesses being historic and maintaining their old-school charm. The town's famous ice cream shop, Nagle's, closed in 2019 but is reopening after six years with new management. The locals have been anxiously awaiting the spring 2026 revival.

What Makes This City Truly Stunning

If you're wondering why Ocean Grove looks so unique, the city has a fascinating history. Many of its buildings feature vintage Victorian architecture, and it was initially founded in 1869 as a religious community. Many of its signature structures, like the Great Auditorium and its famous tent housing, are used for religious purposes when the annual "camp meeting" takes place in the town each year.

Tips for Visiting Without a Car

Ocean Grove is sandwiched between two of the Jersey Shore's most populated towns, so if you arrive here by public transportation, you'll likely want to get off on the train at either Asbury Park or Belmar and walk along the beach. That will not only get you to your destination but also give you incredible views of the Ocean City beach and its very popular fishing pier. All you really need to walk this town is a good pair of beach footwear and a love for exploring!

Have you explored this walkable city in New Jersey before? If not, the summer season will be ramping up soon, so it's the perfect time to tell a fellow car-free traveler about this article and discover Ocean Grove's charms for yourself! You can see more details about the city on the Ocean Grove website, and the Ocean Grove Chamber of Commerce has all the information you'll want on the city's attractions. If this is just one stop for you as you explore the Jersey Shore this summer, make sure to check out Only in Your State's list of the best coastal towns in New Jersey!