Make some history this weekend.
For a day trip or a long weekend, Monmouth County, New Jersey means the Jersey Shore, wonderful food, shopping, and, of course, history!
The seat of Monmouth County, Freehold features a quaint downtown with plenty to explore. Not only is the region rich in Revolutionary War history, it is also within easy access of some of the Jersey Shore鈥檚 most beautiful beaches and character-filled boardwalks. Add in the delicious produce from local orchards that gave the Garden State its nickname, and you have a recipe for fun of all stripes. Start with the itinerary below.
From historic sites to hallowed ground, this day plan is built for those who want to jump right into history.
- Print or download your .
- Start your day with a classic Jersey pork roll, egg, and cheese on a hard roll at .
- Follow in the footsteps of the Monmouth Campaign:
- See where General Knyphausen鈥檚 division crossed Crosswicks Creek, the original 18th century Waln House, and a working grist mill at .
- served as Washington鈥檚 Headquarters in Englishtown during the Battle of Monmouth.
- was a field hospital after the Battle of Monmouth, and is the final resting place of British Lieutenant Colonel Henry Monckton, the highest ranking officer killed during the battle.
- General Sir Henry Clinton used the as his headquarters while the British army was encamped around Freehold just prior to the battle.
- Have lunch at the historic .
- Walk the fields of .
- is the oldest operating lighthouse in the country, and stood watch as the British evacuated New Jersey after the Battle of Monmouth in the first days of July 1778.
- Explore three centuries of New Jersey鈥檚 military heritage at the in Sea Girt.
- Enjoy some fresh seafood with a waterfront view at in Highlands or in Point Pleasant.
Enhance your historical experience with fun and family-friendly activities all weekend long!
- Print or download your .
- Ride the coasters, go on a safari, or just take a leisurely ride on the cable cars at the largest amusement park in the New York/New Jersey area - !
- Have a hands-on learning experience climbing aboard a pirate ship or piloting a space capsule at the children鈥檚 wing of the at Brookdale Community College.
- Pop on over to Red Bank for lunch at or .
- Take a train ride on the Pine Creek Railroad at the at Allaire State Park, and afterwards explore the buildings of , the original 1830s iron-ore factory town.
- Cool off with some soft serve from and indulge your sweet tooth at .
- Play some ski ball, visit the aquarium, and enjoy some time at the beach at in Point Pleasant Beach.
- Grab some classic Jersey Shore thin crust pizza at or .
From flea market antiques to one-of-a-kind boutiques, Monmouth County has your shopping needs covered.
- Print or download your .
- Get the day started with some .
- Monmouth County is home to two large indoor malls 鈥 the and the . Take your pick!
- Want to snag deals at the outlets? Hit up .
- Have Lunch at on Main Street Freehold, across the street from the site of the original Monmouth Courthouse after which the battle was named.
- If you prefer the adventure of flea markets, the enormous is only a mile north of where the Continental Army passed through Englishtown on the morning of the Battle of Monmouth.
- is home to quaint boutique stores, fine antique shops, and great dining.
- Finish off the day with some Irish 鈥溍搇, Ceol, Bia agus Craic鈥 鈥 drink, music, food and good times 鈥 at the .
Monmouth County is teeming with recreation, history and activities perfect for connecting with your better half.
- Print or download your .
- Monmouth County is located in the heart of the Garden State, and summer is the perfect time to visit , , or for world-famous Jersey sweet corn and tomatoes, and to pick fresh local fruits.
- Canoe, row or peddle boat at or .
- Test the bounds of your relationship at the Solve it or in Freehold.
- Take an evening stroll along the boardwalk In , , , or .
- While you鈥檙e in Asbury, score points on one of hundreds of pinball machines at the .
- Enjoy a performance at the or catch a concert at the famous , where local rock legends like Bruce Springsteen, Jon Bon Jovi, and Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes got their start.
- End the day with fine German beer and brats on the rooftop patio at the or charm your belle or beau at the classic French brasserie .
Before You Go
We鈥檝e got some tips and advice for prepping for a visit to Monmouth County and surrounding areas, including hours, weather, accommodations, and directions 鈥 everything you need to make your visit a comfortable and memorable one!
- Check the weather so you know how to pack and what to wear.
- Learn more about the Battle of Monmouth and the Revolutionary War.
- Find a place to stay that makes it easy to see as much as possible. We like the historic in downtown Freehold, where, during the Civil War, the 14th New Jersey formed in front of to say farewell to their friends and family, the just outside of town, and the in nearby Colts Neck, New Jersey.
