Toms River Travel Guide

Toms River is a large township and the county seat in Ocean County, New Jersey.  With an area of 53 square miles, and a population of over 90,000 permanent residents, Toms River is a sleepy little coastal community.   Located about an hour away from New York and Philadelphia, Toms River is an excellent family vacation destination from spring until fall.  This lovely township offers visitors an abundance of local activities and attractions, which include several boardwalks, a Six Flags theme park, miniature golf courses, an exciting nightlife, and much more.  Not only does Toms River offer multiple Oceanside boardwalks, they also offer multiple riverside boardwalks for your fun and enjoyment. 

There are many areas of the Township of Toms River.  The village is where the county seat offices are located as well as many of the areas restaurants and stores.  Another area includes the beachside neighborhoods of Ocean Beach, Ortley Beach, Normandy Beach, and Pelican Island.  Ortley Beach consists of a boardwalk and a charming gazebo, the perfect place for a romantic stroll.  Normandy Beach is the area that offers most of the vacation rentals for the longer stay.

Toms River is a popular summer destination, offering travelers a fun and exciting place to visit.  Nevertheless, this township is also a popular taping location for television shows and movies.  The popular MTV television series Made and Jersey Shore have both been filmed in Toms River, along with the original Amityville Horror film.  However, do not let Jersey Shore fool you; this area is a clean and safe family destination, offering many activities and amusements.

Toms River Weather and Best Time to Visit

The peak tourist season in Toms River is during the summer months, running from May until October historically.  This township and the surrounding area is a very popular summer travel destination for much of the northeast, including the neighboring metropolitan areas of Philadelphia, New York, and Baltimore.  If you are visiting during these months, expect larger than normal crowds and higher than normal rates on accommodations and some attractions as well.  It is typically a good idea to shop around ahead of time and book your stay early, at least several weeks in advance.  This can ensure that you receive the best rates available for your getaway.

The average monthly high temperatures for Toms River during the peak season run from 67 to 85 degrees, with average monthly lows running from 45 to 65.  It may be a good idea to pack your family some warm clothes if you plan to be out at night.  The coldest month is January, warmest is July, and wettest is March, so make sure you are prepared if you plan to travel during these times. 

Experience Toms River

Ocean County has over 50 miles of some of the finest, most beautiful, golden beaches in the world, as well as many miles of bay and riverfront beaches.  Among these beaches, perfectly nestled between the stunning Barnegat Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, are the sandy white beaches of Toms River.  These beaches are among the most spectacular along the east coast.  Excellent for swimming, surfing, boating, fishing, or just relaxing in the sun, this coastline is sure to please. 

To really experience this charming township, you have to visit Downtown.  Downtown Toms River is one of the most vibrant and diverse downtowns in New Jersey.  You can experience many wonderful things while staying in Toms River.  Things like music concerts on the riverfront, exciting festivals along the streets, dining with spectacular views of the river or coast, many places to shop, and even spending an evening on a riverboat, can all be found here in Toms River.  There are many different activities hosted by the Ocean County Library, as well as numerous museums and art galleries.

The Farmers' Market is a fantastic way to experience the sights, sounds, and smells of Toms River.  Open every Wednesday during peak season, this farmer’s market offers fresh produce, fruits and vegetables, plants, herbs, fresh baked goods, honey, chowders, raviolis, crab cakes, cheeses, pickles, nuts and candy, all from  local vendors.

Another great way to really experience the Village of Toms River is to take a walking tour of downtown.  This tour is approximately seven blocks in length and can take less than half an hour to complete when no stops are made.  If you take your time and enjoy the museums, peruse through the library and rest at the County Administration Building, it can take more than two hours to finish.