Ocean Grove Beach — Attraction in Neptune Township

The lifeguard that brought the wheelchair up for my mom, Garth, was AMAZING!!  Not only did he take my mom down the beach in the wheelchair, but he came to my rescue as he could see that I was struggling to pull the cart on the beach.  He also said he'd send an umbrella down for us.  A few minutes later, a very kind young man brought us an umbrella. I asked if he would mind bringing us a chair.   He kindly said, "Sure.  Just let me set up the umbrella."  Once he did that, he brought us a chair.  My mom wanted to tip him, but he said it was not necessary.  She then asked if he'd help us pull the cart back to the boardwalk when we leave if she gave him a few bucks.  He again said it was not necessary. He'd be happy to help.  So, we got situated and enjoyed the beautiful day for hours.  My mom needed to use the bathroom so I asked the lifeguards for help again to transport her with the wheelchair.  After calling for the chair without a response, one of the young men ran up to get it & took her to the bathroom ASAP.  He also refused a few dollar tip.  Lastly, when we were ready to leave, the same lifeguard came back with the wheelchair along with the gentleman who agreed to help us with the cart.  I asked if he would ask the guy who brought us the umbrella and chair if he could come help.  He brought the cart all the way to the boardwalk and the lifeguard brought my mom up to the boardwalk.  I was highly impressed with their kindness, help & willingness to accommodate!!  That is not often seen these days.  Which brings me to the staff at the office on the boardwalk, they could benefit from training from the young gentleman referenced above. Oh & the girl checking for beach tags was also quite cool.  Highly reccomend Ocean Grove beach. Just be prepared to struggle with parking if you're not there first thing in...

Ocean Grove is nestled between Bradley Beach and Asbury Park Beach. It's only a small area of beach with beautiful Victorian homes. I was there on a Friday afternoon, not even the summer crowd, and there were not many available parking spots. There weren't many people on the beach so I guess they were walking around town. The center of town is two blocks from the boardwalk with restaurants and shopping stores and all parking spots were taken. Ocean Grove motto is "God's Square Mile At The Jersey Shore" and there is a little chapel on the boardwalk where masses are held and summer concerts. People were in the chapel praying. This is a religious town with a unique history. Two blocks from the boardwalk is the Great Auditorium, which was built in 1894. It's a huge building where they do masses and concerts. Some of the original tents from early 1900s are still there. Fun Fact: For religious reasons, until as recently as 1980, Ocean Grove "Blue Laws" were in effect that prohibited driving cars, riding bikes, swimming or selling tobacco on Sundays. Ocean Grove residents parked in neighboring Asbury or Bradley Beach so they could use their cars on Sundays. Even now the beach is closed on Sundays until noon all summer as you are supposed to be in church. Also, Ocean Grove is a "Dry Town" not allowing the sale of alcohol. There's not much to do at the beach, but relax and maybe read about the history of Ocean Grove. Otherwise, if you have children there isn't much more to entertain them other than the two small concession stands...

If you want a quiet, clean and great sand and waves type of beach, this is a perfect one for you. You can enjoy going to the pier and absorb the awesome 360 view from there. Parking is free if you can find one on the busy season. Beach is smoke free and you will not be bothered by any loud music. The beach is in front of well kept big Victorian houses. You feel transported to another simpler era in time where the sound of children laughing and playing in a sound environment fills enchanted. If you're seeking a serene beach experience with pristine sand and invigorating waves, Ocean Grove Beach is ideal. An interesting tidbit: Ocean Grove is renowned for its historical significance and has one of the highest concentrations of Victorian architecture in the U.S. It's not just a beach, but a step...