New Jersey Vacation Activities on a Dime: Monmouth County, NJ Parks

The Monmouth County, New Jersey Park System is Monmouth County’s open space, park and recreation agency. Created in 1960, the Park System has more than 30 parks, forests, gardens, wetland/marine habitats, golf courses, historic sites, recreation areas, and conservation properties totaling over 14,000 acres. Each year, the Park System also offers over 4,000 recreation programs and activities for individuals of all ages and abilities. And what’s more, most activities at Monmouth County Parks are low cost or FREE!

Mount Mitchill Scenic Overlook

At 266 feet, this overlook in Atlantic Highlands sits on the highest natural elevation from Maine to the Yucatan providing beautiful views of Sandy Hook, Sandy Hook Bay, Raritan Bay and the New York skyline. This 12-acre site is also home to Monmuth County’s 9/11 Memorial.

460 Ocean Boulevard, Atlantic Highlands, NJ
(732) 872-0336 or 2670

Directions

Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park

In the summer, a great place to swim, sun and surf. Off-season, a nice place for a quiet beach walk. Park features: 38 acres including an activity center, a boating launch, fishing, skateplex, a playground, swimming, sand volleyball, pavilion with snack bar, and restrooms. Admission and parking fees are charged from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Admission is free during the rest of the year. The park is open every day from 8 am to dusk.

Lifeguards are on duty weekends only starting Saturday, May 24 and daily from Saturday, June 14 until Monday, September 1. Guarded swimming hours are from 10am to 5pm daily.

Season beach badges are $42 for ages 12-16; $58 for adults 17 to 64; and $23 for adults 65 and older. Season parking passes are $58. (Mid-season rates are available after August 1.) Season badges are effective until September 1. Daily beach fees are $6 for individuals 12 years old and over. The cost of a daily parking pass is $6. Those 11 and younger are always admitted free.

Seasonal beach badges are available for purchase beginning Saturday, May 17, 2008, 9:00am-4:00pm daily at the park’s pavilion located on Ocean Avenue in Long Branch. Daily admission and guarded beach are on weekends only from May 24th until June 14th and then everyday from June 14th to September 1st. For further info, call (732) 229-0924 during the beach season. (Updated 1/08)

Located at the North end of Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park, the Skateplex features a short paved trail, landscaped open play areas, restrooms, drink vending machines, open shelter with tables, parking and two areas constructed exclusively for skaters. There is a 75′x150′ rink for inline skating, hockey and lessons; and a skatepark for both skateboarders and in-line skaters with a bowl and a series of quarter pipes, wedges and fun boxes.

The skateplex is open year-round, 8am to 1 hour before the posted park closing time and use is subject to weather/safety conditions.

NOTE: An ANSI or SNELL approved helmet must be worn at all times while in the skatepark. Elbow and knee pads are recommended.

ABOUT LONG BRANCH

Long Branch was placed “on the map” in 1869 when President Grant made the city the nation’s “Summer Capital,” a tradition followed by Presidents Hayes, Garfield, Arthur, Harrison, McKinley, and Wilson. In the late 1800s Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park was the site of “The Reservation” that Long Branch businessman Nate Salsbury built for his Buffalo Bill Wild West Show. Buffalo Bill Cody, Annie Oakley, and Chief Sitting Bull were among the many performers.

Directions

• Garden State Parkway to exit 105. Follow State Hwy. 36 (Joline Ave.) 6.5 miles to park entrance.
• State Hwy. 36 southbound, follow to Joline Ave. traffic light. Turn left. Follow to Park entrance.