Things To Do
in Neptune
Neptune, New Jersey is a coastal township on the Jersey Shore, a short ride from Asbury Park and Long Branch with easy access to beaches, boardwalks, and live music scenes. The area mixes classic shore-town nostalgia — piers, salt-air restaurants and summer crowds — with neighborhoods of historic Victorian homes and growing arts and dining scenes. Visitors come for sun and surf in summer, quiet shoreline walks in shoulder seasons, and nearby state parks and scenic overlooks year-round.
Neptune is a convenient base for exploring Monmouth County’s beaches, hiking spots and seaside towns while remaining within reach of New York City and Philadelphia by train or car.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Neptune City Historical Museum, where you can explore exhibits that tell the story of the area's rich history. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll through the charming streets lined with historic buildings and quaint shops. Don't forget to stop by a local café for a delicious breakfast featuring fresh, homemade pastries.
In the afternoon, head to the nearby Neptune Park, where you can enjoy a picnic lunch and take in the lush greenery. After your meal, rent a bicycle and explore the scenic bike paths that wind through the park and surrounding areas. As you ride, keep an eye out for local wildlife and beautiful views of the coastline.
As the sun begins to set, make your way to a local seafood restaurant for a dinner featuring the freshest catches of the day. Pair your meal with a selection of local wines while enjoying the stunning ocean views. After dinner, take a peaceful walk along the beach, soaking in the sounds of the waves and the starry sky.
Kick off your day with a refreshing swim at the Neptune Beach, where the gentle waves and soft sand provide a perfect setting for relaxation. If you're feeling adventurous, sign up for a morning surf lesson to catch some waves under the guidance of experienced instructors. Enjoy a light breakfast at a beachside café, sampling local specialties as you watch the early morning beachgoers.
After a thrilling morning, spend your afternoon kayaking or paddleboarding in the calm waters nearby, exploring hidden coves and enjoying the sunshine. For lunch, indulge in a beachside barbecue, where you can grill up your favorites while enjoying the ocean breeze. Later, take a break by lounging on the beach, soaking in the sun and listening to the rhythmic sounds of the sea.
As evening approaches, join a sunset cruise that offers breathtaking views of the coastline and the chance to spot dolphins. Enjoy a light dinner onboard, perhaps featuring fresh seafood and refreshing cocktails. Conclude the day with a bonfire on the beach, sharing stories and s'mores with fellow travelers as the stars begin to twinkle above.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-25 |
| ☕️Coffee (regular) | $3-5 |
| 🍺Beer at a bar | $6-9 |
| 🏨Hotel (mid-range, per night) | $120-250 |
| 🚆Local train ride (NJ Transit) | $2.75-8.00 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close to beautiful Atlantic beaches and boardwalk culture
- Easy access to live music and a growing food scene in Asbury Park
- Good base for exploring Monmouth County and nearby state parks
- Convenient train and road links to New York City and Philadelphia
- Very crowded and more expensive in peak summer months
- Some seasonal businesses close off-season, limiting options in winter
- Parking and traffic can be challenging on summer weekends
- Weather can be volatile with occasional coastal storms
Places to Visit in Neptune
Visit one of these nice places.
Classic boardwalk scenes, colorful arcades, and the historic Convention Hall make for iconic shore photos at golden hour and sunrise.
Well-preserved Victorian homes, ornate architecture and narrow streets create picturesque, old-fashioned seaside charm.
Long sandy beaches, dunes, marshes and undeveloped coastline — excellent for wide landscapes, wildlife and sunset shots.
Panoramic views over Raritan Bay and the Atlantic coastline — good for sunrise, especially looking toward New York City on clear days.
Cliffside overlooks and wooded trails with views of the Navesink River and surrounding shore — great for nature and fall foliage photography.
Food in Neptune
Neptune Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Fresh local clams available at many seafood restaurants and raw bars along the shore; especially good in spring and summer. Try them at beachfront oyster bars and classic shore seafood shacks.
Must-Try!
Cold or warm lobster meat on a buttered roll — a summer favorite. Common at seaside restaurants and casual takeout counters.
Crisp fries and locally made taffy are iconic shore snacks found along boardwalks and beachside vendors.
A New Jersey breakfast staple — pork roll with egg and cheese on a roll — widely available at delis and breakfast spots.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal food stands, seafood shacks and dessert vendors offering hot dogs, fries, salt water taffy, ice cream and seafood. Great for casual bites and people-watching.
Weekly market (spring–fall) with farm produce, baked goods, prepared foods and local vendors — a good place to taste regional ingredients.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Respect lifeguard flags, swim between marked areas, obey posted rules about alcohol and dogs, and clean up after yourself to preserve the beaches.
Locals are generally friendly and direct; a friendly greeting or quick ‘thank you’ goes a long way. Summer weekends can be busy — expect a faster pace in tourist areas.
Many shore neighborhoods have private homes close to the beach — avoid trespassing, loud parties late at night, and follow parking rules.
Safety
Tipping in Neptune
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is expected: 15–20% in full-service restaurants, $1–2 per drink at bars, $2–5 for valets or porters, and 10–15% for tour guides and taxi services. Tip more for exceptional service; many places add service charges for large groups.
Credit/debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments are common. Small vendors and seasonal beach stands may prefer cash — carry some bills for convenience.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Peak season with warm, humid weather, crowded beaches and active boardwalks; expect busy parking, higher prices and abundant events and live music.
Milder temperatures and fewer tourists make it ideal for walking the shore, enjoying fall colors at local parks and lower accommodation rates.
Cold, windy and quieter; many seasonal businesses close, but off-season beach walks, cozy restaurants and dramatic storms can be appealing to some visitors.
Cool to mild weather with fewer crowds than summer; seasonal openings begin, and spring storms can make for moody coastal scenery.
Neptune at Night
Hiking in Neptune
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Wooded trails, coastal overlooks and cliffside paths in Highlands, offering moderate hikes with views of the Navesink River and forested ridges.
Barrier island with dunes, maritime forests and nature trails — ideal for long beach hikes, birdwatching and quiet coastal exploration.
Sandy Hook has trails, historic fortifications and beaches with both ocean and bay vistas; great for walking, birding and panoramic photography.
Inland state park featuring woodland trails, the historic Allaire Village and river scenery — good for easy hikes and family outings.
Airports
How to reach Neptune by plane.
Major international airport ~45–75 minutes by car depending on traffic; trains and shuttles connect to the Jersey Shore via NJ Transit and private transfers.
International airport in New York City about 1.5–2 hours by car; public transit options include AirTrain plus trains or buses into New Jersey.
Closer to New York City with domestic flights; roughly 1.5–2 hours by car depending on traffic, with transit connections available.
Regional airport serving southern New Jersey and some domestic flights; about 1–1.5 hours drive south depending on route and traffic.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Families and older residents who live year-round in neighbourhoods around Neptune and nearby towns; many have deep local ties to the shore community.
Summer visitors and day-trippers from NYC/Philly region who come for beaches, boardwalks and events; population swells in warm months.
Asbury Park’s revitalization has attracted artists, musicians and young professionals seeking live music, galleries and a vibrant dining scene.
Neptune and surrounding Monmouth County have diverse populations including Hispanic/Latino and African American communities, reflected in local businesses and cultural offerings.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Surfing is popular along the Jersey Shore with local breaks near Asbury Park and neighboring towns; surf culture is active in summer and fall.
Common on shore beaches and organized in summer at public courts and events.
Local communities are active in youth baseball, soccer and football; community fields host weekend games.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Neptune.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available at cafés, pizza places and many restaurants that offer salads, veggie burgers, pasta and seasonal vegetable plates. Ask for cheese or sauce modifications and look for farm-to-table spots that label vegetarian dishes.
Vegan choices are growing but can be limited at traditional seafood shacks — look to independent cafés, newer restaurants and some pizza places offering vegan cheese or vegetable-forward dishes.
Many restaurants can accommodate gluten-free diets with GF pasta or crusts, and grill/seafood plates are natural options; always notify staff about cross-contamination concerns.
Seafood is prominent on menus; if you have shellfish or fish allergies, communicate clearly with servers and consider choosing non-seafood restaurants or delis.