Red Bank Hotels .com
Hotels, lodging, restaurants, and things to do around Red Bank, Monmouth County, New Jersey

Featured
Destinations

_________________

Blue Bay Inn
Boutique Hotel

"John Majors, a general accountant from St. Petersburg, Fla., said he had been surprised to find the Blue Bay in such an unassuming town — even though Atlantic Highlands is close enough to Manhattan to have a view of the skyline. The Blue Bay is “convenient, well-appointed and comfortable,” he said. He heard about it from a Wall Street colleague and quickly booked a suite for a three-week stay this spring. He’ll be taking the ferry to Lower Manhattan to attend to a project he’s working on." -As seen in the New York Times

Click here to read the full review

_____________

Copper Canyon
Southwestern Restaurant & Tequila Bar

The food is fresh and creative Southwestern, equal parts spicy, smoky, sweet and sultry. Try the tostada with lime-marinated seafood ceviche, or crispy lamb and goat cheese empanadas with Serrano crema and pineapple salsa. The flavors are hot, the décor is cool and, oh, by the way, they have 150 varieties of tequila.

________________

Featured
Local Artist

Thomas Hauser Designs, has opened a design studio and magnificent gift shop in, Atlantic Highlands. It's inception in Manhattan 1983, Thomas Hauser has been creating design miracles people can’t help but notice. Not unlike his design work with the Blue Bay Inn and Copper Canyon Restaurant Thomas Hauser has a unique gift of helping the client develop their vision while analyzing their design requirements while in the end creating a flexible, functional environment that optimizes space and relates to your clientele, business, image and location. We at Redbankhotels.com recognize the work of Thomas Hauser and his magnificent design of the Blue Bay Inn and Copper Canyon Restaurant which seamlessly integrates European style, elegance and grandeur with the luxury and facilities.

Jersey Shore Hotel

When it comes to Jersey Shore Hotels, the Blue Bay Inn is our top pick

Click here to visit this Jersey Shore Hotel Website

________________________________________

The Jersey Shore is made up 4 counties * Atlantic County * Cape May County * Monmouth County * Ocean County

Some of the well known resort towns on the Jersey Shore are:
* Asbury Park* Atlantic Highlands * Atlantic City * Cape May
* Keansburg * Manasquan * Ocean City* Red Bank * Spring Lake
* Ventnor * Wildwood * Belmar * Seaside Hights *

The culture of the Jersey Shore (and most of South Jersey) is quite different from that of North Jersey. The locals are far gentler and more easygoing. They live and let live. They respect nature and treasure it. Some visitors appreciate that, and respect the local culture. Too many don't. You would be surprised to know how strongly the locals feel about that.

You will enjoy your visit much more if you adopt the local ways. Speak softly. Listen. Be gentle with everyone. Obey the laws. Take the time to explore the natural wonders like migratory birds, the Pine Barrens, and sunrise on the beach. Don't kill anything except to eat. Never litter.
[edit] History

In 1524 Giovanni da Verrazzano discovered the New Jersey coastline, but it was already inhabited by the Native Americans. New Jersey continued to grow over the next couple hundred years while being fought over by the Dutch, Sweedes, and English. It was not until the 1900's that the New Jersey shore became prosperous and popular. In 1916, there was a deadly heat wave that hit the New Jersey area. Thousands of people flocked to the shore for a break from the heat. Unfortunately, between July 1 and July 12, 1916 there were a series of Shark Attacks along the coast, killing 4 people and injuring 1. Although these attacks scared off some tourists, the New Jersey shore was already a favorite among many others. During the Great Depression, the shore became an ideal vacation spot for both the rich and the poor. While the poor usually traveled for day trips, the rich could relax in some of the shores most luxurious hotels. In more recent history, the New Jersey shore has become a popular destination for families and young adults looking for a great time during spring break.
[edit] Talk

English is the predominate language at all of the New Jersey shore destinations. However, Spanish is also used. The New Jersey Shore is most commonly referred to as the "shore" by people who live in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, and Delaware. However, people who live in these beach destinations often think it is tacky to call it the shore, and refer to it as the beach. One way for a local to tell if someone is from out of town, is by what they call the beaches. Locals will often use the terms bennies (most often heard in Monmouth and Ocean counties) or shoobies (most often heard in Atlantic and Cape May counties) when refering to summertime tourists.
[edit] The 'Down The Shore' Myth

Some Northern New Jerseyans talk about going "down the shore." The locals simply say they're going "to the beach."

The natives tend to be extremely wary of the out-of-towners, or Bennies, who invade their beaches, make too much noise, litter, destroy property, trample dunes, and otherwise damage the natural environment.

But if you are polite and respectful, they will respond. They might even point you in the right direction to have a good time. Don't try to use any beach slang. There is none.

Most shoregoers will travel by car, usually on the Garden State Parkway (from North Jersey/New York) and the Atlantic City Expressway (from South Jersey). The Garden State Parkway is 173 miles long and runs north and south along the state’s eastern seaboard from Cape May north and ultimately connects to the New York State Thruway. The Atlantic City Expressway operates 47 miles of roadway and connects the Delaware Valley and Philadelphia metropolitan area with Atlantic City and other South Jersey communities. An alternate route for travelers from the northwest to the southern shore points is to use Route 55, which runs from the Camden/Philadelphia area to the Millville area, not far from Cape May and Wildwood. Travelers from the west can take Interstate Highway 95 to I-195 east to Route 138 toward the shore points.

Parking

Street parking at many of the beaches north of Atlantic City is free. South of A.C., and including A.C., the streets close to the beach are metered. There are also lots that charge daily and nightly fees

By bus

The N.J. Transit operates 1900 buses on 178 routes throughout the state. Coach buses can also be accessed with Academy Bus Lines, Coach USA, and Suburban Trails Bus Co.

By train

Shore points from Long Branch to Bay Head are accessible by New Jersey Transit's North Jersey Coast Line, which runs from Penn Station. The Atlantic City Line also serves the area, offering service from Philadelphia. For more information, see NJ Transit's website [1]. Since a number of stations are small, you will need to arrange for transportation to your destination.
The Cape May Lewes Ferry unloading in Delaware
The Cape May Lewes Ferry unloading in Delaware

By plane

The closest International airports are Atlantic City International, Philadelphia International, and Newark International. Smaller airports for private planes, small corporate jets, forest fire planes, the Civil Air Patrol and emergency services aircraft include RJ Miller Airport, Central Jersey Airport, and Monmouth Executive Airport.

By boat

Jersey shore destinations can be reached by boat via. The Seastreak serves Atlantic Highlands, Highlands & Pier 11 Wall Street and East 34th Street, NYC. The Cape May-Lewes Ferry runs between Cape May and Lewes, Delaware. It holds both foot passengers and cars and is a seventy minute trip.
Get around

Most houses are within a reasonable walk from the beach, although there may be a major road crossing required.

A car is easier to get around (especially to procure groceries or other necessities), but going to the beach itself may require money for parking lots or meters (varies by town).

Bike rentals are available at almost every Jersey Shore destination. Get the beach feel riding around on your Beach or Boardwalk Cruiser! Also, some beach spots have Surrey rentals.

Summer after summer, the Jersey Shore lures travelers with its blue skies, refreshing breezes and 127 miles of beautiful, white sandy beaches. It is one of the most desired year-round travel and vacation destinations on the East Coast. For the excitement of fun and fast nightlife, there’s Atlantic City with its many casinos and night clubs. For laid back, family fun, enjoy famous boardwalks like Wildwood, and Ocean City. Whether it’s Sandy Hook, Cape May or one of the diverse shore areas in between, you’ll find world-famous resorts, an abundance of historical sites, legacies and breathtaking scenery at the Jersey Shore.

* Barnegat Light - "Old Barney" is located 45 miles south of Sandy Hook, at the north end of Long Beach Island, at Barnegat Inlet. This 40 foot tower stands in a well-maintained park, and the is open daily for climbing.

* Monmouth Battlefield State Park - Site of a 1778 battle in the Revolutionary War. There is typically a reenactment of the battle in mid to late June.

* Island Beach State Park - Ten miles of undeveloped barrier island. You can enjoy the swimming beach, surf fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing, and kayaking.

* Gateway National Recreation Area: Sandy Hook Unit

Fort Hancock - this historical attraction was once a strategic site for naviational and defense purposes.

* Sandy Hook Lighthouse - the nation's oldest lighthouse still in operation. Constructed in 1764 to curtail growing number of shipwrecks.

* Other historical buildings and structures - Sandy Hook Museum, History House, Guardian Park Nike Missile Display

* Ghost Tours - Tour haunted areas in Monmouth County. One of the best ghost tours in in Asbury Park at the Paranormal Book Store.

* Dune Walks - Avalon has one of the only remaining high dune systems on the east coast. Guided Dune Walks are offered by Wetlands Institute staff

Sandy Hook Lighthouse
Sandy Hook Lighthouse

Beach Tags Most of the beaches on the Shore require a "beach badge" to enter. The badges are purchased for a fee, and are only good for the town in which they were purchased (e.g. a badge bought in Belmar would not be good in Seaside Heights). These fees go towards beach maintenance. Some hotels may offer guests complimentary badges as a perk. A few communities do not charge for the beach, most notably Atlantic City and Wildwood.
[edit] Monmouth County Beaches
Greetings from Asbury Park
Greetings from Asbury Park

* Allenhurst - Stately 19th century homes, magnificent beaches and residential neighborhoods give Allenhurst a unique “hometown" feel. The beaches feature bathhouses, a promenade, and snack bars.
* Asbury Park - A rock Mecca of the 1970’s and 1980’s, this seaside town is enjoying a cultural renaissance. This modern day "ghost town" is the home of many abandoned buildings standing from the early 1900's. Also the home of "The Boss", Bruce Springstein, Asbury has a boardwalk and a fishing pier.
* Avon-by-the-Sea - Avon-by-the-Sea is a four season, New Jersey Victorian beach community surrounded by three different bodies of water. Enjoy a snack bar and fishing on the beach.
* Belmar – Belmar is a draw for young families and singles. This beach has a boardwalk twenty blocks long and snack bars. More than 100,000 seafood lovers gather in Belmar every year at the New Jersey Seafood Festival.
* Bradley Beach – Bradley Beach is one of the best surfing spots in NJ. It features a half-mile boardwalk and such attractions as mini golf.
* Deal - The attraction and charm of Deal lies in its beautiful, well-kept mansions. Beach snacks can be enjoyed at a snack bar there.
* Highlands - The Highlands are river beaches and do not require purchasing beach tags. One can enjoy picnicking and fishing here.
* Keansburg - Keansburg beach is a bay beach and there is no fee to bathe. Keansburg features fishing, a bathhouse, a boardwalk, and amusements and entertainment.
* Loch Arbour - Ranging only two blocks wide and five blocks long, Loch Arbour is a charming residential area with an oceanfront pavilion with a snack bar, outdoor showers and a small commercial area.
* Long Branch - Long Branch was one of the earliest and most glamorous seaside resorts in the country from the 1860’s to World War I. Long Branch features a bathhouse and a snack bar.
* Manasquan - Manasquan has been a popular destination for the under-30 crowd for many years, with its beautiful beaches and hip club scene. Manasquan's beach has fishing, a snack bar and tennis courts.
* Monmouth Beach – This beach destination features four different beaches to chose from, with snack bars.
* Ocean grove – Ocean Grove is a tree-lined ocean beach town with some of the finest examples of Victorian architecture north of Cape May. Beaches feature a snack bar and tennis courts.
* Sandy Hook - There is no beach fee in Sandy Hook, but there is a daily parking fee for visitors. Sandy Hook is a National Park that is also home to a military base and lighthouse. The beach features a bathhouse, snack bar, sufing, fishing and bayside wind surfing.
* Sea Bright - Only an hour and ten minutes from New York City, Sea Bright is a popular destination throughout every season. Sea Bright is home to an abundance of bluefish, albacore, weakfish and stripers for those who enjoy fishing. Sea Bright’s beach has a snack bar.
* Sea Girt – This beach community features clean ocean beaches, fabulous restaurants, upscale shopping , an old-fashioned boardwalk, and the Victorian Sea Girt Lighthouse, dating back to 1896. Sea Girt has a snack bar and a boardwalk.
* Seven Presidents Ocean Front Park - The town of 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. Visitors have an abundance of activities from bumming in the beach, to testing their extreme sports ability in the “Skateplex” concrete skate park.

[edit][add listing] Eat

When you travel to the New Jersey Shore you will find every type of cuisine. Between cafes, restaurants, and boardwalk shops, one can find exotic international delights, gourmet specialties, seafood, steaks, vegetarian, all American cuisine and traditional takeout.

There are also some great restaurants where one can sit waterside and enjoy the gorgeous view as they enjoy their meal. Try the Pilot House for lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch. If you prefer fine dining, give the Water's Edge a try, they are right on the bay. Of course when you are on the boardwalk, you have to eat some of the hot dogs, steak sandwiches, pizza, and drink some of the "fresh squeezed" lemonade. Don’t forget the caramel corn and famous salt water taffy, which the original recipe originated in Atlantic City. In Ocean City, visitors can watch salt water taffy being pulled at the store front of Shriver's on the boardwalk. After driving over the 9th Street bridge in Ocean City, you can't miss the Chatterbox, a bright pink restaurant, welcoming visitors to the shore and serving excellent food. Also, don't forget to eat at Mack and Manco's, one of the most popular pizza stops on the boards. If you travel to Seaside Heights, you have to try the very large pizza at the Saw Mill or Three brothers. It is excellent and 1 slice is more then enough! Wildwood is home to some fantastic zeppoles and Italian sausage and pepper sandwiches. One big thing about visiting the Jersey Shore and its many boardwalks, promenades and snack bars is that anything can be fried, and it will be delicious. Oreos, candy bars, twinkies and those amazing intertangled webs of dough we know as funnel cakes can all be enjoyed down the shore.
[edit][add listing] Drink

* Seaside Heights has an excellent selection of bars and clubs.

* D'Jais,1801 Ocean Ave in Belmar Beach, [2]. Since 1979 D'Jais in Belmar is one of the Jersey shore's most talked about venues. D'Jais is the perfect place to cool off after a hot day at the beach or for a hot night on the town. D'Jais features a world famous bar and restaurant with a full lunch & dinner menu, with outdoor oceanview seating. At Night, D'Jais is well known for it's diverse atmosphere in which different music can be heard seven nights a week.

* Bar A,703-5 16th Ave, Lake Como, [3].

* Surf Club, 1900 Ocean Ave., Ortley Beach, [4].

Safty:

Almost all of the New Jersey Shore towns are relitively safe but it is always a good idea to use caution when walking around after dark. We suggest using extra caution in Asbury Park at night. While the areas around the bars in Asbury are safe, some of the city's residential neighborhoods are less hospitable for outsiders. Also, the highways are extremely dangerous, due to tourist traffic as well as drunk drivers. Police are known to enforce traffic laws vigorously in some smaller towns.

*There are 11 different Light Houses located throughout New Jersey's coastline in the fall there are several differient Lighthouse tour well worth visiting.

* Various Sports Venues including the New York Giants and Jets stadium, Trenton Thunder, and Meadowlands Sports Complex (Hosts various events such as concerts and the Disney On Ice series)