Top Spots for Tourists

It's National Tourism Week! Whether you're visiting the area or a Monmouth County native with friends and family coming in from out of town, make a point to head to a Monmouth County park. Many visitors to New Jersey are amazed when they visit our local county parks that provide such beauty and tranquility, among a vast amount of amenities.

The following are the top parks visitors to our area should check out...

Deep Cut Gardens, Middletown

Throughout the year, Deep Cut Gardens offers beauty through 54 acres of gardens and greenhouses. Through springtime, it's the perfect place to see the season come into bloom, often starting with tulips in April as well as the colors of daffodils, violets, primrose and so many others. Mid-June brings to bloom 52 varieties of roses with over 180 bushes in the Rose Parterre. The All American Garden displays an expert selection of flowers, vegetables and herbs. Year round, the greenhouse is home to a variety of tropical plants including hibiscus, bromeliads and orchids. It's a top spot for garden enthusiasts and local photographers, as well as those just looking to add some gorgeous scenery to their day.

Holmdel Park, Holmdel

Perfect for a relaxing day in the park with family and friends, Holmdel Park is one of Monmouth County's most popular locations for active recreation and nature appreciation. The park features a lake for fishing, picnic areas, four tennis courts, two playgrounds, and ten miles of trails. During the winter months, it's a hot spot for sledding and ice skating. It's also home to the David C. Shaw Arboretum, which features hundreds of species and varieties of ornamental trees and shrubs, and Historic Longstreet Farm, a living history site that transports visitors back to farm life in the 1890s. With so much to discover at Holmdel Park, you'll find yourself coming back again and again.

Manasquan Reservoir, Howell

With the highest yearly visitation out of all the Monmouth County Park System sites, the Manasquan Reservoir offers beauty, exercise, and nature education. The 1,208-acre park is the perfect spot for fishing and also features a 5-mile perimeter trail that's terrific for walking, hiking or bicycling; a 1-mile nature trail; a playground; and boating rentals. The Environmental Center provides visitors of all ages a chance to learn about wetlands ecology and wildlife as well as habitat protection (be sure to say hello to our informative staff of Naturalists!). Boat tours of the Reservoir are available to get a glimpse of nature from the water and are offered on weekends and holidays from May 4-September 2; Wednesdays from July 3-August 28; and Friday evenings on June 7, July 5 and August 2 (weather and water level dependent). Bicycles are available in the Visitor Center lot on weekends from May 10-19, daily from May 24-September 2, and weekends only again from September 7-October 27. Schedules and fee information for rentals and boat tours are available on our website.

Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park, Long Branch

Whether it's the perfect summer day at the beach or a stroll along the shore any time of the year, this Park System site is a definite local favorite. During the summer, it's a terrific place to swim, sun and surf offering a list of amenities that include a snack bar, sheltered eating areas, volleyball area, outdoor showers, changing areas, guarded swimming, and designated areas for surfing. A reservable picnic tent is also available for groups hosting small events (maximum of 50 people). Tony's Place, a universally accessible playground for all abilities, was designed with its shore location in mind and is a favorite for our younger visitors. And the Skateplex is loved by local skateboarders for its various ramps, stairs, planters and stainless steel grind rails. (Park access passes for Seven Presidents are required on weekends and holidays from May 25-June 9, and daily from June 15-September 2 - see pricing information.)

Your Monmouth County parks offer over 30 sites to visit throughout the year. If you have friends or family heading coming to visit or you want more information to keep on hand, call us at 732-842-4000, ext. 4312, to request a Parks Guide to help you navigate nearby parks that suit your needs.