Middletown New JerseyATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Middletown, New Jersey.
1. Deep Cut Gardens
BOTANICAL PARADISE FOR VISITORS
Deep Cut Gardens is a true gem in the Monmouth County Park system that offers beautiful garden displays. Visitors can explore the 54 acres of horticultural splendor with themed gardens, woodland trails, and a greenhouse. The gardens are especially known for their rose collections and serve as a living catalog of cultivated and native plants.
2. Huber Woods Park
SCENIC TRAILS FOR EVERYONE
Huber Woods Park is a great place for hiking and biking with family, friends, or solo adventures throughout the year. The park features miles of well-maintained trails winding through lush forests and offering scenic views of the Navesink River. Visitors can also enjoy the Environmental Center with its educational exhibits about local wildlife and ecology.
3. Poricy Park Fossil Beds
PREHISTORIC TREASURES UNEARTHED
Poricy Park Fossil Beds offers visitors a unique opportunity to dig for 65-million-year-old marine fossils. The park features a stream where fossil hunters can sift through the sediment to find ancient shells, shark teeth, and other prehistoric remains. Though the water is reported to be murky, the thrill of discovering ancient artifacts makes this a popular destination for families and amateur paleontologists.
4. Ideal Beach
RELAXING SHORELINE RETREAT
Ideal Beach provides a more relaxed alternative to the busier Jersey Shore beaches in the area. The beach offers scenic views of Raritan Bay and the New York City skyline in the distance. Despite reports of murky water, many visitors appreciate the relatively uncrowded atmosphere and family-friendly environment.
5. Ross Brewing Company
CRAFT BEER EXPERIENCE
Ross Brewing Company offers visitors a taste of locally crafted beers in a welcoming atmosphere. The brewery features a variety of handcrafted ales and lagers that reflect the character of the Jersey Shore region. Visitors can enjoy tastings, tours of the brewing facilities, and special events throughout the year.
6. Middletown Village Historic District
COLONIAL ERA HERITAGE
The Middletown Village Historic District encompasses 80 acres featuring numerous structures from the early colonial period. The district includes three historic churches along Kings Highway, including The Old First Church (founded in 1688), Christ Church (founded in 1702), and The Middletown Reformed Church (from 1836). This area represents the settlement of primarily English descendants who immigrated to Middletown after 1664.
7. Monmouth Cove Marina
WATERFRONT RECREATION HUB
Monmouth Cove Marina serves as a gateway to the waterways around Middletown for boating enthusiasts. The marina offers boat slips, launching facilities, and beautiful views of the surrounding waterways. Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, or simply watching the maritime activity in this scenic location.
8. Taylor-Butler House
HISTORIC MANSION TOUR
The Taylor-Butler House is a historic mansion that offers visitors a glimpse into 19th-century life in Monmouth County. Built in 1853, this Greek Revival home features period furnishings and architectural details that showcase the lifestyle of affluent families of the era. The house is now operated as a history museum with guided tours available to the public.
9. Henry Hudson Trail
SCENIC PATHWAY ADVENTURE
The Henry Hudson Trail offers outdoor enthusiasts a paved multi-use path that runs through scenic parts of Middletown. This rails-to-trails conversion follows the former Central Railroad of New Jersey route, providing beautiful views of woodlands, wetlands, and occasionally the Raritan Bay. The trail is popular for walking, jogging, and cycling for visitors of all ages.
10. Belford Bistro
UPSCALE DINING EXPERIENCE
Belford Bistro offers an upscale dining experience with American cuisine that includes vegetarian and vegan options. The restaurant is known for its elegant atmosphere and carefully crafted menu featuring seasonal ingredients. Diners particularly appreciate the attention to detail in both food preparation and presentation at this higher-end establishment.
11. Neelam Exotic Indian Cuisine
AUTHENTIC INDIAN FLAVORS
Neelam Exotic Indian Cuisine brings the flavors of India to Middletown with a diverse menu of traditional dishes. The restaurant caters to various dietary preferences with numerous vegetarian and vegan options available. Patrons enjoy the authentic spices and cooking techniques that create a memorable dining experience.
12. Marlpit Hall
REVOLUTIONARY WAR HISTORY
Marlpit Hall stands as one of Middletown's significant historic landmarks dating back to the Revolutionary War period. This 18th-century house museum showcases the lifestyle and challenges faced by families during America's fight for independence. Visitors can tour the meticulously preserved rooms featuring period furnishings and artifacts that tell the story of early American life.
13. New Monmouth Diner
CLASSIC AMERICAN COMFORT FOOD
New Monmouth Diner presents a classic American diner experience with a menu of comfort food favorites. The affordable establishment is popular with locals and visitors seeking hearty breakfasts, lunches, and dinners in a casual setting. Their diverse menu includes vegetarian-friendly options and traditional diner specialties served in generous portions.
14. Sono Sushi Japanese Restaurant
FRESH ASIAN CUISINE
Sono Sushi Japanese Restaurant offers authentic Japanese cuisine with an emphasis on freshly prepared sushi and Asian specialties. The restaurant creates a welcoming atmosphere where diners can enjoy traditional and creative Japanese dishes prepared with skill and attention to detail. Both sushi connoisseurs and newcomers to Japanese cuisine appreciate the quality and presentation of meals at this mid-range establishment.
15. Moses D. Heath Farm Exhibit
AGRICULTURAL HERITAGE SHOWCASE
The Moses D. Heath Farm Exhibit preserves and showcases Middletown's agricultural heritage through historical displays. Visitors can explore the restored farmstead to learn about farming practices and rural life in 19th-century New Jersey. The exhibit provides educational opportunities for all ages to connect with the region's agricultural roots and understand how farming shaped the development of the area.