Ocean Grove is not to be missed. Founded in 1869, it is right out of the Victorian era. There is a nice downtown area and some small hotels, but it is known for its Methodist Camp Meeting and the Great Auditorium which was built in 1894. Methodist Camp Meetings were open air revivals held in woodland or seaside settings and lasting many days. Some grew into enduring communities. Permanent structures replaced many of the original tents. Ocean Grove is one of the few camp meeting sites left that remains true to its original purpose and still holds a Camp Meeting Revival every summer. In addition to religious services and events, there are many musical events including classical music and organ concerts. There are also worship services and musical events in the Boardwalk Pavilion throughout the Summer.
There are also services and musical events in the Bishop Janes Tabernacle across from the Great Auditorium.
People come here year after year and live in small tents surrounding the Auditorium. Today there are 114 tent structures still nestled around the Great Auditorium which is the hub of the summer program activities and where descendants of founding families continue to carry on this wonderful tradition. There is a permanent kitchen and bathroom in the back but the living and sleeping area is a tent. Everyone decorates their tent with flowers or flags and it is very colorful.
Make sure to walk the street near the beach as the historic architecture is really lovely.
You have to check out Day’s Ice Cream at 48 Pitman Ave., which is a great ice cream parlor that has been there since the 1876. It is the oldest continuously operating business in town. You will love the atmosphere and the flavors! Next door, you can eat there there The Starving Artist restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating. I particularly like it for lunch or brunch. The building is unique and out of a different era. 47 Olin St.
Another good dining option is the SeaGrass Restaurant at 68 Main Ave. for fresh, local cuisine. I went with local friends in June 2025 and enjoyed a great lunch. My fried flounder fish sandwich was a great choice.
On a recent visit, I enjoyed a great lox and cream cheese bagel sandwich at All Star Bagel by the Beach. This is a casual sandwich shop with a fun staff, opened in 2019 by the owner from Brooklyn, NY. It is located at 60 Main Ave.
In the same building is The Victorian Grill with a menu of breakfast and lunch dishes as well as gelato and coffee drinks. I hope to try it next summer.
Neaby is Odyssey Coffee at 50 Main Ave. Originally located in a small space at 50 Main Ave., they moved across the street to 63 Main Ave. in March 2025. This historic bank building from 1905 has been turned into a beautiful space with a large seating area. It is a great spot in for coffee along with pastries, sandwiches or quiches.
Another fun new find is the Ocean Grove Bake Shoppe at 55 Main Ave. This is a small colorful bakery offering breads, cakes, cupcakes, scones, pastries, croissants and cookies. I had to buy some crumbcake and loved it. They also offer coffee drinks.
A fun new store to visit is the colorful, retro-inspired Ocean Grove Kitchen Co. for kitchen supplies and gifts. 50 Main Ave.
At 60 Main, Ave., Love Positano is a small boutique featuring men’s and women’s clothing, accessories, and souvenirs! The owner Carmine Conte Cuccaro, from Positano, Italy, was fun to visit with.
