Ortley Beach is a beautiful stop on the New Jersey shoreline. Visitors can enjoy plenty of sun and sand, as well as refreshing ocean breezes. The beach is also a great place to take a swim, boogie board, or just relax and enjoy the view. There are plenty of restaurants and shops nearby, making Ortley Beach the perfect spot for a day trip or a longer vacation.
It is also known as Dover Beaches South. Like many of the ocean towns on the Barrier Islands, Ortley Beach is small coming in at less than a square mile. It is the northernmost borough in Ocean County and is adjacent to Seaside Heights to the south and Lavallette to the north.
Ortley Beach was the site of extensive damage from Hurricane Sandy in 2012. The storm destroyed most of the borough’s beachfront houses, some of which are still being built back up.
Things to do in Ortley Beach NJ
There are plenty of things to do in Ortley Beach, NJ. Visitors can enjoy the sun and sand at the beach, go swimming, boogie boarding, or just relax and enjoy the view. There are also plenty of restaurants and shops nearby.
Barnacle Bills is a popular fun center in Ortley Beach. There is an 18-hole miniature golf course, an arcade that is home to both new and old school arcade games. It is also home to the Barrier Grill where you can find fresh shore favorites for breakfast, lunch & dinner.
Dover Township Bay Park is located on the north side of Route 35 and is a great place to take the kids. The park has playgrounds, baseball fields, a fishing pier, and basketball courts.
You could also rent a bicycle from Pedals & Paddles to explore the island. The bike shop also rents out kayaks, paddleboards, and more for a day on the water.
Ortley Beach NJ Boardwalk & Beach
The Ortley Boardwalk is a simple set of boards for sun lovers. Unlike the bigger boardwalk in Seaside Heights, do not expect to find shops for food vendors set up along it. Access to the beach does require beach badges. Children 12 or under do not need a beach badge.
For a special treat on the beach, use the Beach Butler! They will set your chairs, umbrellas, coolers, etc. on the beach in the morning and return them back home at the end of the day. They will also deliver food from Bakin’ Bagels, Safu Sushi, Beach Bagel, and Sunny Hunny!
Restaurants in Ortley Beach NJ
Rockafella’s is a classic Italian restaurant in Ortley Beach. They offer both indoor and outdoor seating in a casual atmosphere. The menu includes classic Italian dishes such as chicken parmesan, lasagna, and spaghetti & meatballs. Best of all, they are a B.Y.O.B.
Gigi’s is another B.Y.O.B. and great Italian option in Ortley Beach. Named after their Nonna, they offer brick oven pizza, pasta and steak. To top it off, there is a Khors right next door!
Ortley Fish Market has been in Ortley for over 40 years. They have all the seafood you need to make your favorite dishes at home. If the fish is not pulled from the local waters that morning, the owner is going to the Fulton Fish Market in the Bronx to pick out only the freshest fish. They do have a Clam Bar where you can sit down to enjoy homemade meals, soups and salads, or take them to go.
Hotels in Ortley Beach NJ
There are no hotels and only one motel in Ortley Beach. The Starlight motel is one block from the beach and close to several places to eat. Barnacle Bills arcade and putt-putt golf is right across the street.
There were more hotels in Ortley Beach not long ago, but they’ve all been converted to apartments or condominiums.
Ortley Beach Rentals
There are several Ortley Beach Rentals available for those who want to stay longer than a day or two. There are apartments, houses, and condos that can be rented by the week or month.
Whether you’re looking for a place to stay for a day, a week, or even longer, Ortley Beach has something for everyone.
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