Overview
Southern Ocean County is the less densely populated part of Ocean County, New Jersey.
4 sights · 3 things to do · 2 places to eat · 1 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Southern Ocean County
Tuckerton Seaport
The Tuckerton Seaport has a replica of the Tucker’s Island Lighthouse, which was built in 1848 and collapsed in 1927. The replica is a museum rather than an active lighthouse, with a light that is on at night.
Stafford Township Heritage Park
The refurbished Old Stone Store and the relocated Manahawkin Train Station can be found here.
Out Of Sight Alpacas
You can take an hour-long tour of this farm, which not only has alpacas, but also piglets, chickens, and rabbits. After the tour, you can explore the gift shop, which has products made from alpaca fleece.
Popcorn Park Refuge
This is not your ordinary zoo. The animals here, ranging from native farm animals to wildlife from all over the world, have faced traumatic or other desperate situations.
Cloverdale Farm County Park
This park was a family-operated cranberry farm until it was sold in 2004. There is a visitor center that is open F-Su 10AM-4PM.
Albert Music Hall
Live performances of country and bluegrass songs old and new can be heard here on Saturday nights. Every half-hour, a different band plays.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Oct. Summer highs reach about 85°F; winter lows dip to about 22°F. Wettest: Mar and Aug. (climate data from nearby Toms River)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- ACY Atlantic City International Airport, Atlantic City — 27 mi away. Directions
- TTN Trenton Mercer Airport, Ewing Township — 46 mi away. Directions
- PHL Philadelphia International Airport, Philadelphia — 52 mi away (major hub). Directions
Garden State Parkway Exits 58-74 serve the region, as well as US-9 and NJ-72.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Typical meal: about $45 per person at listed restaurants.
See the Sleep guide ↓ for places to stay.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Out Of Sight Alpacas, Albert Music Hall
- Lunch Mud City Crab House
- Afternoon Cloverdale Farm County Park, Popcorn Park Refuge
- Dinner The Old Causeway Steak & Oyster House
Day 2
- Morning Stafford Township Heritage Park, Skydive East Coast
- Afternoon Tuckerton Seaport
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
Tuckerton was named after its founder, Ebenezer Tucker (1758–1845).
The article covers Barnegat, Eagleswood, Lacey, Little Egg Harbor, Ocean, and Stafford townships, and the borough of Tuckerton. Long Beach Island is considered to be a region in its own right.
Get in
Garden State Parkway Exits 58-74 serve the region, as well as US-9 and NJ-72.
NJ Transit bus 559 serves the US-9 corridor from Atlantic City.
Ocean County Airport (MJX) is on the northern edge of the region. The nearest international airports are Atlantic City International Airport (ACY) and Philadelphia International Airport (PHL).
Get around
A car is the only viable way to go between towns, but the Barnegat Branch Trail runs throughout the region.
See
Do
Buy
Shop Tuckerton Emporium
Eat
Eat Mud City Crab House
A seafood restaurant serving locally-sourced crabs, clams, and fish.
Eat The Old Causeway Steak & Oyster House
Food options include a raw oyster bar and wood-fired steaks. Hosts live entertainment on weekends.
Sleep
Stay Holiday Inn Manahawkin/Long Beach Island
The hotel has free Wi-Fi, a fitness center and business center open 24/7, a ballroom, and a pool and hot tub. The Mainland Kitchen and Pub provides live entertainment, breakfast on weekends and a bar open until midnight. On the other side of the parking lot, there is an adventure park with go-karts, mini-golf, an arcade, and zip-lines, available for an extra fee.
Nearby
Long Beach Island
City / town · 78 listings · 10 mi away
Toms River
City / town · 39 listings · 14 mi away
Beach Haven
City / town · 30 listings · 14 mi away
Seaside Heights
City / town · 30 listings · 16 mi away
Ortley Beach
City / town · 9 listings · 17 mi away
Lakehurst–Manchester
City / town · 1 listings · 18 mi away
Brick Township
City / town · 5 listings · 23 mi away
Jackson Township
City / town · 12 listings · 23 mi away
My experience
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