Toms River, New Jersey is a town located in Ocean County along the Jersey Shore. With a population of around 90,000 residents, Toms River is the largest township in New Jersey. The town has several claims to fame that have contributed to its growth and popularity over the years.
Beaches
One of the biggest things Toms River is known for is its beautiful beaches along the Atlantic Ocean. The town has nearly 12 miles of coastline with popular beach areas including Ortley Beach, Normandy Beach, Lavallette, Chadwick Beach, and more. People flock to these sandy shores during the summer months to enjoy swimming, surfing, fishing, and relaxing in the sun. The beaches are a huge tourist draw for Toms River.
Ortley Beach
Ortley Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Toms River. Located in the northern part of town, Ortley Beach spans about 1 mile of oceanfront real estate. It is home to wide sandy beaches, beach volleyball courts, food stands, and seaside motels. Ortley Beach sees massive crowds during the summertime, especially on holidays like July 4th when they hold big fireworks shows. It’s a classic Jersey Shore beach destination.
Chadwick Beach
Chadwick Beach is another one of Toms River’s top beach areas. Located next to Ortley Beach, Chadwick Beach is a bit quieter but no less beautiful. It has soft sand, gentle waves, and is flanked by tall dunes. It’s a great beach for relaxation, walking, surf fishing, and enjoying the peaceful views. Chadwick Beach is popular with families and couples seeking a more low-key beach experience.
Dining
In addition to its beaches, Toms River has become known as a dining destination in Ocean County. The town has a wide variety of restaurants serving up everything from seafood to Italian food and more. Here are some of the most famous places to eat in Toms River:
Clam Bar
No trip to Toms River is complete without a meal at The Clam Bar. Opened in 1992, The Clam Bar is famous for their fresh seafood meals in a casual, beachy environment. Their menu features clams prepared in different styles, lobster rolls, shrimp, fish and chips, and more. Diners rave about classics like their Fried Clam Platter. On nice days, make sure to eat in their outdoor sandpit area.
The Windjammer
For fine dining, The Windjammer is a local legend. This upscale surf-and-turf restaurant has been open since 1964, making it one of the longest running restaurants in town. The elegant menu features premium steaks, chops, and seafood. Popular dishes include their colossal shrimp scampi and the Parmesan encrusted snapper. The Windjammer provides an amazing meal with sunset views over the Barnegat Bay.
Down the Shore
People from New Jersey and beyond affectionately refer to trips to the Jersey Shore as “going down the shore.” As one of the largest beach towns on the Jersey Shore, Toms River embraces its role as a classic shore destination. Part of its fame and popularity comes from simply being an iconic place to visit down the shore. For locals and out-of-towners alike, Toms River is synonymous with beach vacations, boardwalk fun, fresh seafood, and summer memories.
History
Founded in 1767 by Captain William Tom, Toms River has a long and storied history. The town was built up over centuries with the growth of shipbuilding, farming, fishing, and the tourism industry. Here are some notable parts of Toms River’s history:
Revolutionary War Era
Toms River played a strategic role in the Revolutionary War due to its location on the Atlantic coast and the Toms River waterway. The town had a raid by British soldiers in 1782 where they burned ships, houses, and stores. The site of this raid is marked by a downtown monument.
Shipbuilding Industry
In the early 1800s, Toms River became one of the largest shipbuilding ports in New Jersey. Ships were built with local lumber and iron. The booming industry led to growth and prosperity in the town. At its peak, five shipyards were operating in Toms River in the late 1800s.
19th Century Tourism
As shipbuilding declined, tourism started to grow in Toms River in the late 1800s. Hotels like the Rittenhouse Hotel and the Hilliard House Hotel opened to serve travelers arriving by train and ferry to enjoy the beaches. The area that is now Ortley Beach first developed as a religious camp meeting ground before transitioning to a beach resort town.
Main Street
Toms River has worked to maintain and restore its historic downtown Main Street area. The two-block downtown stretch features vintage buildings that now house small shops, eateries, and offices. Some highlights of Main Street include:
- Mathis House Museum – an 18th century home that exhibits period furniture and local historical artifacts
- Delfini’s – an old-fashioned soda shop and lunch counter dating back to 1932
- Toms River Farmers Market – a weekly outdoor market selling produce, prepared foods, crafts and more
With its quaint storefronts and pedestrian-friendly sidewalks, Main Street provides a nice glimpse into Toms River’s past as a small village and county seat. Locals and visitors admire the classic downtown charm.
Sports
Toms River is renowned in the sports world for being home to some powerhouse youth baseball teams. Most famously, Toms River East American Little League won the Little League World Series championship in 1998 after being coached by former MLB player Todd Frazier. That championship team is remembered fondly as one of the best Little League teams ever assembled.
More recently in 2017, Toms River East’s Intermediate League team won the intermediate (50/70) Little League World Series. Toms River has proven itself to be a baseball town that grooms future talent.
The Jersey Shore House
MTV’s hit reality show The Jersey Shore filmed in Seaside Heights from 2009 to 2012, putting the Jersey Shore back into pop culture. While the show itself didn’t film in Toms River, one of its star’s homes did. Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi rented a house in Toms River that was featured in the show as her Shore house. Tourists still occasionally visit the unassuming home to take pictures as fans of the show.
Conclusion
With its iconic beaches, historic downtown, and place in pop culture, Toms River has cemented itself as one of the premier shore towns in New Jersey. For over two centuries, the community has grown into a hub for recreation, dining, business, and culture along the Northern Jersey Shore. Toms River embraces both its past and future as a town people love to visit for the quintessential “Jersey Shore” experience. The town’s natural scenic beauty, family attractions, and vibrant community continue to make Toms River a famous destination today.