Red Bank has the best of all worlds — a great, walkable downtown area, close proximity to water (both a river and the ocean) and is very close to many of New Jersey’s favorite hiking spots.
Take a day trip down to this town to see all it has to offer.
Have Lunch Downtown
There’s no shortage of food spots in Red Bank!
For more casual digs, try a slice of pizza at New Corner, a fish taco at Surf Taco, or best-of-everything eats at Jamian’s. For vegan eats, check out Good Karma Cafe.
There are plenty more choices to snack on, too: Cé La Vi, Ocean Cafe, Antoinette Boulangerie, Neapoli Restaurant, Juanito’s, KITCH Organic, B2 Bistro and Bar, and more.
For a more elevated dining experience, visit Teak or Patrizias. Take a sip at The Tasting Room by Faustini Winery or if you’re into craft brews, check out Red Tank Brewing.
For dessert, check out Sugarush Cupcakes, Red Bank Chocolate Shoppe, or Chocolate Works Red Bank. For local coffee, hit up Rook Coffee.
Shopping and More
There are dozens of unique shops, DIY studios, and experiences in Red Bank.
Some local store favorites include Jack’s Music Shoppe, the Earth Spirit Store, and Jay & Silent Bob’s Secret Stash (comics).
You can also pick up tickets to an event at the Count Basie Theater or Two River Theater after a dinner out.
You can also paint a creative sign for your home at a DIY studio like Board & Brush, or do an escape room with your family and friends at Trap Door Escape Room.
Explore the Area
Since Red Bank is so centrally located in New Jersey, there are some amazing water and hiking opportunities to check out.
You can kayak on the Navesink River right from downtown Red Bank, or take a boat tour — there are several to choose from. If you want to stay on land, a walk in Riverside Gardens Park should do the trick.
There are also a lot of nature spots around Red Bank, just a short drive away. Atlantic Highlands has some amazing trails along Sandy Hook Bay like Hartshorne Woods Park and Henry Hudson Trail. While you’re there, take the drive up to Sandy Hook.
Thompson Park is a short drive west as well. All of these places present some amazing opportunities to see birds and other wildlife.
If you’re coming from North Jersey on your day trip, stop at Cheesequake State Park on your way home to hike the sandy boardwalk.
If you’re coming from South Jersey, stop at Manasquan Reservoir (photographer favorite) or Allaire State park on your way back home.
What are your favorite Red Bank spots? Let us know in the comments.
Cover photo by Rahul Vemula. Check out his drone work on Instagram.
