Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Tuckerton, NJ

  • Published 2022/09/06

Tuckerton is a borough of Ocean County, New Jersey, bordering the Little Egg Harbor Township.

Although politically independent, Little Egg Harbor and Tuckerton share the same postal code.

Due to the former’s lack of a downtown area, Little Egg Harbor and the nearby suburbs get lumped together as Tuckerton.

Settled in 1699, its former names included “Andrew Mills,” “Clamtown,” “Fishtown,” “Middle-of-the-Shore,” and “Quakertown.”

In 1789, they finally changed it to “Tuckerton” after Ebenezer Tucker.

Tuckerton was a busy seaport during the 18th century and became a US Port of Entry.

Contrary to popular belief, though, it wasn’t the nation’s third port.

Explore Main Street, buzzing with various shops and boutiques.

Discover historical treasures, enjoy several recreational activities, and take in the fresh breeze of the ocean.

Discover this small coastal town using this list of the best things to do in Tuckerton, New Jersey!

Spend a Day at the Tuckerton Seaport

The Tuckerton Seaport, established as the Barnegat Bay Decoy and Baymen’s Museum, has grown as a community center and local museum since 2000.

It spans 40 acres at the heart of the Jersey Shore along Tuckerton Creek, accessible through the Garden State Parkway Exit 58.

Tuckerton Seaport serves as a coastal and cultural hub that revives folk traditions.

Take the whole family and enjoy an entire day of indoor and outdoor exploration!

Visit the museum displays, stroll along the ¼-mile nature trail, and play mini golf.

Enjoy tea at the Captain’s House and Tea Room, join the Creek and Ferry Tours, and climb the Lighthouse.

Then, visit the Gift Shop, and dine at the Union Market, and so much more!

Learn why Tuckerton Seaport is more than just a museum.

Enjoy Tea at the Lizzie Rose

The Lizzie Rose is a rehabilitated 1846 Victorian home in the center of Tuckerton.

Situated a short stroll from Tuckerton Seaport, the Lizzie Rose was once the Seaport’s Customs House.

Dan Reichard named the place after his wife, Liz.

The couple turned the Lizzie Rose into a successful restaurant, tea room, and Victorian shops.

However, the building fell into disrepair after Superstorm Sandy in 2012, along with economic decline.

With Liz’s help, its new owners restored the Lizzie Rose to its previous splendor, revitalizing the surrounding downtown area.

The Lizzie Rose is more than just a beautiful setting to have a wonderful meal or afternoon tea.

Connect with the people you love while enjoying a menu that combines traditional American food with cuisines from across the world.

It also hosts and sells unique events and entertainment, local and vintage art, handcrafted goods, and brand-new products.

Go Crabbing or Fishing at South Green Street Park

The South Green Street Park is at the southernmost point of South Green Street in Tuckerton.

They added a 60-foot pier to the park extending to the bay and stretching 60 feet across, an excellent fishing experience.

Locals and tourists come to the park to go crabbing and fishing!

In addition, it’s a terrific place to take in the fresh breeze, watch the sunrise, and go for a stroll.

South Green Street Park opens from early morning to dusk throughout the year.

Take a Stroll at the Stanley H. “Tip” Seaman County Park

The Stanley H. “Tip” Seaman County Park, situated on Lake Pohatcong’s shores, is the Ocean County Decoy and Gunning Show venue.

Ranked among North America’s top 100 events, this two-day event attracts exhibitors and attendees across the Atlantic Seaboard.

Park facilities include a playground, an open play area, basketball, tennis, pickleball courts, walking trails, and ADA-accessible restrooms.

The picnic area requires a small fee, and you must book reservations at least three weeks in advance.

You can also go fishing and boating at the Stanley H. “Tip” Seaman County Park.

Rent a Boat Slip at the Sheltered Cove Marina

For over 20 years, Sheltered Cove Marina has expanded from a modest 50-slip operation to become New Jersey’s top full-service marina.

The Marina provides services for all customers, including retail and maintenance, gas and slips, and RV rental spaces.

Twenty acres of safe harbor comprise the Sheltered Cove Marina.

The property includes gas and diesel sales, a ship store, transient slip rentals, cable TV, free Internet, and more!

Check out the 250 deep water slips up to 55 feet, along with floating docks, and quick access to the bay and the ocean.

Sheltered Cove Marina is an authorized dealer for Bentley Pontoons, Kawasaki, Regal, Sylvan Pontoons, Sea Fox, Volvo Repowers, and Yamaha.

Likewise, the Marina’s factory-trained and licensed service department offers outstanding customer care for routine maintenance and complicated repairs!

With two locations in New Jersey, Sheltered Cove Marina provides customers with a pleasant and convenient boating experience.

See the Little Egg Harbor Friends Meeting House

The Little Egg Harbor Friends Meeting House is a historical meeting house for the Quakers, formally known as the Religious Society of Friends.

Constructed in 1863, the house on East Main Street remains a gathering spot for Quakers on Sundays.

The Little Egg Harbor Meeting is part of the Burlington Quarterly and Philadelphia Yearly Meeting.

In 2002, the National Register of Historic Places added the meeting house to its record.

If you’re a history enthusiast, add the Little Egg Harbor Friends Meeting House to your itinerary.

Visit the Tuckerton Branch Library

The Tuckerton Branch Library is one of the 21 branches of the Ocean County Library.

Established in 1875, the Tuckerton Library Association also built the library in the same year.

In 1972, the Tuckerton Library joined the Ocean County Library System.

The Ocean County Library brings people together, fosters connection, and improves the lives of community members through information and storytelling.

The library contains more than 4.6 million books, offers around 16,200 activities and programs for kids, teens, adults, and families, and receives over 3 million visits yearly.

You can use a Ocean County Library card to borrow books and other items from any of the 21 locations.

Access eBooks and online resources from the library or your laptop.

Dine at the Dockside Cafe

Enjoy waterfront dining at the Dockside Cafe, a well-liked waterfront breakfast and lunch along South Green Street.

The Dockside Cafe serves all-day breakfast and lunch, including bar options.

They offer indoor and outdoor dining and catering for birthdays, weddings, and other special events.

The cafe uses fresh ingredients, sources them from local vendors, and prepares the food mostly from scratch.

The Dockside Cafe welcomes you to enjoy the excellent food, relaxing atmosphere, and quality service!

Celebrate the Ocean County Decoy and Gunning Show

The Ocean County Decoy and Gunning Show, held at the Stanley H. “Tip” Seaman County Park, started in 1980.

Barnegat Bay has a long tradition of duck hunting and carving duck decoys.

This two-day event features exhibitors, competitions, cuisine, regional vendors, and environmentalists passionate about Barnegat Bay!

The show focuses on bird books, quack decoys, gunning decoys, and historic duck carvings.

This annual event draws many attendees, exhibitors, designers, craftspeople, and artists.

Go Camping at the Atlantic Shore Pines Campground

Atlantic Shore Pines Campground is a family-friendly campground on Ishmael Road, Tuckerton, tucked in the New Jersey Pine Barrens.

The campground is about ten minutes from the town center, 20 minutes from the pristine beaches of Long Beach Island, and 30 minutes from Atlantic City.

Atlantic Shore Pines Campground features weekly and monthly fun activities, including themed weekends from pirates to superheroes!

They also have spacious sites, 50 amp full-hookups, camping cabins, trailer storage, seasonal site rentals, Internet access, hot showers, and more!

Recreational activities such as a swimming pool, miniature golf, playground, basketball, and game room keep the whole family entertained.

Make Atlantic Shore Pines Campground your home away from home.

Get Fit at Clamtown CF – Fitness & Nutrition

Experience top-notch service and world-class coaching at Clamtown CF – Fitness & Nutrition.

Clamtown’s well-trained and friendly coaches will lead you through hard but enjoyable group workouts.

They offer functional group fitness, remote, personal, and nutrition coaching.

Each workout class lasts an hour and includes a warm-up, a cool-down, and a talk.

Clamtown CF – Fitness & Nutrition will give you all that you require to achieve your fitness goals and an active lifestyle!

Shop Great Finds at the Shoppes at Tuckerton Emporium

Located at the heart of Tuckerton is the Shoppes at Tuckerton Emporium (or the Tuckerton Emporium).

Find great deals and an array of unique items.

The Tuckerton Emporium has around 30 artists and vendors, with anything from antique items to new products!

You could easily spend an hour or more browsing some exceptional items.

Some amazing stuff to see is the home decor, furniture, bags, clothes, toys, jewelry, and many more!

Swing by if you’re searching for the perfect present for someone special, as the shops offer something for everyone.

Other Things to Do Nearby

Swing by the Tuckerton Historical Society

Founded in 1972, the Tuckerton Historical Society preserves the history of Tuckerton and Little Egg Harbor Township for future generations.

The Society is in Little Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, three minutes from Tuckerton.

The Society’s Museum sits inside the historic Giffordtown Schoolhouse.

Likewise, the Society maintains the Tuckerton Little Borough Hall.

If you’re looking for information on a distant relative or an incident that occurred decades or centuries ago, visit the Tuckerton Historical Society!

Walk Your Dog at the Freedom Fields County Park

Located in the Township of Little Egg Harbor is the Freedom Fields County Park, focusing on

Freedom Fields County Park features a Sports Field Complex situated on Route 539, four minutes from Tuckerton.

Sports fields for baseball, softball, soccer, and other amenities cater to Southern Ocean County’s growing population.

Enjoy the picnic areas, hiking trails, and an off-leash dog area for the entire family and pets.

Freedom Fields County Park is a great place to spend family time outside in nature, even for a few hours on the weekend!

Play Golf at the LBI National Golf & Resort

The LBI National Golf & Resort spans 155 acres in the Little Egg Harbor Township, five minutes from Tuckerton.

Enjoy the 18-hole, 72-par, 6950-yard championship course, a practice facility with a bunker, a driving range, and putting greens.

The 35,000-square-foot clubhouse on the property features a pro shop, open spaces, and a view of the Atlantic City skyline.

LBI National Golf & Resort, with the help of Vivamee Hospitality, aims to transform the LBI National Golf & Resort into a top-notch resort.

New features include a 31-room hotel, a fully-equipped convention center, restaurants, and a banquet space to accommodate significant events.

Final Thoughts

Many families and visitors flock to Tuckerton due to its proximity to major highways, the beach, and protected wetlands.

There are outdoor activities and sports all ages can engage in and exciting attractions to discover!

Make the most of your visit with the best things to do in Tuckerton!

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