This New Jersey Downtown Is Made For Strolling
New Jersey is one of the oldest states in the country, standing as one of the original 13 states. Over the many years of its existence, it has been an economic powerhouse, drawing guests and new residents to its major urban areas, such as Newark and Jersey City. However, if you only pay attention to its major urban centers, you will miss the charm of its small boroughs. One of those boroughs, Red Bank, has become increasingly well known for its walkable downtown area that runs directly along the beautiful Navesink River. If you are in New Jersey, here are just a few reasons to head to Red Bank.
Shops
Visitors who want to take a stroll will want to head to the intersection of Broad Street and Front Street, which runs along the Navesink River. Along Broad Street, you can start your shopping by gearing up at the Lucki Clover shop.
The Lucki Clover specializes in clothing for women, including sweaters, jackets, and jewelry. Half a block south of the Lucki Clover, you can find the Red Bank Artisan Collective. The Red Bank specializes in art in different media, including photography and paintings. The Collective also specializes in affordable art, making it easy to find something new to adorn your walls.
Dining
Just across the street from the Red Bank Artisan Collective is The Robinson Ale House. Bistro fare is served up alongside craft beers in an elegant setting. Guests can expect to dine on light bites, such as artisan bread, or dig into a classic burger or grilled pork chop. As you head north along Broad Street, you will find the Catezza Italian Kitchen and Bar just a few minutes away.
Dinner guests will find not only margherita and bianca pizzas to eat, but also pasta dishes and hearty ribeye steaks. If you are hoping to enjoy the afternoon over a glass of wine, head next door to Café Pari Wine & Bar. This café is your destination for sauvignon blanc or pinot noir. If you are instead in need of a jolt, the café also serves up espressos and lattes, among other classic café drinks.
Culture
Those hoping to enjoy time along the water in a peaceful environment will want to jump off Front Street to visit Riverside Gardens Park. The Gardens Park sits just off the Navesink River and is popular among those hoping for a day of walking along the water or enjoying lunch from the benches facing the river. The park is also a great destination to visit if you are hoping to attend some incredible events, as numerous events are hosted throughout the year in Red Bank.
Just about seven minutes south on Maple Avenue, you can also attend live performances at the Count Basie Center for the Arts. The Center first opened in 1926 to show movies and is now the home of live performances in Red Bank. Comedians like Tracy Morgan may perform one night, while live productions of "The Little Mermaid" are hosted on others.
Events
If you are in town during the summer, the Riverside Gardens Park hosts the Borough of Red Bank Summer Series. The Summer Series features a variety of family-friendly events, including live music and outdoor films. Guests to the park will find movies like "The Lion King" playing one day, while jazz bands like the "Jackson Quintet" perform on others.
On other days, residents gather for Yoga and Zumba. If you are around in the fall, you will not want to miss Red Bank Oktoberfest. Visitors can expect a wide selection of brews and spirits from local breweries, of course. However, the Oktoberfest also features live music performances to entertain while you enjoy a wide selection of food, and there is even a kids' zone for families. In 2025, the fun kicked off at Edmund Wilson Plaza, just a 10-minute walk west of Riverside Gardens Park.
Towns Nearby
If you enjoyed your time along the water in Red Bank, you may also enjoy your time in nearby Highlands. While Red Bank enjoys a position along the Navesink River, Highlands sits against the ocean itself. Highlands Reach extends down its eastern shores while Sandy Hook Bay stretches out to the north.
Destinations like Hartshorne Woods Park offer ample access to the coast, making it a great spot for days spent enjoying time out on the water. Close by, Monmouth Beach may be even better for enjoying time on the coast. There is nothing beyond its shores except the New Jersey Bight and the distant Atlantic Ocean. Spots like Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park offer perfect views of the ocean alongside Ocean Boulevard, and visitors can find spots like Charley's Ocean Grill, where they can dine close to the water.
Red Bank is the kind of town that perfectly caters to something for everyone to enjoy. Shoppers will love walking along Broad Street while dipping into restaurants like The Robinson Ale House for a quick bite. Afterward, it is not far if you want to enjoy time along the river before catching a show at the Count Basie Center for the Arts. The next time you are in New Jersey, come take a stroll through Red Bank.
