PROS: One of the best date spots ever. Great for fairs, picnics, and parties. Nice footpath from…read morethe main bridge and surrounded by water CONS: No parking on the bridge, so you'll have to find parking somewhere else OVERALL: I highly recommend coming to this island as it is a hidden treasure of Asbury Park

TOMS RIVER: once you are done eating and drinking in Downtown Toms River, take a walk at Huddy…read morePark, a beautiful marina right on the Toms River. We had no idea that TR had so much history! There was a Revolutionary War battle right on the banks of the river and patriot Joshua Huddy was captured here and the town was left in ashes. This spot commemorates the history and in its modern days, has a farmers market and other events. It is really pretty and has a nice meandering path to walk around.

Huddy Park is one of the oldest parks in the region. It's named after Joshua Huddy, who was a…read morelocal militia commander during the Revolutionary War. The British actually attacked the village of Toms River because it was an important salt works village, and privateers from the village plundered British shipping vessels. Huddy Park has recently been all redone. It's a town park, as opposed to one with trails. There is a recreation of the blockhouse there which Joshua Huddy defended from the British. There is also a nice footbridge and a gazebo for concerts and weddings. They are trying to get more festivals to take place there.

A lovely park next to the library…read more Well maintained and a gorgeous view of the water!! Public bathrooms here. (Pay homage to two local people who passed away on 9/11. A beautiful tribute. ) Several murals to enjoy. In the center of town. Really lovely and thoughtful town.

RED BANK: a fun place for your pup to run around with great views is Riverside Gardens Park, off of…read moreWest Front Street! Walk along the sidewalk path or take your dog off-leash and play fetch in the great lawn. Follow the path down to the waterfront for close-up views of the Navesink River! So pretty and peaceful! This is the same location for Movies in the Park where dogs are also allowed! Bring a blanket or chair! Movie begins at dusk and food donations are accepted for a food drive

EATONTOWN: Bliss Price Arboretum and Wildlife Sanctuary is a serene hidden gem, offering peaceful…read morewalking trails, acres of beautiful woodlands, and a safe haven for local wildlife. While we only took a short stroll, we were captivated by the natural beauty and quiet charm of the park. One of our favorite touches is the Little Free Library near the parking lot, perfect for grabbing a book to enjoy on one of the benches. Pack a picnic, bring a good read, and soak in the tranquility of this lovely spot.

Perfect hiking spot for you and your dog…read more 2-4 miles of clean, easy, safe trails. Many trash cans to chuck your dog's poop. All the trails are in loops so you won't get lost. Also, great spot to trail run. I will be back.

Great little piece of peace and quiet! Easy trails for a bike. Few people and enjoyable. Explore…read moreit, it's local and under appreciated!

A very good view during fall colors . You will miss the parking if you go a bit fast but there is a…read moresmall parking on the other side . Good views of the lake and good photogenic spot . It is also good during summer and spring timeframes . Wish they had a small washroom here . Not sure if it is on the other side . Liked it overall. 4 stars ..

MILLSTONE: as we are exploring more parks, we realize we love to take leisurely strolls through…read morescenic areas and on easy to moderate paths. Perrineville Lake Park is perfect for this type of outing. Leashed dogs are allowed on all the trails and on this trip we took the pretty Lakeside Loop trail around the lake through fields and woods. We recommend wearing a waterproof sneaker or hiking boot as some of the trail is grassy and wet, and other parts are dirt/gravel. There are no buildings and just 1 portable toilet available. NJ truly has beautiful parks for all abilities and bringing your dog along will make it that much more special. More details here: https://www.monmouthcountyparks.com/page.aspx?Id=2550 "All (Monmouth) county parks are open, but picnicking and group gatherings are prohibited. Parking is at 50% capacity so periodic closures should be expected. Face coverings are required in all restrooms."

BEACHWOOD: it is love at first sight at Jakes Branch County Park! The woods along the trails are…read moreso pretty and just has a different feel than other parks we have been to. There are multiple hiking/walking/bike trails spanning from 0.2 to 3.8 miles, so something for every ability. Walk along berry bushes & plants, and "Jakes Branch" stream and over bridges and past picnic and play areas. Our photos do not do the park justice. The park borders Double Trouble State Park and we'll have to visit that another day. Be sure to grab a trail map or pull it up on your phone to have an idea of where you are going. Dogs must be leashed and cleaned up after.

Jakes Branch County Park is located on the other side of the parkway in Beachwood. It is a very…read morefamily oriented park and is good for general recreation. They have all different things to do, including fields for all types of sports fields up front and good playgrounds for kids. They have different length trails, too, so that you can get exercise walking through the woods. People walk on them, and I have also seen dirt bikers. There's no admission to enter. One thing that is creative about it is that they have these "play pockets". Most parks just have playgrounds up front near the entrance, but here you have to go down the trail to get to them. It's really suitable for children. The park in general has a safe feel. The woods are just basically pine forest. It's obviously not on the level of Yosemite. But it is a nice place to have locally. One cool thing they have there is a big mural done by a local artist over 30 years ago of the Hindenburg landing in Lakehurst. If you go up to the watchtower, you can even see the hangar all the way on the base in Lakehurst.

BRICK: not only does the Brick Reservoir provide a water supply to over 100,000 Ocean County…read moreresidents, it is also a popular park all-year-round with a paved and flat walking 1.6 mile path around the reservoir. Leashed and friendly dogs are allowed to take a walk, enjoy a view from a bench or gazebo, and have lunch in a picnic area. There are doggie baggie stations dotted throughout the park. Due to weather conditions, the park may close without notice. The Brick Reservoir will be open to the public Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The hours of operation will be as follows: Reservoir Summer Hours Effective March 1st Tuesday through Sunday 6:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Reservoir Winter Hours Effective November 1st Tuesday through Sunday 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The Reservoir will not be open on any Federal or State holidays. Due to inclement weather, the reservoir will be subject to intermittent periods of closure during the winter seas.

One of the best passive recreation spots in the area. In nice weather, it is a great place to get…read moresome air and exercise while walking around the reservoir on the pathway. Long enough to say you are getting your steps in but also short enough that you shouldn't run out of steam before doing a full lap.