A Guide to Monmouth Park

Where to Watch On-Track:
The Apron: For an up-close and personal encounter with Thoroughbred racing, the track apron is where you want to be. Get in on the action right along the rail as the horses charge for home just under 40 miles per hour. The apron can be accessed on both the grandstand and clubhouse areas by walking through the main buildings on the first floor.

All Photos Courtesy of Bill Denver/Equi-Photo
The Walking Ring: The English walking ring is where fans get to preview the day’s runners as the horses are saddled before parading on the racetrack. Before each race, the trainers, assistant trainers, grooms, and owners will come down to the walking ring as they prepare their horse for the day’s races. Seasoned handicappers and newcomers alike will gather here to check out the competition. The walking ring is located in front of the grandstand and clubhouse. To access from the grandstand entrance, once you pass the turnstiles make a right and follow the path straight ahead. From the clubhouse entrance, you’ll go through the building and make a left by the former clubhouse welcome center which will take you outside; the walking ring will be just ahead.

Inside the Grandstand: This is where you’ll find a myriad of quick dining options such as The Carvery, Pizzeria, and Ice Cream Parlor as well as plenty of betting windows, self-service wagering terminals, restrooms, and ATMs. The Finish Line Welcome Center is also inside the grandstand; you’ll find the answers to any question you might have along with a souvenir or two at the small red-and-white roofed stand.

Inside the Clubhouse: For an additional $3 (grand total of $8) you can visit the clubhouse portion of the racetrack. With fine dining options, teletheaters for the wagering enthusiast, and the popular Lady’s Secret Café, there’s a little something extra to be found in the clubhouse.
Picnic Area: The famous picnic area is a family favorite! Filled with picnic tables surrounding a gift shop, playground, and mutuels windows, the picnic area is the place to be for group outings seeking a more casual, BBQ-type of setting. The area is BYOB (no glass or hard alcohol) and is also close to the BBQ-Pit where you can order your favorite grilled food (although you can also bring your own charcoal grill, if you so prefer). The picnic tables are available on a first-come, first-serve basis…arrive early! The picnic area is located to the left of the grandstand and can be accessed from both the track apron or in front of the grandstand.
 
Family Fun Day: Monmouth Park prides itself on being family-oriented and hosts Family Fun Day each weekend. Pony rides, face-painting, horseshoes, and live music adorn the front of the grandstand. Make a left through the grandstand entrance, just past the band stand and you’ll come across the activities.

 Click Here to see a map of Monmouth Park
 
Shore Things: What to Do While You’re in Town
 
Pier Village: With over 30 boutiques and a myriad of beach-inspired dining options, Pier Village is an excellent choice for the entire family. With miles of boardwalk and beautiful architecture, there’s a little something for everyone. Aprx. 8mins from the racetrack.
One Chelsea Avenue
Long Branch, NJ 07720
 
Monmouth Mall: Spend a day shopping, dining, and movie-watching at The Monmouth Mall. With classic stores such as Macys, Lord & Taylor, and Barnes & Noble as well as an AMC Theater, you can’t go wrong at The Monmouth Mall. When the lunch-hour strikes, be sure to check out Bobby’s Burger Palace for Bobby Flay inspired creations. Aprx. 14mins from the racetrack.
180 Route 35
Eatontown, NJ 07724
 
Count Basie Theater: Events scheduled during week of Haskell include: Legally Blonde: The Musical, Songbird starring Lisa Sherman and country star Clint Black with Greg Trooper. Aprx. 11mins from the racetrack.
99 Monmouth Street
Red Bank, NJ 07701
 
Seven Presidents Beach: You can’t stop by the Jersey Shore without visiting our famous beaches! Seven Presidents is just one of many beaches in the area. Quick tip: bring cash. Along with a minor charge to get on the beach, there are always fun dining options nearby. For Seven Presidents, you have Lighthouse Italian Ice and Windmill Hot Dogs a stone’s throw away.
 
Places to Eat:
The Sitting Duck: Just two blocks away from the racetrack, The Sitting Duck offers fine dining in a relaxed atmosphere for both lunch and dinner. The “Crab Meltaways” are a must order! Aprx. 2mins from the racetrack.
104 Myrtle Avenue
Long Branch, NJ 07757
 
Rooney’s Oceanfront Restaurant: Boasting some of the best local seafood as well as a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, Rooney’s is the place to be for a relaxing evening after of the races. Lobster rolls anyone? Aprx. 9mins from the racetrack.
100 Ocean Avenue
Long Branch, NJ 07740
 
The Avenue: You’ve hit the trifecta at The Avenue: upscale beach club, restaurant, and a bar inspired by the hull of a ship…you’ll never want to leave the Atlantic Coast. A favorite of the Monmouth track employees. Aprx. 9mins from the racetrack.   
23 Ocean Avenue
Long Branch, NJ 07740
 
Temple: If you’re in the mood for Asian cuisine, Temple is the place to be. Located in the heart of downtown Red Bank, this BYOB restaurant offers gourmet dining at a very reasonable price. Ordering an appetizer of fried dumplings is always a good way to start the meal. Aprx. 10mins from the racetrack.
91 Broad Street
Red Bank, NJ 07701
 
McLoone’s Restaurant: Classic shore dining and evenings of live entertainment make this a must-see in Sea Bright. Aprx. 14mins from the racetrack.
816 Ocean Avenue
Sea Bright, NJ 07760
 
Bahrs Landing: Right on the Marina under the Sandy Hook Drawbridge you’ll find famous waterfront dining that has been serving the Jersey Shore since 1917. Aprx. 19mins from the racetrack.
2 Bay Avenue
Highlands, NJ 07732
 
Places to Stay:
Sheraton Eatontown 6 Industrial Way East, Eatontown, NJ (732) 542-6500 www.sheraton.com/eatontown
 
The Courtyard by Marriott Tinton Falls and Lincroft/Red Bank 600 Hope Road, Tinton Falls, NJ www.marriott.com/ewrtc (732) 389-2100 245 Half Mile Road, Red Bank, NJ (732) 530-5552
Doubletree Tinton Falls-Eatontown 700 Hope Road Tinton Falls, NJ (732) 544-9300
Holiday Inn Express West Long Branch
294 Route 36 East
West Long Branch, NJ 07764
732-542-1234
www.hielongbranch.com
 
Molly Pitcher Inn 88 Riverside Avenue, Red Bank, NJ (732) 747-2500 www.mollypitcher-oysterpoint.com
*On the Navesink River…beautiful view! The Oyster Point Hotel 146 Bodman Avenue, Red Bank, NJ (732) 530-8200 www.mollypitcher-oysterpoint.com
*Also on the Navesink River; roughly 14 minutes from Monmouth Park.