If you're looking for a fun day trip during your Jersey Shore vacation, plan an outing to Monmouth Park racetrack in Long Branch, New Jersey, and spend the afternoon watching the thoroughbred horses in action. Monmouth Park is home to the legendary Haskell Invitational, which takes place July 20, 2024. Here is the Belmar Beachcomber's guide to a day at the races at Monmouth Park Racetrack.
Monmouth Park Racing Schedule
Races are held Friday through Sunday between May and late September. Gates open at 9:00 a.m., and the first race on Fridays starts at at 5:00 p.m. The first post time on weekends and holiday Mondays is 12:15 p.m. On Haskell Day, the park opens at 9:00 a.m. and races begin at noon.
Getting To Monmouth Park Racetrack
Monmouth Park Racetrack is located in Long Branch, New Jersey, about 15 miles north of our shore house rental in Belmar. The track is an easy drive via Route 35 north from Belmar, or via Exit 105 of the Garden State Parkway to Route 36 East.
If you'd rather take the train, New Jersey Transit (North Jersey Coast Line) service is available on race weekends from Belmar to the Monmouth Park train station in Oceanport. New Jersey Transit offers a special promotional package that also includes round-trip train tickets, general admission to the park, and a racing program —all for $10.00, plus $3.50 processing fee ($13.50 total). RELATED: Area Attractions Near Belmar, New Jersey
Admission And Parking
Admission to Monmouth Park Racetrack is $6.00, which includes access to the clubhouse. On Haskell Day, admission is $20.00 for the grandstand and $30.00 for the clubhouse.
Racing programs may be purchased at the park entrance, in the clubhouse, and at other locations throughout the track.
General admission parking is free. Valet parking is available on the clubhouse side for $20.00
Haskell Race Day
Advance ticket purchase is strongly recommended for the Haskell Invitational, as this is a very popular horseracing event at Monmouth Park. Tickets for reserved seats and general admission may be purchased online via www.seatgeek.com/monmouth or by calling 732-571-5563 when the track is open on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Parking at the racetrack is free on Haskell Day, and admission is also free for children age 12 and younger.
Picnic Area And Dining Options
General admission to the grandstand includes access to the open-air picnic area, which has 100 umbrella tables available on a first-come, first-served basis. The picnic grove has a large play area for the kids, making it a popular spot for family groups. Small charcoal grills and coolers are permitted in the picnic area.
For more dining options, Monmouth Park has casual food stands selling fare that offers a "touch of the Jersey Shore," such as Boardwalk Eats, Max's Famous Hot Dogs, Lola's coffee and desserts, Local Smoke BBQ, and Lady's Secret Café & Paddock Bar.
Caesars Sports Bar is located on the first-floor Grandstand, or try outside dining at the Summer Wind on the first floor of the Clubhouse.
For a more formal experience at the racetrack, try the air conditioned Dining Club and Salvator Grille on the third floor of the Clubhouse or the fine-dining Blu Grotto restaurant and outdoor beer garden. The dining terrace menu includes starters, soups, salads, and entrees.
The Blu Grotto serves regional Italian favorites, fresh seafood, and prime steak in a conservatory-style setting. The restaurant also has three large decks and an outdoor beer garden with live entertainment, gourmet bar pies, raw bar, and more. Reservations are recommended and may be made via Open Table or by calling 732-571-7900.
Monmouth Park Family Fun Days
Every Sunday through Labor Day is family fun day at Monmouth Park. Just for the kids, the park provides free face painting, a bounce house, pony rides, and clown entertainment.
Special Events And Festivals
In addition to family fun days, throughout the summer, Monmouth Park hosts special events and festivals offering fun for all ages. Some of the upcoming events for 2024 include:
Opening Day and Derby Party, Saturday, May 11 Mother's Day, Sunday, May 12
Jersey Shore Food Truck Festival, May 25-27
Irish Festival, June 9
Haskell Preview Day and Beach Towel Giveaway, June 15
Father's Day, June 16
The Jersey Eats: NJ Pizza Festival, June 22
Win and Wine Weekend, June 29-30
Classic Car Show & Oldies Day, July 7
Haskell Invitational, July 20
Rutgers Day at Monmouth Park, July 21
Italian Festival and Wine Tasting, July 27-28
Bags, Bands, and Beer Cornhole Tournament, August 10
Surf & Turf Seafood Festival, August 17-18
New Jersey Thoroughbred Festival & Cooler Bag Giveaway, August 25
BBQ & Craft Beer Festival, August 31-September 2, Labor Day Weekend
Closing Day, September 15
Monmouth Park Claim To Fame
After beating all the odds and winning the Triple Crown in 2015, American Pharoah proudly prevailed at that year's Haskell Invitational before a cheering crowd of 60,000 fans and spectators. He won the race by 2-1/4 lengths with a time of 1:47.95 for a distance of nine furlongs.
You don't have to wager any bets to enjoy a summer afternoon at the track. I'm not a huge gambler, but I have loved horses since I was a little girl. One of my favorite parts of visiting Monmouth Park is seeing the horses up close before each race when they leave the paddock and promenade around the walking ring.
Monmouth Park Racetrack
175 Oceanport Avenue
Oceanport, NJ 07757
Story and photos © copyright by Christine Cardellino, owner of www.VacationInBelmar.com and publisher of the award-winning Belmar Beachcomber Blog, a travel and tourism guide for the Belmar region of the Jersey Shore. Do not copy any content (including images) without our permission. All rights reserved.
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Day trips down the shore are fun, but it's even better to rent a beach house for the week to experience everything wonderful about the Belmar area. For couples, solo adults and small families, the two-bedroom Blue Hydrangea Cottage rental in Belmar, New Jersey, is the perfect getaway place. The home sleeps up to four people and is consistently rated five stars for cleanliness, amenities and location. Learn more at www.vacationinbelmar.com.
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