Mantoloking

Mantoloking is a narrow 2-mile strip on the Barnegat Bay Peninsula between the Atlantic Ocean and the Barnegat Bay. Together with Bay Head to the north, Mantoloking is considered part of the Jersey Shore’s “Gold Coast.” Originally a refuge for hunters and fishermen, people arrived in the late 1800s foremost to vacation and enjoy outdoor pastimes. To this day, Mantoloking has no business, no shopping district, no parking lots nor attractions, and its residents prefer it that way. Mantoloking’s beaches are less concentrated, and this seaside escape celebrates a long tradition of sailing.

Atlantic Ocean beaches begin south of Bay Head along East Avenue up to Lyman Street and continue along Ocean Avenue (Route 35). There are over a dozen public entrances, but seasonal lifeguards are only present at a few beaches. The entrance at 933 East Avenue is private membership operated by the South Beach Association.

The town is well-known for the Mantoloking Yacht Club established in 1907, on land donated by Mantoloking’s founder, Frank Downer. Located on the Barnegat Bay, the yacht club operates from May to October with a full calendar of tennis, sailing and social events. Its highly regarded sailing programs have produced 10 Olympic sailors and in more recent years several internationally competitive sailors.

Most of the significant historical structures in Mantoloking were built before 1900, notably the Chimneys House, Fish-Foote-Lovering House, and the Arnold House and Cottage, all sited on or near Bay Avenue. These Shingle Style structures rose to popularity during the late 19th century and borrow elements of past architectural styles, including Queen Anne and the Colonial Revival. Homes are distinguished by their wood cladding, asymmetrical facades, gambrel roofs and welcoming verandas. Classic yet informal, this look remains prevalent in Mantoloking today. Current architects have added contemporary influences to the historic aesthetic, and on a grander scale, you will find newly built Shingle Style homes on the ocean and the bay. Another integral part of Mantoloking’s shingled streetscape is the St. Simon-by-the-Sea Church, a summer chapel dating back to 1889. It is believed to be copied from a Norwegian fishermen’s church.

North of the Mantoloking Bridge along the Barnegat Bay is Barnegat Lane. Residences on Barnegat Lane are bayfront or border Ocean Avenue to the west. There are public footpaths that span the 2-block walk from the ocean to the bay. Heading west on Bergen Avenue from Barnegat Lane brings you to a unique T-shape extension of land that forms two wide lagoons on the bay. Lagoon Lanes N and S have lagoon front homes facing east and bayfront homes facing west.

Views of Herring Island can be seen from most bayfront homes north of the bridge. On the west side of the island where the Metedeconk River converges with the Barnegat Bay is known as “Gunner’s Ditch,” named for the historically good duck hunting in the area. Herring Island provides a natural channel that doglegs between the two waterways as well as a natural habitat for Osprey nests.