Matawan
,Matawan is a small borough located in Monmouth County, New Jersey, United States. It is known for its charming downtown area, historic buildings, and tree-lined streets. The community has a mix of residential neighborhoods and commercial establishments, offering a peaceful suburban environment.
Matawan is conveniently situated near major highways, making it easy to access surrounding cities and attractions.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $100 - $200
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $35
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $5
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $70
Day plans
Spend a day exploring around
Exploring Matawan
morning
:Start your day with a stroll through the Matawan Creek. Enjoy the fresh air and picturesque views along the waterway.
afternoon
:Visit the local shops and grab lunch at a quaint cafe. Check out some unique, locally-made crafts and explore the community vibe.
evening
:Relax at one of Matawan’s family-friendly parks as the sun sets. Gather with friends or family for a picnic and enjoy the serenity.
Historical Day Out
morning
:Dive into Matawan's history by visiting the Matawan Historical Society. Learn about the local heritage and significant events.
afternoon
:Grab lunch at a local diner to recharge. Spend the afternoon exploring historic sites around town, including old churches and buildings.
evening
:Dine at a family-friendly restaurant that offers regional dishes. Discuss the intriguing history you’ve discovered throughout the day.
Highlights
Good
- Strong sense of community with friendly residents.
- Good schools and educational opportunities for families.
- Proximity to major cities like New York and Philadelphia for employment and entertainment.
- Access to parks and recreational activities for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Relatively low crime rate, contributing to a safe living environment.
Bad
- Higher cost of living compared to some neighboring areas.
- Limited public transportation options, making a car necessary for commuting.
- Possible congestion due to residential expansion and proximity to highways.
- Fewer entertainment and dining options compared to larger urban centers.
- Weather can be variable, with cold winters and hot, humid summers.
Outdoor Activities
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Matawan Creek
Enjoy kayaking or canoeing on Matawan Creek, a serene waterway perfect for paddlers of all skill levels.
Matawan Recreation Park
Visit the local park for picnicking, sports, and playgrounds, ideal for family outings and community events.
Old Bridge Township Parks
Explore the nearby parks for hiking, biking, and nature trails, with scenic views and recreational facilities.
Fishing at Cheesequake State Park
Spend a day fishing in Cheesequake State Park, which offers beautiful lakes and rich wildlife.
Matawan Farmers Market
Check out the outdoor farmers market for fresh produce, local goods, and community interaction.
Nature Walks
Participate in organized nature walks that highlight local flora and fauna, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
Adventures
Uncover the best of Matawan with these unforgettable adventures.
Attractions
Visit one of these nice places.
Matawan Creek
A scenic spot offering picturesque views of the creek and surrounding nature, ideal for capturing tranquil water reflections and local wildlife.
Matawan Historical Society
A charming historical building that provides a beautiful backdrop for photos, showcasing the rich history and architecture of Matawan.
Lake Matawan
A serene location with walking paths around the lake, perfect for sunset photography and capturing the natural beauty of the area.
Matawan Borough Park
A lush green park with various recreational amenities, offering great opportunities for candid shots and family portraits amid nature.
Cliffwood Beach
Just a short drive away, this beach area offers stunning views of the Raritan Bay, especially during sunrise and sunset, ideal for coastal photography.
The Old Matawan Railway Station
A historic landmark that provides a unique setting for photos, showcasing the train station's vintage architecture and community history.
Cuisine
Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Taylor Ham, Egg, and Cheese Sandwich
A classic New Jersey breakfast sandwich served on a hard roll with pork roll, egg, and cheese. Found at local diners like JJ's Organic Grill and Bogart's Coffee House.
Must-Try!
Clam Chowder
Matawan's proximity to the Atlantic Ocean ensures access to fresh shellfish, making clam chowder a local favorite. Try it at Due Mari or The Robinson Ale House.
Chicken Murphy
A popular Italian-American dish featuring chicken, onions, peppers, potatoes, and a spicy vinegar-based sauce. Visit La Cashina for an authentic rendition.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Matawan better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Matawan Farmers' Market
Open on weekends, the market offers fresh local produce, artisanal foods, and homemade treats. It's a great place to sample gourmet snacks and enjoy a variety of street foods.
Matawan Food Truck Festival
An annual event featuring a wide array of food trucks serving everything from BBQ and tacos to gourmet desserts. Check the local event calendar for upcoming festivals.
Weather
How To Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Respect Personal Space
In Matawan, as in many parts of the United States, people generally appreciate having personal space. It’s advisable to stand an arm's length away during conversations and avoid overcrowding others' personal areas.
Punctuality
Being on time is considered a sign of respect in Matawan. Arriving a few minutes early for meetings or social gatherings is appreciated, as it shows that you value others' time.
Polite Greetings
Using polite greetings such as 'Hello' or 'Good morning' is customary. A firm handshake is typical when meeting someone for the first time, and maintaining eye contact is seen as a sign of confidence and respect.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Matawan with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping & Payment
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping
In Matawan, New Jersey, as in many parts of the United States, tipping is customary in the service industry. It is generally expected to tip servers in restaurants between 15% to 20% of the total bill, depending on the quality of service. For other services, such as taxi rides, hairdressing, and hotel staff, a standard tip is also appreciated, usually ranging from 10% to 20%. Tipping is seen as a way to reward good service and can significantly contribute to the incomes of service workers.
Payment
Payment practices in Matawan are similar to those throughout the U.S. Most establishments accept a variety of payment methods including cash, credit cards, and mobile payment apps. The use of contactless payment options has increased in popularity, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. It is common for businesses to have minimum purchase requirements for credit card transactions, which varies by establishment. Additionally, some places may offer digital payment solutions that allow customers to pay directly from their smartphones.
Best Activities
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Matawan.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring
Spring in Matawan is mild and pleasant, typically from March to May. Expect temperatures to range from the low 40s to the mid 70s (°F). This is a great time for outdoor activities as the flowers bloom, and the weather is perfect for visiting local parks.
Summer
Summer, from June to August, can be hot and humid, with temperatures often reaching the 80s and 90s (°F). This season is ideal for enjoying water activities, as Matawan is close to several beaches. Festivals and community events are also common during this time.
Fall
Fall lasts from September to November and is characterized by cooler temperatures, usually ranging from the upper 30s to the low 70s (°F). The foliage changes color, making it a beautiful time for hiking and scenic drives. Fall festivals and harvest events are popular.
Winter
Winter in Matawan, from December to February, can be cold, with temperatures often falling to the 20s and 30s (°F). While snowfall is possible, the area can also experience milder days. This season is great for indoor activities, holiday events, and enjoying the festive atmosphere.
Nightlife
Hiking Spots Nearby
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Cheesequake State Park
Located just a few miles from Matawan, Cheesequake State Park offers several hiking trails through diverse ecosystems, including forests and wetlands.
Pine Creek Trail
A scenic trail that runs along Pine Creek, ideal for hiking and enjoying nature, located a short drive from Matawan.
Hartshorne Woods Park
This park features numerous trails with views of the Navesink River and varied terrain, suitable for all skill levels.
William Howard Taft Park
A local park with walking paths and easy access to nature, perfect for a quick hike close to Matawan.
Sandy Hook National Park
A bit further away, this coastal park offers beautiful trails with ocean views, beaches, and historical sites.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Matawan through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports Nearby
How to reach Matawan by plane.
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
Located approximately 25 miles from Matawan, this is one of the major international airports serving the New York metropolitan area.
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
Located about 36 miles from Matawan, JFK is a major international airport in New York City, handling a significant amount of international traffic.
LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
Approximately 38 miles from Matawan, LaGuardia primarily serves domestic flights but also has some international routes.
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
Located around 75 miles from Matawan, this airport serves the greater Philadelphia area and has a robust schedule of international flights.
Trenton-Mercer Airport (TTN)
Located about 30 miles from Matawan, Trenton-Mercer offers a limited number of international flights and primarily serves domestic routes.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
White
Predominantly of European descent, this group makes up a significant portion of the demographic composition in Matawan.
Black or African American
This group includes individuals of African descent, contributing to the cultural diversity in Matawan.
Hispanic or Latino
Comprising various ethnic backgrounds, this group adds to the multicultural landscape of the community.
Asian
This group includes individuals of Asian descent, representing a variety of cultures and languages.
Two or more races
This group consists of individuals who identify with two or more racial backgrounds, reflecting a diverse heritage.
Native American
A smaller demographic group within Matawan, representing the original inhabitants of the land.
Pacific Islander
This group includes individuals with origins in the Pacific Islands, contributing to the area's diversity.
The Soul of Matawan
Discover the essence of Matawan through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football
A popular team sport played in high schools and local leagues, emphasizing teamwork and physical endurance.
Basketball
Widely played in schools and community centers, known for its fast-paced action and competitive spirit.
Baseball
A traditional American sport enjoyed in various age groups, with local leagues and youth programs.
Soccer
Gaining popularity among youth, with various leagues promoting teamwork and fitness.
Lacrosse
A fast-growing sport in the area, featuring both boys' and girls' teams in schools and clubs.
Tennis
Played recreationally and competitively, with facilities available in local parks and clubs.
Swimming
A popular activity with facilities for training and recreational swimming across local community pools.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
Most restaurants in Matawan offer vegetarian and vegan choices, with Harvest Restaurant and The Green Tomato among the top picks for plant-based dishes.
Gluten-Free
Visitors with gluten intolerance will find accommodating menus at Tommy's Tavern + Tap, Mangia Brick Oven Pizza, and other local eateries.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Matawan with these cultural adventures.
