The hometown of jazz legend Count Basie is a picturesque New Jersey town with theaters and restaurants just minutes from the ocean and an hour from New York City.
Red Bank is a pretty town in Monmouth County, New Jersey, located minutes from the ocean and a 1-hour drive from New York City. Enjoy shopping, theaters and watersports along the Navesink River.
The city's quaint downtown streets are lined with restaurants, boutiques, cafés and designer clothing shops. Stroll down Broad Street, which offers some of the best shopping and dining options in town. During winter, Red Bank is known for its spectacular holiday decorations. In summer, thousands of visitors flock to the town for its annual KaBoomFest fireworks display.
The Count Basie Theatre is a must-see in Red Bank. This landmark theater hosts world-famous musicians, comedians and plays throughout the year. Opened as the Carlton Theater in 1926, it was renamed in 1984 to honor jazz legend and Red Bank native William “Count” Basie. Several of Basie’s famous songs reference the town where he began his musical career. Visit the bronze bust of Basie, which was placed in the plaza outside the Red Bank Train Station to mark what would have been his 100th birthday.
Take advantage of Red Bank’s location on the Navesink River. Rent a boat or bring your own to enjoy a day sailing, kayaking or motorboating, on the water. Test your luck crabbing along the shore. Buy some bait at one of the marinas in town and try to catch your own dinner.
Red Bank is just a few miles from the Atlantic Ocean. Drive or catch the daily bus to the Sea Bright. This beach, a favorite among locals, is known for its clean shores and variety of amenities.
Red Bank’s central location makes it easy to get just about anywhere. New York City is just 50 miles (80.5 kilometers) away and Newark Airport is under a 1-hour drive by car. Amtrak and New Jersey Transit service the area. You can easily take the Coast Line to reach other towns and beaches along the Jersey Shore or head north to get to New York City.