Solo Traveler's Guide to Lakewood: Finding Serenity in New Jersey's Hidden Gem

Lakewood sits at the northern edge of the Pine Barrens, and let me tell you—this isn't your typical Jersey landscape. The moment I entered Lake Carasaljo's walking paths, the scent of pine enveloped me like a warm hug from nature. The 4.5-mile loop around the lake became my morning ritual, with locals nodding friendly hellos as they passed.

The real magic happens at sunrise when the mist hovers just above the water's surface. I'd bring my insulated mug filled with coffee from Cafe 360 downtown, find a quiet bench, and just breathe. Something about watching herons stalk through the shallows while sipping hot coffee centers you in a way few experiences can.

Ocean County Park offers another green escape with tennis courts, picnic areas, and surprisingly well-maintained trails. On my second day, I rented a kayak from Pine Barrens Adventures and spent three blissful hours exploring the Metedeconk River's gentle curves—worth every penny of the $35 rental fee.

If you'd told me I'd find traditional craft workshops in Lakewood, I might have raised an eyebrow. Yet here I was, sitting cross-legged in Michael Zapcic's basement studio, watching him transform a lump of clay into an exquisite vessel inspired by Lenape Native American designs. Michael, a third-generation potter, hosts weekend workshops for just $40 per person—an absolute steal considering you leave with your own creation.

"Clay remembers everything your hands do," he told me as I fumbled with my own sad-looking bowl. "Be intentional with every touch." Words I've since applied to many aspects of my travels.

Over on Clifton Avenue, I stumbled upon Vintage Treasures, where owner Marissa curates an incredible collection of handmade items from local artisans alongside genuine vintage pieces. I couldn't resist picking up a hand-carved pine whistle ($15) that now hangs from my travel backpack—both a souvenir and a practical safety item for solo hiking.

The real hidden gem for craft lovers is the Saturday morning market at Pine Park, where local artisans sell everything from handwoven textiles to small-batch soaps. I spent hours chatting with vendors about their techniques, reminding me of my apprenticeship days in Vietnam.

Lakewood's history grabbed me from day one when I spotted the grand Victorian buildings along Clifton Avenue. Once a playground for industrial magnates like Rockefeller and Gould, this town has stories layered like sediment waiting to be uncovered.

The Sheldon Mansion, now operating as a small museum, offers guided tours for just $8. The volunteer guides—mostly retired locals with encyclopedic knowledge of town lore—bring the Gilded Age to life through stories that never made the history books. Pro tip: ask about the tunnel system that supposedly connected several mansions (the guides love sharing these lesser-known facts).

As someone obsessed with underground spaces, I couldn't miss the Georgian Court University tour. Once the lavish estate of railroad tycoon George Jay Gould, the campus features stunning architecture and—yes—actual tunnels that staff used to navigate between buildings unseen by the wealthy residents. The $12 campus tour includes access to sections of these passages, though you'll need to book ahead through their website.

To fully appreciate Lakewood's transition from exclusive winter resort to the diverse community it is today, I highly recommend bringing along the local history book. I read chapters each night at my Airbnb, which added incredible context to my daily explorations.

Solo travel means I'm always balancing my food budget, and Lakewood delivered some unexpected culinary gems that didn't break the bank. The town's diverse population translates to an impressive range of authentic eateries where $15 can get you a memorable meal.

My morning routine quickly centered around Cafe 360 on Clifton Avenue, where $4 gets you a perfectly crafted coffee and their homemade pan de sal reminds me of breakfasts at my Lola's house. The owner, Maria, started recognizing me by the second day and would practice Tagalog phrases she'd learned from other Filipino customers.

For lunch, nothing beat the kosher falafel at Jerusalem Pizza—crispy on the outside, herb-packed inside, and served with tahini that I'm still dreaming about. At $8 for a stuffed pita with sides, it's both delicious and budget-friendly.

Dinner at El Oaxaqueño introduced me to tlayudas—massive tortillas topped with black beans, cheese, and your choice of protein. Think Mexican pizza but infinitely better. I'd grab one to go ($12) and eat by the lake as the sun set, using my packable picnic blanket that takes up virtually no space in my daypack but makes impromptu outdoor dining so much more comfortable.

Pro tip: many restaurants in Lakewood close early on Fridays and remain closed through Saturday for Shabbat, so plan your weekend meals accordingly.

Finding the right accommodation as a solo traveler is crucial—you need safety, comfort, and preferably a place that won't eat up your entire budget. Lakewood offers several options that fit the bill perfectly.

I opted for a private room at the Pine Cone Hostel, a converted Victorian home about 15 minutes' walk from downtown. At $45/night, it was a steal considering the clean facilities, free breakfast, and—most valuable to me—the community kitchen where I met other travelers. The hostel provides combination locks for the lockers, but bringing your own is always smart if you're carrying camera gear or other valuables.

For those seeking more privacy, the Airbnb options in Lakewood are surprisingly affordable. Several homeowners offer converted garden cottages or basement apartments in the $65-80/night range. I spent my last night in one such cottage and appreciated having a private porch for sorting through my craft purchases and writing in my travel journal.

If you're traveling without a car like I was, prioritize accommodations within walking distance of Clifton or Madison Avenues. The public transportation in Lakewood is limited to bus service that doesn't run late into the evening, so location matters more than usual here.