Ortley Beach is a "typical Jersey Shore community"—quiet, family-oriented, and intimate in scale. An unincorporated area of Toms River (also called Dover Beaches South), this small community spans just 10-15 blocks and less than one square mile.
The town's beloved landmark is Barnacle Bill's, an iconic establishment since 1967 featuring miniature golf, an arcade, and a fiberglass "Barnacle Bill Giant" mascot that famously survived Hurricane Sandy, becoming a symbol of community resilience.
Post-Sandy, the area is experiencing gentrification as high rebuilding costs pushed out older residents, bringing luxury homes in their place. Despite the changes, Ortley Beach maintains its welcoming, unpretentious character that has drawn families for generations.