September may signal the unofficial end of summer, but in Monmouth County, it's one of the best times of the year to get out and explore.

The summer crowds begin to thin, temperatures become more comfortable, local farms start welcoming the fall season, and there's still plenty of time to enjoy the beaches, boardwalks, parks, downtowns and historic attractions that make this part of New Jersey special.

Whether you live in Monmouth County or are simply looking for somewhere to spend a September day, here are some ideas for enjoying the month close to home.

Enjoy the Sea.Hear.Now Festival in Asbury Park

Music, art and the Jersey Shore come together when the Sea.Hear.Now Festival returns to Asbury Park in September.

The annual festival brings national musical acts to stages along the Asbury Park waterfront while also celebrating art and surf culture.

Even if you're not attending the festival itself, September is an excellent time to visit Asbury Park. Walk the boardwalk, explore the downtown, have lunch or dinner and enjoy the Shore after the peak summer season.

Location: Asbury Park Waterfront

Spend a September Day in Asbury Park

Asbury Park doesn't require a major event to make it worth visiting.

Start with a walk along the boardwalk, check out the historic Convention Hall area and then head downtown for restaurants, cafés, shops and galleries.

September often gives you the best of both worlds: Shore weather without quite as much of the July and August congestion.

Stick around for dinner and an evening walk along the waterfront.

Visit Historic Red Bank

Downtown Red Bank is another easy destination for a September afternoon or evening.

Broad Street and the surrounding downtown area offer restaurants, cafés, boutiques, galleries and entertainment in a walkable setting along the Navesink River.

Check the schedules at the Count Basie Center for the Arts and Two River Theater for concerts, theater, comedy and other performances taking place during the month.

Or skip the itinerary entirely, grab lunch or dinner and spend a few hours exploring downtown.

Catch a Show at the Count Basie Center for the Arts

The Count Basie Center for the Arts is one of Monmouth County's premier entertainment venues.

Located in Downtown Red Bank, the theater hosts concerts, comedy, family entertainment and other performances throughout the year.

September is a great time to combine a show with dinner at one of Red Bank's many restaurants.

Location: 99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank

Explore Historic Allaire Village

Step back into New Jersey's industrial past at Historic Village at Allaire in Wall Township.

The preserved 19th-century village tells the story of the Howell Works, an iron-producing community that once operated on the site.

Visitors can explore historic buildings and learn about the people who lived and worked there.

September is an especially pleasant month to explore the village and surrounding Allaire State Park before colder weather arrives.

Location: Allaire State Park, Wall Township

Take a Ride on the Pine Creek Railroad

While visiting Allaire State Park, add a ride on the Pine Creek Railroad.

Operated by the New Jersey Museum of Transportation, the narrow-gauge railroad takes passengers on a short ride through the park.

It's an easy addition to a day at Allaire and an especially popular activity for families.

Check the railroad's operating schedule before visiting.

Hike Through Hartshorne Woods Park

If cooler September temperatures have you ready to get back onto the trails, visit Hartshorne Woods Park in Middletown.

The Monmouth County park offers miles of trails through wooded hills overlooking the Navesink River.

Its terrain and elevation provide a different experience from the flatter landscapes found throughout much of the Jersey Shore.

Whether you're looking for a serious hike or simply want to spend a few hours outdoors, September is one of the best times of year to explore the park.

Location: Middletown

Explore Historic Longstreet Farm

Visit Holmdel Park and take a trip back to rural Monmouth County at Historic Longstreet Farm.

The living-history farm recreates agricultural life from the late 19th century, complete with historic buildings, farm animals and demonstrations of traditional farming activities.

After visiting the farm, spend some time exploring Holmdel Park's walking trails and recreational areas.

It's a great reminder that Monmouth County's history involves considerably more than beaches and boardwalks.

Location: Holmdel Park, Holmdel

Spend an Afternoon at Deep Cut Gardens

Garden enthusiasts can visit Deep Cut Gardens in Middletown.

Operated by the Monmouth County Park System, the property features landscaped gardens, walking paths, greenhouses and a variety of plant collections.

September provides an opportunity to enjoy the gardens during the transition from summer into fall.

Admission is free.

Location: Middletown

Visit Sandy Hook

September may technically mean summer is winding down, but that doesn't mean beach season has to end immediately.

Sandy Hook, part of Gateway National Recreation Area, offers beaches, walking and biking opportunities, natural areas and historic sites.

With peak summer crowds beginning to disappear, September can be one of the nicest times to visit.

Spend some time on the beach, walk or bike through the park and explore the historic Fort Hancock area.

Discover Fort Hancock and Sandy Hook Lighthouse

History lovers should make time for the historic areas of Sandy Hook.

Fort Hancock once played an important role in the defense of New York Harbor, and many of its historic military structures remain today.

Sandy Hook is also home to the Sandy Hook Lighthouse, which dates to 1764 and is the oldest operating lighthouse in the United States.

Combining history, beaches and views of the New York skyline into one trip is a fairly efficient use of a September afternoon.

Walk Through Thompson Park

Thompson Park in Lincroft offers hundreds of acres of open space, trails and recreational facilities.

Walk, jog or bike the park's trails, bring a picnic or simply spend some time outside enjoying September's more comfortable weather.

The park is also home to the headquarters of the Monmouth County Park System.

Location: Lincroft

Explore Downtown Freehold

Freehold Borough offers another walkable downtown worth exploring.

Main Street and the surrounding area feature restaurants, cafés, shops and local businesses, along with a calendar of community events and entertainment.

Spend a September afternoon exploring downtown, grab dinner and see what's happening locally.

The Monmouth County Courthouse and several historic sites also reflect Freehold's long history as the county seat.

Visit a Monmouth County Farm

September is when New Jersey's farm season begins transitioning toward fall.

Farms throughout Monmouth County start offering apples, pumpkins, mums and other seasonal products, with many adding fall activities as the month progresses.

Visit a farm market, pick up some Jersey-grown produce or make an afternoon out of one of the county's agritourism destinations.

It's one of the best ways to enjoy the changing season while supporting local agriculture.

Walk the Boardwalk Without the Peak-Summer Crowds

One of September's underrated pleasures in Monmouth County is simply heading back to the Shore.

Visit Belmar, Bradley Beach, Avon-by-the-Sea, Spring Lake, Long Branch, Asbury Park or another favorite beach community.

Take a walk along the boardwalk or beachfront, grab lunch or dinner and enjoy the ocean without quite as much summer traffic.

The water doesn't disappear after Labor Day, despite what the annual migration away from the Shore might suggest.

Take a Scenic Drive Along the Bayshore

For something different from the oceanfront, explore Monmouth County's Bayshore communities.

Take a drive through places such as Atlantic Highlands, Highlands and the surrounding area, with views toward Sandy Hook, Raritan Bay and the New York skyline.

Stop in Atlantic Highlands for lunch or dinner, explore the harbor and combine your trip with nearby Hartshorne Woods Park or Sandy Hook.

Welcome Fall in Monmouth County

One of Monmouth County's greatest strengths is its variety.

You can spend the morning hiking through wooded hills, visit a historic farm or village in the afternoon, have dinner in a walkable downtown and finish the evening along the ocean.

September may mark the end of the traditional summer season, but around Monmouth County, it also begins one of the best times of year to explore.

As a local real estate professional serving Monmouth County and the surrounding area, I believe understanding a community involves more than knowing home prices and market statistics. It's also about knowing the beaches, parks, downtowns, history, attractions and local traditions that make people proud to call Monmouth County home.

Event dates, schedules, hours, admission requirements and other details are subject to change. Check directly with event organizers, parks and individual venues before making plans.