By Amanda McCoy
Each shore burb along the state’s 127 miles of coastline and numerous bays always had its own rules and fees. This year, some have changed, more have been added, and alterations are being made as we write. Boardwalk rides began opening July 2, but staffing issues could impact availability. To make the most of your day(s) at the beach, check out news and notifications on individual websites the day before your trek for the latest updates.
New Jersey Amusement Association: 732.240.0000, njamusements.com
ASBURY PARK: cityofasburypark.com; apboardwalk.com
ATLANTIC CITY: cityofatlanticcity.com; atlanticcitynj.com
ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS: ahnj.com
AVALON: avalonboro.net; visitavalonnj.com
AVON-BY-THE-SEA: avonbytheseanj.com
BAY HEAD: bayheadnj.org
BELMAR: belmar.com; visitbelmarnj.com
BRADLEY BEACH: bradleybeachnj.gov
BRIGANTINE: brigantinebeach.org; brigantinebeachguide.com
CAPE MAY: capemay.com; capemaymac.org
HIGHLANDS: highlandsborough.org; highlandsnj.com
KEYPORT: keyportonline.com; visitkeyport.org
LONG BEACH ISLAND: visitnj.org/ city/long-beach-island
LONG BRANCH: longbranch.org
MANASQUAN: manasquan-nj.gov
MARGATE: margate-nj.com
OCEAN CITY: ocnj.us; oceancityvacation.com
OCEAN GROVE: oceangrovenj.com; oceangrove.org
POINT PLEASANT BEACH: pointpleasantbeach.org
SEA BRIGHT: seabrightnj.org
SEA ISLE CITY: sea-isle-city.nj.us; visitsicnj.com
SEASIDE HEIGHTS: seasideheightsnj.org; exit82.com
SEASIDE PARK: seasideparknj.org; seasideparknj.com
SPRING LAKE: springlakeboro.org; springlake.org
STONE HARBOR: stoneharbornj.org; stoneharborbeach.com
THE WILDWOODS: wildwoodsnj.com; wildwoods.org
DISCOVER 21 COUNTIES OF FUN
County parks come in all types and sizes, with a wealth of active and passive recreational offerings in all categories. Trail and park maps, activities, historic sites, and more suit every taste and physical ability. Your ticket to zoos, golf courses, tennis, pickleball, water activities and tours, beaches, environmental centers, sports, and biking and hiking trails (for starters) awaits.
ATLANTIC COUNTY: atlantic-county.org/parks
BERGEN COUNTY: co.bergen.nj.us/ departments-and-services/parks
BURLINGTON COUNTY: co.burlington. nj.us/235/parks
CAMDEN COUNTY: camdencounty.com/service/parks
CAPE MAY COUNTY: capemaycountynj.gov/493/activitiesrecreation
CUMBERLAND COUNTY: cumberlandcountywebsite.com
ESSEX COUNTY: essexcountyparks.org
GLOUCESTER COUNTY: gloucestercountynj.gov/depts/parks
HUDSON COUNTY: hudsoncountynj.org/park-events
HUNTERDON COUNTY: co.hunterdon.nj.us/depts/parks
MERCER COUNTY: mercercountyparks.org
MIDDLESEX COUNTY: middlesexcountynj.gov/government/ departments/parks
MONMOUTH COUNTY: monmouthcountyparks.com
MORRIS COUNTY: morrisparks.net
OCEAN COUNTY: ocparks.co.ocean.nj.us
PASSAIC COUNTY: passaiccountynj.org/passaic_county_park
SALEM COUNTY: visitsalemcountynj.com/things-to-do/parks
SOMERSET COUNTY: somersetcountyparks.org
SUSSEX COUNTY: sussexcountywebsite.com/parks
UNION COUNTY: ucnj.org/parks
WARREN COUNTY: warrenparks.com
FARMERS MARKETS/PICK YOUR OWN FARM & ORCHARDS
They don’t call Jersey the Garden State for nothing. If you’ve never visited a farmers market, country store, or engaged in the joys of pickyour-own produce, this is your year.
THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Your go-to for agri-tourism activities, events, and recipes from Garden State chefs. findjerseyfresh.com
GROWN IN MONMOUTH
Extensive directories for nurseries, garden centers, farmers markets, wineries/ breweries/distilleries, produce distributors, and equine locations with maps and links. Sign up for announcements. growninmonmouth.com
GARDEN STATE WINE GROWERS
For locations and information, visit newjerseywines.com
2020 EDIBLE JERSEY FARMERS MARKET GUIDE – Comprehensive listings by county, visit ediblejersey.ediblecommunities.com For the freshest off the tree and vine Visit pickyourown.org/nj
FEDERAL & STATE PARKS, LAKES
ALLAIRE VILLAGE, ALLAIRE STATE PARK, WALL
A riverside mid-1800s iron producing town of 13 buildings and habitat for over 200 species of wildflowers, trees, plants, birds, and other wildlife. Hikers, bikers, and horseback riders enjoy the park’s many trails. state.nj.us/dep/ parksandforests/parks/allaire
CHEESEQUAKE
Just off the Garden State Parkway, this surprising natural oasis lies in a transitional zone between two different ecosystems. Enjoy open fields, saltwater and freshwater marshes, a cedar swamp, trails, camping, a hardwood forest, and a lake with a beach. state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/cheesequake
ISLAND BEACH STATE PARK
A barrier island stretching for ten miles between the Atlantic Ocean and Barnegat Bay. Over 3,000 acres of coastal dunes remain almost untouched since Henry Hudson first found it from his ship, the Half Moon, in 1609. A great beach and birding spot. state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/ parks/island.html
LAKE HOPATCONG
Nine miles in length with 2,500 acres of freshwater, the stunningly scenic Hopatcong State Park, originally created as part of the Morris Canal, is a popular spot for fishing, boating, picnicking, and swimming. state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/ parks/hopatcong.html
ROUND VALLEY
The waters, beach, wilderness camping, and scenery of Round Valley Reservoir attract swimmers, boaters, fishermen, picnickers, and campers. Stocked with trout, it covers over 2,000 acres and is the deepest lake in New Jersey at 180 feet. state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/ parks/round.html
WHARTON STATE FOREST/ BATSTO VILLAGE, HAMMONTON
A 1766 settlement that produced items for the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War sits along the Batsto River in the Pinelands. Marvel at the mansion, sawmill, general store, cottages, nature center, and museum in the Visitors Center. batstovillage.org
SANDY HOOK
The rule here is to arrive before it closes due to capacity, usually before 10 a.m. in season. The large slip of land between Raritan Bay and the Atlantic Ocean is officially part of the Gateway National Recreation Area and boasts a rich history, from Native Americans to a U.S military installation. Today it is a favorite of windsurfers, swimmers, campers, bikers, and everyone who appreciates its maritime vibe. nps.gov/gate/planyourvisit/ sandy-hook-hours.htm
MARINAS, CHARTER BOATS, WATER EXCURSIONS
With restrictions lifted on the number of anglers permitted on charter, party, and head boats, this critical industry, along with related businesses including bait and tackle shops, is again plying the seas. Fleets can be found from the Atlantic Highlands down to Belmar, Brielle, Point Pleasant, Barnegat, Sea Isle City, Ocean City, Cape May, and Fortesque on the Delaware Bay.
Learn more: njfishing.com, state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/marinas, funnewjersey.com, and fishingbooker.com, as well as the municipal websites of your preferred boating town.
River and ocean cruises on paddlewheelers, ferries, tour boats, and dining cruises more your speed? A few of our favorites:
Asbury Park Pedal Boats on Deal Lake: asburyparkpedalboats.com
Atlantic City Cruises: atlanticcitycruises.com Big Blue Cruiser/Whale
Watcher, Wildwood: bigbluesightseer.com Classic Boat Rides, Atlantic Highlands: classicboatrides.com
Manasquan Reservoir Boat Tours, Howell: monmouthcountyparks.com
Pirate Adventures Jersey Shore, Brick: jerseyshorepirates.com
River Lady Cruises, Toms River: riverlady.com Spirit of Cape May: spiritofcapemay.com
Tuckerton Seaport/Beach Haven Ferry: tuckertonseaport.org/waterferry
WANT MORE?
Audubon Society (birding)
audubon.org/news/birding-new-jersey
Crabbing
new-jersey-leisure-guide.com/crabbing
Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge
fws.gov/refuge/edwin_b_ forsythe
Great Adventure
Reservations must be made in advance. sixflags.com
New Jersey Campground Owners Association
Complete guide to the state’s camping destinations by region. campnj.com
The First Tee – Golf lessons at chapters throughout the state. firsttee.org
DRIVE-INS
America’s first motion picture drive-in opened in 1933 in Pennsauken. Today, there is only one permanent drive-in operating the Delsea in Vineland, Cumberland County. An ample menu of food, sweets, and beverages is available. delseadrive-in.com
Others have been “popping up” around the state, some run by municipalities like Brick and Jackson, both in Ocean County, and Sayreville in Middlesex County. Be sure to check times and more, as some require advance ticket purchases and registration.
DEMAREST FARMS, HILLSDALE, BERGEN COUNTY
The popular farmers market is running movies through the summer and possibly beyond. A concession stand is available. Cars: $25. demarestfarms.Com
SONIC, MIDDLETOWN
Films are shown nightly at 9:30 p.m. at this fast food spot. locations.sonicdrivein.com/nj/middletown/1511-highway
ATLANTIC CITY
Plans were evolving at press time as the city’s nine casinos began opening July 2 after being shuttered for 108 days; the longest Atlantic City has gone without operational casinos since legal gambling began in 1978. Special room rates, free parking, expanded outdoor dining, and more of what makes AC electric are fervently being promoted and enhanced where possible.
Plexiglass is installed where employee/guest interactions take place including table games, social distancing will be enforced, and enhanced cleaning is considerable. Players’ perks were extended and/ or enhanced. Among the properties announcing notable specifics were:
HARD ROCK’S “SAFE AND SOUND” PROTOCOLS
Points of entry will be limited. All guests and employees will have their temperature taken via thermal imaging. Face coverings are mandatory except when eating or drinking. Masks will be provided if needed, and hand sanitizer dispensers will be placed in all high-traffic areas. The venue has purchased over 1,000 air filters to increase air quality and circulation. Guests are required to adhere to one vacant position between slot machines and table games. There will be an overall 50 percent reduction in guest capacity throughout the casino. Guests must be 21 to visit the property unless they have a hotel or restaurant reservation.
hardrockhotelatlanticcity.com
OCEAN RESORT
The sheer size of the city’s largest casino/hotel and its surrounding grounds offers more space to roam and distance. Takeout dining is offered at several eateries. The new Frosé Coffee Bar is open for to-go, while outdoor bar areas are now located adjacent to the hotel lobby, Sky Garden, pools, and the Boardwalk. Outside, the Sky Garden offers over three acres of outdoor space overlooking the ocean with fire pits, picnic tables, and seating. Three pools are open, and the Exhale Spa will be open daily. theoceanac.com
RESORTS
Atlantic City’s first casino resort, opened more than 40 years ago, calls its plan “Play Safe, Work Safe.” Safety initiatives include mobile express check in and check out, social distancing throughout the property, and hand sanitizer stations and hand wipes readily available. Team members are undergoing mandatory health screenings and temperature checks and have been trained on the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and industry-wide health and safety protocols.
State-of-the-art Focused Multivector Ultraviolet (FMUV) light technology from PurpleSun is being installed. “PurpleSun’s mobile FMUV light technology ensures our sanitization process is one of the best in the gaming industry,” said Mark Giannantonio, Resorts’ president and CEO, noting the same technology is used at some of the country’s top healthcare institutions such as Hackensack Meridian Health and Northwell Health. resortsac.com
