SUMMER HAS ARRIVED AND NEW JERSEY’S BEACHES, ATTRACTIONS, PARKS, AND SEASONAL WONDERS ARE SPRUCED UP AND READY TO WELCOME YOU BACK! THE NEW JERSEY DIVISION OF TRAVEL & TOURISM WEBSITE VISITNJ.ORG IN ADDITION TO THE SITES BELOW IS A STELLAR, INFO-RICH RESOURCE TO REFERENCE WHEN MAKING ALL YOUR GRAND SUMMER PLANS
BY LAURA D.C. KOLNOSKI
BEACHES AND BOARDWALKS
Each town along the state’s 127-mile coastline has its own personality, amenities, events, rules, and fees. Some don’t allow coolers on the sand, and two Atlantic City and Wildwood have free beach entry. Get your knowledge on to create your best shore experience.
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: seaside-heightsnj.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
COUNTY PARKS
The state’s county parks are experiencing record numbers of visitors. A vast array of active and passive recreational options can be found via the links below.
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/activities-recreation
Cumberland County: cumberlandcountywesite.com
GOLF
Public, private, semi-private, county the Garden State is full of lush green golf courses. To see them on a map, visit golfingnewjersey.com. Need a directory? Njgolf.com has that, and everything you need to know, including deals, packages, events, and more.
When it comes to mini golf, the state has many beyond those on the boardwalks, with all kinds of fun and wacky twists on the game. For a sampling, visit funnewjersey.com and bestofnj.com.
GET FRESH: FARMERS MARKETS & ORCHARDS
The New Jersey Department of Agriculture – Find agritourism activities, pick your own fruits and veggies locations, and recipes from Garden State chefs. Findjerseyfresh.com, pickyourown.org/NJ
Garden State Wine Growers Locations and information. Newjerseywines.com
Grown in Monmouth – Complete directory for nurseries, garden centers, farmers markets, wineries/ breweries/distilleries, produce distributors, and equine locations. Growninmonmouth.com
BREWERIES, DISTILLERIES, & WINERIES
newjerseycraftbeer.com Updated info, listings by county, and an interactive map.
visitnj.org lists breweries and craft beer locations by company name.
brewersguildnj.com Member listings and industry information.
newjerseywines.com has the scoop on tasting events, wine trails, live music, food options, and more from the Garden State Winegrowers Association
NATIONAL & STATE PARKS
Alliare Village, Allaire State Park, Wall state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/allaire
Cheesequake Park and Lake state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/cheesequake
Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge fws.gov/refuge/edwin_b_forsythe
Island Beach State Park state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/island.html
Lake Hopatcong state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/hopatcong.html
Round Valley state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/ round.html
Wharton State Forest/Batsto Village Hammonton Batstovillage.org
Sandy Hook/ Gateway National Recreation Area nps.gov/gate/planyourvisit/sandyhook-hours.htm
Spruce Run state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/spruce.html
For Happy Campers – The New Jersey Campground Owners Association has a complete guide to the state’s camping destinations by region. campnj.com
MARINAS, CHARTERS, PARTY BOATS, EXCURSIONS
The state’s fishing fleets and marinas provide all manner of watercraft, fishing and sightseeing trips, and nautical fun, including a treasured New Jersey tradition – crabbing. Find yours at: njfishing.com, state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/marinas, njboating.org, and fishingbooker.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
Manutti Municipal Marina, Belmar: belmarmanuttimarina.com
Pirate Adventures Jersey Shore, Brick: jerseyshorepirates.com
River Lady Cruises, Toms River: riverlady.com
Seastreak, Atlantic Highlands/ Highlands: seastreak.com
Spirit of Cape May: spiritofcapemay.com
LOVELY LAKES
Atsion Lake & Recreation Area, Hammonton Bestofnj.com/best-nj-lakes
Island Beach, Mountain Lakes bestofmountainlakes.com, Facebook
Lake Absegami, Tuckerton bestofnj.com/best-nj-lakes
Lake Marcia, High Point State Park, Sussex bestofnj.com/best-nj-lakes
Shepherd Lake, Ringwood bestofnj.com/best-nj-lakes
Spruce Run Recreation Area, Clinton visitnj.org/nj-all-beaches/spruce-runrecreation-area Stateparks.com/spruce_run_state_park
Swartswood Lake, Stillwater and Hampton Townships bestofnj.com/best-nj-lakes
Round Valley Recreation Area, Lebanon njparksandforests.org/parks/round
OFF THE BOARDS
Cape May
In addition to the beach and famous lighthouse, New Jersey’s Victorian showcase resumes welcoming visitors for a variety of trolley, golf cart, house, boat, walking, and ghost tours, all sponsored by the Cape May MidAtlantic Center for the Arts. A Craft and Collectible Show is scheduled for June 6, and the Gardens of Cape May Tour takes place June 12. The Craft Beer, Music & Crab is on for August 14. Capemaymac.org
Diggerland
Drive, ride, and operate specially engineered real construction-themed heavy machinery at this increasingly popular attraction that also includes a water park, rope course, rock wall, food, and special events. Birthday parties and group events can also be booked. 856.768.1110, 100 Pinedge Dr., West Berlin, diggerlandusa.com
Grounds for Sculpture
Stroll 42 acres of lush grounds graced with nearly 300 works of art. Advance timed ticket reservations required. The indoor museum recently reopened its doors, and the delightful Rat’s Restaurant and outdoor Van Gogh Café are open. 80 Sculptors Way, Hamilton, 609.586.0616, groundsforsculpture.org
Land of Make Believe
Rides for all ages, a water park, live farm animals, an arcade, boardwalk games, an Off Road Safari Adventure, food, and more, all located on a former dairy farm. Family operated since 1954. 908.459.9000, 354 Great Meadows Road, Hope, lomb.com
Monmouth Park Racetrack
Thoroughbred horse racing at an historic venue with mini golf, picnic areas, and the Blu Grotto restaurant and Beer Garden. 175 Oceanport Ave., Oceanport, monmouthpark.com
Mountain Creek
Open four seasons, summer offers a waterpark, bike park, the Appalachian Lodge Resort, zip tours, golf, Treescape Aerial Adventure Park, and dining options. 973.827.2000, 200 Rt. 94, Vernon Twp., mountaincreek.com
Rail Trails
New Jersey now has 54 total rail trails covering 334 miles for walking, biking, and enjoying nature. Some of the former railroad tracks converted to paved pathways traverse several towns. New Jersey’s ultimate rail trail experience awaits at the Garrett Family Preserve near Cape May, where rail bikes allow riders to pedal along actual, inactive railroad tracks on a specialized conveyance past creeks and salt marshes, and through wildflower fields where wildlife abound. Traillink.com/state/nj-trails, railstotrails.org, NJhiking.com/ njbike-trail, seashorelines.org
Six Flags Great Adventure
The drive-through animal safari and theme park are open with safety protocols. Pre-visit reservations are required. The new Jersey Devil roller coaster opens this year. 1 Six Flags Boulevard, Jackson Township, 732.928.2000, sixflags.com/ greatadventure
Storybook Land
Family owned since 1955, the award winning 20-acre amusement park for the young and young at heart is meticulously maintained and offers myriad attractions. Walk through nursery rhymes and classic fairy tales, picnic, visit the water play area, and make memories. Pre-registration required. 6415 E. Black Horse Pike, Egg Harbor Twp., 609.646.0103, storybookland.com
Sussex County Fair
37 Plains Road, Augusta August 7–14. Carnival rides, games, and attractions, live performances, 4H exhibits, and a horse show. sussexcountyfairgrounds.org
The Nature Conservancy
The Conservancy, a worldwide environmental organization, maintains five nature preserves in New Jersey spanning north to south. Walk miles of trails through myriad ecosystems marveling at birds, wildlife, views, and acres of trees, shrubs, and flowers. nature.org/newjersey.
The Wetlands Institute
Outdoor programming has resumed at the acclaimed nature facility on South Jersey’s Seven Mile Island. Its 6,000 acres of protected wetlands serves as a living laboratory for education, conservation, events, research, and natural beauty. 609.368.1211, 1075 Stone Harbor Blvd., wetlandsinstitute.org
Tuckerton Seaport & Baymen’s Museum
The restored 40-acre historic maritime village along a boardwalk on a tributary of Pohatcong Lake recently reopened with safety protocols and requirements. Gain a wealth of knowledge about the area’s rich maritime history from local experts. 120 West Main Street (Rt. 9), Tuckerton. 609.296.8868, tuckertonseaport.org
MUSIC, THEATER, FESTIVALS
Concerts on the Green Presented by Count Basie Center for the Arts, live shows are scheduled through August at an historic golf course that was once part of a former U.S. Army base. Performances include Judy Collins (June 16), The Indigo Girls (June 22 & 23), Max Weinberg’s Jukebox (July 16 & 17), and Pink Martini (Aug. 13). Tickets available only via Ticketmaster. Health and safety protocols will be enforced. Suneagles Golf Course, 2000 Lowther Dr., Eatontown. thebasie.org, ticketmaster.com
Concerts in Palmer Square Presented by McCarter Theatre
From 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Sundays through June 30, family-friendly, free outdoor live concerts will feature professional musical performances in varied genres. Food and drink vendors, too. 3 Palmer Square, Princeton, mccarter.org/palmersquare
Drive-in Concert Series Presented by the Mayo Performing Arts Center
The Jersey Tenors, The Nerds, and The Sensational Soul Cruisers are among the six performances scheduled June 17–August 19 at Fosterfields Living History Farm, 73 Kahdena Road, Morristown, mayoarts.org
“Up On the Roof” Presented by the Axelrod Performing Arts Center and Asbury Boardwalk redeveloper Madison Marquette.
The Vogel Concert Series, running through August 25, takes place on rooftop space at Bell Works in Holmdel, and at the Arthur Pryor Bandshell, recently restored above the Asbury Park Boardwalk. Performers, some from Broadway, include Constantine Maroulis, The Wicked Divas, the Doo Wop Project, and Ace Young & Diana DeGarmo. Axelrodartscenter.com
Wings & Things Arts and Crafts Festival.
Live music, vendors, activities, demonstrations, food, and fun. June 26, Naval Air Station, Wildwood Aviation Museum, 500 Forrestal Rd., Rio Grande. usnasw.org, Facebook
ATLANTIC CITY
Lucky Snake
Headline News: Showboat presents Lucky Snake, a 100,000 square foot arcade on the hotel’s former casino floor. A planned phased opening also will debut a large sports bar with an e-sports section, a boxing ring, performance stages, a speakeasy, and a $100 million indoor water park. showboathotelac.com
The Beach Bars are Open!
The city’s wildly popular oceanfront beach bars are again rockin’ with live music, DJs, new menus, and the chance to day party on the sand. Visit these casino/hotel websites for entertainment calendars at Resorts’ Margaritaville Landshark, the Chelsea, (across from the Tropicana), Bally’s Beach Bar, the Hard Rock, Borgata’s Beer Garden, and the Deck at the Golden Nugget on Farley Marina.
Atlantic City Beer and Music Festival Presented by Caesar’s Entertainment and Good Time Tricycle Productions.
Relocated to Bader Field airport from its indoor location at the boardwalk’s Convention Hall, this marquee event is celebrating 15 years. Three sessions are scheduled Friday, June 4 through Saturday, June 5. The focus is on craft beer, with almost 400 varieties presented and 100 breweries represented. Pair cuisine from area restaurants and take part in demonstrations, seminars, contests, an arcade, and vendors. Set to perform are bands The Early November, Less than Jake, and Face to Face. acbeerfest.com
CASINO CONNECTIONS
Bally’s
609.340.2000, 1900 Pacific Ave., caesars.com/bally’s
Borgata/Water Club
609.317.1000, 1 Borgata Way, theborgata.com
Caesar’s
609.348.4411, 2100 Pacific Ave. & Boardwalk, caesars.com
Golden Nugget
609.441.2000, 600 Huron Ave., goldennugget.com/atlantic-city
Hard Rock
609.449.1000, 1000 Boardwalk, hardrockhotels.com/atlantic-city
Harrah’s
609.441.5000, 777 Harrah’s Blvd., caesars.com/harrahs
Ocean Resort
866.506.2326, 500 Boardwalk, theoceanac.com
Resorts
800.334.6378, 1133 Boardwalk, resortsac.com
Tropicana
609.340.4000, 2831 Boardwalk, tropicana.net
