Winter in New Jersey can seem long and dreadful, but once summer knocks on the door, the state lights up as a hub of excitement throughout all the summer months. You can find anything from family-friendly beaches and thrilling amusement parks, to vibrant music festivals and outdoor adventure activities, making the Garden State, which locals like to refer to New Jersey as, the place to be this summer.
A beach getaway: Fun in the sun
The famous Jersey shore which the long New Jersey shoreline is known as, is a classic summer destination stretching over 130 miles. The coastline has pristine beaches, charming boardwalks, and various water activities, making it the ultimate destination for some fun in the sun. Atlantic City Beach is the prime destination. Both widely known for the vibrant boardwalk and casinos, the area also boosts family-friendly beaches, where you can either relax in the sun or engage in water sports including surfing, paddleboarding, and jet skiing.
Cape May is another place which is perfect if you are looking for a tranquil experience. The town, with its Victorian-style and beautiful details, is known for its picturesque beaches, dolphin-watching tours, and the famous Cape May Lighthouse. If you are looking for something fun for the family, Ocean City is the best choice. With safe beaches and a boardwalk full of amusements, shops, and eateries, it is the place to be!
Amusement parks: Thrills that never gets old
New Jersey is famous for hosting some of the best amusement parks of the East Coast. This makes it the perfect destination for any thrill-seeker, regardless of age. Six Flags Great Adventure is located in Jackson Township and is one of the most famous amusement parks. With some of the world’s most exhilarating roller coasters, including the tallest coaster in the world, Kingda Ka, it is the best place to be for a thrilling day. The adjacent water park is also a popular spot for hot days, where the wave pools, lazy rivers, and thrilling water slides can cool you down.
If you want to try a funny combination with a more aquatic nature, Jenkinson’s Boardwalk and Amusement Park is a great choice. Here you will find a combination of traditional amusement park rides with an aquarium, minigolf, arcades, and a fun house. All these activities, combined with the seaside location, make it a perfect daily activity.
Online casino: Game from the comfort of your home
Besides all the fun in-person entertainment options, the state can also offer various online entertainment platforms. One such is the many online casinos listed here which offer a large variety of games, from poker and roulette, to slots and live dealer games. Online casinos are perfect for a day at home, where you can get access to the thrill of a casino from the convenience of your own home.
One reason online casinos in New Jersey are so attractive is the variety of payment methods available. With options such as credit cards, debit cards, e-wallets, and even cryptocurrencies, you can find a payment method which suits your needs.
Nature escapes: Parks and outdoor activities
If you are looking for the tranquility of nature, then New Jersey has many parks, hiking trails, and outdoor activities. Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts. With over 70,000 acres of forests, mountains, and rivers, it is the ideal location if you are looking for hiking, fishing, and kayaking opportunities. A famous spot is the Appalachian Trail, which runs through the areas and provides breathtaking views of the landscape.
You can also visit Island Beach State Park, located closer to the shore. It is a barrier island park, which is perfect for a quiet day of swimming, birdwatching, or picnicking. You can also visit Pine Barrens, which is a vast area of forest and wetlands, being the perfect location for canoeing, hiking, and wildlife spotting.
Music festivals: Let music into your summer
If you are a music lover, then New Jersey is the place to be in the summer, since the state offers a diverse range of music festivals. The Sea.Hear.Now Festival, which takes place in Asbury Park, has the Atlantic Ocean as its backdrop, making it an aesthetically pleasing experience to go to. The two-day festival offers various famous and up-and-coming artists across multiple stages. But it is not only about music: The festival includes art installation, surf demonstrations, and food vendors, which creates a vibrant and immersive experience.
The XPoNential Music Festival in Camden is a festival hosted by WXPN radio and is famous for its eclectic lineup covering genres from indie rock to folk and alternative. Combined with the great music, the festival is also located along the Delaware River, which offers a scenic setting.
Concluding remarks
There is no doubt that New Jersey is the place to be over summer. Besides all the mentioned activities and ideas, the state also has a vast variety of culinary experiences and cultural festivals, making it a destination perfect for anyone looking to be active and enjoy life during summer 2024.
About the Author/s
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.
