BOARDWALKS
Exploring the beachside boardwalks is an excellent way to get outdoors and take in some fresh spring air. Along with sweeping views of the crashing ocean waves, many boardwalks also feature retail shops, restaurants and family-friendly attractions. Stroll the boardwalk in Asbury Park, the boardwalks at the Jersey Cape, or for the oldest and most famous of them all, visit the Atlantic City Boardwalk, built in 1870.
BOTANICAL GARDENS
Inhale the sweetness of spring as you leisurely roam through one of New Jersey’s fragrant flower gardens. With 96 acres of specialty gardens surrounded by 1,000 acres of woodlands, the New Jersey Botanical Gardens at Ringwood State Park features fanciful collections of peonies, lilacs, azaleas, wildflowers, magnolias and more. At Rutgers Gardens in North Brunswick, explore the trails that wind through a shady bamboo grove, past thickets of mature holly bushes and alongside functional water features. During late spring in Upper Montclair, catch the pinnacle of flower season at Essex County Presby Memorial Iris Gardens, the largest public iris garden in the United States, where more than 14,000 irises produce over 100,000 blooms that can be seen in mid-May through the first week of June.
FESTIVALS
Once the warmer weather starts rolling in, it seems like there are plenty of reasons to celebrate. In March, party in Irish tradition with one of the many St. Patrick’s Day parades throughout the state or go on a culture trip with the Garden State Film Festival in Asbury Park. In April, see the cherry blossoms in bloom at the Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival in Newark or enjoy a lively art and food scene at the annual Shad Fest in Lambertville. Music fans will want to hit the Exit Zero Jazz Festival in Cape May in May. Check our events calendar for even more festivities.
FARMER’S MARKETS
Experience the bounty of New Jersey’s agricultural community by perusing locally grown produce and handmade goods at one of the many farmer’s markets. A staple for more than 70 years, the Berlin Farmer’s Market is one of the east coast’s largest and oldest indoor/outdoor markets, touting more than 700 vendors selling everything from fresh baked goods to specialty candy to blooming plants.
NATURE AREAS
From wildlife conservation areas to public parks, there are plenty of things to do in New Jersey if you’re craving some time in the great outdoors. Get a spectacular view of the Manhattan skyline from Liberty State Park in Jersey City. Hike the wooded trails at Campgaw Mountain Reservation in Mahwah. Spot wildlife in Westampton at Rancocas State Park, or go birding in Newton at Kittatinny Valley State Park.
Savvy Spring Sojourns: As always, we recommend checking out the official website or social media pages for the attraction you want to visit to ensure you have all the latest details.
