World-Class Beaches, No Passport Required
For the ultimate summer getaway, enter the blissful Victorian charm of America’s first seaside resort, Cape May. Relax on world-class beaches ranked among the highest shores in the world. But keep in mind the beauty of this quintessential beach town doesn’t end with the pristine white sands.
Cape May is a National Historic Landmark boasting at least 600 “Painted Ladies” ornate Victorian buildings, elaborate mansions and awe-inspiring accommodations. It is also home to the Cape May Lighthouse, cheery red trolleys to take you to and fro, unique boutiques at Washington Street Mall and one culinary hotspot after another, like The Lobster House and The Blue Pig Tavern. Enjoy farm-to-table favorites by the forkful at Beach Plum Farm’s Summer Harvest Dinner Series through September. And there’s no better way to celebrate your stay than wine tastings at Cape May Winery & Vineyard, one of NJ’s more than 50 exemplary wineries.
Other great beach vacays await up and down Jersey’s 130 miles of stunning shore from scenic Sandy Hook to Ocean City, America’s Greatest Family Resort and The Wildwoods where you’ll be greeted by free white-sand beaches and a 38-block boardwalk.
Say Yes to the Fest & Add it to Your Trip
North to Shore, NJ’s statewide music, comedy, film, art and tech extravaganza that had us jammin’ all June in 2023 is back for 2024. Make this epic event festival part of your summer escape, and trust us, you’ll be glad you did. Once again, North to Shore is happening during three consecutive weekends in June in three of Jersey’s most amazing cities: Atlantic City, Asbury Park and Newark. And yet again, there will be performances on 100+ stages and venues featuring headlining talent from around the globe.
So, why not escape to vibrant Asbury Park, named one of the Top 25 beaches in the United States by Travel + Leisure in 2023 and experience North to Shore June 10 – 16? Or, use some PTO to get away to a luxe oceanfront casino resort in Atlantic City and indulge your festival-y side during North to Shore June 17 – 23. And if an urban escape is more your vibe, plan a getaway to Newark and be wowed by North to Shore June 23 – 30. More wows in Newark: the Newark Museum of Art and the Ironbound neighborhood, home to Spanish, Brazilian and Portuguese restaurants rated among the best in the U.S.
For more summer events and places to go that will wow up your summer, click here, then come to Jersey.
Bet On Being Dazzled in AC
Glitzy, glittery and glamorous, Atlantic City is one of NJ’s most spectacular summer vacation go-tos. When it comes to non-stop nightlife and entertainment, the choices are absolutely endless! Imagine casino hopping in legendary gaming locales like Borgata, Caesars Atlantic City, Ocean Casino Resort and Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Or dining in celebrity-chef-owned restaurants such as Hell’s Kitchen, Angeline by Michael Symon and Nobu Atlantic City which opened in 2023. Note: If you’re a big fan of Nobu as we are, you’ll also enjoy Nobu Hotel Atlantic City which opened early in 2024.
But Atlantic City isn’t all gaming. Spend your days unwinding on the free beaches or strolling the action-packed boardwalk (the nation’s first!), or give the rides and games on the Steel Pier a whirl. Get a birds-eye view of this winning city – and all its wows - as you circle near the clouds on The Wheel – Atlantic City’s newest and grandest attraction.
Add historic sites to your AC must-do list too, like climbing the 228 steps it takes to reach the top of the 171-foot Absecon Lighthouse. And for splish-splashy fun, you’ll love Island Waterpark at Showboat which made its debut in summer of 2023 and has been dubbed the largest beachfront waterpark in the world.
Go on Your Wildest Adventure Ever
If high-flying rides are your idea of a thrilling getaway, Six Flags Great Adventure & Safari, celebrating its 50th year in 2024, is the place to be. So, go ahead and ride Kingda Ka, the world’s tallest rollercoaster (and North America’s fastest!). Conquer the 4,400-foot-long wooden coaster known as El Toro, which also happens to be a #1 USA Today 10 Best Award (2022) winner. Then be a superhero and tackle DC Comics-inspired rides like the Green Lantern, Superman: Ultimate Flight and The Dark Knight Coaster.
If chilling out is more your style in the summer, Six Flags Hurricane Harbor is calling your name. Be immersed in a tropical island paradise featuring one of the world’s longest lazy rivers, over 20 water slides, water playgrounds, a million-gallon wave pool and oh-so-much more. Looking for fun that roars? Six Flag’s Wild Safari Off-Road Adventure is back for 2024. Get an up-close look at 1,200 animals from six continents, ranging from rhinos and giraffes to elephants, lions and tigers.
So, you know where to play. Now, the question is where to stay. Here’s an idea. If you’re wild about camping, take it up a notch and try glamping at Six Flags Savannah Sunset Resort and Spa, scheduled to open in June 2024. This overnight safari oasis offers modern and exotic luxury suites as well as outdoor entertainment, fire pits, a restaurant, bar, spa services, and sweeping views of the 350-acre Wild Safari (yes, the 1000+ animals, too!). Of course, you can stay at one of the many campgrounds and RV parks in the area.
Theme park lovers will also want to take American Dream, the largest indoor theme park in North America and the largest indoor water park in the Western hemisphere for a spin. And if you’re looking for triple the ahhhhhhs, our 3-Day Amusement Park Road Trip is for you.
There are soooo many reasons to visit NJ this summer or any time of year. These are just some of the wows waiting for you – whether you’re a Garden Stater, driving by car or flying into Newark Liberty International Airport or Philadelphia International Airport. As always, check with your destination before you go for the most up-to-date details. Access your free travel guide for more trip inspo and sign up for our e-newsletter too.
