Summer in New Jersey brings lots of opportunities to experience wonderful destinations, attractions and activities. From the Delaware River to the Jersey Shore, consider us your go-to source for creating the best Garden State getaway.
But don’t wait! Take a look at these something-for-everyone ideas—and book now to enjoy your New Jersey day trip, long weekend or vacation this summer.
The World-Famous Jersey Shore Awaits
Nothing celebrates summer vibes quite like days and nights at the incredible Jersey Shore. Spanning 130 miles of captivating Atlantic coastline and over 60 designated beaches, New Jersey is home to endless oceanside adventures. Enjoy Atlantic City’s thrilling casinos, award-winning restaurants and amazing nightlife. Explore Sandy Hook featuring acres upon acres of endless recreation, a beckoning lighthouse and a fascinating 250-year-old fort. Get into the groove with the eclectic music, murals and arts of Asbury Park. Stroll, shop and stay in breathtaking Cape May with gingerbread Victorian appeal on our southernmost tip. Discover these —and so many points in between—each with its own personality.
Beaches, Boardwalks & (Sand) Buckets of Fun
Dig up treasured, white-sand beaches, beautiful barrier islands, bays and charming towns that provide an ideal setting for a multitude of diverse pursuits. Families return year after year to the attractions and beauty of Long Beach Island, or LBI, as the locals know it and stay for weeks at a time. Love water sports? Surfers and boogie boarders spend the summer riding in some of New Jersey’s finest waves at Long Branch, Brigantine and Manasquan. (Newbies welcome in Belmar, at Summertime Surf’s surfing camps and surfing and paddling lessons...other locations too.) Anglers have plenty to do in the waters of Island Beach State Park. And, of course, there’s nothing quite as relaxing as just sticking your toes in the sand under an umbrella in Avalon and Ocean Grove.
In 1870, Atlantic City rolled out what is now known as the oldest and longest boardwalk in New Jersey. Since that time, strolling the “boards” has become a well-known (and loved) New Jersey pastime. You can join in—and enjoy the rides, water parks, mini golf, games and iconic boardwalk treats—at places such as Seaside Heights, Point Pleasant Beach, Ocean City, Atlantic City and the Wildwoods. Of course, there’s lots more to explore “Down the Shore.” Dive into New Jersey’s three Shore Regions (Shore, Greater Atlantic City and Southern Shore) to learn all about our amazing beach destinations to find the ones that are perfect for you!
Local Hotspots and Highlights
Spend the summer connecting with the great outdoors. Pick from visits to peaceful gardens and arboretums to truly wild escapades you’ll talk about for years to come. At Six Flags Great Adventure (Jackson), ride family-friendly and thrill attractions, including the Jersey Devil Coaster, the world's tallest, fastest, longest single rail coaster, reaching screaming speeds up to 58 mph.
Embark on the Wild Safari Drive-Thru Adventure, an exhilarating, interactive expedition right in your own vehicle. Traversing the 350-acre preserve, spot as many interesting and exotic animals as you can. They total 1,200 creatures from six continents, including elephants, rhinos, tigers, giraffes and lions! And don’t forget Hurricane Harbor water park next door.
The NJ Division of Parks & Forestry runs dozens of state parks, forests, recreation areas and historic sites. They’re amazing backdrops for immersing yourself firsthand into our natural and historic world. And did you know the National Park Service manages a number of its units here in New Jersey? Hit our 72-mile stretch of the Appalachian Trail from High Point State Park (Sussex), Stokes State Forest (Branchville), Wawayanda State Park (Hewitt) and Worthington State Forest (Columbia).
Worked up an appetite? Sample our state’s distinctive and diverse food and beverage culture. New Jersey restaurants span local and global cuisines and serve up favorite summertime fare. On the Anthony Bourdain Food Trail, trace Bourdain’s culinary roots, with ten stops covering Fort Lee to Camden. Complement your meals with beer, wine, cocktails and spirits like those from our ever-expanding range of breweries, wineries/vineyards and distilleries.
And if fun is what you’re driving at, make your journey to New Jersey even more exciting with road trips including American Revolution, Black Heritage and Scenic Byways. Our itineraries include stops at all of New Jersey’s top spots.
Festivals, Fairs and Happenings
Savor the state’s flavors, vibrant colors and much more at summer festivals and fairs throughout New Jersey’s six regions. From fun foodie fests to jazzy music fairs, you’ll find an abundance of ideas your family will love. New Jersey is the place to be for all types of summer events. Keep checking our event calendar for an updated list of possibilities.
Sleep Over—and Experience Everything You Can
The longer you stay, the more you'll get to see of our extraordinary state. Choose from an array of unique accommodations, including dreamy Victorian bed and breakfasts, chic casino resorts and hotels, vibrantly vintage Doo-Wop motels, beach house rentals and tranquil campsites, cabins and cottages.
Summer will be here before you know it, so start planning and book now! You’ll find plenty of additional New Jersey trip ideas at visitnj.org. Be sure to download or request your free NJ travel guide and sign up for e-news from New Jersey Travel and Tourism, too.
Wherever you’re visiting, we encourage checking ahead for the latest updates, availability and hours. And, of course, keep aware of current official travel guidelines.
Skip to main content
