Summer in the Garden State is a wonderful time. New Jersey has it all: cities, charming small towns, stunning beaches, and glorious mountains. Many of the following destinations offer a mix of adventure, fun, and relaxation. You can hit the beach, visit an amusement park, and much more.
Atlantic City Beach
If you want to pair toes in the sand with some boardwalk excitement, head to Atlantic City. It is known for its casinos and nightlife but the city also has one of the most famous boardwalks in the country. You can enjoy souvenir shops, classic candy shops, and arcades. The mall extends out to the ocean. You don’t have to pay to access the beach and enjoy a swim in the calm water.
You don’t even have to visit a casino in Atlantic City to enjoy playing some casino games. Gambling online in New Jersey is legal, and you can use a casino app to play games, even while relaxing on the beach. Some other good beaches to visit include Sandy Hook to Cape May Point and anywhere in between.
Cape May
Cape May is one of the oldest seaside resorts in the United States, and you can park your car and rent a surrey to get around. Some of the highlights of visiting Cape May include seeing the historic Victorian architecture and exploring the Cape May Lighthouse. You can take your kids to the Cape May Zoo or let them have the Revolution Rail experience.
Going on a whale-watching tour is an exciting adventure. Even if you don’t spot whales, you are likely to see dolphins and seals. If this doesn’t appeal, you can shop at the Washington Street Mall, an outdoor venue. Stroll among shops or relax on a bench eating fudge or an ice cream. Dine at one of the seaside restaurants or spend some time surfing, fishing, or swimming at the beach.
Six Flags Great Adventure
The Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson is one of the best amusement parks in New Jersey. It has some thrilling rides that will take your breath away. The Kingda Ka is the tallest rollercoaster in the world and America’s fastest. El Toro is a wooden roller coaster that won a USA Today 10 best award in 2022. Nitro, Medusa, and Jersey Devil are other legendary rollercoasters.
The park also showcases rides inspired by DC comic characters. One of these is The Flash: Vertical Velocity. It speeds upside down about 100 feet off the ground and has a 180-degree twisted drop.
For a full waterpark immersion on the hottest summer days, you should buy a ticket for the Six Flags Hurricane Harbor. Go on the Big Wave Racer, or have some tamer fun like the wave pool or lazy river.
While your kids are busy on all the rides or in the waterpark, you may want to watch Euro 2024, the pinnacle of European soccer. You can access a sports streaming platform to get live streams of every match on your mobile device. You don’t have to miss out on the drama and excitement even if you aren’t near a TV screen.
The Delaware Water Gap
It’s best to plan summer vacation ideas like going to the Delaware Water Gap. This is a national recreation area encompassing 70,000 protected acres. The long, narrow park stretches along the New Jersey-Pennsylvania border. Most of the day-use areas are open from sunrise to sunset.
As an outdoor enthusiast, you will enjoy the park’s many hiking and biking trails. You can take a stroll on a boardwalk trail to one of the waterfalls or picnic at a swimming beach. If you enjoy watersports, you can kayak or canoe on the Delaware River.
Grounds for Sculpture
With the arrival of summer, Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton is a wonderful place to visit. The sculpture garden is 42 acres. You and your kids will enjoy meandering through the gardens and trails filled with permanent and rotating art pieces. There are regular educational events and gallery walks by exhibiting artists. Some local libraries offer free tickets. The environment is serene and the place offers several dining options, including the world-famous Rat’s Restaurant and two on-site cafes.
