When it comes to the Jersey Shore, a single beach day just won’t do.
Some might say it ’s not formally summer until you ’ve hit up the beach and boardwalk of New Jersey . With around 130 miles of coastline from Sandy Hook to Cape May , theJersey Shoreis at its point during summertime time of year , with plenty of events , outdoor concerts , and of line , boardwalk junk solid food to experience .
From a fresh open waterpark to a full concert lineup , things are about to get exciting for anyone near the Garden State . Here ’s everything cool to do at the Jersey Shore this year from the Fourth of July to Labor Day .
Beachside Events at the Jersey Shore
Fireworks atOceanfestin Long Branch ; plusWildwoodandSeaside HeightsJuly 4 , and ongoing Wednesday and FridaysVarious locationsIf you ’re extend to dive headfirst into summer , then it ’s worth doing rightfield . With Fourth of July spectacles all down the coastline , the Jersey Shore is where to see fireworks over the Atlantic . Party it up with a monumental celebration atOceanfestin Long Branch , a family - well-disposed result with everything from medicine and dance operation to solid food vendors . And if you ca n’t make it down for the fourth , you still have a chance to becharm firework displays at various shore towns all summertime long , includingFriday nights at WildwoodandWednesdays at Seaside Heights . Cost : Free
Movies on the BeachJuly 11 – Aug 29Point PleasantA favorite holiday spot for category with kids , Point Pleasant Beach has no shortfall of activity , from entertainment parking lot rides , mini golf , and an aquarium , to name a few , all located onJenkinson ’s Boardwalk . During summertime Jenksinon ’s Boardwalk hosts Movies at the Beach on Tuesday nights . It ’s the perfect excuse to extend your sidereal day by the weewee — since you must already have a comfortable mantle or professorship to sit on . This twelvemonth ’s moving-picture show lineup includesJaws , Lightyear , andTop Gun : Maverick , among others . monetary value : barren
Annual Sandcastle ContestJuly 12BelmarThe 36th Annual New Jersey Sandcastle Contest at Belmar Beach is back — though anyone intimate with the effect do it that the competition widen right smart beyond actual gumption castles . Take for illustration , last yr ’s event , where backbone sculptures encompass anything from Clifford the Big Red Dog , Spongebob SquarePants , toTillie , based on the creepy-crawly grinning nerve wall painting painted on the side of the Palace Amusements building in Asbury Park . Registration for this twelvemonth ’s consequence , which includes prizes and game , is at 8 am and judging start at noon . Participants must embark via eighteenth Avenue . Cost : Free
Ferris wheel at Atlantic City|Photo courtesy of AtlanticCityNJ.com
Island Waterparkandthe Atlantic City BoardwalkOngoingAtlantic CityDubbed “ America ’s Playground , ” Atlantic City is home to the country ’s first boardwalk , originally built in 1870 — at 5.5 miles , it also happens to be the human race ’s long . If you ’re desire to get lucky at the casinos , there ’s now another reasonableness to head to this New Jersey beach seaport with the June 30 grand opening ofIsland Waterparkat theShowboat Resort . The indoor waterpark has your classical tube slides and lazy river , but if you ’re search to squall it out , the car park also has its own zero gravitation roller coaster and zipper cable . If you want to leave the kids at home , there ’s also an adults only pool with a swimming - up bar and a DJ.Cost : From $ 69
Festival Playero : Wildwood ’s Biggest Latin Music FestivalAug 11–12WildwoodThere can never be enough summer beach party , and the Festival Playero ( Concert on the Beach ) is no exclusion . With performances by headlinersBrenda K. Starr , Raul Acosta , and salsa orchestra bandEl Gran Combo de Puerto Rico , the two - solar day event will also include Latin food and a cash bar for buy beer and wine . The celebration starts with a complain - off party on August 11 with lively music , starter , John Cash measure , and fireworks . Grab your ticketshere . Cost:$60–$200
Food at the Jersey Shore
Superfrico by SpiegelworldOngoingAtlantic CityAfter the successful debut of its Italian American Psychedelic restaurantSuperfrico in Las Vegastwo years ago , entertainment party Spiegelworld has now brought the freaky to Caesars Atlantic City Hotel & Casino with its new task , The Hook . The adults - only immersive experience is AC ’s first and only populate amusement and dining abidance . At the JerseySuperfrico , expect reimagined Italian fare like its Sin City baby spot , but with a coastal twist for menu highlights like Crab Gravy Pasta , Joyce Farms Bolognese with pappardelle and ricotta ; and Superfrico ’s signature Detroit - style pizza top with jumbo lump crab . The restaurant is located offstage of The Hook theater , where you may pick up thelive showbefore or after dinner from Wednesday through Sunday from 7 pm–9 pm . Superfrico serves dinner Wednesday through Sunday from 5 Prime Minister . Bothdinnerandtheaterreservations can be made online . Cost : Theater ticket are $ 68 . dinner party price vary .
Kohr ’s Frozen CustardOngoingSeaside HeightsAnyone who develop up going to the Jersey Shore for summer holiday remember the orange vanilla swirl bunco from Kohr ’s Frozen Custard , the iconic soft serve custard and chalk cream stand . A tradition for menage visiting the boardwalk , this sugary delight is made with eggs , cream , milk , and other ingredients and is still being roil with the original machine from when the shop opened in 1919 . Be sure to add an Orangeade to your order , squeezed from fresh orange , of course of study . price : Varies
Mogo : Korean Fusion TacosOngoingAsbury ParkWhile junk food and the Jersey Shore ordinarily go hand - in - mitt , this is not the causa at MOGO , a Korean eating house offering a specialty carte du jour that strain to offer healthier dining options . With its name translating to “ corrode ” in Korean , the fleck is a must when in Asbury Park , with high spot including the Beef Taco , made with Korean barbecue - marinated costa eye , and the soy - peppiness marinate Chicken Taco . Vegans and vegetarian can ordain the spicy soy - glazed Tofu Taco . Do n’t skip out on the Korean Doughnut for dessert , with Ceylon cinnamon and a sesame fill that ’s all decked in powdery cabbage . MOGO ’s brick and trench mortar location on Cookman Avenue is assailable class - round , though from May through September you may also visit the boardwalk emplacement , weather permitting . Cost : Varies
New Jersey Sandcastle Contest at Belmar Beach|Photo courtesy of John Walsh/Borough of Belmar, NJ
Arts & Culture at the Jersey Shore
The Stony PonyOngoingAsbury ParkConsidered the CBGB ( RIP ) ofAsbury Park , The Stone Pony made rock and roll history when Bruce Springsteen performed with the Blackberry Booze Band on September 8 , 1974 . Since then , Springsteen has made legion surprise appearances at the nearly 50 - year - old music locale , which is still very much a place to see and be seen at the Jersey Shore . In addition to class - round indoor show , The Stone Pony Summer Stagehosts larger outside concerts throughout the summer season , with performance this year from Yungblud , Incubus , the Pixies , and Modest Mouse , to name a few . Cost : Varies
Viking Village Dock TourJuly 7 – Sep 1Barnegat LightFounded as a lobster sportfishing carbon monoxide gas - op in the 1920s by Norse fishermen , Viking Village has since grown into a commercial fishing dock . The quaint fishing village will transport you back to onetime times , with lilliputian fishing shacks that have since been turned intoshopswhere you ’ll find everything from wear and fishing gearing , home interior decoration , coffee , and jewelry . In an sweat to educate the populace about the commercial-grade fishing industriousness and sustainable fishing practices , atouris given every Friday at 10 am during summer ( it ’s suggest you arrive by 9:45 am ) . And of course , be certain to stop atCassidy ’s Fish Marketon your way out for some saucily caught seafood ( likely the same Pisces you saw being roll up during your tour).Cost : Dock tour are free
Doo Wop Experience and Neon Sign GardenOngoingWildwoodSet in a former sixties eating house , at the Doo Wop Experience and Neon Sign Garden museum , learn all about Wildwood in its heyday during thedoo - wopera , with salvaged artifacts and memorabilia . An interactive exhibit search the urban center ’s Doo Wop Motels and the mid - century recourse architecture that Wildwood became known for . Fun fact : Doo Wop was a full term used to discover the futuristic architecture flair at the time , have bright colors and boomerang configuration . After sorry , stroll around the Neon Sign Garden filled with rescued items from Wildwood landmark that were slate for the wreck musket ball . extend summertime minute are Thursday through Sunday from 6 autopsy to 9:30 premier . And since you ’re already in town , go for the full experience with a halt at one of the persist vintage motels like theCaribbean Motelor theBel Air Motel . Cost : Museum entrance is free
Whole Lobster Vodka Fra Diavolo at Superfrico by Spiegelworld|Photo courtesy of Superfrico by Spiegelworld
Lucy the ElephantJuly 22MargateIf you have yet to go through the view from Lucy the Elephant ’s howdah , then you ’re miss out . Standing six stories tall , Lucy well holds the deed as the creation ’s largest elephant . Now a designated National Historic Landmark , she was make in 1881 by a real estate developer . In her early daylight , Lucy the Elephant has served as a real the three estates post , a hotel , a summertime household , and even a tap house . It was n’t until the 1970s that she officially open up for tours . A dear roadside attraction for beachgoers , there are now daily guided tours that take you up the staircase inside Lucy ’s hind branch to an undefendable melody houdah , with views of the surrounding city and the Atlantic . In July there will also be abirthday smash for Lucy , who develop her toenails painted every yr just for the occasion . While visiting , catch a raciness at new opened beach grillThe Other Lucy , just steps aside . Cost:$4–$8.50 . just the ticket for child 2 and under are free .
Underground Railroad Trolley TourOngoingCape MayThe older seaside stamping ground in the country , Cape May is known for its flowery priggish homes and quaint streets — in fact the full city was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1976 . However , it was also a part of theUnderground Railroad . Cape May was once home to abolitionist Harriet Tubman , who lived there in the other 1850s , where she puzzle out at hotel and as a Captain James Cook to help fund her Underground Railroad effort . Together with Stephen Smith , a railroad businessman and the formerly enslave person , Tubman worked with abolitionists in the area to help unblock those who were enslave escaping from the southward . The 1.5 - hour trolley spell is a chance to learn more about the duet ’s work in Cape May , stopping at sites that played an important part in the Underground Railroad . A circuit of theHarriet Tubman Museum of New Jerseycan also be combined with the trolley duty tour upon request . Reserve your trolley car tour ticketshere . Cost:$15–$25
fast StopOngoingLeonardoAt first glimpse , the Quick Stop in Leonardo looks like your average mini - mart with the stock snacks , candy , and , hem , Milk River gallons . But for Kevin Smith fans , the place might look a bit conversant , since it’sthelocation of his 1994 cult filmClerks , the low - budget comedy that revolve around ruminations of New Jersey aliveness , with the tagline , “ I see to it you , we ’re open ! ” The “ World ’s Most Famous Convenience Store ” is unquestionably worth a pit stoppage on your manner down to the shore , and all in all looks pretty much the same as it did in the movie — only now you ’ll findClerksparaphernalia . amount for the photo opps and nostalgia , and buy a snack or two for the road . And by all means , do n’t mess up with the milk . Cost : vary depending on what you buy
Lucy the Elephant|Photo courtesy of AtlanticCityNJ.com
Sandy Hook PeninsulaOngoingSandy HookSet on the northern wind of the Jersey Shore , Sandy Hook has something for everyone . The Sandy Hook Peninsula is part of theGateway National Recreation Area , with great deal of beaches ( including one that ’s clothing optional ) , along with opportunities for sportfishing , birding , and unpaid boating . One of the best ways to explore the peninsula is by bicycle along the paved 5 - geographical mile long Multi - Use Pathway , which begins at the common entry and end atFort Hancock , a former US Army fortress that was decommissioned in 1974 . The oceanside bike lead takes you past multiple historic sites , wetlands , and theSandy Hook Lighthouse , which has been in Robert William Service since 1764 — making it the old operate beacon light in the country . If you contrive to visit the beacon , it is undefendable for tours on weekends from 1 pm to 3:30pm . Cost : There ’s a$20 beach parking feefrom Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day .
