Actually cool ideas for a PERFECT New Jersey summer (2023)

There are a ton of activities and places and I’m about to give you some awesome picks to check out for New Jersey Summer 2023. If you’re in need for inspiration for fun things to do in Jersey, you found the best guide yet. And check back from time to time as this list isn’t static and it will keep on growing as I discover more and more cool spots.

As everyone is itching to get out of the house, I’ve done the homework on cool activities in this state. So get ready for the perfect New Jersey summer! At the bottom of this post, you’ll find a map to save with all these places already pinned for you.

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New Jersey has been my home for a very long time. It has been everyone’s home for a long time but no one’s first choice of a travel destination. People move to New Jersey to have a good suburban life but forget to explore its beauty. However, I think you’re crazy if you can’t find cool things to do in New Jersey, especially in the summer!

New Jersey Summer Activities

Jersey Shore

Would I even be from Jersey if I didn’t start my list with the Jersey Shore? Don’t be fooled though. The chances of finding me in Seaside Heights or Wildwood are non-existent. There are much much better beaches and boardwalks than those infamous places. You can also find multiple things to do at the Jersey Shore aside from beach lounging. Keep in mind that there are MANY awesome beaches but here, I’m just going to highlight a couple.

There is no New Jersey summer without visiting the shore so here is a North to South of my favorite Jersey shore spots:

Sandy Hook

Sandy Hook is at the top of my list because it’s not only a beach but also a National Recreation Area. It’s a gated long strip of a park/activity area that costs $20 per car between Memorial and Labor Day (beach parking only). Outside those times it’s free. There are multiple parking lots and depending on the time of the area, these get crowded pretty quickly.

My favorite part about this park is the long bike path. If you’re only there for biking and using the bike parking lot, you don’t have to pay to enter. Renting a bike is easy too, there is a shop on site. Another neat thing about the area is that at each parking lot, you can find tools if your bike breaks. Don’t try parking without a pass in any of the other lots because you will get fined.

There is also a lighthouse and a historical fort that offer tours during the summer. As far as beaches, it’s also home to New Jersey’s nude beach: Gunnison Beach. If you like fishing, there is a spot for it too. My favorite is North Beach, which is the Northernmost spot. It’s quite a walk from the nearest lot but also the least crowded. On a clear day, you can even catch NYC views from the shoreline.

Asbury Park

Asbury is more worth visiting for the town rather than its beach. Although the beach isn’t horrible, it gets crazy crowded in the summer. First, you can find an awesome boardwalk there with many restaurants, bars, and boutique shops.

Walk into town, and you’ll find the famous Stone Pony with awesome summer concerts. Get closer to the lake and find an awesome Biergarten or the Ale House, the famous Johnny Mac’s, or the groovy Purple Glaze Donuts. For amazing sunset views and a more boujee feel, go to The Asbury Hotel rooftop bar.

Ocean Grove

Asbury Park can get pricey and rowdy in the summer so instead, I recommend staying next door in Ocean Grove. It’s within walking distance to Asbury and it’s a much nicer and quieter town. This past summer I stayed at House by the Sea, a small family-owned bed and breakfast, and enjoyed this cute little beach time without the Asbury crowds.

IMG 7338 New Jersey — Views from the B&B and spontaneously running into a friend at the most delicious Porch Cafe Crepes!

IMG 7346 New Jersey — Views from the B&B and spontaneously running into a friend at the most delicious Porch Cafe Crepes!

Cape May

Cape May is a dreamy historic town in the southern most part of New Jersey. While summer bookings fill up quickly and the nightly rates reach crazy highs, a nice solution is a long day trip to still experience the charm of this place. If there is any place to have the perfect New Jersey summer, this would be it.

Explore its awesome beaches for some sunbathing but also check out Sunset Beach at the opposite end for the best sunset views. Another landmark is the Cape May Point State Park in which you’ll find the Cape May Lighthouse. A ton of people go to that area for some serious birdwatching too.

In town, make sure to take a stroll at the center of town on Washington Street Mall to explore the local shops as well as its surrounding areas for the historical aspect of town. If you like wine, outside of town, you will find the most adorable vineyard Willow Creek Winery & Farm, the intimate Turdo Vineyards & Winery, and super cute Cape May Winery offering tastings and tapas for the season. If you’re into local brews instead, you have Cold Spring Brewery with some nice outdoor space and Cape May Brewing which has indoor/outdoor space as well as their seasonal Brewtanical Garden open!

Speaking of Cape May, don’t forget to check out my full CAPE MAY GUIDE 🙂

Crusin’ Tikis

This was on my watch list last summer! Crusin Tikis is a fairly new New Jersey activity that popped up a year or two ago. It’s basically a floating tiki bar and it has a bunch of locations. I floated away from LBI. The activity was super fun but I will say that it is pretty pricey and super short for what you get. The cruise is only 2 hours for $400 and you bring your own food and drinks. If it was 3 hours it would have been perfect. Make sure to arrive early because even being late 15 minutes cuts out your cruising time.

More Beaches

The Jersey Shore is filled with beaches, you will not have a problem finding a decent one. Remember that unlike in the majority of the country, beaches in New Jersey are paid and you will also need to pay additionally for parking too. However, this shouldn’t stop you from exploring our local gems. Other amazing Jersey beach finds include:

Point Pleasant
Sea Girt
Long Beach Island
Ocean City
Stone Harbor

IMG 8251 New Jersey — The Wharfside in Point Pleasant is a cool spot for drinks!

IMG 8246 New Jersey — The Wharfside in Point Pleasant is a cool spot for drinks!

Biking in New Jersey

One of my favorite things to do to clear my mind is to bike. New Jersey is awesome for this activity due to its variety of trails. From shore-side beach trails to green-filled paths, you won’t be disappointed with what Garden State has to offer. A perfect activity for a New Jersey summer is exploring the best biking trails around.

Sandy Hook Trail

As I mentioned in my beach suggestion for this place, this is one of my favorite biking paths in the state. You will get a fully paved and fairly flat path running between the sand dunes and along the historic portion too. On one side you will feel the breeze of the ocean and on the other, you’ll enjoy views of the bay. It’s such an awesome spot but note that it can get a little crowded in the summer months. If you don’t have your own bike, there is a bike rental shop inside the park itself.

Here is a map for you to see how long this trail is!

Island Beach State Park

This place does not have an official biking trail but it does have a bike lane on the two sides of its 8 miles road. I like this spot for combining exercise with some beach time. The path on a clear day is paved and flat, you can peacefully make your way to the parking lot and have a nice beach day in a beautiful spot.

Another map for you to plan the best route!

Raritan Canal

The Delaware/Raritan Canal State Park Trail begins at the junction of Landing Lane and George Street in New Brunswick on the Raritan River and runs all the way through Princeton and Trenton following up the Delaware River. There are multiple entry and parking points on this biking trail which is, for the most part, unpaved but has a very comfortable path to bike on. Check out their massive map here for detailed passages.

I frequently bike this Canal path and love the scenery of it. As its name suggests it runs along the Raritan River as well as its neighboring canal.

Delaware Canal – NJ/PA Loop Trails

These are just awesome. Technically they are a part of the Raritan/Delaware Trails but they run between New Jersey and Pennsylvania. There are multiple loops you can take based on the distance you’d like to cover and the bridges allow you to easily cross state lines. The path does get somewhat narrow at some points so you’ll need to squeeze. When you’re passing through New Hope, you will need to cross the street to get back on the path. Parking varies by your starting point but the map below shows your options. If you park in New Hope, you’ll need to pay. I like to park a little outside of town for fewer crowds, free parking, and a bathroom on site.

Additionally, if I bike these trails, what I like to do is visit the historic towns of New Hope in PA or Lambertville in NJ. To get the details on them, visit this website and find the Loop Trails.

Burlington County Bikeways

If you’re up for a challenge, why not take on the almost 30-mile Pinelands Loop? Not only will you get some nice nature views but you’ll also get some serious exercise. You have two options for this massive bike ride: Star Bicycle Factory Loop and Burlington Pinelands Loop both reaching a little under 30 miles each. Pine Barrens is an interesting area. Remember that in the summer there are ticks in those woods so prepare adequately.

Here is that map for you.

Best Spots for Outdoor Dining for a New Jersey Summer

Son Cubano

There is nothing more North Jersey than a good waterfront restaurant. Son Cubano in West New York will give you the boujee vibes with prime views. Their beautiful outdoor patio is the perfect place for brunch or a nice dinner. I do have to say that on my last visit there I wasn’t thrilled with the expierence (the food was on point though) but I do enjoy the views from this area.

I’ll also recommend Molos, which isn’t too far from Son Cubano and where I recently had a much better expierence in!

The Armory

The Armory in Perth Amboy might not be your fanciest spot but it’s certainly awesome for a warm night out. They get packed and for a reason, with a waterfront location, lively music, good food, and cheap drinks, this is the place to be for the locals. I like going there for a couple of beers and just hanging out in their outdoor drinking space. They’re also an awesome place to host a private party!

The Boatyard

The Boatyard is a cute and casual place on the water located in Manahawkin right before LBI. They offer shore bites and drinks in a beer garden setting. The best part is that they also offer boat and kayak rentals in the same marina so if you’re planning a day on the water, you can enjoy both!

Beach Tavern

Beach Tavern in Monmouth Beach was an awesome find for me last summer. I’ve dined there 3 times since and loved the vibes of sitting in a marina with a nice palm trees around. The ambaince is awesome and the food doesn’t dissapoint either.

Walpack Inn

This is such a hidden gem of New Jersey. I visited this place twice already since I found it. Wait, however, until they open their outdoor dining for the summer. You’ll be having a nice glass of wine among the beautiful mountains and the local scenery. The drive there is long but if you like nature, you won’t be bored. The menu selection isn’t very long but decent enough for everyone. I think they’re still getting used to the popularity that they’ve gained in the past year so the first time I dined out there, the service could not catch up with the crowds.

Biergartens of New Jersey

My favorite kind of garden is a beer garden, especially one that has outdoor seating. For starters, Zepplin Hall with a huge outdoor area in Jersey City, and in Hoboken, I enjoy Pilsener House which recently expanded its outdoor seating capacity. Pier 13 is technically not a beer garden but it has a good selection of beers too and honestly unbeatable views. Travel further down and you’ll find Asbury Festhalle & Biergarten in Asbury Park for a rooftop beer experience.

Wineries

If I’m speaking of beer gardens, what better New Jersey summer activity than having a glass of wine outside at a local winery? I won’t go into the full details of those here because I have a full amazing New Jersey Drinking Guide that talks about my favorite picks. However, if you blindly want to take a chance, Working Dog Winery is my top pick for the area 🙂

Additional best outdoor dining places on my New Jersey summer bucket list:

Cafe Matisse in Rutherford, a lovely garden with a 4-course prix-fix menu
Marina Grille in Belmar, is a waterfront summer spot
Rat’s in Hamilton, a place near Ground for Sculpture with its own sculpture garden.
Erini in Ewing for its green outdoor setup
Lambertville Station Inn in Lambertville, located on the water
Andre’s in Sparta for summer lakeside dining

Rooftops Perfect for a New Jersey Summer

Although good rooftops are definitely synonymous with a New York summer, I will argue that New Jersey can get some participation points at the very least.

Marcus at NoHu

Having recently visited this place, I’ll tell you that the views from this Weehawken restaurant are simply phenomenal. Book a table for a sunset overlooking New York from the 6th floor. While the views and drinks pass the rooftop test, the menu on the other hand needs some serious work. The sharable options are just not something I would crave for a golden hour sunset lounge experience.

Rooftop at Exchange Place

Eh, this place is just average. I did want to include it because the views are nice but it’s a bit disorganized and many agree that their service needs a lot of work. I went during a weekday that wasn’t busy and allowed me to have a nice drink in peace on the outside portion of the bar. In terms of food, the bar snacks were decent but nothing out of this world. The place is pretty pricey too so I will only recommend stopping by for a drink on a weekday.

Salvation at The Asbury Hotel

Located in Asbury Park, this place is simply gorgeous! There is nothing like a summer sunset from there! It has raving reviews for a reason. Drinks taste betters on rooftops, it’s a proven fact 🙂 So grab a spritz and enjoy the atmosphere that this gem offers.

Alto in Montclair

This fairly new place opened up in an unexpected location in Montclair. Offering a nice loungey setup, you will also be able to catch a glimpse of that NYC skyline. They have rooftop-appropriate bites ranging from pretzels and other cheese or meat plates.

The Bradford at AC Hotel Bridgewater

Wait, a rooftop in Bridgewater, NJ? Yes, you read that right. This (somewhat) newly opened place serves a rooftop-deprived area. The views might not blow your mind but you’ll get a good atmosphere, lively music, a decent menu, and a wide selection of drinks. This space is trendy and gives you something new and exciting to check out!

IMG 3639 New Jersey — *Celebrating my friend’s birthday at the Bradford!*

IMG 3602 New Jersey — *Celebrating my friend’s birthday at the Bradford!*

Bonus Finds

Harry’s in Cape May may not be a traditional rooftop but it’s still located higher up 🙂 You can’t beat its summer ambiance and the views won’t certainly disappoint. Paulie’s Brickhouse in Jersey City is laid back pizza spot for a causal rooftop setting.

Little Tijuana in Newark has some awesome Mexican-style setup and a surprising rooftop bar in Newark and is the new kid on the block.

IMG 5048 New Jersey — Little Tijuana was amazing!

IMG 5040 New Jersey — Little Tijuana was amazing!

New Jersey Summer Outdoor Activities

Grounds for Sculpture – Hamilton

This massive outdoor sculpture garden is a must-see at some point in your New Jersey life. They offered times tickets for under $20 and let you explore the scattered large structures. There are around 300 of them all ranging in size. Visit their website for the most up-to-date visiting guidelines. Take a sneak peek at their interactive map to see how extensive this place is. One thing you should aim to do is visit the amazing restaurant Rats on site along with your visit. It’s probably the most beautiful restaurant in New Jersey!

Duke Farms

I love love love Duke Farms. I mention them in my New Brunswick Local Guide and I will mention them again as something that you should add to your New Jersey summer list. Duke Farms is this large estate in Hillsborough donated by Mr. James Duke who was the owner of the American Tobacco Company. Now you can enjoy this former mansion and its outdoor space. It’s huge so you can walk it, bike it, have a small picnic in it, or purchase some local goods at its occasional farmers market. Note that no official large picnics or outdoor gatherings are allowed but if you grab a couple of snacks and a blanket, no one should bother you. If open, check out its stunning orchid garden.

Liberty State Park

Liberty State Park is a beautiful space located in Jersey City. Take a relaxing stroll while overlooking NYC from across the river. This is a big park yet the parking spaces fill up on nice summer days. You can enjoy a nice picnic from pretty much anywhere. If you haven’t visited Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty yet, this will be your entry point to them too.

PNC Arts Center

There is nothing like a relaxed outdoor concert on the PNC Arts Center lawn. They have seating there too but I recommend grabbing a blanket and preparing to have a magical night in this old-school vibe. Don’t forget to grab your overpriced beer and snacks from the concession stand. Check out their full lineup here.

Drive-in Movie

A cute idea for a warm summer weekend is packing up your car, popping a truck, and enjoying an outdoor movie. Sadly the options for this are extremely scarce as more and more people are turning away from this classic. Your first choice is Delsea Drive-In in Vineland all the way south and the second option is not even located in New Jersey but close enough that I will include it here which is Warwick Drive-in. A small bonus, Warwick movie theater is located right across the street from one of my favorite fall stops, Pennings Farm Cidery 🙂

Water Activities

The Jersey Shore is not only good for swimming and hanging at the beach but also for boating. If you lived here for a while. chances are you have a friend or two whose family owns a boat. However, a fun idea is two rent one with or without a captain. There are a bunch of small websites as well as larger known ones that offer this service for example BoatSetter or GetMyBoat.

Another awesome idea is to kayak or jetski on the Hudson River from Hoboken! There are many options for this and I recommend you check out Hoboken Girl’s article with the research done for you. Lastly, why not create that special moment with your friends and take a hot tub boat tour in the Hudson. Yes, you read that correctly and I suggest you check it out here.

Tubing on Delaware

A totally classic New Jersey summer thing to do is tubing down on the Delaware River. There are a couple of companies to choose from depending on where you’re planning to leave from. In Easton PA you have Twin Rivers Tubing, going south you have Delaware River Tubing in Milford and then Bucks Country River Country in Pleasant PA. The differences are as I mentioned their locations and pricing. Don’t miss The Famous River Hot Dog Man in Milford, a floating barge selling snacks on your tubing adventure.

Hiking in New Jersey

I have a love/hate relationship with hiking. I have days where an outdoor walk is absolutely necessary and other times where I’d rather not even move. Nonetheless, hiking during a New Jersey summer is a nice activity. Note, do not attempt to hike on a super hot summer day or you’ll be miserable. Keep this activity for a cooler day or for the beginning of summer.

Mt. Tammany

This is a New Jersey classic so everyone and their mother will be there too. It’s located on the Delaware Water Gap and you’ll get amazing views from the top. Parking becomes non-existent later in the day too. The whole hike is short but since it’s mostly uphill, you will be tired. This path is a must-do on any New Jersey bucket list. Here is the trail description and map for ya.

Known Jersey hikes for your summer

Stairway to Heaven – Another Jersey classic, this 7-mile trail gives you different vistas along the way.
Palisades Park – Why not enjoy some nature along with some Hudson River views? This point has a bunch of different trails depending on the difficulty and length that you choose.
High Point State Park – The highest point in New Jersey is also a point of some short day hikes. Reach the top for the famous monument.
Franklin Parker Preserve – If you’re interested in unique Pinebarrens scenery on a rather flat hike, consider visiting this area. Located in Chatsworth, this area is not as popular as the hikes mentioned above so it’s nice to get some peace and quiet.
Ramapo Mountain State Forest – This trail could be a little confusing to navigate but I do like this for a short afternoon walk. It’s a pretty area.

Visit New Jersey’s Cutest Towns

New Jersey has so many adorable towns to visit where you can grab a coffee, shop around and enjoy the historic vibes. Here are my picks for an afternoon stroll.

The staples:

Hoboken & Jersey City

The most known towns for perfect New Jersey summer vibes are Hoboken and Jersey City. And for good reasons. They offer a ton of outdoor dining, in-town shops, a lively atmosphere, and a ton of people simply enjoying life. I love grabbing a picnic and heading to Pier 1 in Hoboken for a Sunday afternoon. These two tons deserve their own posts because the number of places you can visit there is only growing by the day.

Morristown

Morristown is known for its summer night vibe as well as its cute dining scene. You can walk around town to shop and enjoy the cute vibe. If you’d like more things than just eating, visit the Jockey Hollow Park or The Frelinghuysen Arboretum for some nature. At night this place turns into a party town but during the day it’s just lively enough.

Montclair

Montclair has a classy vibe and is what I call the perfect Sunday town. You go to Montclair to have brunch and then ice cream afterward. There are some little shops and boutiques you can find including Melissa Gorga’s Envy. If you’d like a list of the best outdoor dining options in this town, The Montclair Girl did your homework. Additionally, there are some interesting local things to do that you should check out:

Van Vleck House & Gardens: A former estate that you can now enjoy for its beautiful gardens and space.
Montclair Art Museum: Enjoy it for its unique art exhibitions.
Wellmont Theater: A known local theater for some small and big town acts.
Presby Iris Garden: Located in Upper Montclair, this cute little garden full of flowers is the perfect area for a walk.

Princeton

This academic town is stunning, sophisticated, and perfect for a Sunday stroll. The main part of town is located in front of the campus on route 27 going off into little side nooks. There are many restaurants and bars in town but to explore more than just the culinary scene, check out the Princeton University Art Museum, Morven Museum & Garden, the numerous churches as well as all the outdoor space offered.

Other towns worth making a trip to:

Red Bank
Lambertville
Frenchtown

IMG 3202 New Jersey — Sunday picnic at Pier 1

IMG 7716 New Jersey — Sunday picnic at Pier 1

Fairs & Festivals

There is nothing like a good summer festival outside. New Jersey might not have a lot of them, but the ones we do have are pretty good if you ask me.

Atlantic City Beer and Music Festival

This year, this is scheduled to take place on June 3rd and June 4th. You will need to purchase tickets beforehand which include the beer tastings, seminars, music, a souvenir glass, and a ton of other perks on-site.

Barefoot Country Music Festival

In Wildwood, you’ll find all the best country artists June 15-18th. A 3-day pass will cost you a little over $200 but you’ll find a ton of fun things to do there in addition to concerts.

New Jersey Balloon Festival

This adorable event will take place in Readington on July 28th-30th. Make sure to purchase tickets ahead and plan for parking logistics. There will be some small entertainment like a band and also many kid-directed activities during the day.

Cultural Festivals

New Jersey is one of the most diverse states in all of the country. The most beautiful thing about it is the ability to meet from all different nooks of the world, being able to attend events that embrace different cultures and establish an understanding of different countries. There are MANY different events hosted throughout the year but the most known summer ones are the following:

Irish Day in Monmouth – June 11th
Polish Day in East Brunswick – June 11th
La Festa Italiana in Jersey City – August 9-13th
Puerto Rican Day in Jersey City – August 19th
Italian Day in Hoboken – September 8th-11th
Brazilian Day in Newark – TDB

For a more comprehensive list of what will be held, visit this list here.

IMG 7765 New Jersey — Jersey City Italian Fest

IMG 7766 New Jersey — Jersey City Italian Fest

Final Thoughts on New Jersey Summer 2023

I hope my list inspired you to do something different or new for the New Jersey Summer 2023. The nice thing about this state is that you don’t have to travel far to do something awesome. I constantly find new and cool things to do here and my goal is to inspire you to do the same.

Yes, my friends, you can have a Perfect Day in New Jersey!

For even more awesome ideas, check out my multiple New Jersey Guides list that features all my favorite things to do in this state.

Don’t forget to also explore all my other worldly destinations!

Map for you to save

Thoughts? Ideas? Suggestions on places that you think I should add here? Comment, comment, comment!