It's almost always fun to look back on the past, especially all the fun we've had. What could be more fun than Wildwood, New Jersey in the 1970s? There must be a few things, but it sure was a good time. A lot happened in 1970s New Jersey, from prison rebellions (Rahway State Prison) to Princeton's first co-ed class (which included Lisa Halaby, who became the Queen Noor of Jordan), but no matter what was going on around us, we could always count on a trip to the Jersey Shore to fill our day with fun and forget anything that might be bringing us down. It must be that Vitamin Sea.
While many beach towns in the Garden State have been popular travel destinations for decades upon decades (Atlantic City, Cape May), Wildwood didn't really experience a business boom until the 1950s. The now iconic retro (Doo Wop) motels started springing up and by 1969, Morey's Piers had its first attraction. In the 1970s, the piers grew quite rapidly, adding new rides like The Zipper, King Kong, Haunted House and Planet of the Apes (later Star Wars).
Another pier could also be found on the boardwalk during the 1970s - Hunt's Pier. The pier served as an amusement park from 1957 - 1992. You may remember a mix of indoor and outdoor rides including the Flyer (wooden coaster), Keystone Kops, Whacky Shack and Jungleland (boat ride). Portions of Morey's now stand in its place, but here's a peek into the past - a single minute of spectacular footage (uploaded by YouTube user TheRetroTimeMachine) from way back when.
If you enjoyed that (and have a bit more time to reminisce), you'll really enjoy this 3 minute clip of other Wildwood attractions in 1974, including Morey's Piers.
Do these short films bring back memories? Share your favorite memory of the Wildwoods with me. What other spots would you love to be reminded of?
The 4th of July is almost here, and that brings with it some amazing displays of pyrotechnics. Sure, we could go and watch the fireworks across the river, but why do that when New Jersey is putting on some amazing shows right here? I always find myself googling "where to watch fireworks near me" as the big day approaches, and this year's displays seem to be more impressive than ever. There are choices for every location and every budget - sure, there's an incredible show being put on by New Jersey's top amusement park, but there are also amazing shows in local parks and boardwalks. No matter which of these eight fireworks shows you attend this year, you're bound to make memories for a lifetime.
Taking place over July 1st to 4th in 2024, the Six Flags July 4th Fest is an amazing fireworks show and other events like live music and specialty foods, all served up against the backdrop of some of the most thrilling roller coasters in the northeast. Admission to Six Flags is required for the festival, and you can find out more on the Six Flags Great Adventure website.
2. Lake Hopatcong Fireworks
Held at the Lake Hopatcong Yacht Club, this event casts New Jersey's largest lake in beautiful patriotic colors. Scheduled for June 28th this year, this is one of the more laid-back and less-crowded fireworks events, so it's a perfect choice for those who are staying by the lake or looking to enjoy some fun on the water. For more information, visit the Lake Hopatcong Foundation. This year's rain date is June 29th.
3. New Jersey Symphony At Branch Brook Park
Known as one of the most beautiful county parks in the Garden State, Newark's Branch Brook Park is a hub during cherry blossom season. On June 28th, it will play host to the New Jersey Symphony for an outdoor concert before an impressive display of fireworks. This free event will feature classic patriotic music as the sun goes down, so it's the perfect opportunity to bring a picnic and have a great pre-July 4th time. Visit the website of the New Jersey Symphony for more details.
One of the best boardwalks in New Jersey, Jenkinson's in Point Pleasant Beach holds fireworks every Thursday in the summer starting on June 20th. These can be seen right from the boardwalk, so it's a great way to spend the whole day at the shore. Visit the events page of Jenkinson's Boardwalk for more details about what's to come this summer!
Held by the Asbury Park Chamber of Commerce on July 3rd, the annual fireworks display is considered one of the best displays on the Jersey Shore and can be seen right from the boardwalk. This is a free, open event so all you have to do is get to the beach early and stake out your spot! Visit the website of the Asbury Park Chamber of Commerce for more information
6. Summer Fireworks At The Tropicana
The Tropicana Casino, the massive Cuban-themed resort casino that's one of the biggest attractions on the Atlantic City boardwalk, is one of the best places to see fireworks in AC. They hold the event several times during the summer - on May 25th, July 4th, and on every Saturday from July 6th through August 31st. It's one of the city's most beloved summer traditions, and you can find out more about this unique resort show on the Tropicana website.
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7. Freedom Festival At The Camden Waterfront
Held on July 3rd at the Camden Marina, this is the biggest fireworks show near the Philadelphia border, and is part of a huge event taking over the waterfront. This patriotic celebration features live music from local talents, a wide array of beer and fair food to order, and a massive fireworks display from Serpico Pyrotechnics. You can find out more about this popular festival on the Camden County website.
It wouldn't be a massive state fair without some fireworks! The State Fair Meadowlands goes for 17 days, with July 4th falling in the middle - and they make the most of it! Those attending the fair on July 3rd and 4th will get to see the sky light up with color. Admission to the fair is required to see the fireworks up close, but if you ask us, this is one event you don't want to miss! Visit the website of the State Fair Meadowlands for details on all this year's events!
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Now that you know "where to watch fireworks near me", make sure to tell us all your 4th of July plans in the comments section! If you're planning to hit Jenkinson's for their fireworks show, you can find just about anything you want to eat at Martell's Tiki Bar - it's five restaurants under one roof! And if you're looking to show off your NJ pride in addition to your America pride, you can find some fantastic shirts from our friends at Wear Your Roots.
Ah, summer in New Jersey. Is there any better time in the Garden State? I don't think so, especially since I spend most of my time down the shore during these months! There are so many amazing things to do in summer in New Jersey that it's often hard to fit it all in before fall comes along. It's the perfect time to explore a beautiful state park, visit some iconic boardwalk attractions, or take a river cruise at sunset. Then there are the festivals and events - you can expect some of the country's best parades and food fests across the states during these months. No matter how you like to spend your summer, the odds are good that your perfect summer adventure awaits. We're here to help you narrow it down with the 15 absolute summer events and destinations to explore this year!
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Best Summer Vacation Destinations In New Jersey
For those planning a getaway to remember, you won't do better than the Garden State, New Jersey is home to some amazing vacation destinations - including a world-class amusement park, some of the best boardwalk amusements and beaches in the country - and if you can't handle the heat, we have you covered too! For those sweltering days, why not head to the top indoor shopping and dining destination on the East Coast?
Popularity: Very popular - this shopping and dining destination is growing in popularity with each new addition. You can expect heavy crowds in the evenings and weekends, and camp trips can frequently make attractions fill up.
Need To Know: This is a free-to-enter destination, but most of the additional attractions such as Nickelodeon Universe or Blast 7D require separate tickets.
One of the largest malls in the world, American Dream is run by the same team as the Mall of America in Minnesota. This one has a huge shopping collection including a luxury section, but its emphasis is much more on dining and entertainment. The attractions here include an amusement park, the country’s largest indoor water park, an indoor ski slope, an aquarium, a LegoLand Discovery Center, and a 7D motion theater. Looking for a memorable night out? There are around 20 full-service restaurants and a self-serve wine bar. You can easily spend a full day or more here.
Popularity: Very popular - summer is the top season for all boardwalks, and while this one is not the most popular, you can expect large crowds on the weekend..
Need To Know: Jenkinson’s is a free-to-enter destination, with additional charges for most attractions. The beach is privately owned, so you’ll need a beach pass.
While Wildwood might have the biggest boardwalk attractions, Jenkinson's always seemed to me like the ideal New Jersey shore experience. This small but packed boardwalk contains an amusement park, an indoor aquarium, a mini-golf course, and dozens of stops for food and games. It also has some destinations you can’t find anywhere else in New Jersey - including the state’s largest tiki bar, Martell’s, which features five different food concepts under one roof; and a surreal indoor funhouse packed with surprises.
Popularity: Extremely popular - this is the top amusement park in the tri-state area and is very crowded in summer. .
Need To Know: Different ticket rates apply for adults and children, depending on whether you want to visit the amusement park, the new safari experience, or both. If you’re planning multiple visits, a season ticket may make sense.
With a whopping fourteen roller coasters, Six Flags Great Adventure might be the premiere coaster destination on the East Coast. This roster includes the massive Kingda Ka, which shoots riders hundreds of feet into the air. For younger visitors, they’ll love the extensive collection of flat rides and Looney Tunes characters to visit with. The amusement park adjoins the Six Flags Wild Safari experience, a drive-through Safari that has just been completely revamped and now includes an option for Safari glamping.
Best Beaches And Lakes To Visit In New Jersey This Summer
The Jersey Shore is hopping this time of year and everyone knows it - so when you want to beat the crowds, it's best to head inland. These beaches and lakes range from a pristine inland beach that's one of the state's best-kept secrets, to a massive freshwater fishing and boating destination. There's even a beach near one of New Jersey's top tourist towns that most visitors have never heard of.
Popularity: Moderately popular - this is very much a locals’ destination, so you can expect to have a lot of room for fishing or having a picnic.
Need To Know: This is a local park with free admission, and you can bring your own fishing gear or boat.
A small city park with one of the most beautiful inland beaches in New Jersey, Bianchini Beach Park is a gorgeous retreat on the banks of Presidential Lakes. Unlike the Jersey Shore, you’ll probably never have big crowds here. You can relax on the sandy beach, go fishing or boating, or hold a picnic feet from the water. Whatever you do, make sure you stay till the sun goes down - the sunset here is truly amazing.
Popularity: Very popular - this lake is crowded with fishers, boaters, and vacationers all through the summer.
Need To Know: This is one of the most competitive vacation spots in the state if you’re looking to stay here - it’s ringed by cabin rentals, and they go quickly as the season approaches.
The largest lake in New Jersey, Lake Hopatcong is a vacation destination in its own right and one of the top spots around for those who love the water. It’s surrounded by parks, cabins, and marinas, which means you should have everything you need right here. It’s common for people to rent a place and stay several days or more - fishing, boating, and just relaxing on the banks of the lake. This is one of the more crowded lakes in the state during the summer, so it’s ideal if you’re looking forward to meeting fellow water-lovers.
Popularity: Not popular - this is a well-hidden beach mostly visited by locals.
Need To Know: This is a free public beach, and all attractions and sights located nearby are open to the public.
Want to spend a day on the shore but need to beat the crowds? Head to Poverty Beach in Cape May, named for the fact that it used to be the beach that the workaday crowd came to while the more famous beaches were crowded with visitors. There is no boardwalk attached to this beach, so it doesn’t get too many visitors today. Those who do come will be greeted with stunning white sand, free of the detritus we often see on popular beaches, as well as blue waves and some fascinating sights like abandoned WW2 bunkers.
Parks To Visit In New Jersey This Summer
New Jersey's best parks often come alive in the summer - and that goes for both the state parks and county parks. The state parks are frequently at their busiest during the summer, so we're spotlighting some hidden gems. This includes a county park with some amazing live entertainment, the most impressive urban recreation park in the state, and a beachside state park that gets you as close to the water as you can possibly get without a boat.
Popularity: Moderately popular - this is a local destination filled with recreation opportunities, but not well-known outside its community.
Need To Know: This is a free county park and all attractions during the summer are free of charge. Bring your own equipment and have a good time!
Roosevelt Park is only minutes from my home, and this is one of my favorite spots during the summer. This unique county park is home to some amazing attractions like Plays in the Park - nightly free theater featuring some of the country’s top musicals. It’s also full of bike paths, basketball courts, playgrounds, and even a meditation garden. There are two unique spots here that everyone should visit - a beautiful war memorial, and Light Dispelling Darkness. This is a surreal New Deal-era fountain sculpture that’s one of the most bizarre spots in New Jersey. The camp is also home to Camp Kiddie Keep Well, a free sleepaway camp for kids 7-11.
Popularity: Popular - This is one of the largest county parks in New Jersey, and is full of recreation destinations. As it’s also home to a separate tourist attraction, you can expect large crowds through the summer.
Need To Know: A free county park that’s also home to an equestrian center and Field Station: Dinosaurs, this is a hybrid of a local recreation destination and a full-fledged attraction.
Bergen County’s largest park, Overpeck County Park is ideal for a summer day when everyone wants to do something different. The park surrounds a huge lake with amazing fishing spots, and there’s a great natural-themed playground that kids will love. A huge amphitheater often hosts live music in the evening. But parents be warned - your kids will likely want to visit Field Station: Dinosaurs, a unique audio-animatronic-filled theme park with massive realistic dinosaurs. It’s an amazing attraction, but it does require a separate ticket.
Popularity: Popular - this is one of the best spots on the Jersey Shore for recreation. The only thing holding back its popularity is its remote location.
Need To Know: Like all New Jersey state parks, admission is technically free but there is a parking fee. Swimming is permitted during the summer months when lifeguards are on duty. No camping is allowed.
Located on an undeveloped barrier beach, Island Beach State Park might be the most pristine spot on the Jersey Shore. It’s a popular location for surfing and saltwater fishing, and there are guided kayak and canoe trips offered during the summer. This way you can see the osprey colony that makes the beach its home. There are plenty of hiking trails among the sand dunes, so you can easily spend a whole day here - and you’ll want to, because this area is home to some gorgeous sunsets.
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Best Free Summer Activities
Even if you're on a budget this summer, that doesn't mean you can't have some fun in the sun. New Jersey has some incredible museums, gardens, and animal exhibits that don't charge a cent - including a unique county zoo with some adorable residents, a fascinating exhibit celebrating the residents of the sea, and one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the whole state.
Popularity: Moderately popular - this is a great zoo, but the remote location keeps it a hidden gem.
Need To Know: Located in a county park, this is one of the few free zoos in New Jersey. All profits from merchandise and concessions go to funding the zoo. .
The best animal sanctuary in New Jersey, the Cohanzick Zoo dates back to 1934 and is home to an impressive menagerie of animals. You can find farm animals like goats, as well as a collection of reptiles and birds - including massive emus! When it comes to the mammals, some of the stars of the show include adorable fennec foxes and tiny sugar gliders - as well as massive big cats like tigers. Keep an eye out of the unique animal sculptures dotting the place - no, that’s not a bear on the loose.
Popularity: Popular - Morristown is full of historic attractions and museums, and this charming garden gets quite a bit of traffic.
Need To Know: This garden is completely free to enter and is a popular educational spot for school and camp trips.
One of the best botanical gardens in New Jersey, the Frelinghuysen Arboretum is an amazing 127-acre complex home to several miles of hiking trails around the garden. It’s home to the Morris County Parks Commission, and the exhibits include a historical display of vintage vehicles and artifacts from New Jersey’s early days. The highlight is definitely the massive garden full of flowers, and the over 2000 specimen trees lining the paths. This is an ideal destination for a sunny but not-too-warm day.
Popularity: Not popular - this out-of-the-way museum is a true hidden gem.
Need To Know: A free museum attached to an animal rescue and rehabilitation center, this is an ideal spot for ocean-lovers. The marine mammal stranding center is not open to the public.
The Marine Mammal Stranding Center does good work helping lost and beached sea mammals return safely to the water, but this Brigatine destination is also home to the Sea Life Museum, a free exhibit with a fascinating collection of artifacts. This includes preserved bones from a massive sperm whale and tusks from a walrus. There are also touch tanks featuring live sea creatures, and a live feed of the marine mammals when there are residents at the stranding center. Make sure to stop by the gift shop on your way out!
Best Summer Events And Festivals In New Jersey
No one does a summer party like New Jersey! This summer, the best festivals in New Jersey include a massive beach party in one of the state's best shore towns, a laid-back flower festival on a farm that always has something going on - and of course, the granddaddy of them all. That's right, one of the best state fairs in the country is back for another engagement, and we're here to tell you all about it.
Popularity: Extremely popular - this is THE summer event in New Jersey.
Need To Know: This year’s event takes place from June 20th to July 7th in 2024. Single-day tickets start at around $40, with upgrades for fastpass access to attractions available.
The Meadowlands State Fair is one of the most spectacular events in the whole country each summer, taking over the entire Meadowlands Fairgrounds each year with a huge collection of rides and games. Additionally, you’ll have no shortage of entertainment while you’re here - including a petting zoo, magic acts, live music, and the world-famous pig races. You can even take a helicopter ride for an additional fee. And then there’s the food - you’d better believe they’re coming up with new and amazing things to deep-fry as we speak.
Popularity: Popular - although Margate City isn’t usually a big tourist destination, this event brings guests from all around.
Need To Know: This massive beach party is completely free and is being held June 29th. Food is available for purchase.
Beachstock is actually the largest beach party in the United States, and it completely transforms this charming and sleepy beach town for one day. The beach is the focus of the festival, with games of beach volleyball, surfing, and live music. More into laid-back beach games? Belly up for a game of cornhole! There are educational tours of the beach for kids, as well as cultural dance demonstrations. And of course, the food is amazing - you can expect some of the best pizza, seafood, and frozen desserts around to be on offer.
Popularity: Moderately popular - this is a popular farm destination, but the summer events are consistent through the season so the crowds will be spread out.
Need To Know: Admission varies during the summer, ranging from $15 for lavender picking to $5 for blueberry or strawberry picking.
Harvest festivals were the very first summer festival, and Happy Day Farm is keeping the tradition alive! This Manalapan farm is open for lavender, sunflowers, blueberries, and raspberries during this season - and every choice is a day to remember. There is also a petting zoo for kids featuring adorable goats and chickens, and a paintball field is open on the weekends. You’ll probably work up a thirst here, so make sure to stop by the lemonade stand for a refreshing treat before you go.
What are your favorite things to do in summer in New Jersey? Which of the places or events on this list have you done in past years? Let us know in the comments section! This is also a phenomenal time to explore New Jersey's best state parks, and we put together a list for exactly that purpose. If you're planning to do some hiking this year, consider a subscription to AllTrails + - it's ideal for when you're really headed off the beaten path and need step-by-step trail guides you can access even when online.
