Spring is (almost) in the air and the countdown to Memorial Day weekend and Jersey Shore summers is on. Climate Cosmos recently released its Top 10 Cities in New Jersey With The Most Pleasant Summers for Outdoor Activities and we’re already planning our day trips.
The top 8 destinations are along the Jersey Shore and numbers 9 and 10 are cultural Garden State institutions.
Not surprisingly, Cape May is No. 1 on the list. Visit historic homes and gardens, take in Victorian architecture, climb the lighthouse for a panoramic view of the southernmost part of NJ, see World War II bunkers, visit preserves maintained by The Nature Conservancy and shop along the Washington Street Mall.
No. 2, Asbury Park, is beloved for its historic Grand Arcade and Convention Hall, outdoor markets and festivals, especially Sea.Hear.Now. There are rooftop bars and boutique hotels. Seeing a show at The Stone Pony or Summer Stage are also musts. Restaurants have seating along the boardwalk, there are farmers markets downtown area, plus a small water park, playgrounds, and a dog park on the beach.
Ocean City placed third for its bustling boardwalk and beach area. Popular attractions include its 8 miles of beaches, Playland’s Castaway Cove, Sandcastle Putt Club mini golf, and the downtown shops. There are hermit crab races, the Doo Dah Parade (featuring the cutest beagles), sand sculpting contests and summer concerts.
Spring Lake ranked fourth for its quaint vibe. The beaches are pristine and shops are charming. You can rent an e-bike to travel along the 2-mile-long boardwalk; or visit one of the nearby parks.
Family-friendly Point Pleasant comes in at No. 5 and has free outdoor summer movies and concerts on the beach, amusement park rides and arcades along Jenkinson’s Boardwalk, and mini golf. Grabbing a cone from Kohr’s Bros. is a staple, too. Ocean lovers can take a boat tour or try surfing. Martell’s Tiki Bar and Jenks are also institutions.
Seaside Heights came in at No. 6 and is known for Casino Pier plus free activities during warmer months including meet-and-greets with princesses, petting zoos and magic shows. There’s also tons of boardwalk and amusement park rides.
Long Branch came in at No. 7. Pier Village is a go-to destination for everything: shopping, eating, a carousel, parades, scavenger hunts, outdoor mini golf and outdoor dining. You can spend the day walking along all the shops, or play tennis, go sailing, or book a tee time at a golf course nearby.
No. 8 is Manasquan, which has hidden gem beaches, plus a cute downtown. Rent a kayak or paddleboard, swim in the inlet, check the schedule of festivals at Voorhees Plaza, or look for humpback whales off the coast. There’s an environmental center, plus farmers markets in the square.
Ranked 9th, Princeton is all about outdoor activities, from shopping along Nassau Street, to concerts and lawn games in Palmer Square, to walking around the beautiful campus of Princeton University. Princeton is home to part of the D&R Canal towpath, ideal for walking, hiking, biking or dog walking; or take a kayak or canoe along the Delaware River itself. Morven Museum & Garden has outdoor spaces known for gorgeous landscaping.
Rounding out the Top 10 is Morristown, which is brimming with history and culture. Start in The Green, which is a historical park on the site of a former military base. Morristown National Historical Park housed George Washington and his Army during the Revolutionary War; you can hike along its 27 miles of trails. Fosterfields Living Historical Farm brings you back 100 years to learn about farm life. Speedwell Park has a playground, Patriot’s Path and a lake that’s gorgeous any time of year. Mayo Performing Arts Center puts on free outdoor concerts during the summer.
Top 10 Cities in New Jersey With The Most Pleasant Summers for Outdoor Activities, according to Climate Cosmos:
- Cape May
- Asbury Park
- Ocean City
- Spring Lake
- Point Pleasant
- Seaside Heights
- Long Branch
- Manasquan
- Princeton
- Morristown
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