New Jersey’s got a wild mix of activities this last week of July, from quirky festivals to classic summer adventures. Whether you’re into art or hiking, city buzz or beach vibes, there’s something going on.
This week? Hot air balloons, live music, battleships, and the Jersey Shore. You’ll find sculpture gardens, county fairs, and plenty of reasons to get outside. If you’re looking to see New Jersey at its summer best, this is the week to do it.
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1) Attend the QuickChek New Jersey Festival of Ballooning
The QuickChek New Jersey Festival of Ballooning is back July 26-28 at Solberg Airport in Readington. This is the 35th annual edition and, honestly, it’s massive—North America’s biggest hot air balloon festival.
You’ll see over 100 hot air balloons take off five times across the weekend. Some are shaped like lighthouses or cartoon characters, so it’s not just your standard balloon crowd.
The evening “Balloon Glow” is a favorite—balloons light up the night like giant lanterns. If you want to get up in the air, you can actually book a ride and see Hunterdon County from above.
Live music runs alongside the balloon launches. It gets hot and crowded, so show up early and bring plenty of water.
Grab tickets online or at QuickChek stores. Parking fills up fast, especially in the mornings when balloons lift off.
2) Explore the Grounds For Sculpture in Hamilton
Grounds For Sculpture at 80 Sculptors Way in Hamilton sprawls over 42 acres, packed with more than 270 contemporary sculptures. It’s not your average museum—here, you’re encouraged to get up close and personal with the art.
Seward Johnson started this place back in 1992 on the old New Jersey State Fairgrounds. You’ll see hints of its industrial past, which is pretty cool against the peaceful gardens.
You can touch most of the sculptures, so it’s not all “look, don’t touch.” Winding paths and hidden corners mean you’re always stumbling onto something new.
Kids love this spot because so many sculptures are hands-on. Adults can appreciate the details while the little ones climb and play.
A couple of hours is enough for most people, but you could honestly spend all day. Weekends get busy, so come early. There’s a café and restrooms if you need a break.
3) Visit the Princeton University Art Museum
The Princeton University Art Museum has over 92,000 works, from ancient to modern. You’ll see everything from Mediterranean pottery to Latin American paintings.
The main building is still closed for renovations, but the new museum opens October 31, 2025.
In the meantime, you can check out two pop-up galleries downtown with rotating exhibits. It’s a smaller slice of the collection, but they keep things fresh so you’re likely to see something new every visit.
Admission is free. The museum store, also downtown, sells regional crafts and art—proceeds help fund museum programs.
If you’re in the area, these temporary galleries are worth a stop before the big reopening this fall.
4) Enjoy live jazz at The Stone Pony in Asbury Park
The Stone Pony’s been the heart of Asbury Park’s music scene since the ‘70s. Bruce Springsteen made it famous, but these days, you can catch live jazz at the Stone Pony Summer Stage all summer long.
Shows run outdoors on weekends, mixing jazz with other genres. Check the Ticketmaster page for tickets—prices jump around depending on who’s playing.
It’s right on the waterfront, so you can walk to restaurants or bars before or after. Parking’s a headache during big shows, so get there early or use a rideshare.
Weather can be unpredictable by the ocean—bring a jacket just in case. Big-name jazz acts sell out, so book ahead.
5) Take a hike in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area covers more than 70,000 acres on the NJ-PA border. There are 100+ miles of trails, so pick your adventure.
Mount Tammany is the New Jersey favorite—1.5 miles up and you’re rewarded with killer views of the Delaware River.
On the Pennsylvania side, Mount Minsi’s 5-mile loop gives you more overlooks and a solid workout.
For something gentler, try Dingmans Falls Trail. It’s a flat boardwalk to a 130-foot waterfall—easy for families or anyone not looking to climb.
Weather changes fast up here. Check the forecast and bring layers, just to be safe.
It’s about 90 minutes from NYC, so it makes a great day trip. On weekends, parking lots fill by 9 AM.
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6) Join the Camden County Fair
The Camden County Fair brings classic fair fun to South Jersey this week. Expect carnival rides, games, and food stands selling everything from funnel cakes to corn dogs.
There’s a decent showing of local agriculture—4-H clubs bring livestock, and farmers show off their best produce and crafts.
Live music and performers hit the stages in the evenings. The midway has both old-school and new rides, so there’s something for all ages.
Food is classic fair fare, but expect to pay a bit more than you would at a diner. Portions are usually big, though.
Arrive before 6 PM if you want easy parking, or carpool to avoid long walks from the overflow lots.
There’s an admission fee, plus extra for rides and games. Most families spend $50-75 per person for a full night out.
The fair usually runs into August, so you’ve got a few chances to check it out.
7) Experience the Cape May Music Festival
The Cape May Music Festival brings top musicians to this Victorian beach town. You’ll get a mix of classical, chamber, jazz, and brass in cozy venues.
The main festival happens from Memorial Day through late June, but they also host Classical Cape May concerts in the winter.
There are 14 performances this summer, all in historic spots that make the music feel extra special.
The festival gets support from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts and Cape May MAC, so the talent’s legit.
Tickets go fast, so check the schedule early. Venues are small, which is great for atmosphere but not for last-minute planners.
Cape May’s downtown is walkable—grab dinner or wander around before or after the show. The Victorian houses are worth a look on their own.
8) Tour the Battleship New Jersey Museum
Step aboard America’s most decorated battleship, docked on Camden’s waterfront. The Iowa-class battleship museum lets you walk through real crew quarters and operational spaces, not just look at stuff behind glass.
It’s open daily, 10:00am-5:30pm (last tickets at 4:00pm). Special tours, like the engine room tour on August 1st, give you a peek at the ship’s massive machinery.
Families love this place—it’s hands-on and puts you right in the middle of naval history. You’ll walk the same halls sailors did.
They offer overnight camping and special events if you want to go all-in. Give yourself 2-3 hours to see everything.
9) Explore the Jersey Shore beaches
With 130+ miles of coast and 40+ towns, the Jersey Shore is the place to be this week.
Pick your vibe—boardwalks and arcades in Seaside Heights, family-friendly beaches in Point Pleasant, or the quieter, upscale charm of Spring Lake.
Beach badges are required most places and usually cost $8-15 a day. If you’re staying longer, weekly passes save a few bucks.
Parking’s always a challenge on weekends, especially by the boardwalks. Try to get there before 10 AM or hop on NJ Transit.
The best beaches have restrooms, showers, and food stands. You can rent umbrellas and chairs if you don’t want to lug your own.
Water’s finally warm enough for a real swim. Lifeguards are on duty during the day.
Plan on spending half a day at least—there’s always more to do than you expect.
10) Attend the Morristown Jazz & Blues Festival
The Morristown Jazz & Blues Festival hits the Morristown Green on Saturday, August 16, 2025. Music starts at noon and runs until 9:30 PM—totally free.
You’ll catch a solid lineup: Dani G and Friends open at noon, The Jazz Ambassadors play at 2:00, and Samantha Fish headlines in the evening.
The festival draws a big crowd, so bring a blanket or lawn chairs. Parking is tight, so come early or use public transit.
Downtown restaurants usually run specials during the fest. If you need a break from the music, there’s plenty to eat and shop nearby.
Mid-August weather is unpredictable—pack sunscreen and maybe a light jacket. The event goes on, rain or shine, with some covered spots nearby.
This festival keeps getting bigger every year. If you’re into jazz, blues, or just want a good time, it’s worth checking out.
Essential Travel Tips for Visiting New Jersey in Late July
Late July means serious heat and packed attractions. Plan ahead, stay hydrated, and brace yourself for busy roads and transit. It’s peak season—expect crowds, but that’s part of the fun, right?
Weather and Packing Recommendations
Late July in New Jersey? It’s hot—usually 85-90°F by day—and you’ll probably notice the humidity, which often pushes past 70%. That midday stretch from 11 AM to 4 PM is when it really sizzles.
For daytime, toss in lightweight, breathable clothes like cotton or linen. Evenings, especially near the shore, can dip into the mid-60s, so a light sweater or jacket won’t go unused.
Throw these in your bag:
- Sunscreen, SPF 30 or higher
- Wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses
- Walking shoes with decent grip
- Swimwear and a quick-dry towel
- Reusable water bottle (hydration’s no joke)
Afternoon thunderstorms? Pretty common during summer in New Jersey. A compact umbrella or a light rain jacket comes in handy.
The shore usually runs 5-10 degrees cooler than inland. If you’re bouncing between beach towns and spots farther inland, bring some layers—trust me, you’ll want options.
Navigating Local Transit Options
NJ Transit runs regular service to major attractions, though summer travel can throw in some delays. If you’re planning a bunch of trips, snag a day pass for unlimited rides.
Tourist-friendly transit routes:
- North Jersey Coast Line for the shore
- Northeast Corridor—think Philly and NYC connections
- Bus routes 551 and 552 to Atlantic City
Weekends get hectic, especially when New Jersey summer events are in full swing. Friday afternoons and Sunday nights? Expect crowds and slower traffic.
Parking near beaches and hot spots gets pricey fast—$20-40 a day in places like Cape May or Ocean City isn’t unusual.
Ride-shares surge during peak hours. Sometimes it’s cheaper (and less stressful) to walk to a transit stop or book ahead.
Safety Guidelines for Summer Events
Drink water every half hour if you’re out in the sun. If you start feeling dizzy or wiped out, find some shade or head indoors for a bit.
Big festivals and beach events can pack out quickly. Pick a meeting spot with your group, and keep emergency numbers handy—just in case.
A few beach safety tips:
- Only swim at guarded beaches during posted hours
- Check for rip current warnings before you go in
- Slather on sunscreen 30 minutes before you hit the sun
Traffic near event venues and beach entrances can snarl up fast. If you’ve got timed plans, leave early and have a backup way to get there.
Keep an eye on weather alerts—summer storms can roll in fast. Outdoor events often pause or shut down if there’s lightning in the area.
Making the Most of Your New Jersey Experience
Honestly, a little planning can turn a decent Jersey trip into something pretty great. Where you stay, what you eat, and how you get around? They all shape your week in the Garden State.
Choosing Accommodations Near Major Attractions
Atlantic City packs in the most hotels within walking distance of the action. The Borgata and Ocean Casino Resort have easy boardwalk access and sit close to Steel Pier.
Princeton is a solid base for central Jersey. The Hyatt Place is just 10 minutes from the university and gives you quick highway access to Philly and New York.
If you’re heading for Six Flags Great Adventure, hotels in Lakewood can save you 30-40% compared to the shore, and you’ll still be just 20 minutes from the park.
Jersey Shore towns like Asbury Park and Long Branch have cool boutique hotels right near the sand. The Asbury Hotel, for example, puts you steps from the Stone Pony and Convention Hall.
Parking adds up—figure $15-35 a day in busy areas. If your hotel tosses in parking or a shuttle, you might not even need a rental car, especially in places like Hoboken or Jersey City.
Insider Advice on Dining and Nightlife
Boardwalk dining hits its peak between 6-8 PM, so lines get long. Kohr Brothers frozen custard? Hit it before 5 or after 9 if you want to skip the wait.
New Jersey’s BYOB restaurants can save you a bundle. Lambertville and Red Bank both have a bunch of them. Grab wine from a local shop instead of the hotel store—you’ll save 40-60%, easy.
Nightlife depends on where you are. Atlantic City casinos stay busy until 2 AM on weekends. In Asbury Park, music venues usually open doors at 7 PM, with shows at 8.
Jersey City and Hoboken fill up fast, so book dinner tables at least 48 hours ahead, especially if you’re after waterfront views of Manhattan.
Food trucks are everywhere at major events and beaches around lunchtime. The best variety? Usually between 11 AM and 2 PM at spots like Grounds for Sculpture or Liberty State Park.
Accessibility and Family-Friendly Resources
Most big New Jersey attractions follow ADA standards. Six Flags Great Adventure gives companion passes to guests with disabilities and keeps accessible entrances at all rides.
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Beach accessibility really depends on where you go. Ocean City lends out beach wheelchairs for free at the lifeguard stations—pretty thoughtful, honestly. Atlantic City’s boardwalk? Ramps show up every few blocks, and they actually mark accessible restrooms pretty clearly.
Public transportation is a mixed bag, but NJ Transit buses have wheelchair lifts on every route. The light rail between Hoboken and Jersey City has elevators at every station, so you won’t get stuck on the stairs.
Families with little kids might appreciate that many New Jersey attractions rent out strollers. Liberty Science Center and Adventure Aquarium both have stroller parking and family restrooms with changing tables—small things, but they make outings less stressful.
Parking considerations matter, too. All state parks set aside accessible parking spots. Beach parking lots fill up fast on summer weekends, though accessible spaces usually stick around longer since they’re reserved.
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