Summer in New Jersey means the calendar’s packed, and the state feels alive. The week of June 29 to July 5, 2025, is shaping up to be a wild mix of festivals, outdoor escapes, and all the fireworks you’d expect across the Garden State. From laid-back shore towns to the northern hills, there’s honestly something for just about everyone.
The North to Shore Festival wraps up June 29, and July 4th celebrations will pop up in towns everywhere. Whether you want family adventures, great food, or a little peace in nature, New Jersey’s got your back. It’s no wonder summer’s the state’s favorite season.
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1) Tour the Historic Battleship New Jersey in Camden
The Battleship New Jersey Museum & Memorial looms over Camden’s waterfront, and honestly, it’s hard not to feel a little awe walking its decks. Tours run daily from 10:00 AM with the last entry at 4:00 PM, so you’ve got flexibility to fit it in.
You’ll walk through the ship’s inner corridors and see how sailors lived from WWII through the 1990s. It’s a hands-on way to get a sense of military life aboard America’s most decorated battleship.
After a big restoration, the ship reopened for tours on June 29, 2024. So if you visit this week, you’ll catch it a year after its big return—everything’s looking fresh.
Tours are customizable, so whether you’re solo, bringing the kids, or rolling with a group, there’s a way to make it work. Families especially appreciate the scavenger hunts and educational extras.
You’ll find it at 62 Battleship Place in Camden, and it’s open every day. Give yourself at least a couple of hours—there’s a lot to take in.
2) Explore the Atlantic City Boardwalk
The Atlantic City Boardwalk is classic Jersey summer—four miles of energy, ocean air, and a little bit of everything. As you wander, you’ll pass casinos (try your luck or just people-watch), street performers, and food stands slinging saltwater taffy, funnel cakes, and fresh seafood.
The Steel Pier Amusement Park juts out 1,000 feet over the water and packs in rides for all ages, from roller coasters to a swinging carousel.
If you need a break from the action, the boardwalk links up with plenty of beaches—just pick your spot and drop your towel.
History fans will appreciate the info boards that pop up along the way, sharing the boardwalk’s backstory and its place in Jersey history. It’s not just about the casinos; there’s a story here, too.
3) Bike the Henry Hudson Trail
The Henry Hudson Trail is a 24-mile paved path slicing through Monmouth County. It’s a former railroad line, so the ride’s pretty smooth, and at 10 feet wide, there’s space for everyone.
You can start in the north (Aberdeen to Highlands) or try the southern extension (Freehold to Marlboro and Aberdeen). Pick a section that works for you.
Mornings are best if you want to avoid crowds and beat the heat—weekends can get busy, especially in late June.
A hybrid bike handles the asphalt and any dirt patches. Don’t forget water and sunscreen; some stretches don’t have much shade.
You might hit a few loud spots where the trail hugs Route 36, especially near Earle Naval Station, but those don’t last long. Most of the ride is peaceful, with woods and bayshore views.
Cyclists say the trail’s in better shape these days, with a lot of the rough patches smoothed out. It’s a great way to see a bunch of Jersey landscapes in one go.
4) Attend Jersey City Restaurant Week (July 6-8)
Jersey City Restaurant Week kicks off July 5 and runs through July 19, so you can dive in right at the start of the month. This event is all about sampling the city’s food scene without blowing your budget.
Restaurants roll out special prix-fixe menus, and a slice of the proceeds goes to local charities. You’ll find everything from fancy bistros to chill neighborhood joints, with dishes spanning American classics to global flavors.
You probably don’t need a reservation at most places, but if you’ve got your eye on a hot spot, it’s smart to book ahead—especially on weekend nights. Check out the official Jersey City Restaurant Fest website for the full rundown.
While you’re eating your way through town, you’ll get to enjoy downtown’s buzz and those waterfront views. Restaurant week lines up with other local happenings, so there’s plenty to keep you busy.
5) Visit lighthouses along the New Jersey coast
Jersey’s 127-mile coastline features 11 public lighthouses, and late June/early July is prime time for lighthouse hopping. The weather’s usually clear, so you get the best views.
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Sandy Hook Lighthouse, one of America’s oldest, is open for climbs Friday through Sunday from 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM.
Cape May Lighthouse has 199 steps—at the top, you get killer views of the Delaware Bay and Atlantic. This week, they’re open until 8:00 PM, so sunset’s in play.
Barnegat Lighthouse over on Long Beach Island is hosting a July 4th history talk. If you make the 217-foot climb, you’ll be rewarded with some of the best coastal vistas around.
Twin Lights in Highlands offers double the towers and a maritime museum that’s open daily from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with special naval history exhibits this week.
If you’re up for an adventure, the Lighthouse Challenge day trip on Saturday, July 5th, covers three southern coast lighthouses. Transport and lunch are included for $75 a person. Not a bad deal.
6) Enjoy indoor mini golf in Woolwich Township
Want to dodge the heat? Head to the Woolwich Township Municipal Building on Sunday, June 29 for indoor mini golf. It’s just $3 a player for nine holes—no need to sign up ahead of time.
Show up anytime between 11 AM and 2 PM. Swedesboro-Woolwich Parks and Rec runs the event, and kids usually have a blast. No pressure, just a fun way to pass a couple hours.
Woolwich offers this as part of their summer rec lineup. If you’re into mini golf, there are other indoor courses around Jersey, from simple setups to wild glow-in-the-dark themes.
The township’s in Gloucester County, so it’s a good option if you’re in South Jersey. The address: 120 Village Green Drive, Woolwich Township, NJ 08085.
7) Experience Argos Farm’s Blue & BBQ Festival
The Blue & BBQ Festival at Argos Farm keeps rolling through July 6, so you’ve got time to catch it in Forked River. Festival hours: Fridays and Sundays from 3 to 8 PM, Saturdays 3 to 9 PM.
Admission covers live music, country line dancing (no experience needed), and access to the farm’s summer fun. The BBQ’s legit, and the blueberry treats are a sweet bonus—plus you can pick your own if there are any left.
Bring your camera—the farm’s loaded with photo ops for your feed.
Getting there’s easy: just a mile west of Garden State Parkway exit 74. Advance tickets are $16.95 online, or $21.95 at the gate, so booking ahead saves you a few bucks.
The vibe is classic Jersey Shore summer—fresh food, music, and a break from the usual beach crowds.
8) Go glamping at luxurious New Jersey sites
If you want to get outdoors but still want a mattress and maybe a hot shower, glamping’s the move. New Jersey has some surprisingly posh options.
Harriman State Park features safari tents perched on platforms—great base camp for hiking or beach days. These Tentrr campsites come with private fire pits and picnic tables, so you don’t have to rough it.
Other spots in Vernon, Jackson, Cape May, and West Creek offer glampsites with all the extras. You’ll find private fire pits and picnic tables and views that go on forever.
Expect to pay $150–$275 a night, usually with a two-night minimum. This week’s weather? Pretty much perfect for it.
Jersey’s glamping scene covers everything from cozy safari tents and mini cabins to yurts by the water. There’s more variety than you’d think—lakefront cabins, beachside yurts, you name it.
Book soon if you’re interested—these places fill up fast for summer holidays.
9) Discover scenic hiking trails across the state
Early July is a sweet spot for hiking in Jersey—temps in the 70s, not much rain in the forecast. Trails are in good shape, and there’s something for every skill level.
The Batona Trail in Pine Barrens runs 53.5 miles through Wharton State Forest. It’s mostly flat, so families and beginners can jump right in.
If you’re chasing views, check out Wawayanda Mountain up north. The Stairway to Heaven trail is a 2.6-mile climb with rock stairs and a big payoff at the top—panoramic highlands scenery.
The Batsto Lake Trail loops through the Pine Barrens with lakeside stretches and a peaceful vibe. It’s a nice intro to one of Jersey’s most unique ecosystems.
Northern New Jersey is loaded with trails managed by the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference. Their site has updated trail reports and difficulty ratings, so you can pick the right one for your crew.
Bring water, sunblock, and solid shoes—no matter where you go, you’ll want to be prepared.
10) Take guided tours of New Jersey’s maritime museums
New Jersey’s got a pretty wild naval history, and its maritime museums really bring that to life. If you’re even a little curious about ships or the coast, you might want to check out the Battleship New Jersey Museum & Memorial in Camden. Tours kick off at 10AM and wrap up with last entry at 4PM.
Walking through this enormous ship, you’ll get a real sense of what sailor life was like, from WWII all the way into the 1990s. There’s something about the clang of metal and the maze of corridors that makes history feel close and, honestly, a bit overwhelming in the best way.
Down at the southern tip of Long Beach Island, the New Jersey Maritime Museum in Beach Haven is packed with exhibits that dig into the state’s coastal traditions. There’s a casual, local vibe here—nothing too fancy, just lots of artifacts and stories.
Then there’s the A.J. Meerwald, a restored oyster schooner docked in Bivalve. If you’ve never been on a working boat, this one’s a treat. You get a peek into New Jersey’s oyster dredging days, and, if you ask, the crew will share some salty stories.
Guides at these spots tend to know their stuff and don’t mind going off-script with tales about shipwrecks, oddball inventions, or the quirks of old coastal towns. Most tours run about an hour to ninety minutes—just enough to soak it in without getting restless.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Week in New Jersey
Let’s be honest, New Jersey in summer gets busy. If you plan a bit and know a couple tricks, you’ll dodge the worst crowds and actually enjoy yourself.
How to Plan Your Itinerary
Try grouping things by area instead of zigzagging all over the state. The Jersey Shore destinations are a lot less crowded on weekdays—weekends can be a madhouse.
For big-ticket spots like Adventure Aquarium or Six Flags Great Adventure, snag your tickets online at least two days ahead. Sometimes you’ll catch a discount, and you’ll definitely skip a few lines.
Keep an eye on the forecast. New Jersey summers can get sticky, so maybe save indoor stuff for the hottest part of the afternoon and hit the outdoors early or late.
Give yourself some wiggle room in your schedule—one or two main things per day, tops. That way, if you stumble on a cool detour or hit traffic (and you probably will, especially on the Garden State Parkway), you won’t stress.
Navigating Crowds and Popular Venues
If you’re heading for beaches or parks, go early. Jersey Shore beaches fill up fast—sometimes by 10 AM. Aim for 8:30 AM if you want a shot at good parking or a decent spot in the sand.
Parking’s always a hassle, but apps like SpotHero and ParkWhiz can help you find cheaper garages near the action.
If you’re visiting places like Liberty State Park or Jersey City, the PATH train is a lifesaver. You’ll skip the parking circus and probably save your sanity.
Bring some cash, just in case. Most places take cards, but those little boardwalk stands or old-school food shacks sometimes don’t.
Mid-week (Tuesday through Thursday) is the sweet spot—fewer crowds, shorter lines, and you can actually hear yourself think.
Travel & Accessibility Information
Getting around New Jersey during Fourth of July week can be a headache if you don’t plan ahead, but there are ways to make it work.
Getting Around the Garden State
The state’s got a solid transportation network. The Garden State Parkway runs north-south, and the Turnpike cuts across most of the main destinations. Both get jammed on holiday weekends, especially near the shore. Expect it.
If you’re headed to the beach, check out the NJ Transit Beach Express. It runs extra trains from June 29 to July 5, connecting Newark, Secaucus, and Hoboken to beach towns like Point Pleasant and Long Branch.
Rideshare apps work everywhere, but prices usually spike during peak hours. Some shore towns run free or cheap shuttles from big parking lots to the beach or downtown—worth looking up before you go.
If you’re in Atlantic City, the Jitney is the way to go. It runs 24/7 along four main routes and costs just $2.25 a ride.
Parking and Public Transit Tips
Trying to park at the Jersey Shore on a holiday weekend? Yeah, it’s tricky. Most Jersey Shore beaches want you to use mobile payment apps like ParkMobile—definitely grab that app before you go, or you’ll end up fumbling at the meter. Expect to pay anywhere from $10 to $25 for daily parking, though if you roll in after 4pm, the rates usually drop.
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If you’re bringing kids, NJ Transit’s weekend family fare is a lifesaver: up to two children ride free with each paying adult. The Atlantic City rail line runs hourly from Philadelphia, and you can connect to other shore spots pretty easily from there.
Some main transit choices:
- PATH Train: Zips between NYC, Hoboken, and Jersey City ($2.75)
- River Line: Runs from Burlington County to Camden ($1.60)
- Hudson-Bergen Light Rail: Goes from Bayonne up to North Bergen ($2.25)
- Newark Light Rail: Links downtown Newark with nearby suburbs ($1.60)
Download the NJ Transit mobile app for tickets and live updates—it’s way easier than waiting in line. A lot of stations throw in free weekend parking, but those lots fill fast, especially when everyone’s headed to the shore.
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