July’s here, and the Garden State is buzzing. Festivals, concerts, beach days—there’s something going on in every corner. If you’re itching for a reason to get out of the house (or just need a break from the AC), New Jersey’s got you covered. Mid-July is prime time for making summer memories close to home—no plane ticket required.
This week’s lineup is a lively mix of time-honored favorites and fresh new happenings. From the classic Jersey Shore boardwalk vibes to peaceful trails up north, there’s honestly something for every taste and wallet. And beer lovers, take note: New Jersey Craft Beer Week kicks off July 13, pouring local brews all over the state.
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1) Visit the Grounds For Sculpture in Hamilton for unique outdoor art
Thinking of a day trip? Grounds For Sculpture in Hamilton is a great pick. Sprawled across 42 acres, this outdoor museum packs in over 270 contemporary sculptures—plenty to see, whether you’re a die-hard art fan or just looking for a change of scenery.
You’ll wander winding paths, pass through lush gardens, and stumble across all sorts of artwork. Some of the most memorable pieces are Seward Johnson’s lifelike sculptures—if you’ve ever wanted to step into a painting, here’s your chance.
With sunny July weather, the outdoor galleries and gardens are seriously inviting. It’s a fun way to get kids interested in art, too—they can roam, point, and wonder without worrying about “museum voices.”
Need a break from the sun? There are six indoor galleries with rotating exhibits. And if you get hungry, the on-site restaurant is surprisingly good for a museum spot—worth checking out after you’ve explored.
2) Explore Liberty State Park with views of NYC and the Statue of Liberty
Liberty State Park in Jersey City gives you front-row views of Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island. With 1,200+ acres to roam, you’ll have plenty of space to stretch out or snap a skyline selfie.
The park is open every day, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., so you can pick your own pace. The Liberty Landing Ferry from New York runs hourly and makes getting there a breeze.
Walking the Liberty State Park loop is a must for anyone who loves a good view. The Liberty Walkway along the bay is a favorite for photos—honestly, it’s hard to take a bad one.
The Liberty Science Center sits on the park’s western edge and is a hit with kids (and curious adults). If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even catch a ferry straight to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island from here.
3) Attend a live concert at the Prudential Center in Newark
The Prudential Center in Newark is hopping this week with concerts—if you’re into live music, it’s worth checking the schedule. The arena’s home to the NJ Devils but transforms into a top-notch music venue.
On Sunday, July 13, Brand New hits the stage as part of their 2025 tour. They played here back in June and put on a killer 26-song show—fans raved about it. Can’t make it? There’s a full lineup of acts all month.
Getting there’s easy, with plenty of parking and public transit options. The location in downtown Newark means you’re close to the action.
If you have time before the show, wander into the Ironbound district nearby. It’s packed with Portuguese and Spanish restaurants—grab dinner and make a night of it.
4) Tour the historic Thomas Edison National Historical Park
In West Orange, the Thomas Edison National Historical Park gives you a peek into the world of America’s ultimate inventor. The lab and house are preserved, and honestly, it’s pretty wild seeing where so many big ideas came to life.
The park is open Wednesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. You’ll want at least a couple of hours to take it all in—there’s a lot more here than just light bulbs. Edison’s labs are packed with inventions, from phonographs to early movies.
Parking’s easy, and you’re only about half an hour from NYC. History nerds and science fans will get a kick out of the sheer number of patents and prototypes on display.
If you’re into biking, check out the Washington Rock & Roll Tour—the park is one of the stops.
5) Enjoy hiking at the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
If you’re craving nature, the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area straddles the NJ-PA border with 70,000 acres of wild beauty. There are over 100 miles of trails, so whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just want a gentle walk, you’ll find your groove.
July’s heat means you’ll want to pack water and wear solid shoes—the terrain can be rocky and unpredictable.
The Appalachian Mountains carve out a dramatic notch here, with forests, mountains, and the Delaware River winding through. The views are something else.
Besides hiking, you can canoe, raft, swim, or fish. After your trek, a dip in the Delaware feels pretty fantastic.
Try the Mount Tammany trail for jaw-dropping vistas, or stick to the Dunnfield Creek Trail for something easier but still beautiful.
And yeah, “leave no trace” isn’t just a saying—let’s keep it nice for the next folks.
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6) Visit the Adventure Aquarium in Camden
Right on the Camden Waterfront, Adventure Aquarium is a cool escape from the summer heat. It’s home to 15,000+ aquatic animals in two million gallons of water—so, plenty to gawk at.
The 81-foot Shark Bridge is a highlight. You’re just inches above a massive tank full of sharks—kind of nerve-wracking, but in a fun way.
This place is the only aquarium on Earth with hippos, which is pretty wild. Also, there’s a colony of Little Blue penguins—adorable and rare.
Touch tanks keep kids (and honestly, adults) entertained. You can get hands-on with some of the sea life, which is a nice change from the usual “look, don’t touch” vibe.
They’re open daily, 10am to 5pm. You’ll probably want at least a few hours to see it all.
7) Stroll through the Cape May Lighthouse and beaches
The Cape May Lighthouse is a classic Jersey Shore stop. Climb all 199 steps and you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the Atlantic and Cape May Point. It’s a bit of a workout, but worth it.
July’s weather is perfect for Cape May’s clean, laid-back beaches along Beach Avenue. Early mornings are the sweet spot—cooler, quieter, and great for photos or a peaceful walk.
After the lighthouse, Cape May Point State Park has nature trails and is a bird-watcher’s dream, especially during summer migrations.
Cape May’s beaches are a little different—less commercial, more relaxed. Ideal if you’re after a chill day by the water.
Best bet: get there early on a weekday for parking close to the lighthouse. Bring comfy shoes for the stairs and shoreline. And hey, keep your eyes peeled for Cape May diamonds—those sparkly quartz pebbles are a neat local treasure.
8) Experience a wine tasting at Renault Winery
Wine lovers, you’ll want to check out Renault Winery Resort in Egg Harbor City. It’s been around since 1864—one of America’s oldest operating vineyards—and the 100-acre grounds are just plain pretty.
Their Historic Tour & Taste lets you wander through vintage rooms, sample wines, and snack on small bites. It’s a nice blend of history and happy hour.
Renault is one of the rare U.S. wineries that can legally call its sparkling wine champagne, which is a quirky bit of trivia to pull out at your next dinner party.
The tour runs through August 31, 2025, so there’s time, but mid-July is a sweet spot. You’ll get a taste of 158 years of winemaking and maybe discover a new favorite bottle.
Bringing the family? Renault rolls out kid-friendly events too, so nobody’s left out. Summer weekends feature live music and mellow tastings—very chill vibe.
9) Check out the Montclair Art Museum exhibits
The Montclair Art Museum is a local gem, especially if you’re into American or Native American art. Since 1914, they’ve built up a collection of over 14,000 pieces—paintings, sculptures, beadwork, you name it.
This week, several exhibits are worth a look. The permanent collection covers three centuries of American creativity, so there’s a lot to take in.
Weekdays are great for a visit—fewer crowds, more space to actually see the art. The Native American section is particularly striking and gives you a perspective you won’t find at most other NJ museums.
You can see everything in about 90 minutes. The place isn’t huge, but it’s packed with interesting work.
The building itself is lovely, and while the museum’s earned international respect, it still feels friendly and community-focused. Their programs and classes add another layer if you want to dig deeper.
Double-check their site for hours and special events—sometimes you’ll luck into something extra.
10) Attend the Red Bank Food and Wine Festival
The Red Bank Flavour Food & Wine Walk is back this weekend, and honestly, it’s one of the best excuses to wander downtown and eat your way through Red Bank. This summer favorite pops up on select Sundays from June through October—this weekend’s one of the highlights.
You’ll get to sample bites from a bunch of local restaurants as you meander the streets. Usually, a dozen or so spots take part, each serving up their own small plates and wine pairings. It’s a great way to figure out which places you want to come back to later.
Tickets sell out fast, so grab yours early if you’re even thinking about going. The walk runs from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, which gives you plenty of time to wander at your own pace (or linger at your favorites).
Red Bank’s food scene has really taken off lately, and this festival’s a solid way to see what’s new. Most of the venues are clustered along Broad Street or right nearby, so you won’t need to worry about hiking all over town.
Wear comfy shoes—you’ll be on your feet a lot. Some folks like to check out the list of participating restaurants ahead of time and make a little game plan.
Planning Your New Jersey Adventure
New Jersey packs a lot into a small space, so you can actually fit in a bunch of sights if you plan things out. A little strategy goes a long way toward a smoother trip.
Transportation Tips for Exploring the State
Getting around New Jersey isn’t too tricky. NJ Transit runs trains and buses that hit most of the big towns and attractions, and a weekend pass lets you ride as much as you want for a flat rate.
Renting a car gives you the most freedom, especially if you want to check out places like the Delaware Water Gap or hit the coast. Parking in cities can get pricey, so look for public lots with day rates if you can.
Rideshares like Uber and Lyft are easy to find in the busier areas, but don’t count on quick pickups out in the sticks. If you’re heading to the Shore, those summer shuttle buses between beach towns are a lifesaver—way less hassle than finding parking.
The Garden State Parkway and Turnpike are the main north-south roads. Tolls are a given, so keep an E-ZPass handy if you’ve got one—it’ll save time and a little cash.
Booking Tickets and Reservations
A lot of Jersey’s big attractions want you to book ahead, especially in summer. For Atlantic City shows, try to snag tickets a couple weeks in advance. If you’re after beach badges in places like Spring Lake or Cape May, buy them online before you go.
State parks like High Point or Liberty State Park usually sell parking passes at the entrance, but if you want a spot on peak weekends, aim to get there before 10 AM. Always check the official site for any surprise rules or capacity limits.
If you want to eat at the hot spots, book early—at least a week for weeknights, two or three weeks for weekends, and a month for the fancy places in touristy areas.
Timed entry tickets are the norm at lots of museums and historical sites, which actually helps keep your day on track. Sites like Groupon sometimes have deals on attraction bundles, so it’s worth a quick search before you lock in plans.
Weather Considerations and What to Pack
July here? It’s hot and sticky, no way around it. Expect 75-90°F most days, and you’ll probably get at least one surprise thunderstorm. Bring a compact umbrella or a light rain jacket—it’ll come in handy.
For beach days, don’t forget:
- High-SPF sunscreen (seriously, reapply often)
- Beach towels and chairs (rentals exist but can be a ripoff)
- Insulated water bottle (ice-cold water is a must)
- Some cash for beach badges in places that don’t do digital
If you’re heading into town or checking out festivals, wear something light and breathable, and stick with shoes you can walk in. You’ll probably be bouncing between chilly indoor AC and muggy sidewalks, so a light layer isn’t a bad idea.
Nights on the shore can cool off, sometimes dipping into the upper 60s—bring a sweater if you’re planning a boardwalk stroll. Inland, it stays warmer after dark. Always check the forecast before you head out; Jersey weather changes its mind a lot.
Enhancing Your Experience
If you want to get the most out of your trip, a few insider tricks can make all the difference. Little things add up to a smoother, happier adventure.
Family-Friendly Travel Advice
NJ Transit’s family passes can save you up to 35% if you’re traveling with kids on weekends. Always bring refillable water bottles—July heat can sneak up on you.
Lots of attractions have early morning specials before 11 AM to help you beat the heat. The Garden State events calendar is handy for finding venues with stroller rentals or family chill zones.
If you’re traveling with kids, don’t forget:
- Lightweight rain ponchos (because, summer storms)
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+ is your friend)
- Insect repellent (especially if you’re hitting the woods)
- Spare clothes for water play
A lot of beaches drop or cut admission fees after 4 PM, so late afternoons are great for families who want to skip the hottest part of the day.
Suggestions for Local Dining
There’s more to Jersey eats than diners—though those are classic. Farm-to-table spots shine in mid-July when local corn, tomatoes, and blueberries are everywhere.
Weekend events often bring out food trucks with all sorts of regional snacks. If you’re aiming for a popular shore restaurant, try to reserve a table 3-5 days ahead, especially for Friday or Saturday nights.
Budget bites:
| Meal Type | Average Cost | Best Value Options |
|---|---|---|
| Breakfast | $8-15 | Bakeries, farmstand cafes |
| Lunch | $12-18 | Food trucks, boardwalk specials |
| Dinner | $18-35 | Early bird specials (4-6 PM) |
Some places do “Kids Eat Free” on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. If your kid’s a big eater, just ask for a half-portion of an adult meal—most places are cool about it, even if it’s not on the menu.
Accessibility Resources and Services
New Jersey’s made real strides in accessibility at its top attractions. The Exciting Things to Do in New Jersey listings even highlight detailed accessibility info for each spot—handy, right?
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Most state parks have trails with solid, level ground, so getting around isn’t a headache. On the shore, beaches like Cape May, Asbury Park, and Island Beach State Park offer free beach wheelchairs. You do have to reserve them a day ahead, just as a heads-up.
Here’s some of what’s available:
- Free companion admission at most museums and attractions
- Sensory-friendly hours (usually on Wednesday mornings) at big venues
- ASL interpreters if you give 48 hours’ notice at state-run sites
- Service animal relief areas set up at transportation hubs
The NJ Transit app now lets you filter for accessibility, which honestly makes planning a trip less stressful. If you’re heading out to eat, it’s worth calling first—most restaurants are happy to set up quiet seating or bring out large-print or Braille menus if you ask.
Getting Around Jersey City, NJ
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Things to Do in Jersey City, NJ
