New Jersey’s got a wild mix of things to do in early August, from the coast to the suburbs and everywhere in between. This week, you’ll stumble across airshows, hiking, museums, live music, and food fests—sometimes all in a single day if you’re feeling ambitious.
You can bounce from a historic lighthouse to a hiking trail, then hit an art gallery or stuff yourself on a restaurant crawl—all in one week. The options stretch from Atlantic City’s boardwalk to Princeton’s leafy campus. Whether you’re chasing sunshine or hiding from it in a museum, there’s something happening. Most spots stick to summer hours, but a few events want you to plan ahead or grab tickets in advance.
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1) Attend the Atlantic City Airshow at Bader Field
The Visit Atlantic City Soar & Shore Festival already happened July 15-16, 2025, so if you missed it—well, there’s always next year. The airshow brought out military aircraft like a MiG-17 fighter and a B-25 bomber, with performances running noon to 2:30 PM both days. Practice runs took place on July 15.
Crowds watched from the beach and boardwalk for free, with the ocean as a backdrop. The Vue Roof Top Bar at the Claridge Hotel offered premium views 23 stories up.
After a cancellation in 2024 and a brief pause for 2025, Visit Atlantic City and Herb Gillen Airshows pulled off a last-minute comeback. If you’re into planes or just love a good spectacle, mark your calendar for next July. The airshow usually lands along the coast for two days of free, noisy fun.
2) Explore hiking trails in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area straddles the New Jersey-Pennsylvania border and packs in over 150 miles of trails. Hikers can pick from easy boardwalks to tough mountain climbs.
Try the Mount Tammany Red Dot Trail if you want a challenge—about two hours up and down, with killer views of the Delaware River valley. For something gentler, the Dingmans Falls boardwalk trail is wheelchair accessible and leads to a 130-foot waterfall. Kids love it.
Sections of the Appalachian Trail cross through here too, offering a taste of the legendary long-distance hike. These parts are moderately tough and link up with other local trails.
Early mornings are best—cooler, less crowded, and the woods feel almost empty. Most routes are well-marked, and parking’s usually decent at the trailheads.
The 70,000 acres of forest mean you might spot deer, black bears, or a bunch of birds if you’re lucky (or unlucky, depending on your view of bears).
3) Visit the Grounds For Sculpture in Hamilton
Wander through more than 270 contemporary sculptures set across 42 acres at this outdoor museum in Hamilton. The sculpture park sits pretty much halfway between Philly and NYC.
Most of the artwork invites you to get up close—sometimes literally hands-on—so it’s actually fun for kids, not just adults pretending to “get” modern art. Pieces by both famous and up-and-coming artists are scattered through gardens and along winding paths.
There are six indoor galleries too, with new exhibits rotating in and out. If you’re after more structure, check out one of the educational programs.
Give yourself three or four hours to stroll the grounds. There’s food on-site and plenty of spots to rest if you need a break.
Admission’s not free, but art lovers usually find it worthwhile. Wear comfy shoes; gravel and outdoor paths can be uneven.
The park’s location is the old New Jersey State Fairgrounds, which adds a weird, kind of cool historical twist.
Weekends get busy. Buy tickets online to skip the line, or just show up and hope for the best.
4) Experience live music at the Stone Pony in Asbury Park
The Stone Pony’s a legend—New Jersey’s most iconic music club, really. It’s right on Ocean Avenue in Asbury Park and has hosted just about every band you can think of over the years.
You’ll find shows inside the main club and outside at the Stone Pony Summer Stage. The indoor space fits about 850 people, so it always feels close-up.
This week, Guster and The Mountain Goats hit the Summer Stage on Friday, August 1st, from 6 to 10:30 pm. The outdoor venue’s packed all summer with rock, indie, and alternative acts.
Doors usually open at 5:30 pm for the Summer Stage. All ages are welcome, so it’s not just for the over-21 crowd.
The Stone Pony books big names and up-and-comers alike. The calendar changes often, and sometimes surprise guests show up.
Parking’s tight for big shows. Get there early, wander the boardwalk, maybe grab a bite before the music starts.
5) Tour the historic Cape May Lighthouse
Cape May Lighthouse rises 157 feet above Cape May Point State Park. Climb the 199 steps and you’ll get sweeping views of the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean.
Built back in 1859, it’s been steering ships clear of trouble for over 160 years. The white tower and red lantern room are classic.
Tours run daily, 10 AM to 4 PM in August. Adults pay $12, kids under 12 get in for $8. The climb’s short—about 15 minutes if you don’t stop every five steps.
You’ll find history exhibits in the old oil house. Stories about lighthouse keepers and how they kept the light burning add a personal touch.
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Photographers love this spot, inside and out. The beach nearby has walking trails and picnic tables if you want to linger.
Plan for an hour or two. Parking’s free but fills up fast on weekends. Wear sturdy shoes for the spiral stairs—those can be slippery.
Bad weather shuts things down, so check the park’s site before you go.
6) Enjoy the Hoboken Restaurant Crawl
Hoboken’s small downtown makes it easy to hop from one restaurant to the next. You can try a bunch of different places without ever getting in your car.
Kick things off with Italian food on Washington Street—there are plenty of family-run places serving up classics. Lots of spots offer small plates, so you can share and keep moving.
Trendy picks like Antique Bar & Bakery (great cocktails, creative dishes) and Bin 14 wine bar work well for a crawl. Both are worth a stop.
Stick to Washington Street for most of your crawl—everything’s close together.
You’ll find everything from modern American to true ethnic gems. Since the places are packed in tight, you can hit three or four in a night without feeling rushed.
Weeknights, you can usually walk in. If you’re planning for the weekend, better make a reservation at the popular joints.
7) Attend the Jersey City Art & Studio Tour
The 32nd annual Jersey City Art & Studio Tour launches October 4th and claims the title of New Jersey’s biggest art event. Over 150 artist studios, galleries, and curated tours pop up all over the city.
This year’s theme? Convergence: Art, Technology, Business and Wellness. It’s a mouthful, but the event’s a great excuse to check out Jersey City’s creative side.
You can join free walking tours or hop on a bus to hit different studios. Lots of stops have live art demos and let you chat with the artists.
There’s stuff for kids, plus live music and theater. You’ll wander through everything from old warehouses to polished galleries.
Set aside a full day if you want to see more than a handful of studios. The event stretches across several days, so you can pace yourself.
Jersey City’s become a legit arts hub over the last three decades, and the city keeps investing in this annual celebration.
Parking’s a pain near the busiest spots. Public transit or event shuttles are your best bet.
8) Visit the Liberty Science Center in Jersey City
The Liberty Science Center is packed with hands-on exhibits that keep kids and adults entertained for hours. There are 11 halls covering everything from physics to biology.
Check out the live animals—over 100 species—and the giant aquariums. Science demonstrations happen throughout the day, and there’s a 3D movie theater if you need a break from walking.
Preschoolers get their own programming, but older kids and adults won’t get bored either. Exhibits rotate, so even repeat visitors find something new.
Food’s pricey inside, so you might want to eat before you go. Weekends get crowded; weekdays feel less chaotic.
If you’re over 18, LSC After Dark is a blast—think drinks, music, and grown-up science fun after hours.
The center sits inside Liberty State Park, so you can tack on outdoor time if you’re not museumed-out. Three to four hours is usually enough to see the main stuff and catch a show.
9) Explore the Princeton University Art Museum
The Princeton University Art Museum’s new building opens October 31, 2025, but you can still visit the current space to check out their collections.
The museum holds European paintings, ancient artifacts, and modern pieces. Rotating exhibits mix things up alongside the permanent displays.
Gallery talks, lectures, and guided tours go beyond just looking at art—if you’re curious, these programs add real context.
Pop into the museum store for gifts by local artisans. Purchases help fund educational programs.
The upcoming 146,000-square-foot space will double what’s on view now, with more room for art and events. If you want to see the current setup before the big change, go soon. The museum’s a blend of academic rigor and public access, so you don’t have to be a student to enjoy it.
10) Attend the Red Bank Food & Wine Festival
Red Bank throws several food and wine events throughout the year, turning downtown into a food lover’s playground.
Sample dishes from local restaurants while wandering the historic streets. Many places roll out special menus or deals during festival time.
The Red Bank International Beer, Wine & Food Fest brings together restaurants and bars with specials, plus live music and entertainment.
Food trucks usually join in, so you get a mix of sit-down and street eats at all price points.
The festival takes over Broad Street and nearby blocks. Parking disappears fast, so get there early or take public transit.
Admission rules change depending on the event—sometimes it’s free, sometimes there’s a cover. Vendors set their own prices, so bring cash or cards just in case.
Planning Your Week in New Jersey
August in New Jersey means sticky heat, temps in the 80s, and the occasional transit delay if you’re relying on trains or buses. Popular events, especially on weekends, fill up fast and often need tickets in advance. Don’t wait till the last minute if there’s something you really want to see.
Transportation Tips for Visitors
Public Transportation is your best bet for getting to major cities like Newark, Jersey City, and Atlantic City. NJ Transit trains run straight into New York City and Philadelphia, and they’re usually pretty efficient. Just a heads-up: on weekends, trains and buses come less often, so plan extra time.
Driving gives you the most freedom, especially if you want to hit state parks, beaches, or smaller towns. Traffic can get ugly from 7-9 AM and 5-7 PM during the week. If you’re headed to the shore, expect heavy congestion Friday nights and Sunday afternoons. Honestly, it’s almost a tradition at this point.
Parking prices jump all over the place. Parking by the Atlantic City boardwalk can set you back $10-25 a day. State parks usually charge $5-10 per car. In Princeton and other college towns, metered parking runs about $1-2 an hour—bring quarters or a parking app, just in case.
Shore Access is trickier than it sounds. If you want a beach spot on the weekend, get there early—lots fill by 10 AM during peak season. It might be easier to hop on an NJ Transit bus to places like Asbury Park or Long Branch.
Local Weather and What to Pack
Temperature and Humidity crank up to 80-85°F most days, with humidity often pushing past 70%. July weather patterns stick around into August, so expect hot, sticky afternoons.
Essential Items are lightweight clothes, something breathable, and shoes you can walk in for hours. Don’t forget a light rain jacket—afternoon storms pop up more than you’d think. Sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) is a must if you’re outside.
Beach Preparation means packing swimwear, towels, and lots of water. Boardwalks get brutally hot—sometimes 95°F on the concrete. Flip-flops save your feet from the burning sand and pavement.
Evening Activities call for a light layer or two, since temps drop into the mid-70s after dark. Mosquito repellent comes in handy at concerts and festivals, especially anywhere near water.
How to Find Ticketed Events and Reservations
State Fair Tickets for the New Jersey State Fair running August 1-9 can be bought online or at the gate. Expect to pay $12-15 per adult; kids under 12 usually get in free.
Festival Reservations are a good idea for big events. The Monmouth Battlefield 5K on August 9 takes online sign-ups through race websites. Registering early often means a better price.
Restaurant Bookings are basically required near the shore and other busy spots. If you want a table with a view, reserve 2-3 days ahead. Calling the restaurant directly tends to work better than online platforms, in my experience.
Official Event Calendars like NJ event listings are your best source for up-to-date info on dates, times, or ticket requirements. Always check the venue’s own site for the latest pricing and availability—things change fast.
Insider Advice for Families and Groups
Book your hotel or rental early if you’re aiming for beach towns like Cape May or Point Pleasant Beach. Summer rates can jump 40-60% over spring prices, which is wild but not surprising.
Group Size Considerations:
- If you’re a group of six or more, split up at busy attractions—it’s just easier.
- Most restaurants only let you keep your table for 90 minutes during peak hours.
- Parking gets tricky with more than one vehicle.
If you want to eat at a boardwalk restaurant, call by 2 PM for a same-day table. Otherwise, you could end up waiting over two hours on weekends.
Family-Friendly Timing:
- Hit Six Flags Great Adventure on a weekday—lines are way shorter.
- Beaches are nicest before 11 AM or after 4 PM.
- When it’s too hot, indoor attractions like Nickelodeon Universe save the day with air conditioning.
Buy attraction tickets online when you can. Most places offer a 10-15% discount, and you skip the line.
Dining Suggestions Near Popular Attractions
Atlantic City’s boardwalk has more than just casino food. Locals swear by White House Sub Shop for Italian sandwiches and Steel Pier Pizza for thin-crust pies.
Shore Dining Tips:
- Seafood prices swing wildly between boardwalk spots and inland places.
- BYOB restaurants need a little planning, but you’ll save money.
- Food trucks by the beach serve surprisingly good meals for less.
Princeton restaurants fill up fast during university events. Glance at the school calendar before heading to any place near campus.
Budget-Conscious Options:
- Wawa convenience stores are everywhere and make a solid quick meal.
- Local diners dish out big portions without draining your wallet.
- Farmers markets pop up in most counties all summer—fresh and fun.
Check restaurant parking options before you go. Some spots validate or have valet service, usually cheaper than public lots.
Guidelines for Enjoying Outdoor Activities Responsibly
New Jersey beaches ask for daily or seasonal badges to get in. You can grab badges at municipal buildings or from authorized vendors—just try to go before 9 AM if you hate waiting in line.
Beach Safety Essentials:
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- Stick to lifeguarded beaches and swim during posted hours
- Rip current warnings pop up often along the coast, so pay attention
- Most beaches don’t allow glass containers
State parks charge parking fees, usually $5-10 on weekends. If you want a spot at busy places like Island Beach State Park, get there before 10 AM.
Trail Etiquette:
- Stay on marked paths—protects the plants and keeps you from getting lost
- Bring water and snacks if your hike’s over two hours
- Download offline maps since cell service can be unreliable in the wild
Always check the weather before heading out. Summer afternoons can turn stormy fast, and many outdoor attractions shut down temporarily when severe weather hits.
Getting Around Jersey City, NJ
Plan Your Stay in Jersey City, NJ
Things to Do in Jersey City, NJ
