Summer never seems to stick around long in New Jersey - it's all part of living in a state that moves a mile a minute, I guess. But that just means it's all the more important to pack a lot of good times into August while we have the chance! Some of us might be looking forward to our fall pumpkin-picking and leaf-peeping trips already, but the weather is still great out there - so we put together this ultimate New Jersey summer bucket list to help you create an epic August. From some of New Jersey's best parks and forests, to fun and thrilling amusements, to delicious food - and even an indoor escape or two - these eight destinations perfectly sum up summer in New Jersey for us. You can pick the one you think will send your summer off with a bang- or try to pack them all into a few action-packed weeks!
1. Enjoy A Pool Bar - Literally
There is no better way to enjoy a cool drink than while hanging around the pool - and you can do exactly that at The Shore Club, a luxury resort in Spring Lake. This hotel just opened its outdoor drinking spot, simply called The Pool Bar, and it offers a full menu of seafood-forward dishes along with a selection of craft cocktails created by skilled bartenders. Our favorites have to be the frozen margaritas - perfect for a sweltering day.
2. Visit A Classic Boardwalk Park
New Jersey has some fantastic boardwalk parks in towns like Wildwood, Point Pleasant Beach, and Seaside Heights - but one we particularly like is Keansburg Amusement Park in the town of the same name. It has an old-school vibe, is more affordable than many of the alternatives, and is adjacent to a water park and a go-kart course. It's also next to the Old Heidelberg, a German-themed dive that serves the shore's best chili dogs.
3. Beat The Heat With An Epic Mall Day
There are some days that just aren't meant for the outdoors - like when the mercury hits 95. On those days, it's the perfect time to explore one of New Jersey's many malls - but there is none more epic than American Dream in East Rutherford. This massive complex features an amusement park, indoor ski slope, luxury shopping district, and dozens of dining options ranging from barbecue to dim sum - as well as the newest attraction., The Gameroom. This Hasbro-themed arcade is the first of its kind in the United States.
4. Explore A County Park For A Day Of Recreation
New Jersey's county parks are great hidden havens without the crowds of the state parks - but they're often packed with surprises. Overpeck County Park in Bergen is particularly impressive - it's home to a live music venue, an Equestrian sports center, a dock for fishing, and bridges that provide amazing views. It's also home to Field Station Dinosaurs, an independent attraction featuring dozens of audio-animatronic dinos.
5. Try An Iconic Boardwalk Snack
I'm sure people were shocked when I said I had never tried boardwalk lemonade and fries before - but they really do live up to the hype! There's just something unique about this fresh-squeezed lemonade with just the right amount of sugar, and those crispy double-fried potatoes. The best place to enjoy this classic combo is at Pucker in Asbury Park - one of the best boardwalk snack stands out there. Of course, if you're in the mood for a sausage sandwich, pizza, or another boardwalk classic, you'll find those stands nearby too.
6. Enjoy A Seafood Dinner On The Patio
New Jersey's shore is an amazing dining spot that spotlights seafood - and many of the best restaurants feature wonderful outdoor dining spots. One of our favorites is The Shrimp Box in Point Pleasant Beach, which serves a casual but upscale menu of seafood classics that often taste like they came straight from the sea. The outside patio bar is a great place for a meal or a casual drink after a day at Jenkinson's.
7. Head Off The Beaten Path To A State Forest
Many of New Jersey's best state parks are mobbed during this time of year - so it's the perfect time to explore a laid-back state forest instead. Bass River State Forest, one of the largest at 29,000 acres, is full of amazing recreation opportunities including great swimming and fishing spots, fifteen well-maintained hiking trails, and a sprawling campsite with 176 tent and trailer spots, if you want an extended adventure.
8. Cruise The Night Away
There is no better way to end a summer day in New Jersey than with a cruise. There are plenty of Hudson River cruises, but we're partial to River Lady Cruises, which is a Toms River cruise on an old-school riverboat complete with a paddlewheel. There are several options for cruises, but our favorite is the dinner cruise - which takes you down the river at sunset after a sumptuous multi-course meal with your choice of six entrees.
Are any of these destinations on your New Jersey summer bucket list? What are your favorite end-of-summer traditions? Let us know in the comments section! The end of summer is just the start of the fun in New Jersey, though - towns like Asbury Park are almost as action-packed in the off-season, and top hotels like the Asbury Ocean Club are much lower-priced during the fall.