Nothing quite says summer in Philadelphia like leaving the city limits and heading to New Jersey.
Up and down the Jersey coast, from Atlantic City to Cape May, Philadelphians flock to the shore to build sandcastles and nap on the beach, to stroll the boardwalks and to attend various concerts, festivals and other events taking place on the sands of the Atlantic Ocean all summer long.
So, to help you decide which Jersey shore town to plop down in for a day, check this guide for some of the countless activities that towns along the shore have to offer.
Atlantic City
Sam Hunt, Demi Lovato and The Chainsmokers are just some of the people who chose to spend time this summer in Atlantic City. They will be there for the Atlantic City Beachfest Concert Series, on July 1, July 26 and July 29, respectively, at Atlantic City Beach.
Atlantic City is, of course, known for its casinos, but it is also host to other, more family-friendly activities for those so
inclined. In addition to a lineup of star power in concerts throughout the summer, you can see a lineup of Broadway musicals (Waitress, Wicked and Kinky Boots, to name just a few) on July 9, 16 and 23 at Kennedy Plaza during Broadway on the Boardwalk.
Also at Kennedy Plaza is Mardi Gras AC, a series of classic rock, New Orleans rhythm and blues, reggae, funk, blues rock, roots rock, Americana and world music performances running from June 20 to Sept. 5.
For other activities in Atlantic City, check out atlanticcitynj.com.
Ventnor
Head to Ventnor this summer for lots of outdoor fun. From the 31st Annual Beach Volleyball Tournament on June 30 and July 1 at Cambridge Avenue Beach to the 47th Annual Ventnor Mile and Independence Day Celebration on July 3 at Newport Avenue and the Boardwalk, Ventnor offers plenty of ways to burn calories from all that ice cream you’ll need to cool down.
Every Friday at 9 a.m., there is a farmers market in the Holy Trinity Parish parking lot, while Saturdays at 7 p.m. will see either a concert or a movie on the Newport Avenue Beach.
And lastly, don’t forget to check out the Good Eats Food Truck Festival, where you can enjoy world cuisine and music from DJ Slice at Ski Beach on June 16 and Sept. 8. At this festival, eight food trucks will go head-to-head to compete in the Battle of Good Eats, and four guests will have the opportunity to judge alongside local celebrity judges.
You can learn more about what’s happening in Ventnor this summer at ventnorcity.org.
Margate
On June 30, Beachstock returns to Margate, with 14 hours of nonstop performances by Matt Santry, DJ Jason E and The British Invasion Experience at the 100.7 WZXL main stage. There will also be opportunities to hula and limbo with professional dancers from South Pacific Island Dancers, take yoga classes at the Milton & Betty Katz JCC and much more.
Every Thursday, from July 5 to Aug. 30 in Margate, you can enjoy Thrilling Thursdays. Start your day at the farmers market at the parking lot of Steve & Cookie’s Restaurant & Oyster Bar, continue with sidewalk sales, enjoy free beach access and end the day by watching a movie under the stars at the Margate City Library.
See more Margate events at margatehasmore.com.
Ocean City
As a “dry city,” Ocean City is known for its family-friendly vibe. And Thursday night is Family Night, where you can enjoy free concerts and entertainment from 7:30-9:30 p.m. on the boardwalk between Sixth and 14th streets.
Other events this summer at Ocean City include the Antique Auto Show, which showcases more than 300 vintage cars at Tabernacle Grounds on June 23; Wacky Wednesday, where you can compete in various competitions like saltwater taffy sculpting or pie-eating every Wednesday starting June 27; and Mummers Night, where you can catch people strutting on the boardwalk between Sixth and 14th streets from 7-9 p.m. on Tuesdays beginning July 3.
Keep up with all the fun in Ocean City at oceancityvacation.com.
Wildwoods
History buffs can combine their love of history with summer fun at the Doo Wop Back to the ’50s Neon Night Tours, which take place from June 19 to Aug. 30. These tours leave in front of the Doo Wop Experience Museum and continue to landmarks throughout Wildwood that recount the area’s history in the ’50s and ’60s.
But the Wildwoods offers plenty to do for those with other niche interests. This beach town is home to the National Marbles Tournament (now in its 94th year) from June 18 to 21 at Ringer Stadium, as well as the Sidewalk Chalk Competition at Bill Henfey Park on July 7.
Otherwise, you can try $5 yoga classes on the beach every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday during the summer behind the Wildwoods Convention Center at Burk Avenue.
Find a more complete calendar of summer events at wildwoodsnj.com.
Cape May
Listen to jazz, classical and chamber music at the Cape May Music Festival. In its 29th year, this series of performances runs until June 15 at the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities. On June 13, the festival holds Bach’s Lunch at the Carriage House Café & Tearoom on the grounds of the Emlen Physick Estate, where you can enjoy a tea luncheon and a mini-concert by members of the Bay Atlantic Symphony.
The Cape May Music Festival is not the only summer festival in this beach town. On July 14 and 15, you can spend the weekend celebrating Irish and Scottish culture at the 14th Annual Celtic Weekend.
Hear live music throughout the grounds at Historic Cold Spring Village, with performances on the main stage by Nae Breeks Pipes & Drums.
Then, just as these few months of sun and freedom come to an end, you can head to the Annual Craft Beer & Crab Festival, also at Emlen Physick, on Aug. 4, to say goodbye to summer with a cold one in hand.
To see what else is happening in Cape May, check out capemay.com.
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