The Jersey Shore is abuzz with anticipation as Memorial Day weekend marks the official start of summer in New Jersey. From the sandy beaches of Cape May to the bustling boardwalks of Seaside Heights and Wildwood, to the natural beauty of Sandy Hook and Island Beach.
The Shore is ready to welcome locals and tourists alike for a season packed with sun, fun, and timeless traditions. As the Garden State prepares for its busiest time of year, here’s what the summer kickoff means for residents, businesses, and visitors along New Jersey’s iconic coastline.
Get ready for gridlock on the Garden State Parkway
Memorial Day weekend brings a surge of traffic to the Garden State Parkway, the main artery connecting North Jersey to the Shore’s beloved beach towns.
Weekend congestion is expected to intensify as families, college students, and out-of-state visitors make their pilgrimage to the coast. “It’s a rite of passage,” said Tom Delaney, a commuter from Morris County who’s been summering in Point Pleasant for decades.
“You pack the car, hit the Parkway, and pray for no backups at the Toms River tolls.”
State police are urging drivers to plan for delays, carpool when possible, and avoid peak travel times on Friday afternoons and Monday evenings. The increased traffic isn’t just a headache—it’s a sign of the economic boom the Shore relies on each summer.
Tourism Fuels Local Economy
The influx of visitors is a lifeline for Jersey Shore businesses, particularly small shops, restaurants, and boardwalk vendors. From souvenir stands selling seashell necklaces to family-owned diners dishing up blueberry pancakes, Memorial Day weekend sets the tone for a lucrative season.
In Seaside Heights, boardwalk merchants report a 40% spike in sales over the holiday weekend. Restaurants are gearing up for crowds, with seafood spots across the Jersey shore extend hours to accommodate demand.
In Wilwood, Ocean City, Atlantic City, Point Pleasant, gift shops and eateries are rolling out summer specials to lure day-trippers. The economic ripple effect touches every corner of the Shore, from ice cream parlors in Wildwood to boutique hotels in Cape May.
A Summer of Music and Festivities
The Jersey Shore’s summer calendar is a vibrant tapestry of events, with Memorial Day serving as the opening act.
Beachfront concerts are a hallmark of the season, drawing crowds to venues like the Stone Pony in Asbury Park, where tribute bands and indie acts kick off the summer lineup inside and on the outdoor summer stage.
Wildwood’s free Friday night fireworks, starting Memorial Day weekend, are a family favorite, lighting up the sky over the boardwalk. Further south, Cape May’s Summer Concert Series will feature jazz and folk performances at Rotary Park, while Sandy Hook’s Gateway National Recreation Area hosts guided history tours and beach yoga sessions.
Festivals abound, too, with Ocean City’s Boardwalk Art Show and Point Pleasant’s Seafood Festival slated for June.
Salt Water Taffy: A Sweet Tradition
No Jersey Shore summer is complete without salt water taffy, the chewy confection that’s been a boardwalk staple for over a century. Shops like Shriver’s in Ocean City and Fralinger’s in Atlantic City are stocking up on flavors ranging from classic vanilla to trendy watermelon.
The taffy-making process, often visible through shop windows, is a draw in itself, with machines pulling and twisting the candy into bite-sized pieces. For many visitors, the taste of taffy is synonymous with summer nostalgia, evoking memories of carefree days by the sea.
Thrills and Spills on Amusement Rides
The Jersey Shore’s amusement parks and boardwalks are firing up their rides for the season, offering thrills for all ages. In Wildwood, Morey’s Piers boasts over 100 rides, including the towering Great White roller coaster and the kid-friendly Doo Wop Diner-themed carousel.
Ocean City’s Playland’s Castaway Cove features the GaleForce, a triple-launch coaster that’s a hit with adrenaline junkies. Point Pleasant’s Jenkinson’s Boardwalk offers classic rides like the Tilt-A-Whirl alongside go-karts and mini-golf.
Seaside Heights’ Casino Pier, home to the Hydrus coaster, is a magnet for teens, while Atlantic City’s Steel Pier revs up its iconic Ferris wheel and helicopter rides. “
State safety inspections are in full swing to ensure a worry-free season, with parks reporting record ticket sales for Memorial Day weekend.
Soaking Up the Sun on the Beach
For many, the heart of a Jersey Shore summer is the beach itself. From the wide, family-friendly sands of Ocean City to the lively vibe of Belmar, Shore towns offer endless opportunities to lay out a towel and soak up the sun. Beach badge sales are already climbing, with daily tags in high demand for the holiday weekend.
Lifeguards will be on duty starting Memorial Day, keeping watch over swimmers braving the chilly Atlantic.
Beachgoers can also expect pop-up volleyball tournaments, sandcastle contests, and sunrise fitness classes in towns like Avalon and Stone Harbor. For those seeking quieter shores, Island Beach State Park offers pristine dunes and uncrowded stretches perfect for a peaceful day by the water.
Fishing and Crabbing Adventures
The Shore’s maritime heritage shines through in its fishing and crabbing culture, a draw for both seasoned anglers and curious novices. Charter boats from Barnegat Light to Cape May are booking up for fluke, bluefish, and striped bass trips, with Memorial Day weekend marking the start of peak season.
The Bayshore Crab House in Wildwood reports a surge in demand for crab traps and bait as visitors try their hand at catching blue claws. Whether it’s reeling in a keeper or steaming crabs for dinner, these activities connect visitors to the Shore’s coastal roots.
There’s always surf fishing for those who don’t have sea legs. Island Beach, Barnegat Light, Manasquan Inlet, Sandy Hook and other spots offer great fishings opportunties away from the summer beach bathers.
A Season to Savor
Memorial Day weekend is more than a holiday—it’s the gateway to a Jersey Shore summer filled with joy, adventure, and community.
From the chaos of the Parkway to the serenity of a beach sunrise, the season promises something for everyone. As boardwalks light up, rides spin, and taffy machines churn, the Shore is ready to create new memories for a new generation of visitors.
