Island Beach State Park in Seaside Park, New Jersey, has been recognized as one of the best destinations for families to spend Memorial Day, according to a recent survey by MaxTour, a Las Vegas-based tour company. The park ranked sixth nationwide and was the highest-rated location in New Jersey in the survey, which involved 3,000 families across the U.S.
Memorial Day is traditionally a time for American families to honor military service and celebrate the onset of summer. Many choose this holiday to enjoy outdoor activities like barbecues, picnics, and visits to beaches and national parks.
Island Beach State Park is celebrated for its pristine, less commercialized beach experience, offering over 10 miles of sandy beaches set against a backdrop of natural dunes and maritime forests. This makes it an ideal spot for families looking to enjoy the natural beauty of the coast without the typical commercial distractions.
New Jersey boasted two other destinations on the list. Ocean City Boardwalk came in eighth place, popular for its family-friendly attractions including arcades and amusement parks. Liberty State Park in Jersey City rounded out the top ten, known for its stunning views of the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan, along with ample amenities for a perfect family day out.
The survey highlighted several other top destinations for family gatherings on Memorial Day, with First Landing State Park in Virginia Beach, Virginia, taking the top spot for its extensive trails and beachfront. Other notable locations included Cape Cod National Seashore in Massachusetts and the historical significance of Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.
This ranking underscores the appeal of Island Beach State Park and other New Jersey spots as prime locations for family leisure and remembrance on Memorial Day.