Guide to New Jersey Beaches for Summer 2024: What not to miss
WHAT’S NEW
Barefoot Country Music Fest
JUNE 20-23: Get a little sand in your boots at the Barefoot Country Music Fest on the beach in Wildwood. Some 40 artists are set to perform including Luke Bryan, Keith Urban, Kane Brown, Old Dominion, Bailey Zimmerman and Jake Owen. The four-day concert takes place at 3601 Boardwalk in Wildwood at the beach between the two Morey’s Piers. Gates open Thursday at 3 p.m. and Friday to Sunday at 1 p.m. and close at 11:30 p.m. each night. Ticket prices run from $39 for a single night to $1,599 for a four-day Super VIP. barefootcountrymusicfest.com
EVENTS
World Ocean Day
JUNE 8: Celebrate World Ocean Day by viewing some of its inhabitants up close at the Jenkinson’s Aquarium, 300 Ocean Ave., North Point Pleasant Beach. Learn about ways to keep the world’s oceans healthy for generations to come. There will be crafts and activities. The talks are included with general admission. The event runs from noon to 4 p.m. Ticket prices are $18 for adults, $13 for seniors, $12 for children ages 3-11 and free for children 2 and under. jenkinsons.com/aquarium
The Gardens of Cape May Tour
JUNE 15: Take a tour of both public and private gardens and get ideas for your own green spaces back home at The Gardens of Cape May Tour. The self-guided tour along seashore locations like Cape May’s Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St., which will also host vendors. A trolley shuttle will run the entire event time from noon to 4 p.m. Tickets cost $35 for non-members and $25 for members. capemaymac.org/experience/special-events/garden-tour/
Youth Regatta
JUNE 27: Find a spot along Sunset Lake to watch over 100 sailors ages 9-18 sail against one another in the Mid-Atlantic Yacht Racing Association South Jersey Series regatta at Wildwood Crest’s Sunset Lake, 6510 Park Blvd. The free event is hosted by the Greater Wildwood Yacht Club and Yacht Club of Sea Isle City. The race runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. mayrasailing.org/youth-series-%26-racing
Fourth of July Fireworks
JULY 4: Watch the night sky light up at the Fourth of July Fireworks display at the Wildwoods Boardwalk. Fireworks will be launched from the beach at Pine Avenue and will be synchronized with patriotic music playing over the boardwalk sound system. The free event starts at 10 p.m.
Ultimate Beach Frisbee Tournament
JULY 27-28: Watch the flying discs soar at the Ultimate Beach Frisbee Tournament on Wildwood Beach from Spicer to Schellenger Avenues and Oak to 26th Avenue. Over 500 teams will play 4-on-4 competition at all levels and ages 18 and over. Dates and times are Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. wildwoodsnj.com/event/ultimate-beach-frisbee-tournament/
Sand Sculpting Contest
AUG. 1: See what water, sand and imagination combine to create seaside works of art at the Sand Sculpting Contest at 6th Street and the beach in Ocean City, New Jersey. Adults, children and families are welcome. The contest runs from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Judging begins at 11 a.m. Registration is free. Call 609-399-6111.