Welcome to the Jersey Shore! If you haven't had the pleasure of visiting the beautiful Garden State before, you are in for a treat. Summer brings fun in the sun, sandy beaches, swimming in the Atlantic Ocean, arcades and rides on the boardwalk, fishing, boating, and camping. You'll find year round enjoyment in the parks and nature trails, petting zoos, antique shops, historic villages, ghost towns, fabulous seafood restaurants, wineries, and golf courses.

Summer Vacation Ideas at the Jersey Shore

Island Beach State Park - located south of Seaside Park at the Jersey Shore. A beautiful, quiet spot for swimming, picnicking, biking, and hiking. Get there early, when parking lot fills up, gates close. Inexpensive, and a family favorite.

Whether you're interested in a narrated historical sightseeing tour or a fine dining experience on the Toms River and Barnegat Bay, come aboard the River Lady, an 85' reproduction of a paddle wheel riverboat. Dine indoors or outdoors (weather permitting) with beautiful views of the surrounding homes, and historical areas of Ocean Gate, Beachwood, and Island Heights. Relax to music or live entertainment as you cruise the calm waters of the Jersey Shore. One Robbins Parkway, Toms River. For reservations call (732) 349-8664.

Summer's not complete until you experience the Ocean County Fair, located at The Fairgrounds on Rt. 530 in Berkeley Township, July 8 to 13.

• Amusement rides, games, craft demonstrations
• 4-H animals, agricultural displays, Dog Training Demos
• Seeing-Eye Dog Shows, Animal Costume Contests
• 4-H Talent Shows
• Food vendors, strolling entertainment, music
• Trike Races, Egg Hunts, Ice Cream Eating Contests, Hot Dog Pig Racing
• Western, Magical, and Ventriloquest Shows
• Fearless Flores Circus Show
• Closing Day - Watermelon Treat

Bring the whole family and enjoy some good old-fashioned fun.

For a great day trip, visit First Energy Park, home to the Lakewood Blue Claws, a Minor League Baseball team, located at 2 Stadium Way, Lakewood. Fun and excitement for the whole family. Call 732-901-7000 for game times.

Fall Vacation Ideas at the Jersey Shore

Read more about the October Chowder Fest Weekend at Long Beach Island.

Year Round Vacation Ideas at the Jersey Shore

A visit to the Popcorn Park Zoo in Lacey Township can teach your children compassion as they learn how each animal, in dire need of rescue, came to be a part of this tranquil place they now call home. An animal rescue and sanctuary for exotic animals, farm animals, and birds, the Popcorn Park Zoo on Humane Way at Lacey Road has easily accessible pathways, benches for the weary to rest their feet, (comfortable walking shoes or sneakers are a must), picnic tables and rest stops for those who plan ahead when traveling with small children, and interesting information regarding the animals every step of the way. Among the animals at the zoo, you'll find lions, tigers, camels, monkeys, emus, an American black bear, horses, sheep, pigs and a lot more. An adoption center is also available for those interested in giving a good home to a homeless dog or cat. Open year round from 11 to 5. For more information, call 609-693-1900.

Read more about Jersey's Historic Town of Smithville. an 18th. century village brimming with family entertainment. Open year round and only 15 minutes from Atlantic City.

Take a walking tour of the historic Tuckerton Seaport at 120 W. Main Street on Route 9. Open year round for different events. One popular event is the Red Wine & Blues Festival, held in July, with wine tasting, music, live entertainment, crafters, exhibits, food vendors and lots of fun strolling the boardwalk at the historic re-created maritime village.

Rainy Day Ideas at the Jersey Shore

Jenkinson's Aquarium, Ocean Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach is open year round with educational programs and exhibits on marine life. The new rainforest exhibit displays the smallest monkeys in the world. Catch feeding time for the penguins, seals, sharks, and alligators. Guided tours available, workshops for children of all ages, along with a touch tank. For more information, call (732) 889-1212. See more June Vacation Ideas. Interested in Aquariums? Read more at Find Me A Hobby.

Ripley's Believe It Or Not Museum, located on the Boardwalk of Atlantic City where you can view hundreds of unusual exhibits and the world's most bizarre artifacts. Call (609) 347-2001 for hours of operation. See more May Vacation Ideas

The Absecon Lighthouse in Atlantic City, one of the oldest lighthouses in the country. Climb the 228 steps to the top, see the recent restoration of the Lightkeeper's dwelling, visit the museum and gift shop for educational and fun facts. Call (609) 449-1360 for events throughout the year. See more October Vacation Ideas at the Jersey Shore

If you're interested in nostalgia and wonder what life in Atlantic City was like before the casinos came to town, visit The Atlantic City Historical Museum on the boardwalk (609) 347-5839.

Lucy the Elephant, a national historic site in Margate, 2 miles south of Atlantic City, is a 65 foot high elephant constructed of wood and tin sheeting, built in 1881 to lure prospective land buyers to the area. Guided tours are provided inside the elephant's giant belly, exhibits are displayed in a small museum with Lucy's century old history. Peer out of Lucy's eyes to view the city. Call for information on tours (609) 823-6473.

Take a trip back in time and relive the 1950's Doo Wop era. Visit The Wildwood Doo Wop Diner for great food and oldies but goodies playing for your listening enjoyment at the famous Wildwood Boardwalk. Located at 4010 Boardwalk. (609) 522-7880

Bad weather at the beach? Don't worry. You can go whale and dolphin watching rain or shine in enclosed cabins at The Cape May Whale Watcher. Enjoy a two hour dolphin watch with guaranteed sightings. Learn all there is to know about marine mammals and other sea life. Trips take place from March to December at 2nd Avenue and Wilson Drive, No. Cape May, NJ. Call for more information (800) 786-5445.