Off the beaten track adventures on the shore
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Of course, summer ‘Down the Shore’ means many memories created along Jersey’s famous beaches and boardwalks, but the fun doesn’t end there. Are you ready for a different kind of Garden State adventure?
The Jersey Shore is full of incredible experiences that you may not have thought of yet. We’ve got you covered with these must-see attractions to add to your Jersey Shore summer bucket list. Have fun checking them off⦠and adding new adventures too.

See whales in their natural habitat with your own eyes on a whale watching excursion. Photo courtesy of Jersey Shore Whale Watch Tour
Spend an unforgettable day whale watching
Jersey Shore Whale Watching Tour, Belmar
The waters off the coast of New Jersey are home to amazing marine life, including many species of whales. Once you see these majestic mammals in their natural habitat with your own eyes, you may never want to miss another opportunity again.
” NOTâTwo whale watching trips are identical, with an unforgettable experience occurring throughout the whale watching season,â which runs from April to November in this region, said Bill McKim, owner of Jersey Shore Whale Watch Tour. The knowledge of the crew of migratory patterns, breeding and feeding behaviors of whales – combined with expert communication methods – means McKim tours guarantee you’ll see a whale (or two⦠or three).â¯Experienced captains and a marine naturalist on board always ensure respectful and safe handling of marine life.
three o’clockour trip from Belmar to Sandy Hook and back every day, weather permitting. Learn more about jerseyshorewhalewatchingtour.com/.

The Music Man Singing Ice Cream Shoppe delights customers of all ages with its sweet blend of ice cream and vaudeville-style Broadway cabaret. Photo courtesy of The Music Man
Go out for ice cream (and stay for the show)
The man of music, Lavallette
What could be more fun than an ice cream parlor? How about a singing Glacier?
The Music Man Singing Ice Cream Shoppe, now in its 19th season, delights guests of all ages with its sweet blend of ice cream and vaudeville-style Broadway cabaret. Performers move around the shop, singing directly to guests and incorporating them into the show. After a nationwide talent search for the store’s elite artist, “this year’s audience won’t be disappointed with the group that has been put together,” said Aggie Roberts, Creative Director and Host of the first family destination. âOf course, the delicious ice cream makes a delicious evening even better. When you order an ice cream sundae, the show is free.
Out of concern for health and safety, The Music Man plans to start the season in the outdoor seating area from May through June, moving the show indoors only in bad weather, and a return to indoor performances will begin. July 1.
For a full schedule of events, shows and summer camp programs, visit themusicman.com. For more information call 732-854-2779 or email info@themusicman.com.

Divers can explore the wrecks of the Andrea Dorea, Maurice Tracey, and RP Resor on an excursion with Nick Caruso Enterprises. Photo by J. Dan Wright
Explore what lies beneath the surface with a snorkel excursion
Companies Nick Caruso, Belmar
Immerse yourself in an underwater adventure that’s not an ocean away. Nick Caruso Enterprises offers exciting scuba, wreck and technical diving tours departing from Belmar Manutti Municipal Marina aboard his spacious dive vessel, The Old Salty II.
âOur scuba diving team is made up of experienced and certified divers ready to make your dive fun and safe,â said Captain Nick. âOur state-of-the-art vessels and equipment, combined with veteran captains and crew with over 40 years of sport fishing and scuba diving experience in local waters, ensure a good time for all. “
The company is also known for its top notch sport fishing, such as as well asparty boat trips, pleasure cruises and nature cruises. Learn more about deep sea fishing-scubadiving-nj.com/.

Soak up the rays of the sun while enjoying food and drinks with your closest friends on a Tiki boat tour. Photo courtesy of Pau Hana Tiki Boat
Cruise the coast on a Tiki boat tour
Pau Hana Tiki Boat Tour, Somers Point
We all know beach life is better, but you don’t have to just lounge on the sand all day. Tiki boat tours are launching from coastal towns in the region this summer, presenting the perfect way to soak up the rays of the sun while enjoying drinks and food with your closest friends.
Pau Hana offers tours at different times, and all of them offer many benefits. Early risers can choose the âBut First, We Do Coffee⦠Tourâ and sip Irish coffee, mimosas or bloody marys while enjoying the morning serenity on the water or, for those who love to sleep, feel the good vibes of island life on “The 5:00 Somewhere Tour” and sample delicious dining options.
Prices start at $ 325 and tours last two hours. Trips can accommodate up to six people, but please note that this is a BYOB and guests can bring their own snacks, although the company does organize snacks and meals for an additional fee. Click here to find out more.
Other options: The Beachy Tiki in Ocean City, Cruisin ‘Tikis in Sea Isle City, Crusin’ Tikis in Point Pleasant, Atlantic City Tiki Boat in Atlantic City and Tiny Cruise Line in Cape May.

The perfect spot for families this summer, iPlay America at Freehold is always 72 degrees and sunny with a ton of entertainment options. Photo courtesy of iPlay America
Play all summer long in the Freehold Family Fun Zone
iPlay America, Freehold
When the sand sizzles or the clouds drizzle, get in the car and head to iPlay America. Whether it’s your first or your 50th visit, there is always something to look forward to in this bustling indoor city. The perfect spot for families this summer, iPlay is still 72 degrees and sunny with a ton of entertainment options.
New for this season are Crazy Cabs and Reverse Time rides, plus over 250 arcade games, a two-level laser tag, and great food and drink at Game Time Bar & Grill. There’s also Broadway Sweets – the area’s largest independent candy store – and Topgolf Swing Suite, which features several virtual sports games.
Also new this season: iPlay fans can purchase a Summer Season Pass and enjoy unlimited rides all summer long for $ 59.99. Find out all that iPlay America has to offer at iplayamerica.com/.
Kerry Serzan is a freelance writer whose work has appeared in The Star-Ledger. A new life Jersey, she lives “down the Shore” in Sea Girt with her husband Joe and their children.
This article originally appeared in the Summer 2021 issue of Jersey’s Best. Subscribe here for detailed access to everything that makes Garden State great.
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