Jenna Giustino 
As lovers of the Jersey Shore, we all want to avoid the dreaded realization that summer is almost over. But maybe this realization is just the motivation we all need to savor the last few days of some of our beloved seasonal restaurants and activities that are soon to close as fall rolls in. The JSG curated a list of 20 of our favorite activities that we deem as must-dos before the end of summer. Keep reading for a guide to a bucket list of Jersey Shore end-of-summer activities.
Bike at Revolution Rail Co | 609 Lafayette Street, Cape May
Complete By: Mid-October
Revolution Rail Co. is a bike tour company in Cape May – specially fitted bikes run on an unused railroad track. There are two options for rides: The Cape May Run and Full Moon Ride, both of which take participants through a four-mile run through The Nature Conservancy’s Garrett Family Preserve. The Cape May Run is a daytime ride that showcases the expansive native wildflower meadows and diverse flora, as well as the monarch butterflies that inhabit them. For the Full Moon Ride or the Twilight Ride, the bikes are equipped with lights. The destination is a picnic area on the Cape May Canal where stories about pirates, ghosts, and the Jersey Devil are told, plus there’s a fire pit where complimentary s’mores are served. The rides typically run until mid-October, and if interested, you can book a tour here before bike season is over.
Read More: A Beach Hater’s Guide to the Jersey Shore in the Summer
Check out some horse racing or go to a festival at Monmouth Park | 175 Oceanport Avenue, Oceanport
Complete By: September
Monmouth Park is a racetrack in Oceanport. Monmouth Park’s live racing schedule for 2025 runs from May 10th until September. Besides betting on the races, grabbing drinks at one of its many bars, or dining at one of the restaurants, the park also hosts many festivals throughout the warmer months. To learn more about the festival lineup, click here.
Climb up the Cape May Lighthouse | 215 Light House Avenue, Cape May
Complete By: October
The Cape May Lighthouse is located in Cape May Point State Park. For anyone looking for an activity that doubles as a workout, the Cape May Lighthouse features 199 steps that visitors must climb (picture a cast-iron spiral stairway). JSG promises the trek is worth it because when you reach the top, you’ll get unreal views of Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Admission is $12 for adults and $8 for children. In the summer, it’s open daily, but once November arrives, it’s only open on weekends, and the hours are more limited.
Experience a Martell’s Tiki Monday | 308 Boardwalk, Point Pleasant Beach
Complete By: (Early) September
Martell’s is a tiki bar in Point Pleasant Beach. Martell’s is known for its frozen cocktails, ocean views, and live music that gives vacation vibes. During the summer, it’s a go-to spot on Mondays, referred to as ‘Tiki Mondays’, which is a day party featuring a DJ and dancing steps away from the sand. The last Tiki Monday is typically held in early September, so this is a good stop for late August.
Go dancing at Parker House | 290 1st Avenue + Beacon Boulevard, Sea Girt
Complete By: (Early) September
Parker House is a restaurant, bar, and venue located inside a Victorian beach house. A legendary spot in the Jersey Shore’s music, food, and drink scene, with origins dating back to 1878, Parker House is a nightlife staple. JSG recommends grabbing friends and going dancing in its basement, which often features DJs and live bands, before the Parker House closes for the season in early September.
Go to a PNC concert | 116 Garden State Parkway, Holmdel
Complete By: Early October
PNC is a concert venue in Holmdel. Concerts run from May to September, featuring 45-50 different bands and artists of all genres. In the summer, many people tailgate in the parking lot before the shows (IYKYK: especially those country concerts). The venue has approximately 7,000 seats under its awning, and its lawn seating, which features a fun atmosphere with people dancing and lying on blankets, can accommodate around 10,500 people. For 2025, there are frequent concerts taking place until early October. The schedule is available here.
Grab coffee at Steady Hand Cafe + sit in its backyard garden | 710 Main Street, Bradley Beach
Complete By: TBD, depending on weather conditions.
Steady Hand Cafe is a new coffee shop in Bradley Beach. The founder, Ashley Burk, made a name for her company by hosting a pop-up coffee cart at various festivals in the area, as well as being recognized as the poolside cafe at The St. Laurent. JSG recommends stopping by its storefront in Bradley Beach because its backyard (featuring a disco ball and cute, colored seating) is too pretty not to take advantage of while the warmer weather is still with us.
Play mini golf at Shipwreck Island | 800 Ocean Avenue North, Bradley Beach
Complete By: Late October/Early November (weather permitting)
Shipwreck Island is a mini golf course on Bradley Beach’s Boardwalk. There are 18 holes with various designs, set against backdrops of waterfalls and nautical-themed decor. Plus, the proximity to the beach includes pretty views of the ocean while playing. JSG was told that Shipwreck Island typically closes in late October or early November, depending on the weather, so try to complete this bucket list item before the end of summer.
Rent a kayak or paddleboard Paddle Out | 537 East Main Street, Manasquan
Complete By: Labor Day Weekend
Paddle Out is a paddleboard and kayak rental service in Manasquan. It’s located right on the Intracoastal Waterway, connecting the river to the ocean. All rentals include a paddle and a life jacket, and you can select to rent a paddleboard or kayak for a quick hour-long ride, or there are options ranging up to keeping the equipment for up to five days. For information on pricing and guided tours, click here. FYI: The last chance to Paddle Out is typically LDW.
See a rooftop show at Arthur Pryor Bandshell | 5th Avenue Pavilion, Ocean Avenue Boardwalk, Asbury Park
Complete By: August 31st
The Arthur Pryor Bandshell is an amphitheater located on the rooftop of the 5th Avenue Pavilion on Asbury Park’s Boardwalk. Throughout the summer, it hosts a series of concerts featuring various DJs and bands. The location of the Arthur Pryor Bandshell is ideal, with AP Rooftop and the ocean as a backdrop. The last scheduled event (as of now) is scheduled for August 31st. To view the full schedule, click here.
Shop produce and handmade goods at Point Pleasant Beach Fresh farmer’s market | 413 Arnold Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach
Complete By: August 31st
Point Pleasant Beach Fresh is a farmer’s and maker’s market. Throughout the summer, it’s open every Sunday from 9AM-1PM. Point Pleasant Beach Fresh has a variety of products from local farms and artists. It’s a cute activity for the warmer months to browse the market for fresh veggies and handmade goods. Point Pleasant Beach Fresh is open until August 31st, so it’s a good way to cure those end-of-summer blues with some wellness treats.
Spot dolphins or whales on the Jersey Girl boat | 905 NJ-35, Belmar
Complete By: November
Photo Credit: Jordan Velez
Jersey Shore Whale Watching is located in Belmar. The newest boat, Jersey Girl, features both indoor and outdoor seating, and the three-hour experience takes you to Sandy Hook and back to Belmar. The boats run until November, and whale sighting is guaranteed, so you’ll be granted another trip for free if you don’t spot one on your ride. JSG was told the boat sails through November.
Take a ride on a floating tiki bar with East Coast Tiki Tours | 304 East Lacey Road, Forked River
Complete By: September 30th
East Coast Tiki Tours is a custom tiki boat experience in Forked River. East Coast Tiki Tours has misters on its boat to help beat the heat of a New Jersey summer. It also features coolers for BYO drinks or food, as well as speakers for you to hook up to your preferred playlist. It’s a fun activity for celebrations, such as birthdays or bachelorette parties, or it’s also a good excuse to get out on the water for a sunset or happy hour session with family or friends. The last date for a ride on the East Coast Tiki Tour’s calendar is September 30th.
Take a sunset sound bath + meditation workshop with Salted Soul Yoga + Wellness | La’Reine Avenue Beach Entrance, Bradley Beach
Complete By: November
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Salted Soul Yoga + Wellness is a local business featuring yoga, meditation, sound bath experiences, and community jam circles. Salted Soul Yoga + Wellness also fosters relationships within the local community by hosting beach cleanups, yoga hikes, and workshops for families. JSG recommends attending a sound bath or meditation workshop (which takes place on Bradley Beach) for a wellness-themed late-summer activity; the schedule is updated on the founder Mel Gustray’s Instagram, linked here. FYI: The Salted Soul Yoga + Wellness season typically ends in late November.
Take in the inlet views + listen to live music at Wharfside Patio Bar | 101 Channel Drive, Point Pleasant Beach
Complete By: November
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Wharfside is a seafood restaurant in Point Pleasant Beach. In the summer, it opens its Patio Bar, which is an outdoor dining option with inlet views. The Patio Bar often features live music, with bands performing directly in front of an inlet where many boats dock, creating a vacation-like atmosphere. The Patio Bar is typically open until September, but TBD depending on the weather.
Takeout sushi from Osaka + bring it to the shore for a beach picnic | 604 Main Street #1011, Bradley Beach
Complete By: Up to your discretion (dependent on weather)
Osaka is a Japanese restaurant in Bradley Beach. It’s a casual spot known for its hibachi dining experience and BYOB policy. JSG recommends picking up sushi from Osaka (its options are extensive). After, we like to head over to Bradley Beach for a nighttime picnic by the ocean.
Try an adult group surf class at Hammer Surf School | Multiple Locations
Complete By: Late August / Early September
Hammer Surf School has private and group surf lessons for all ages. Its classes are available in Lavallette, Spring Lake, Seaside Park, and Bay Head. For information on group surf classes, click here. For details on private lessons, check out this page. Typically, Hammer Surf School runs its courses until late August, but this depends on the weather (and, of course, the waves).
Visit the food truck court, North Eats Asbury Park | North beach, corner of 7th + Ocean Avenue Boardwalk, Asbury Park
Complete By: LDW
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North Eats is a food truck court located on Asbury Park’s Boardwalk. The setup is on the north side of the beach. It’s a dog-friendly outdoor spot to grab a quick bite during a day at the beach. The trucks feature a variety of food options ranging from sweet treats like shaved ice to breakfast items like pork roll, egg and cheese, and even vegan options. In the past, North Eats has closed after LDW.
Watch a movie on the beach at Jenkinson’s Boardwalk | Beach in front of Jenkinson’s Aquarium, Ocean Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach
Complete By: August 26th (last scheduled movie)
Jenkinson’s Boardwalk is located in Point Pleasant Beach. This summer, it hosts movies on the beach in front of Jenkinson’s Aquarium. The schedule of family-friendly films is available here.
Watch the sunset at The Boatyard | 2304 East Bay Avenue, Manahawkin
Complete By: Late September
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The Boatyard Beer Garden is an outdoor beer garden featuring casual dining options in Manahawkin. It’s dog-friendly, with food trucks, a tent bar, and yard games. This year, it opened The Prop Bar, an indoor bar and rooftop deck, an ideal place to watch an LBI sunset, which we all know is a bucket-list item for a complete Jersey Shore summer. The Boatyard typically closes for the season in late September.
See More: The Best Ice Cream Shops in Bergen County, NJ
Work from home (or the beach) using Asbury Park’s Boardwalk Wi-Fi | 1300 North Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park
Complete By: Fall (for ideal weather conditions)
This may not be the most exciting activity, but for our work-from-home readers, we recommend ditching your at-home office for a beach work session. Asbury Park’s Boardwalk offers free Wi-Fi, and locals appreciate that it’s actually efficient for working. One option is to grab a seat + coffee in the Convention Hall at Offshore Coffee Co. For a more adventurous trip, head to the sand (we’ve tested – the Wi-Fi still works); we suggest bringing an umbrella to protect against the glare.
