Top Summer Attractions in Central New Jersey

There is a lot to explore in Central New Jersey by foot, car, bicycle, water, and thought (by respect and admiration for our great thinkers). From magnificent oceanic humpback whale watching tours to visiting the laboratories of Thomas Edison, there is a Central New Jersey attraction calling your name. Heed the call and enjoy the day with one of these excellent summer attractions in Central New Jersey. 

Whale and dolphin watching: Whales and dolphins are common in Central New Jersey waters. The summertime is a great time to take a whale watching cruise. While there are no guarantees, Seastreak offers a cruise departing from Highlands, NJ in Monmouth County with an 85% success rate in viewing humpback whales. You may also see bottlenose dolphins, sea turtles, and other marine wildlife. If you have your heart set on seeing a humpback whale and you want a guarantee, just book a tour with Jersey Shore Whale Watch Tour in Belmar, NJ (also in Monmouth County). This company guarantees you will see a whale. If you don’t you are invited back for a free trip! Explore waterfront homes for sale in Monmouth County, NJ. 

Thomas Edison National Historical Park: Our beloved electric lightbulb has become synonymous with having a great idea. Great ideas all have something in common: coloring outside the lines. A trip to the Thomas Edison National Historical Park will take you outside the lines of Central New Jersey, but you’ll only be crossing from Union County into Essex County. It will be a worthwhile trip. The park is home to Thomas Edison’s home purchased in 1886 and Edison’s West Orange Laboratory. The laboratory brought us some incredible ideas that have definitively shaped our modern day culture. The motion picture camera, sound recordings, and the improved phonograph were all invented here. The house and laboratory are open from July 1, 2022, to September 4, 2022. Please note that the park no longer accepts cash as a payment method of payment…after all, this is the digital age (perhaps Edison would approve). 

Thomas Edison Center at Menlo Park: The original phonograph was invented by Edison at his first laboratory in Menlo Park, New Jersey. The industrial research lab was in operation from 1876-1886 and had grown in size considerably over the years. Edison wanted every conceivable material at hand in the facility. It was reported that the laboratory had over eight thousand chemicals and thousands of natural materials including cocoons, shark teeth, and ostrich feathers! You can visit the Thomas Edison Center at Menlo Park to view the artifacts in the museum and enjoy a summer walk on the nature trail in the 36-acre state park in Middlesex County (and you’ll keep your feet in Central New Jersey, but please let those ingenious ideas walk wherever they may lead you as they continue to color and shape our evolving world). Explore homes for sale in Middlesex County, NJ. 

Sandy Hook - Gateway National Recreation Area: The 250 year old lighthouse serves as the visitor center to this incredible recreation area in Monmouth County. The beach runs for seven miles. There are three beaches designated for swimming with lifeguards on duty. You will enjoy the saltwater air and spectacular views of the NYC skyline. Bicyclists will enjoy the approximate 6 mile stretch of paved multi-use path (remember to share the road). Swimming, boating, fishing, birdwatching, and bicycling are all great ways to enjoy Sandy Hook - Gateway National Recreation Area, the New Jersey side of the recreation area that continues across the bay to Breezy Point in New York City. Explore homes for sale in Monmouth County, NJ. 

Jenkinson’s Boardwalk: Spending time on the boardwalk on the New Jersey shoreline is ubiquitous with families, good people, and friends having fun in the summertime. Jenkinson’s Boardwalk in Ocean County will not disappoint. There is an amusement park, aquarium, arcades, mini golf, food & drink, and of course the beach. If you play your cards right you might be lucky enough to catch a mermaid swimming in the underwater world at the aquarium (just check the schedule of events and plan accordingly so you don’t disappoint the younger family members). Explore homes for sale in Ocean County, NJ. 

CENTURY 21 Action Plus Realty has offices strategically located in Monmouth, Ocean, Middlesex, and Mercer counties. We look forward to helping you find your new home in Central New Jersey so you can start to enjoy these and more incredible attractions all summer long. Contact us today!