Five must-visit New Jersey summer destinations
Writer: Mariana Hernández
May 2025 — New Jersey’s tourism industry is a powerful economic engine. With 123.7 million visitors during 2024 and contributing more than $50.6 billion in direct visitor spending, the visitor volume in the Garden State keeps increasing. With the state’s proximity to major metro areas and a diverse variety of beachfront communities and inland experiences, New Jersey offers opportunities for all interests. As summer approaches, business leaders, investors, and developers may turn their attention to these five destinations that combine entertainment, natural beauty, and economic momentum.
Cape May
Cape May is more than just America’s original seaside resort—it’s a luxury tourism destination for all generations. It preserves historic meaning from Victorian buildings and collections while adding culinary sophistication and high-end hospitality. The town attracts a national and international audience seeking Victorian charm and bird-watching experiences. For those more into action and adventure, Cape May also has a strong military presence, which visitors can experience at the NAS Wildwood Aviation Museum.
Its thriving bed-and-breakfast scene, award-winning wineries, and events like the Cape May Music Festival help drive year-long tourism, extending the economic footprint beyond the summer season.
“Cape May is historical with its Victorian homes, Congress Hall, and the Harriet Tubman Museum. Beaches and fine dining add to the allure,” said Kevin Luing, chairman of the board of Berkeley College, as cited by ROI-NJ.
Recent investments in the city include street reconstructions, park rehabilitation, and promenade preservation, among others — signs of a long-term commitment to preserving the city’s economic and cultural character
Atlantic City
Atlantic City is undergoing a strategic transformation, evolving from a gaming-centric economy into a multifaceted destination for tourism, business, and investment. While casinos remain a core driver, the city is strongly investing in infrastructure, entertainment venues, and its beachfront location to attract a wide variety of visitors.
The Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA) leverages public and private investments directed toward non-gaming assets such as convention centers, new hotel developments, live entertainment venues, and enhanced boardwalk experiences. The effort is paying off, as the Atlantic City Boardwalk, built in 1870, was recently ranked the 6th best boardwalk in the country by USA TODAY. With increased investment in high-end retail, mixed-use projects, and entertainment opportunities, the boardwalk is a reflection of the city’s overall support for both tourism and local community needs.
“We’re prioritizing small business development and attracting private investment from high-end developers like Pat Fasano, Bart Blatstein, and the Kushner family,” Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small told Invest: “These projects focus on private development, family entertainment, and housing, helping to create a thriving city for residents, businesses and visitors.”
Ocean City
Ocean City’s slogan as ‘America’s Greatest Family Resort’ has been key in its business strategy. Its prime location between the Great Egg Harbor Bay and the Atlantic Ocean allows visitors to experience remarkable nautical attractions. With its dry-town policy and vibrant, walkable boardwalk, the town is considered to be the ideal place for a family-friendly atmosphere in the state.
The city relies on seasonal tourism, which fuels a strong local economy based on retail, vacation rentals, and amusement attractions. With its highly visited downtown and extensive summer programming, Ocean City demonstrates how well-managed tourism can support small businesses with innovation and a strong sense of community.
The Wildwoods
Named the best boardwalk in the United States, this destination covers 38 blocks with shops, dining experiences, and an incredible amusement pier. The Wildwoods — Wildwood, North Wildwood, and Wildwood Crest — are experiencing a significant tourism renaissance, marked by record-breaking revenue and substantial development. According to the Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement and Development Authority (GWTIDA), tourism revenue has increased by 3% compared to the same period in 2023, which was the most successful year in Wildwoods’ history. The last five years have recorded year-by-year record-breaking numbers, exceeding their projected tourism tax revenue plan by 52%.
New developments are also coming to The Wildwoods, including the Madison Resort Wildwood Crest, the Seaport Suites and Oasis by Seaport Stays, and The Vibes Hotel Wildwood. These recent efforts to modernize lodging options and expand the convention center have further boosted the region’s economic potential.
Delaware Water Gap
While Jersey Shore drives traffic during the summer, the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is rapidly emerging as a premier inland destination for eco-tourism, adventure travel, and sustainable hospitality. Spanning over 70,000 acres, the region offers hiking, canoeing, and camping opportunities that appeal to a growing market of nature travelers. New Jersey communities such as Sussex and Warren counties, as well as Pennsylvania’s Pike and Monroe counties, benefit from the increased foot traffic of springtime visitors. In 2023, visitors spent around $166 million in gateway communities and supported 2,240 jobs across the region.
Tourism in New Jersey is no longer just about summer vacations—it’s about sustainable economic impact. As local governments and private developers expand amenities, preserve natural assets, and improve visitor experience, the state is becoming more resilient and diversified in the tourism economy. For business leaders, these destinations reflect not only consumer preferences but investment opportunities in hospitality, real estate, and cultural reinforcement.
For more information, visit:
https://www.capemay.com/
https://www.visitatlanticcity.com/
https://oceancityvacation.com/
https://wildwoodsnj.com/
https://www.nps.gov/dewa/index.htm
