New Jersey has some of the best Fourth of July celebrations in the East Coast. From Atlantic City to Somerset County, you won’t run out of activities for the perfect Independence Day trip!
We’ve put together some of the best places to go for the Fourth of July in New Jersey below. They offer Independence Day staples like history and tradition, and lots of great food, fun family activities, and of course, the requisite fireworks displays.
Atlantic City
On the Fourth of July, skip Atlantic City’s casinos and join the local festivities. Spectacular fireworks shows await at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa and Tropicana Atlantic City late in the evening, but if you happen to be in the area for the long weekend, there’s also another show courtesy of Renault Winery just outside of the city on July 2 at 9:00 PM.
If you’re planning to do some shopping, Tanger Outlets will hold a four-day sale from July 2 to July 5. Be sure to check out the place on the first day—there’s going to be a block party complete with games, giveaways, and live music.
Cape May
Cape May has two signature Fourth of July events you should experience at least once: the Independence Day Parade and the annual fireworks display.
The Independence Day Parade kicks off the local Fourth of July festivities. This year, it will take place on July 2 and start at 1:00 PM. It will travel down the length of Sunset Avenue. Then, on July 4, find a good spot by the beach, on the water, or outside the Congress Hall for Cape May’s highly anticipated fireworks display. Get there early as possible as crowds can get thick. After the show, stay behind for some ice cream and coolers to avoid the traffic.
Morristown
Morristown has its fair share of Fourth of July events, but if you want to go one step further, visit the Morristown National Historical Park. Known as the site of the Continental Army’s winter encampment in the late 1700s, the park also houses the Ford Mansion, which served as George Washington’s military headquarters. Don’t miss the town’s Revolutionary Times celebration. Activities include a reading of the Declaration, a tour of the 1718 Whippany Burying Yard, and the playing of patriotic songs.
Somerset County
You don’t need to go far for some Fourth of July fun— Somerset County’s long weekend is packed with activities and special treats. On the forefront is Bridgewater’s annual fireworks display on July 4 at North Branch Park along Milltown Road. It was cancelled in the past two years because of the pandemic, so plenty of people are excited about its return.
In Basking Ridge, get to know some of the places on the National Register of Historic Places, including the Lord Stirling Manor Site.
Looking for that all-American home in the Garden State? Work with a local Realtor that has intimate knowledge and proven expertise of Somerset County, NJ’s real estate market. Contact our team at Pagnotta Homes by calling 908.436.7947 or by sending us an email. You may also contact us here.