While many treat Memorial Day as the beginning of summer, the season doesn’t officially begin until late June. The solstice is often referred to as the “longest day of the year,” a day where the sun shines just a little brighter and longer to really give people a summer day to remember.
However, it’s more than just an astronomical event, it’s a celebration of light, life, and the official start of the summer season. Whether you’re toes in the sand or sitting on your porch with a cold drink, it gives us all the perfect chance to reflect and reset. And, we’re here to tell you just a little about what exactly the solstice is.
The summer solstice occurs when the Earth’s tilt toward the sun is at its maximum, placing the sun at its highest and most northern point in the sky. This results in the most daylight we’ll see all year. This year the solstice will fall on Friday, June 20 for Eastern Standard Time. After that, the days very gradually begin to shorten, even though summer has only really just begun.
For ancient civilizations, this turning point in the solar calendar marked a time of great importance. Monuments like Stonehenge in England and Chaco Canyon in New Mexico were built with the solstice in mind. Cultures around the world have long recognized this day as a sacred celebration of abundance, growth, and sunlight.
Here on the Jersey Shore, the solstice might not come with ancient acts or festivals, but it can still have its own type of magic. Think of it as the moment when our beach towns really hit their prime. All the kids are out of school, there’s a promise of long days, warm nights, and the summer buzz is all around us. Boardwalks stay busy later, the ocean sparkles just a little brighter, and locals and visitors alike are reminded of why we love living here so much.
That in itself is enough reason to celebrate the summer solstice this year, so let’s help you figure out how you will choose to do so.
Here are a few fun and meaningful ways to celebrate this start to summer from right here at the Shore:
Catch the sunrise or sunset: The solstice offers one of the most stunning sunrises and sunsets of the year. Head to the beach early or stay late to witness the golden glow.
Host a backyard bonfire: Gather some friends, roast marshmallows, enjoy some drinks and soak in the extra daylight we’ll get.
Go screen-free: Embrace the day of light by taking a full tech break for the day. Head outside, take a walk, or play a good old-fashioned board game (The Board Room in Ocean City is a great place to start).
Make a summer intention list: Write down five things you want to do, try, or focus on this summer and into the fall.
Take a nature walk: Explore a local park trail, or wildlife refuge, and simply enjoy being outside for the day.
Celebrate with a picnic: Pack your favorite snacks, a cold drink, and your beach towel. Then find a quiet spot to enjoy the longest day of the year, or invite friends to come along.
The summer solstice is a rare opportunity in our busy lives to stop and notice the light, both literal and figurative. It’s about celebrating all that’s growing, blooming, and thriving around us as the Jersey Shore comes alive for its favorite season. It’s a gentle reminder to slow down, make memories, and let the season do what it does best.
So, whether you rise early with the sun or stay out late under the stars, take a moment tomorrow to soak it all in. The light is here, summer is calling, and your next great memory might just start with the solstice.
Delaney Crawford is a dynamic entrepreneur with a passion for storytelling and digital marketing. After earning a BA in Communications, Delaney built a successful career in the newspaper industry, honing skills in, news writing, media, and content creation. Driven by a desire to empower local businesses, Delaney founded DC’s Social Media & Content Creation, a company dedicated to helping businesses enhance their brand image and thrive online.
