By Delaney Crawford
Spring is knocking at the door, and all of South Jersey has been waiting with open arms. While it’s nice to enjoy the cold for a little while — cozy holidays and maybe a snow day or two — this winter had us all craving the sun a little earlier and louder than usual.
With today being the first day of spring, we know you’re eager to feel the warmth on your skin, hear the birds chirping, and listen to the ocean calling. Lucky for you, the shore is coming back to life with outdoor dining, farmers markets, live music, and other events to celebrate the season, starting now.
Here’s your guide to all the best ways to shake off the winter blues and dive into the best seasons at the shore!
Outdoor dining
Picture this: a 70-degree day, the sun shining, a slight breeze in the air, and you sipping a cold drink while enjoying delicious food — bonus points if you’re right off the beach.
Here in South Jersey, we’re lucky to have the ocean at our fingertips. Nothing beats dining with a view of the sand and sea or indulging in fresh seafood that simply tastes better here. Outdoor dining is the perfect way to enjoy the season, and we have some of the best spots for you to check out!
Gregory’s – You might not know it, but Gregory’s has a hidden gem of a patio out back. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a few pints and bar snacks. With its unique, treehouse-like design, it’s a spot you have to see to believe. Open weather permitting, so call ahead, grab a cold one, and soak up the warm air.
Cardinal – Just steps from the Atlantic City beach and boardwalk, Cardinal offers outdoor dining in its charming patio space. With sand beneath your feet, umbrellas overhead, incredible food on your table, and a fresh drink in hand, Cardinal delivers a taste of summer even on spring days. Add a live band to the mix, and you’ll never want to leave!
LandShark Bar & Grill – Outdoor dining is great, but why not take it a step further and actually dine on the beach? At LandShark Bar & Grill, you can’t get much closer to the ocean. Whether you sit on the beach or opt for the air-conditioned indoors, the views are unmatched, the drinks are ice-cold, and the food will keep you coming back. May we suggest indulging in a signature LandShark Lager to keep the beachy vibes going?
Now that you know where to dine as the sun defrosts South Jersey, let’s dive into the many exciting events scheduled for this season.
Farmers markets
Nothing says summer quite like strolling through your favorite farmers market, picking up fresh local goodies, and running into friendly faces along the way. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, these markets are a staple in just about every town along the shore. Shopping small, getting the best local goods, and supporting businesses all in one place — it’s a win-win.
Concerts and festivals
One thing South Jersey does right is a summer concert, and lucky for us, there’s no shortage of options. Whether you’re looking for small weekly shows or a massive four-day festival, we’ve got all that and more.
Ventnor City offers two opportunities per week, all summer long, to catch your favorite local bands — and maybe discover a few new favorites! Every Wednesday night, enjoy the sunset, good music, and local vendors at Ski Beach from June 25 through Aug. 27.
As if that wasn’t enough, Ventnor keeps the music going with Summer Beach Jam every Saturday at the Newport Ave., Band Stage. From June 28 through Aug. 30, enjoy a summer concert just steps from the beach!
Another town providing weekly entertainment is Somers Point. The Somers Point Beach Concert Series kicks off on June 20 and keeps the jams going until Sept. 5. Toes in the sand, a drink in your hand, and good tunes filling the air — these Friday night concerts are the perfect way to start your weekend on a high note.
Now, let’s talk about the event that steals the spotlight every summer: the Barefoot Country Music Festival. Hosted on the beaches of Wildwood, this festival is a country music lover’s dream — four days of cowboy hats, cold drinks, good vibes, and incredible performances, all set against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean. It’s the ultimate kickoff to summer, drawing locals and visitors alike to Wildwood’s sandy shores for an unforgettable experience.
The final word
As the days grow longer and the shore comes back to life, there’s no shortage of ways to embrace the beauty of spring and the excitement of summer. Soaking up the sun at an outdoor spot, browsing fresh finds at a local farmers market, or dancing barefoot in the sand at a summer concert, South Jersey has something for everyone. So, grab your sunglasses, gather your friends, and make the most of this season, because there’s nothing quite like the spring and summer seasons at the shore.
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.
