As the weather warms up and the flowers begin to bloom, May is the perfect time to explore all that New Jersey has to offer. From outdoor activities to exciting events, here are 10 things to do in New Jersey in May of 2023.
1. Visit the Jersey Shore
The Jersey Shore is the perfect destination for beach lovers. Take a stroll on the boardwalk, lounge on the beach, or indulge in some local eats at one of the many restaurants. In May, the crowds are still light, making it a great time to explore this iconic stretch of beach destinations from Monmouth County down to Cape May. Check out my blog post that shares nine great beach towns in New Jersey here!
2. Attend the Spring Blossom Festival at Riamede Farm
With May comes lots of beautiful blooms! If you are looking for a fun outdoor activity in the Garden State, then look no further than Riamede Farm. Riamede Farm in Chester, NJ is hosting its first annual Spring Blossom Festival on Saturday, May 6th from 11 am to 3 pm. This event is a must-see for flower and nature enthusiasts, and tickets are only $5 per person! In addition to the beautiful scenery of the farm, visitors can enjoy shopping and delicious food from a variety of local vendors! More information and tickets to the festival can be found here.
3. Hike the Appalachian Trail
New Jersey is home to 72 miles of the famous Appalachian Trail! Lace up your hiking shoes and explore the beautiful scenery of North West Jersey while hiking these scenic Trailways! From the Delaware Water Gap to Pochuck Valley, there is a lot of ground to cover. I recommend the Stairway to Heaven hike in Vernon, NJ for stunning views and a bit of a challenge! Check out my blog post that shares 11 hikes to try in North Jersey.
4. Attend a Music Festival
May is a great time to catch an outdoor music festival in New Jersey. The Susquehanna Bank Center in Camden hosts a variety of concerts throughout the month. From country to rock, there’s something for everyone. Atlantic City is also home to a few festivals during May!
5. Explore the Princeton University Art Museum
If you’re looking for a cultural experience, the Princeton University Art Museum is a must-see. The museum features over 92,000 works of art from around the world, including paintings, sculptures, and photographs. I also recommend exploring downtown Princeton as it has many local shops, boutiques, and restaurants to offer!
6. Visit the Liberty Science Center
The Liberty Science Center is a great destination for families. The interactive exhibits and hands-on activities make learning about science fun for all ages.
7. Attend a Food Festival
New Jersey is known for its delicious food, and May is a great time to indulge in some local cuisine. The 2023 Jersey Shore Food Truck Festival will be held at Monmouth Park in Oceanport, NJ from May 27th to May 29th. The festival offers a variety of food trucks serving up everything from lobster rolls to empanadas to sweet treats. Tickets for day one of the festival can be purchased here and cost $6 per person. You can also visit this page for tickets to additional events!
8. Visit the New Jersey Botanical Garden
May is a wonderful time to visit the New Jersey Botanical Garden, located in Ringwood, NJ. With spring in full swing, the garden is bursting with colorful blooms and lush greenery. Visitors can stroll through the various gardens, including the Cherry Tree Allée, the Lilac Garden, the Perennial Garden, and more. A lot of the blooms peak in mid-May, making it an incredible month to plan a trip to the Botanical Garden!
9. Go Wine Tasting
New Jersey has a thriving wine industry, and May is the perfect time for those 21+ to explore it. A few wine-tasting festivals are being held throughout the state in May of 2023. Events include Untap Spring at Memorial Park in Gibbstown on May 6th, the Riverview Beach Park Wine Festival in Pennsville on May 19th to May 20th, and the Pour into Summer Wine Festival at the ShoreTown Ballpark (where the Blueclaws play) in Lakewood on May 27th to May 28th.
10. Attend the New Jersey Renaissance Faire
If you’re looking for a unique experience, the New Jersey Renaissance Faire in Southampton, NJ is a must-see. The event features jousting, live music, and costumed performers. It’s a great way to step back in time and experience life in the Renaissance era. The Renaissance Faire will run from May 20th to May 21st, May 27th to May 28th, and June 3rd to June 4th, 2023.
Enjoy May in New Jersey
Overall, May is a great time to explore all that New Jersey has to offer. From outdoor activities to unique events, there’s something for everyone. So grab your calendar and start planning your May 2023 New Jersey adventure(s) today!
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