Celebrate the End of Summer at These Five Attractions in Southern New Jersey

Take advantage of the waning days of summer by hitting up Sunset Beach, one of our top five attractions in Southern New Jersey.

Now that summer is winding down, you may want to take advantage of the warm weather (while it lasts) and get out with the family and enjoy some fun attractions. If you’re in the southern New Jersey area, you don’t need to drive far from home to have a good time, as many of these destinations are just minutes away. To take advantage of the waning days of summer, here is our list of the top five attractions in southern New Jersey, so you can let summer know you’re not going down without a fight.

For the Sports Fan: Cowtown Rodeo

Cowtown Rodeo is the longest running regular weekly rodeo in the United States. Started in 1929, it became a regular feature in 1955 and is still family owned and operated, now running May through September at 7:30 p.m. every Saturday night. At the rodeo, you’ll see bull riding, bareback bronco riding, steer wrestling, barrel racing and team roping. Drinks and refreshments are available.

Where: 780 U.S. 40, Pilesgrove, NJ 08098

For the Beach Lover: Sunset Beach

Sunset Beach is one of the most famous attractions in southern New Jersey for a number of reasons. Its location on Cape May Point along the Delaware Bay can’t be beat, and if you walk the course of the beach for long enough, you might stumble upon some of the famed Cape May diamonds, clear quartz crystals that gleam in the sun. If you’ve had your fill of the sun and sand, make sure to check out the 18-hole miniature golf course, from which you can see the stunning Delaware Bay. You can also explore the ruins of S.S. Atlantus, a World War I era concrete ship. Mark the end of summer at the summer Evening Flag Ceremony, a patriotic tradition which occurs every sunset from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Where: 502 County Highway 606, Cape May, NJ 08212

For the Kids: Clementon Amusement Park

Celebrating over 100 years in business, the Clementon Amusement Park is a nostalgic attraction that is great for children and adults alike. Take a tour of the park on the train, get so dizzy you fall down on the tilt-a-whirl or make a splash on the log flume. If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, hop on board the Hellcat, a creaky wooden roller coaster with a 110-foot plummet and a helix drop. Cool off in the Lazy River afterward, or spark up your adrenaline on the Torpedo Rush, a 60-foot water slide that offers guests free fall fun. It won’t be summer for much longer, so head to the park before it closes for the season.

Where: 144 Berlin Road, Clementon, NJ 08021

For the Nature Enthusiast: Leaming’s Run Gardens

As the largest annual garden in the United States, Leaming’s Run Gardens is a must-see attraction in southern New Jersey. Open to the public since 1978, Leaming’s Run features 25 themed gardens, a shady bamboo grove and a fernery, although the gardens are always changing. This time of year is a great time to go, as ruby-throated hummingbirds stop to feed before migrating south. Take heed of the “You may walk on the grass” signs scattered about – this place means it.

Where: 1845 Route 9 N., Cape May Court House, NJ 08210

For the History Buff: Mullica Hill

The entire town of Mullica Hill was placed on the National Register of Historic Places and the New Jersey State Register of Historic Places in 1991, and the village was established as a local historic district by the Harrison Township the following year. Mullica Hill is known for its shopping opportunities, and you can find anything from antiques, jewelry, collectibles, furniture, fine art and crafts. If you want to take it easy on your wallet, you can also tour a number of historic homes that have been restored.

Where: Main Street, Mullica Hill, NJ 08062

Photo credit: iStockphoto/astrida