When it comes to summer at the Jersey Shore, we’d like to think of ourselves as experts. From where to eat, what to drink, and what to do, there’s no shortage of things to do. If anything, a Jersey Shore summer is way too short! So over the next few months, we’re going to try our best to pack in as much flavor and fun as we can before the September comes around.

We want you to share in the fun too so we’ve put together some of the best things to do, whether it’s enjoying a cocktail post beach or dining al fresco on a Tuesday evening, just because you feel like it, to trying something new, and buying something new – summer is about making the most of our time. So get our your summer to do list and replace it with this one that’s packed with summer specials that you just can’t miss out on!

Making the Most Out of Your Summer at the Jersey Shore

Stella Marina Bar & Restaurant, Asbury Park
Featured in our Local’s Guide to Oceanfront Dining, Stella Marina is the perfect place to check out after a day in Asbury Park. With Summer arriving, Stella Marina offers extended summer hours (they’re open till 11:30pm on Saturdays to take advantage of the long and warm days). This seaside Italian restaurant is also home to one of the Jersey Shore’s best happy hours (with a stellar view). Enjoy drink and appetizer specials, Monday – Friday 3:30-6:30pm and Saturday and Sunday 12:00 – 4:00pm. 800 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park 732-775-7776 http://stellamarinarestaurant.com

Marlins Café, Pt. Pleasant Beach
Summer at the Jersey Shore is all about being outside… as much as possible. With Marlins Café, that’s easy to do thanks to their brand new outdoor patio and deck that will be completed by the end of June. Check it out for lunch, dinner (especially their brand new food special – Lobster and Shrimp Mac & Cheese that’s topped with a broiled 4 oz. lobster tail), and drinks and enjoy the sun or the shade all summer long! 1901 Ocean Avenue, Pt. Pleasant Beach 732-714-8035 marlinsnj.com

The Court Jester, Freehold and Aberdeen
Margaritas and slushies – they both scream summer! At The Court Jester, they agree which is why they’re just $5 all summer long. Pair it with some of their new “Table Tent Specials” including a Crab and Shrimp Dip appetizer and a Baked Cod Oreganato. Deliciousio! 16 E. Main Street, Freehold 732-462-1040 www.jestersweb.net/

Eventide Grille, Sea Bright
Sunsets and Rum Buckets, that’s what Eventide Grille is made of. Sit along the water and indulge in some summer cocktail specials including their Sunset Martinis, Mexican Mojitos, and our favorite, the Sea Bright Tini featuring a delightful combination of Stoli-O, Peach Schnapps, and orange juice that’s shaken, poured, and then topped with a get this…champagne floater. Hello summer nights! 1400 Ocean Avenue, Sea Bright 732-530-1414 eventidegrille.com

Jenkinson’s, Pt. Pleasant Beach
Nothing says summertime like a refreshing boardwalk treat! Head to South Beach Bowls & Smoothies for all your summer cravings. Snack on colorful Acai and Pitaya Bowls (like their signature “Jenks” Acai Bowl featuring banana, acai, and apple juice topped with strawberries, banana, granola, and honey), on-the-go breakfast items, and of course coffee. Located at the south end of the boardwalk right by the ride park, check them out everyday of the week starting at 8am (right before you settle into your beach chair!) As for those of us that aren’t getting up that early, there’s always the summer food (Summer Breeze Salad, Jersey Shore Shrimp Wrap) and drink (Love Potion, Creamsicle) specials. 300 Ocean Avenue, Pt. Pleasant Beach 732-892-0600 jenkinsons.com

The Molly Pitcher Inn, Red Bank
Another restaurant featured in our Local’s Guide to Red Bank Restaurants.The Molly Pitcher Inn’s famous brunch may be closed until October, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do! At The Molly Pitcher Inn, enjoy breathtaking views of the Navesink River while sipping on cocktail specials, every Monday – Thursday from 4-6pm or listening to live entertainment every Thursday – Sunday. No wonder it’s a Red Bank tradition that just keeps getting better with age! 88 Riverside Avenue, Red Bank 732-747-2500 themollypitcher.com/

Oyster Point Hotel, Red Bank
Do your best classy pirate impression with a trip to the Oyster Point. Enjoy dinner at the Pearl restaurant, happy hour every week from 4-6pm, Mondays – Thursdays, and live entertainment every Friday and Saturday Night. There’s even “Thursday’s on the Half Shell” featuring a who’s who of local entertainment throughout the summer, outdoor dining, and drink specials from 6-9pm. In addition, beginning July 3rd, the Oyster Point will be the site of a brand new art exhibit. Cocktails and art – so fancy! 146 Bodman Place, Red Bank 732-530-8200 www.theoysterpointhotel.com/

McDonagh’s Pub, Keyport (photo in e-mail)
Summer at McDonagh’s Pub means a few things… including six “Big Summer Cocktails.” Sip on Deep Eddy’s Summer Buckets, Very Berry Mules made with freshly muddled strawberries and blueberries, refreshing Cucumber Martinis, Malibu Mojitos, Pina Coladas, and Cranberry Mint Margaritas. It won’t be easy to pick one, but that’s why there’s Uber! 2 W. Front Street, Keyport 732-264-0999 mcdonaghs.com

Porcini, Highlands
Join the newlyweds this summer (Chef Chris and manager Alex) at Porcini. Even though they just tied the knot, they made certain they put together a brand new summer menu. Whether you’re starting with the fried calamari and zucchini appetizer or going right for the homemade linguini with fresh shrimp and scallops in a lemon sauce, you’ll quickly understand why Chef Chris has been named one of the best chefs at the shore! 168 Bay Avenue, Highlands 732-291-3080 www.restaurantporcini.com/

Mulberry Street, Brick
This summer, Mulberry Street is keeping you ahead of the game with all of the finest ingredients that will make your next outdoor BBQ a success, whether it’s chicken and beef kabobs for the in laws, freshly made chicken, sausage, and veggie patties for the family, or a large Western Long Broil for your group of friends. If cooking isn’t your thing (or you need a break from the grill), just let Mulberry Street do all the work – they’ll supply everything from the grillers to the desserts and the servers! Finally, don’t forget to stop in for lunch (you’ll get a free drink or a single shot of Espresso) that’ll pair perfectly with their all new flatbreads! 474 Brick Blvd., Brick 732-477-4520 www.mulberrystreet.net

Cape May Brewing Company, Cape May
Looking to refresh your summer? Why not see for yourself what all the hype around one of the Jersey Shore’s premier brewers. Cape May Brewing Company offers a number of beers on tap including their awesome summer brew, Summer Catch, which was a huge hit last summer. After six years, they’re even canning two of their flagship brews so you can enjoy the flavors of Cape May right in your own backyard! Oh and on July 7th from 4-10pm, they’ll be celebrating their 6th anniversary with great beer, dunk tanks, summer tunes, and a free shuttle service to and from Cape May. 1288 Hornet Rd., Cape May 609-849-9933 www.capemaybrewery.com

Iplay America, Freehold
TiPlay America’s Summer Season Pass includes Unlimited Rides on Kite Flyer, Sky Scraper, Pine Belt Speedway Go Karts, Freedom Rider Spinning Coaster, Spin Zone Bumper Cars, Happy Swing, Jump Around, Dizzy Dragons and Mini Carousel. Each Season pass comes with over $100 in coupons, including Free Ride Bands for friends! Plus, book a birthday party and show your Season Pass to receive 10% off any base party package! Passes will be available online and in park Now – September 4th! 110 Schanck Road, Freehold, NJ 732-577-8200 iplayamerica.com