Another Jersey Shore Memorial Day weekend is just days away. It’s the beginning of summer. The start of a season filled with BBQs, fireworks, and the great outdoors. One of our favorite weekends of the year because it’s the unofficial kick off to one of our favorite seasons – summer. (We know it’s not officially summer yet, that’s why we said unofficial).

A True Local Jersey Shore Memorial Day Weekend
Our Top 20 Things to do This Weekend

So what does Memorial Day weekend look like at the Jersey Shore? Where do you go? What do you buy? Who do you see? We wanted to answer those questions just for you. Here’s our list of things to do that will make your Memorial Day weekend truly a Jersey Shore classic, whether you’re actually a local or just a temporary one!

A Jersey Shore Style Backyard BBQ

When it comes to throwing the best BBQ on the block, it’s important to have exceptional ingredients. And since it’s a Jersey Shore Memorial Day weekend, it’s time to go big or go home. First, no BBQ is complete without food. 1) Grab some steaks from Monmouth Meats in Red Bank where the quality of the meat is always exceptional. We’re big fans of the 50/50 half bacon, half chuck burger mixture too.

Since it’s summer, you can’t have a BBQ without fresh seafood. Luckily, living at the Jersey Shore there are plenty of great places to pick up the catch of the day. From lobster to clams at Schooner’s Fishery in Belford and platters of shrimp, oysters and more at Klein’s Fish Market in Belmar, you’ll bring the best of the Atlantic to your backyard.

And what’s a BBQ without some tasty sides? A pretty crappy one. Make your guests drool with an order of The Cheese Cave’s ridiculously cheesy Mac N’ Cheese.

It may not be the best dish for bathing suit season, but we don’t care. 2) Add on some tasty and festive cupcakes from Sugarush in Red Bank or some rockin’ cupcakes from Confections of a Rock $tar in Asbury Park and you’ll make everyone from ages 2 to 90 happy.

To top off this true Jersey Shore BBQ spread, add on a BBQ cooler rental from the 3) Little Silver Bottle Shop. Just call them up a few days ahead, let them know what you want packed and it’ll be all set for the big day.

And finally, what is the one thing that could ruin your BBQ? What about those mosquitos that just won’t leave you or your guests alone? 4) Put a stop to it before your guests even arrive by calling Last Bite Mosquito. They’ll stop those pesky mosquitos right in their tracks safely. Whether you you’re looking for a one-time service or long-term control, they have you covered.

Enjoy the Great Outdoors

Now that the weather is finally warm, it’s time to take in everything that Monmouth and Ocean County have to offer this Jersey Shore Memorial Day weekend. 5) First up on our list is a hike through one of Monmouth and Ocean County’s beautiful parks. The foliage is rich, the flowers are in full bloom, and the weather is perfect.

Or set sail with 6) The River Lady for a relaxing cruise along the Toms River and Barnegat Bay. 7) If you’re looking for that perfect catch, head out with the fishermen at dawn or dusk along the Miss Belmar.

After taking in the ocean air, shop till you drop with a stroll through Red Bank. 8) Check out what’s new at some of our favorite shops owned by Jersey Shore locals including Goldtinker, Poor Cat, Madison and Candy’s Cottage. Then grab a bite to eat al fresco style at The Bistro, Temple Gourmet, or Front Street Trattoria.

9) For those of you who are looking for more of a relaxing outdoor experience, why not get your hands in the dirt and plant some flowers from Brick Flower Market and Cicconi Farms in Jackson. Red, white and blue flowers maybe?

Or maybe you just want to read a book and your backyard isn’t cutting it. 10) That’s why there’s the beach. Because really, a trip to the beach, even just for a few minutes is absolutely necessary this weekend!

Spend Some Time with the Family

It’s a long weekend, which means the kids may get antsy. We’ve got you covered. 11) For your little sports enthusiasts, a trip to the Lakewood Blue Claws Stadium is an inexpensive and fun place to go with the family. Catch a foul ball, enjoy some hot dogs, and relish in this parenting moment. 12) That same sport enthusiast will also love a trip to Twin Brooks Golf Center in Tinton Falls. Take some practice swings, play some mini golf, or take them on the 9-hole course. Maybe you have a young Jordan Spieth or Michelle Wie on your hands.

Or bring them to the track where they can get up close to watch the horses while trying out food from over 30 food trucks during the 13) Monmouth Park Racetrack’s Food Truck Festival.

For the kids that just won’t be happy till they ride a ferris wheel, 14) take them to one of the Jersey Shore’s boardwalks. Whether it’s Pt. Pleasant’s Jenkinson’s Boardwalk or Seaside Heights’ Casino Pier, there are plenty of rides to keep your kids occupied for hours. 15) And don’t forget to add a little sparkle to your weekend. Take in the fireworks display on Sunday in Asbury Park for a bright kick off to summer.

A Well Deserved Night Out on the Town

A long weekend also means at least one night (or day) out on the town. 16) First up, local beer. And when we say local, we mean made at the Jersey Shore local. Visit some of the Jersey Shore’s best craft breweries including Beach Haus, Kane, and Cape May Brewing Company. Test a flight and bring home a growler because you really can never have enough.

If wine is more your style, head north (yes we said north because sometimes as a local you just need to get the heck out of here!) to the 17) Blues, Wine & BBQ Festival. Sample wines made from New Jersey grapes grown across the state.

And really, at least one night should be spent enjoying a cocktail at some of our favorite waterfront restaurants. 18) Watch the sunset go down at Eventide Grille, Water’s Edge, or Panini Bay as you cheers to summer. 19) And maybe you’ll even want to throw in some dancing at popular bars like Bar Anticipation, D’Jais, or Hemingway’s Cafe. You choose just how much fun you have!

Honor Our Veterans

20) Last, but certainly not least, a true Jersey Shore local will honor our veterans by attending one of the many Memorial Day parades across the state. Don’t forget to say thank you to all those who have served both past and present. Memorial Day weekend may be a weekend to kick off summer, but we have to remember that without these men and women, we probably wouldn’t be having this much fun.