New Jersey travelers choose from 24 Best Western hotels.

New Jersey Shore

Travel New Jersey Turnpike, Atlantic City Expressway or the Garden State Parkway on a summer adventure through southern New Jersey. Atlantic City, with its famous boardwalk and beaches, is a must for travelers. Be sure to stop at the Absecon Lighthouse at the north end of the city for a climb up the 150 year old historic structure. Just south of Atlantic City, Margate City hosts Beachstock – a summer music festival on the beach. Don’t miss the tradition of August’s Atlantic City Airshow. A visit to family-friendly Cape May and the Wildwoods, at the southern tip of New Jersey, makes summer complete.

The historic Absecon Lighthouse at the north end of Atlantic City is a hub of activity in summer. Challenge yourself with a climb up the lighthouse’s 228 steps - Mom’s climb free on Mother’s Day May 13th and Dad’s climb free on June 17th, Father’s Day. Climb it at night when the moon is full beginning on the full moon on July 3rd – look for “By the Light of the Moon” evenings during the summer.

Golf fans can benefit the Absecon Lighthouse education programs at the 2012 Absecon Lighthouse Golf Tournament June 15th. Hosted at McCullough’s Emerald Golf Links, in Egg Harbor Township west of Pleasantville and Absecon, the Shotgun Start is 1:30. Tuesday August 7th is National Lighthouse Day; a great day to visit Absecon Lighthouse which offers 2 for 1 climbs.

Nothing says summer like a beach party – get ready for July’s Beachstock 2012. Dubbed the Planet’s Biggest Beach Party, stake out your spot on the sands of Grandville Beach behind the Margate Library. Beach party festivities happen between Granville Avenue and Huntington Avenue including sand sculpting, surfing classes and kids and family games and contests. With live bands, great food and drink, and an evening movie, Beachstock is a full day of fun.

Celebrating ten years of New Jersey summer tradition, the 2012 Atlantic City Airshow is on for August 17th. “Thunder Over the Boardwalk,” one of Atlantic City’s most popular events features performances by the US Air Force Thunderbirds, the US Army Golden Knights Parachute Team and US Air Force Thunderbolt II. The week’s events kick off with the 2nd Annual Atlantic City Salutes America’s Armed forces Parade Wednesday evening August 15th. An ideal reason for a summer visit to Atlantic City beaches, the Atlantic City Airshow fills the sky with the excitement of formation flying, airplane acrobatics and low altitude flybys.

A New Jersey summer is not complete without a trip to Cape May and the Wildwoods in southern New Jersey. The area is full of attractions with roller coasters, water parks, boardwalk and special events. Put your summer training to the test at the 2012 Wild Half Marathon & 8K August 26th. With last year's race cancelled, the 2012 race is the first running of the Wilds, with the 8K event also added. The out-and-back course has water views nearly the entire route.

Newark, NJ Skyline

New Jersey’s Gateway Region, with Newark and Newark Liberty International Airport at its heart, sees throngs of summer visitors on their way to regional sites and attractions. A wonderful alternative to Manhattan’s congestion, visit Liberty State Park to catch a ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. While you’re at Liberty State Park you’ll have sweeping views of the Hudson River and Manhattan skyline along with the two-mile long Liberty Walk, picnic areas and playground to keep you busy. Like to paddle? Launch a canoe or kayak from the marina and paddle the Hudson River and New York Bay.

Bamboozle is a good thing when it’s spring in New Jersey. Ashbury Park hosts Bamboozle 2012 May 18th through 20th. Featuring seven stages, each with an amazing lineup of performers, Ashbury Park is the place for Music fans. On tap for this tenth anniversary event, bands like Incubus, Foo Fighters, and Bon Jovi, just for starters. Hop on the Garden State Parkway south from Newark and Bamboozle is just an hour away.

Travel outside the Gateway Region to New Jersey’s Skylands region and enjoy traditional summer events. West Orange hosts its annual Spring Street Fair Sunday May 27th, launching the summer season. The 2012 West Orange Street Fair is the 8th annual fair and features a diverse selection of arts and crafts, foods and products. Kids have games, puppet shows and henna tattoos for entertainment.

Include the State Fair Meadowlands in your New Jersey summer travels. The 2012 fair includes 17 days of events and fun, from June 22nd to July 8th. You may need a few days to see it all. Events include daily magic shows, Circus Maximus performances and the Big Cat Show and these are the free events. The midway is jam-packed with games, thrill rides and kiddie-land – gotta showoff those skills and win a midway prize.

New Jersey’s Meadowlands is known for sports, and August brings the Hambletonian to the Meadowlands Racetrack. A short 15-miles north of Newark in East Rutherford, the Hambletonian at the Meadowlands is the first event in the US Trotting Triple Crown races. The 2012 race is August 4th – mark your calendar and enjoy the excitement of harness racing in East Rutherford.

Take a drive into New Jersey’s Skylands region in August, for the New Jersey State Fair. Hosted at the Sussex County Fairgrounds in Augusta, the New Jersey State Fair Sussex County Farm & Horse Show is a summer tradition. Attractions include the interactive Farm Fun exhibit for the kids, the carnival and midway amusements and exhibits showcasing the best of New Jersey agriculture and 4-H organizations.