Apple Picking, Crabbing, Pine Barrens: Check
out these 10 September Things To Do in NJ
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1- Plan a weekend getaway or an early fall vacation to Cape May
Cape May Visitors Guide
Cape May is not the type of resort that you visit just once. There is a charm and special warmth about the town that pulls you back again an again. Cape May is not just a summer resort. September is very popular with plenty of things to do and the water is still warm enough to visit the beach.
2- Plan a weekend Getaway to Lambertville
Lambertville Visitors Guide
Lambertville, NJ is an historic town on the Delaware River with numerous attractions to see and experience. The curious visitor will find antique shops, art galleries, specialty stores, bed and breakfasts, a brewery and plenty of good restaurants. The more active visitor will try the D & R canal tow path where bicyclists can enjoy a ride for people of all skill levels.
3- Get out an enjoy the outdoors with a trip to the Pine Barrens
The Pine Barrens is popular as a destination for a weekend getaway and day trippers who enjoy getting outdoors to experience a pristine environment. The Pine Barrens covers more land mass than either Yosemite or Grand Canyon national parks.
For the adventuresome, there are a wide variety of canoeing, kayaking, hiking, fishing, cycling, hunting. horseback riding, and camping activities.
4 - Try crabbing - Its the peak time of the season for a popular NJ activity
Crabbing is a very popular summer and fall activity along the bays and creeks on the Jersey Shore. Crabs can be caught from a rental row boat using a drop line or a scoop net along the bay dock pilings, or with a net and bait along the side of a creek. In NJ, in terms of numbers caught, recreational crabbing exceeds recreational fishing catches of bluefish, flounder, black sea bass and striped bass.
5 - A Great Time of the Year for a Canoe or Kayak trip
Best Kayaking destinations
Kayaking and canoeing offers a wide variety of scenic and wildlife experiences, with a wide range water from easy flat water to the more intermediate, challenging rivers and beach areas.
6 - Go Apple Picking to a Pick Your Own Farm
Best "Pick Your Own" apple orchards
This is a great family activity with the apple picking season in New Jersey running from early August to October 31st, with peak picking times from September 1 to October 15th.
7- Take in a Jersey Shore Family Friendly Seafood Festival
Downbeach Seafood Festival
Saturday, Sunday, September 13, 14, 2025
Ski BeachDorset & Burk Ave
Ventnor, NJ
Located in Ski Beach, a beautiful, bayfront property with a boat ramp and a large grassy park. This venue has unobstructed bay views and allows for guests to get creative with their transportation modes, welcoming non-motorized water vessels to dock on it's shores. With most of the restaurants attending as brick and mortar Atlantic County restaurants, the festival will offer attendees an opportunity to experience this seaside community as a culinary destination. This event also features Jersey made craft beers, cooking with local chefs, shopping unique exhibitors, children's activities and amusements, live Sand Sculpting/ Kids Sand Sculpting area, Live Music, Complimentary Demos, and Seminars.
8-Take in a popular NJ craft Beer Festival
Glassboro Craft Beer Festival
Saturday, September 27, 2025: 12pm - 5pm
Glassboro Town Hall
1 High Street West
Glassboro, NJ
This event features over 100 craft beer samplings from 50 + NJ and tri-state breweries, live music headlined by fan-favorite band Goodman Fiske, food trucks, and more!
9 - Spend a night at the Six Flags Great Adventure Savannah Sunset Resort and Spa
Six Flags Great Adventure Savannah Sunset Resort and Spa
1 Six Flags Blvd.Jackson, NJ
Savannah Sunset Resort and Spa is an overnight oasis offering exclusive panoramic views within their r 350-acre Wild Safari which is home to over 1,200 animals from 6 continents. Access to all 3 Six Flags Great Adventure theme parks is included in your stay. Various package options including behind-the-scenes encounters and VIP experiences may be added to your overnight stay for an additional cost.
10 - Take in the Annual Water Lantern Festival in Mays Landing
Water Lantern Festival
Saturday, September 27, 2025; 4pm until 9pm
753 Park Rd
Mays Landing, NJ
This popular family event features a day filled with fun, happiness, hope, and great memories that you'll cherish for a lifetime. The Water Lantern Festival is a community event that encourages people of all ages and backgrounds to come together for a night of love and laughter. Gather with your loved ones, reflect on your life, and connect with new friends. As the sun sets, release your personalized lantern onto the water and watch it illuminate the night. Enjoy food trucks, live music, vendors, a scavenger hunt, and the lantern launch.
Weekend Itinerary Ideas for September Getaways in New Jersey
For Couples: A Romantic Rivertown Retreat Friday: Arrive in historic Lambertville and check into a charming bed & breakfast like the Lambertville House. Spend the afternoon browsing the town's renowned antique shops and art galleries. Enjoy a romantic dinner with river views at a local favorite.
Saturday: Walk across the bridge to explore New Hope, PA (approx. 5-minute walk). In the afternoon, drive 20 minutes to a local winery in the Delaware River Valley for a tasting. Return for an evening show at the Bucks County Playhouse.
Sunday: Enjoy a leisurely brunch in Lambertville before renting bikes for a scenic ride along the D&R Canal towpath. Head home feeling refreshed.
Seasonal Tip: September evenings can be cool by the river. Pack a light jacket or sweater for evening strolls.
For Families: Classic Jersey Shore Fun Friday: Head down the shore to Ocean City or Wildwood. Check into a family-friendly hotel or rental. Have a casual dinner and spend the evening playing mini-golf and enjoying the boardwalk arcades.
Saturday: Spend the day on the beach, enjoying the warm water and smaller crowds. Grab lunch on the boardwalk. In the afternoon, visit the Cape May County Park & Zoo (a 20-minute drive from Wildwood), which offers free admission.
Sunday: Have one last Jersey Shore breakfast, perhaps some delicious pancakes or pork roll, egg, and cheese. If time allows, go crabbing at a local pier before beginning the drive home.
Seasonal Tip: While days are warm, the ocean breeze can be brisk. Pack sweatshirts for everyone, especially after the sun goes down.
For Adventure Seekers: Exploring the Pine Barrens Friday: Drive to the heart of the Pinelands National Reserve and set up your base, whether camping at Wharton State Forest or staying in a nearby inn. Start with a short evening hike to get acquainted with the unique landscape.
Saturday: Embark on a full-day kayaking or canoeing adventure on the Wading or Mullica River. Companies like Pinelands Adventures offer rentals and guided tours. This is one of the best things to do in Jersey in September for nature lovers. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy on a sandy riverbank.
Sunday: Visit the historic Batsto Village to learn about the area's iron-making past. Take a final hike on one of the many marked trails before heading home.
Seasonal Tip: Bring insect repellent. The Pine Barrens are a natural wonder, and that includes the local insect population. Check weather and trail conditions before you go.
Use these ideas as a starting point and craft your own perfect weekend from all the amazing things to do in September near me and across the Garden State!
Sip & Savor: Food and Drink Experiences to Try This September
Savor Harvest Season at a Winery: Visit a winery like Alba Vineyard in Milford or Laurita Winery in New Egypt. September is harvest time, meaning the vineyards are beautiful and many wineries host special events with live music, food trucks, and exclusive tastings of new vintages. Insider Tip: Check the winery's event calendar and purchase tickets online in advance, as harvest festivals are extremely popular.
Indulge in Apple Cider Donuts: A quintessential fall experience in New Jersey! Head to a farm like Demarest Farms in Hillsdale or Johnson's Corner Farm in Medford. The aroma of freshly made apple cider donuts is irresistible, and they are best enjoyed warm right after purchase. Insider Tip: Go on a weekday if possible to avoid long lines, especially at the donut stand and for hayrides.
Enjoy an Oktoberfest Brew: As September rolls in, many of New Jersey's craft breweries release their seasonal Oktoberfest and Pumpkin ales. Visit a brewery like Kane Brewing Company in Ocean or Flying Fish Brewing Co. in Somerdale for fresh-from-the-tap seasonal beers. Insider Tip: Follow your favorite breweries on social media for release dates and special Oktoberfest-themed events.
Feast on Fresh Seafood: With festivals like the Downbeach Seafood Festival happening, September is a prime time for seafood lovers. Even outside of festivals, shore towns like Point Pleasant, Belmar, and Cape May have restaurants serving incredibly fresh, locally caught fish, scallops, and crab. Insider Tip: Ask your server for the "catch of the day" to ensure you're getting the freshest seafood available.
Dine at a Farm-to-Table Restaurant: Experience the peak of the harvest season at a true farm-to-table establishment. Restaurants like Agricola Eatery in Princeton or Andre's Lakeside Dining in Sparta build their menus around the freshest seasonal produce, offering a taste of New Jersey's agricultural bounty. Insider Tip: Reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekend dining. Mention any dietary restrictions when booking.
Please enjoy New Jersey's craft beverages responsibly. Always plan for a designated driver or utilize a rideshare service.
