Big crowds returned to the Jersey Shore on Tuesday, all thanks to the taste of summer.
Before the sea breeze kicked in, temperatures soared to over 80 degrees on the boardwalks.
Jake Gold brought his DJ equipment from home to the sand.
“I only started DJing 10 days ago, and I really got into it, and I was like, what better place to bring music than the beach,” said Gold.
Spring breakers like brothers Ethan and RJ Quant lived their best lives on the sand.
“You feel the sand between your toes and it’s a great feeling,” the brothers said.
They were visiting Point Pleasant Beach from Riverdale.
With some final prep work still underway at Jenkinson’s, the arcades, boardwalk and sand all welcomed those lucky enough to have the day off.
“I think everyone’s just antsy to get out and enjoy the beautiful weather we’re getting,” said Lisa Lightbody, of Jenkinson’s Boardwalk.
“We have so many new staff that we need to train before the big days to come, and we need days like this,” said Michael Hull, the general manager of Martell’s Tiki Bar.
A last-minute call to local musician Mike Dalton helped provide live entertainment for the early-season crowds, like Mike and Carrie Meehan, who drove two hours from Blairstown for a mid-week getaway.
“It feels like we’re on vacation for the whole day, so it’s going to be fabulous,” said Carrie Meehan.
With warm weather expected the rest of the week, look for the live music and vibes to leave everyone thinking of summer.
“I’d drive a million miles to go to the beach,” said Melissa Quant, Ethan and RJ’s mom.