5 Memorial Day Weekend Alternatives To The Shore

Parkway traffic. Sunburn. Beach passes. Parking fees. Cold water. Rip currents. Sharks. Worst of all — Bennies.

Let's face it: The Jersey Shore is overrated. So if you don't have a timeshare, motel room or even couch to crash on "down the Shore" this holiday weekend — or you just choose to skip the beach altogether — we've rounded up some of the Garden State's best alternatives for Memorial Day adventures:

1. High Point State Park, Sussex County

Hike to the highest point in New Jersey! With more than 50 miles of hiking trails, the peak of the park is High Point Monument. Climb (or drive) to the top of the ridge and stand at 1,803 feet above sea level, where you'll be rewarded with 360-degree views of farmland, forest and mountains. From the peak of High Point, you'll enjoy spectacular views of three states, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York, as well as the blue Delaware River snaking in between. There's also swimming in the spring-fed Lake Marcia, which opens for the season this weekend. There are concession stands selling food and refreshments throughout the park. There is also a playground and boating/canoeing at Sawmill Lake and Steenykill Lake. There are two special events this Saturday, May 26:

Beaver Talk - 10:00 a.m. - 10:30 - Meet at the Sawmill Lake Dam/Boat Launch to learn a bit about High Point's resident beavers, and how they are adapted to their watery habitat. Suitable for all ages.

Family Nature Walk - 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. - Join the park naturalist on a 1.5 mile walk around Sawmill Lake to learn about the plants and animals that call the lake home. Meet at the Sawmill Boat Launch. Suitable for adults and kids ages five and up. (Younger children are welcome if they're good walkers or can be carried.)

Campsites are available. Entrance fees are $10 per vehicle. Call (973) 875-4800 for more info.

2. Fleet Week events at Liberty State Park, Jersey City

Give your Memorial Day weekend an urban edge. Starting at the northern tip of Hoboken, you can now stroll along the Hudson River in one continuous meander all the way down into Jersey City. Stop for a drink or bite to eat at the many restaurants and bars in both towns along the way, and end your walk at Liberty State Park. Best of all, it's Fleet Week, so bring binoculars and look across the Hudson for all the U.S. Navy ships docked in Manhattan. And Fleet Week comes to New Jersey! On Sunday, May 27, the U.S. Coast Guard will be doing special search-and-rescue exhibits off Liberty State Park and there will be a U.S. Navy dive tank. That goes from 12 noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Free.

3. New Jersey Renaissance Faire, Bordentown

Did somebody say live jousting, massive medieval turkey legs and fire jugglers? Come check out the largest Renaissance fair in New Jersey, which is open May 26 and 27 (closed Memorial Day Monday) in Bordentown. Fun for both kids and adults alike. There will also be live Shakespeare readings, live music, magicians, acrobats and a full-scale chess match. Cost: $20/adults, $12/ages 5-12. 1195 Florence Columbus Rd., Bordentown, NJ.

4. Field Station Dinosaurs Grand Opening, Overpeck County Park, Leonia

The dinosaur-loving children of New Jersey suffered a major loss when Field Station: Dinosaurs packed up and left Secaucus to relocate to Overpeck Park. Even in their new spot, they remained closed for more than year — until this weekend! Field Station: Dinosaurs will be having its Grand Re-Opening this Saturday, May 26. They are open Saturday, Sunday and even Memorial Day Monday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Come to the park and travel more than 65 million years back in time. The park is covered with more than 30 life-sized robotic dinosaurs, including several that lived – and died – right here in New Jersey. The dinosaurs move, so warn little kids not to be too scared. Overpeck County Park, 40 Fort Lee Road Leonia, NJ 07605. Call 855-999-9010 for ticket prices.

5. 75th annual Tour de Somerville

Pretend you're at the Tour de France, except right here in New Jersey. There will be racing events all weekend long, when nearly 1,000 professional cyclists descend on Somerville for some fast action and tight curves. Get there early to get a good spot along the route to watch the action. The entire town gets involved and there will be vendors, craft stands, live music, food and kids' activities lining the streets of Somerville. The races usually start at Davenport and Main Street in Somerville. It's now a three-day event of road racing, with different races every day this weekend. Here's the schedule: https://tourofsomerville.org/t... Free.