The Perfect 1-Day Itinerary for Parents' Visit 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🌊

This summer, my parents came to visit, and coming home to homemade meals after work has been pure bliss! 😊 But that also means no lazy weekends—gotta show them around so they don't feel "stuck at home" all week! Last weekend, before the peak summer heat hit, we took a scenic NJ coastal day trip—and I brought my camera for some street photography too! 📸 After some research, we nailed this super-efficient route: 📍 Deep Cut Garden → Red Bank Town → Sandy Hook Beach The first two were quick photo-op stops, but Red Bank brought back memories—years ago, I came here with friends catching crabs at night! 🦀 Sandy Hook was the real highlight! 🌊 Five unique beaches (each with its own vibe—NY/NJ folks were grilling, swimming, and sunbathing!). Historic naval housing (crumbling but photogenic—golden-hour shots would be magical!). Oldest lighthouse in the US (classic red-and-white stripes!). Northern coastal trail (sandy + challenging, but the Manhattan skyline views are worth it!). 💡 Pro Tip: Skip the $20 beach parking fee by telling the gate you're just visiting the recreation area! #HiddenGemsNJ #NJWeekend #OffTheBeatenPath #NJOutdoors #FamilyTravel #FujifilmVibes