3 Great Ways To Watch Fireworks At The Jersey Shore On The Fourth Of July

Let's face it: watching the fireworks on the Fourth of July is one of those quintessentially American things to do. Big, bright sparkling blasts of celebration that put a little pep in our steps and — especially with the right music — make our hearts burst with pride.

But there's a downside to watching the fireworks: the crowds. When my mom was little, her father would make them leave the fireworks display before it was over, just because he wanted to beat the traffic.

Here at the Jersey Shore, that traffic can be frustrating especially because most people leave their patience at home and get testy instead of remembering that everyone is just trying to enjoy the evening.

With that in mind, here are five ways to watch the fireworks that reduce the crowds and will make the Fourth a little less stressful:

1. The crest of the Mantoloking Bridge. Prior to 2000, I crossed the Mantoloking bridge regularly on my way to and from work, and on the Fourth of July, you could see fireworks displays for several miles in either direction: Point Pleasant Beach and beyond that, Manasquan and Asbury Park to the north, and Seaside Heights and the Fireworks over the Toms River to the south. It's especially nice if the sound of the cherry bombs is too much for you. Park at Traders Cove/Mantoloking County Park and walk up the pedestrian sidewalk on the south side of the bridge. Be alert for traffic because Mantoloking Road, particularly on the Brick Township side of the bridge, is poorly lit.

2. Berkeley Island County Park in Berkeley Township. When my daughter was little, hauling her to Seaside Heights for the fireworks was more work than I cared to attempt, especially because a tired youngster and the boardwalk were simply a bad mix. So my husband and I discovered that if we drove out to the county park, we could park and watch the fireworks over the Toms River but without the crowds and the hassle, and because WOBM FM (92.7 FM) broadcasts the music that accompanies the fireworks, you can tune in on your car radio. Just beware: The park itself remains closed; reconstruction of the park, which suffered significant damage during Superstorm Sandy, was expected to begin this year. There is a parking lot before you reach the park itself and that's your safest bet for parking to watch.

3. On the beach ... but a little farther from the action. Often people try to get really close to the fireworks on the beach, thinking they will have the best vantage point. But sometimes if you go a little bit farther away, you'll still get to see a great show. One year I got on the beach in Point Pleasant Beach at the far southern end of the boardwalk. Not only did I have a great view, there were fewer people to contend with both to and from the event. Seaside Park is a great option for the Seaside Heights fireworks.

Other spots to consider:

• For Point Pleasant Beach, try Bay Head (great view, less hassle; park at the NJ Transit station at Osborne Avenue and walk up to the beach);
• For Manasquan (and the Jenkinson's fireworks) try the Point Pleasant Beach side of the Manasquan Inlet (although crowding is still a possibility here)
• For Long Branch, try Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park. It's a bit north of the boardwalk and OceanFest (which looks like a fabulous time, by the way). But if you're not up for the crowds you should be able to see the fireworks with no problem.

Do you have a spot that's less crowded and easily accessible to watch the fireworks? Let us know! Email me at karen.wall@patch.com.

Looking for fireworks on the Fourth of July or before? Check out our list of displays here:

2017 Fourth Of July Fireworks, Celebrations At The Jersey Shore

Fireworks photo by Karen Wall