Beachgoers flocked to the Jersey Shore on Saturday to kick off Fourth of July weekend.
With Friday's severe thunderstorms behind them, beachgoers flocked to the Jersey Shore on Saturday as Fourth of July weekend kicked off with plenty of sunshine and mostly blue skies.
New York City resident Karen Franz arrived at the beach in Asbury Park with her 7-year-old daughter, Edith, by 10 a.m.
"We come here as many summer weekends as we can. It's fun, it's a close trip from the city, with lots of good food and lots of good restaurants and just a fun crowd here," said Franz, as Edith was searching for sand crabs on the beach. "We'll be back here tomorrow."
Asbury Park residents Heather and Ryan Collins spent Saturday morning at the beach with their 4-year-old son, Lucas, and 2-year-old daughter, Sydney, before going to a barbeque with all of their neighbors.
"It's nice to see Asbury Park coming along with the crowds and all of the kids," Heather Collins said of the crowded beaches near Convention Hall. "The more the merrier."
North Brunswick resident Jackie Jefferys spent Saturday morning with a group of friends on the beach in Asbury Park.
"Fourth of July weekend is time for celebration, so you want to be with your friends," said Jefferys, 28. "The plans for the rest of the day are just enjoying the beach and getting drinks at one of the beach bars or McLoone's."
Rob Spahr may be reached at rspahr@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TheRobSpahr. Find NJ.com on Facebook.