SANDY HOOK, New Jersey (WABC) -- It's the Fourth of July, and many across the Tri-State Area are taking full advantage of beautiful weather by hitting the beaches and boardwalks.
It's an extended holiday weekend for many, and a record number of people are expected to travel throughout the week, encouraged by lower gas prices.
The shore is a popular destination, including Sandy Hook. Check out Toni Yates' fun-in-the-sun report in the video player above.
The government shutdown in New Jersey sparked some last-minute changes of plans - including those in Jersey City, whose popular fireworks show, originally set for Liberty State Park, were shut down by the budget stalemate - so they moved a few miles north to Exchange Place.
Watch Anthony Johnson's story here:
And at Jones Beach on Long Island, the only way to describe the place was packed, packed, packed.
Many people got there early to claim a spot for the fireworks.
Meanwhile, police are out in full force, keeping an eye out for those who may be drinking and driving -- specifically on boats.
Watch Kristin Thorne's story here:
Finally, a refreshing pool on a hot summer day certainly a kids' stamp of approval - but some kids have no idea what led up to a pool in Yonkers being open for the July Fourth holiday.
On Tuesday, the Westchester County executive marked a grand re-opening seven years in the making. Sprain Ridge Pool closed in 2010. There were battles between Rob Astorino and the Board of Legislators who floated the idea of creating a water park. Finally a plan was approved two years ago.
