From Newark Liberty International Airport, take the AirTrain to the airport rail station, then an NJ Transit train to Newark Penn Station. From there, the public-transit trip toward Mystic Island involves connecting toward Toms River and continuing by NJ Transit bus toward Little Egg Harbor; there’s no direct airport or rail link. Allow 4–6 hours or more, and check the exact Thanksgiving timetable and final local connection before you fly—holiday service may be reduced, and a missed connection can add a long wait. Build in time for baggage and transfers, and don’t assume the last bus will be running when you arrive.
Once you reach Mystic Island, take a short, roughly 30-minute shoreline break if you arrive with daylight to spare. Then head to Tuckerton Seaport in nearby Tuckerton; allow 1–2 hours, but make this conditional on confirming Thanksgiving opening hours directly beforehand. If it’s closed, keep the visit brief and enjoy the surrounding waterfront rather than counting on indoor exhibits or services.
For dinner near Little Egg Harbor, call ahead to find a restaurant that is open on Thanksgiving and accepting guests; budget about $20–$50 per person. A same-day round trip to Newark Liberty International Airport with time for these stops isn’t realistic: retracing the bus-and-rail route takes at least another 4–6 hours, plus connection time, and holiday service may be limited. The sensible plan is to stay overnight near Mystic Island or the airport, then travel back with a verified schedule. If you must return that evening, arrange a different ride or leave for the airport immediately after arriving, rather than relying on the planned sightseeing and meal.
No packing list attached yet.