10 Ideal New Jersey Destinations for a 3-Day Weekend in 2024
New Jersey is more than just the home of the nation's first baseball game (Hoboken) and movie (West Orange.) It also has buzzy, colorful attractions such as the infamous Atlantic City Boardwalk and the Cape May Zoo. Folks living in major metro areas like New York City and Philadelphia have been hopping over the bridge to New Jersey for short getaways for decades, saving money on flights and gaining easy inspiration. If you're ready to visit the Garden State, here are 10 of our favorite spots for a three-day weekend.
Cape May
Whether you are looking for a romantic vacation, an escape with the girls, or a family adventure, you can't go wrong with Cape May. Pack your bags for some seaside spending at the Washington Street Mall, where you'll find no shortage of antiques, fine jewelry, candy stores, wine purveyors, and specialty food. Families with kiddos won't want to miss out on the Cape May Zoo, which is free and open most days of the year. A ropes course and zipline adventure are also part of the zoo-bound fun. If you love history, shine on to the Cape May Lighthouse, where you can enjoy divine views, a museum, and souvenirs. And, if you're feeling adventurous, you can jump on the Cape May Ferry and head to the outlets in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. There is no shortage of quaint B&Bs for your Cape May stay, but be sure to book your room early! Options include Beach Plum Farm, with its farm-to-table meals and adorable cottages, and The Virginia Hotel, which features pristine guest rooms and an outdoor pool.
Lake Hopatcong
Located in Jefferson County, Lake Hopatcong is a scenic 90-minute drive from New York City. The lake itself is the largest in New Jersey and is home to swimming, biking, fishing, and playgrounds. Lake Hopatcong State Park is an ideal spot for a picnic, hike, or leisurely day of watching the boats go by. If you're bringing kiddos along, you won't want to miss the Lake Hopatcong Golf Club, which features 18 holes of historically-themed mini-golf, or the Castle Cove arcade center. You can stay at comfortable hotels like the Holiday Inn Express or the Courtyard or enjoy a bit of antique whimsy at the Whistling Swan Inn Bed & Breakfast.
Ocean City
Kiddos of every age love the Jersey Shore, and the Boardwalk at Ocean City has everything they could dream of. Stroll along the sandy planks, and you won't miss Playland's Castaway Cove, which offers thrilling roller coasters, go-karts, a Ferris wheel, water rides, and more. Or you can bike along "the boards" and treat yourself to mini-golf, ice cream, or gourmet fries. While it's a fantastic family destination, Ocean City isn't just for guests with little beachcombers in tow. Grown-ups can enjoy hiking, biking, and fishing at Carson's Inlet State Park or an elegant stay at the historic Flanders Hotel. Each year, events like the Corvette Show, fishing tournament, and Beach Polar Plunge remind guests that Ocean City is more than just a summer destination. It's a little piece of cotton candy nostalgia you'll take with you when you go.
Vernon
Located less than two hours from New York City and a short drive from Philadelphia, Vernon is a mountain getaway city folks can arrive at before they've even had breakfast. The town is known as the home of resorts like Crystal Springs and Mountain Creek Resort, which offer on-site activities like spas, water parks, snow tubing, and golf. Both resorts have rooms with serene mountain views and pools on the premises. Adventure-loving visitors will appreciate the Great Gorge Golf Club and TreEscape Adventure Park. And if you feel like venturing beyond your resort grounds, you can check out local farms, hiking, and horseback riding.
Atlantic City
Known throughout the country for its funky casinos and world-class entertainment, Atlantic City is a fine tri-state location for an adult escape. The Boardwalk in Atlantic City was the first one in the world, and it was originally developed in 1870 to get health-conscious visitors near the water without caking their precious feet with sand. It became an instant success and was complemented by copycats on countrywide beaches. 1920 to 1960 saw Atlantic City boom and morph from a health retreat into the "Nation's Playground," attracting folks from all walks of life who jazzed up the nightlife in their smartest outfits. These days, visitors flock to famous hotels/casinos like The Borgada and Caesar's Atlantic City, where they can enjoy Food Network star restaurants and trendy shows. You could also check out Kennedy Plaza, which offers free entertainment and photos of Atlantic City's past.
Red Bank
Located just an hour from New York City and easily accessible via bus or train, Red Bank is an increasingly popular spot for a painless getaway. The picturesque banks of the Navasink River are the ideal backdrop for shops, restaurants, and luxury condos. If you're in town for the weekend, check into the historic Molly Pitcher Inn, built in 1928 and named after the American Revolution heroine. Its waterfront location makes it perfect for weddings, graduations, or weekends on the town. Downtown Red Bank is home to numerous boutiques, galleries, and eateries, many offering streetside seating with adorable umbrellas in the warmer months. The Count Basie Theater For the Arts has been a popular performing venue since 1926 and remains a rockin' spot for evening entertainment.
Mount Holly
Only forty minutes from Philadelphia, Mount Holly's brick-lined sidewalks have been drawing day-trippers for years. Home to wineries, breweries, and ample shopping and dining, it's a great place to soak up local flavor without breaking the bank. Reliable hotels like the Holiday Inn Express and the Hilton Garden Inn make finding a comfortable place to spend the night easily. If you're taking your littles along, don't forget to check out the Old Schoolhouse and the Mayan-themed mini-golf at the Springfield Golf Center. Moreover, Mount Holly is only a half-hour drive from Collingswood and 20 minutes from Moorestown; both are fabulous places to shop and dine if you want to extend your weekend.
Sea Bright
If you can't decide between a beach vacation or a shopping sojourn, you've got to check out Sea Bright. Located only six minutes from Red Bank and eleven minutes from hip Asbury Park, the town offers adorable beachfront restaurants and shops in an uncrowded atmosphere. You can also spend a lazy day reading a book on one of its seven free, clean public beaches. The Beach Walk at Sea Bright is home to comfortable accommodations, a tiki bar, and an outdoor pool with lovely ocean views. If you're feeling adventurous, the Gateway National Recreation Area is a 27,0000-acre park with hiking, biking, and fishing. The Area also boasts some of the region's most popular tourist destinations, including the Sandy Hook Lighthouse, erected in 1754. It's open for public visits on the weekends.
Avalon
Avalon is a smaller shore town with a population of less than 1,500 people, but its charm reaches an impressive size. Soak up the sunny sweetness while staying at Icona Avalon, which stretches out to a beachfront block and offers a pool, jacuzzi, lounge seating, and beachfront dining. If you're bringing the kiddies along, you won't want to miss Avalon Surfside Park or Miniature Golf Club 18. If you're having a girl's weekend or romantic escape, don't forget to drink in local watering holes like the Hawk Haven Vineyard or the Bucket Brigade Brew Club. Historic spots for touring include the Avalon History Center and the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse. Parasailing and birdwatching are part of the local fun, or you can take the 20-minute drive to Cape May shops.
Haddonfield
Downtown Haddonfield is one of those whimsical main streets that evoke nostalgia even if you've never been there before. Whether preening in holiday lights or teeming with patriotic parade-goers, the shopping district will draw you in with fine dining, boutique shopping, and all-American pizzazz. Places to stay include reliable names like the DoubleTree or Springhill Suites. If you've got a family, they will enjoy quirky toy and clothing shops, or you can take them for bowling or mini-golf in nearby Cherry Hill. You can also enjoy educational events at the Indian King Tavern Museum or go for a swing at Montwell Park Playground. Grown-ups can enhance their stay with tea shops, wine-tasting rooms, and many hobby stores.
Long Beach Island
After taking the 90-minute drive from Philadelphia or the two-hour drive from New York to Long Beach Island, you'll feel like you've stepped into a different land. Old-school shops, kids on bikes, and a Skittles array of beach house colors meet your view while the waterfront calls your name. Attractions include Barnegat Light, Surf City's shops, and a Boardwalk with ice cream and plentiful bike rentals. Stay at the Hotel LBI with its modern decor and rooftop bar, or relax at the beachside at the Drifting Sands Oceanfront Hotel. An amusement park, water park, and surfing make LBI a great place to visit with teens, while adults can enjoy fine dining and idyllic views.
These days, taking a week off work for vacation is more difficult than ever. However, scoring a personal day for a long weekend is good for your physical, mental, and relational well-being. Less time spent in the car is ideal when taking a short trip. Traveling to nearby New Jersey will satisfy your need for escape while keeping you conveniently close to home. With its refreshing beaches, endearing shops, and friendly people, you'll feel relaxed and ready to return to the grind in no time.
