8 Great Road Trips to Take in New Jersey
What sets road-tripping in New Jersey apart from other states? For one thing, New Jersey sits between the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern parts of the country, so you can go anywhere from here. This state has always been one of bounty, with Native American inhabitants dating back as far as the 6th millennium BC. Today, many people live in this densely populated state, and for good reason. Most come here to either relax on the Jersey Shore, explore the Liberty Science Center and Liberty State Park, or hike and enjoy nature adventures in the Delaware Water Gap; road-tripping is an even better prospect that opens many more doors. So why visit a single destination when you can get on the open road and explore a variety of stunning landscapes, making memories along the way?
Cape May to High Point State Park
This route starts at Cape May, the oldest seaside resort in the U.S. Here, the distinctive Victorian architecture is immediately noticeable; there are over 600 preserved historic buildings, but this city is no relic. The Cape May-Lewes Ferry gives visitors an incredible departure point, with breathtaking coastal views and a nearby shipwreck site for a quick visit before moving out. Along the four-hour drive following the Pacific Coast, note that passing by the Delsea Drive-In Theater is an absolute must; you will find it in Vineland, and it is currently the last operating drive-in in New Jersey, so buckle up for a retro movie night. Finally, upon reaching High Point State Park, you arrive at the highest elevation in New Jersey, with a view spanning three states and an incredible stone monument at the summit—the High Point Monument.
Jersey City to Lambertville
A great starting point with an even greater view of Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. It is best to rest up at Liberty State Park before embarking on this two-hour journey. You should make a stop in Newark’s Ironbound District for its famous Portuguese and Brazilian cuisine. Along Route 29, road trippers will come across the Washington Crossing State Park, so one can stop by to take pictures of the historic sites related to George Washington's famous Delaware River crossing. Before reaching Lambertville, take a peaceful detour with the walking trails along the Delaware and Raritan Canal—Bull’s Island Recreation Area. Your final destination is known for its riverside antique shops, but especially for the Lambertville-New Hope Bridge, which has the added benefit of being a quick walk across to Pennsylvania.
Asbury Park to the Delaware Water Gap
Asbury Park, a city in New Jersey, is also where the historic Asbury Park Boardwalk and Stone Pony music venue have hosted icons like Bruce Springsteen. After enjoying some cultural indulgence, travelers can head inland to Red Bank for even more. This area is home to the Count Basie Theater, a very intimate live venue with a rich history. On the way, one can stop in New Brunswick and visit the Museum at Buccleuch Mansion to see its unusual vintage vibe. Before arriving at the destination, be sure to visit Duke Farms in Hillsborough, which spans over 1,000 acres of meadows, lakes, and excellent walking paths. The Delaware Water Gap, at long last, has trails like Mount Tammany and Dunnfield Creek for both beginner and seasoned hikers.
Hoboken to Sandy Hook
With the views from Manhattan, starting from Hoboken is never a bad idea. Carlo's Bake Shop is there, made famous by the Cake Boss series, so be sure to visit before you head out. Drive up to Keansburg Amusement Park as your first stop; this is one of the oldest amusement parks in New Jersey, right on Raritan Bay. Move up to the Twin Lights Historic Site in Highlands, which is where twin lighthouses have guided ships since 1828, so keep a camera ready for some historical photos. Once you get there, Sandy Hook itself has multiple beaches, fishing spots, and access to Fort Hancock (former U.S. Army fort), so you will have plenty to do. The place also gives you direct views of New York Harbor, so get ready to finally picnic with sightlines to the Manhattan skyline.
Morristown to Frenchtown
Morristown is a great place to start. Start by visiting Jockey Hollow, where George Washington’s army camped in 1779-80 during the harshest winter of the Revolutionary War. From there, one can travel westward to Hacklebarney State Park, just a 30-minute drive from some of the best walking trails and the cool Black River—perfect for picnicking by waterfalls. Tourists might want to stop at Chester along the way; home to some quaint, old-fashioned shops and restaurants, including The Black River Candy Shoppe, with over 900 types of candy. Upon reaching Frenchtown, visitors should check out the riverside cafes, such as the aptly named Frenchtown Cafe. It is also home to the historic Uhlerstown-Frenchtown Bridge, a popular biking route.
Ocean City to Cape May
Be careful not to make Ocean City your starting point, only to stay forever—this place makes people never want to leave. Known for its 2.5-mile boardwalk (the Ocean City Boardwalk), it has a family-friendly beach atmosphere. Do make sure, though, to stop at Corson’s Inlet State Park for quiet beaches and birdwatching. Travelers on this four-hour route should keep heading south until they reach Sea Isle City, where one can enjoy waterfront dining at classic New Jersey shore eateries. Wildwood is on the way to Cape May, but the real prize still waits at the final destination. Cape May is famous for its whale-watching tours; visitors certainly will not regret booking a cruise for some unforgettable, close-up views of the marine life there.
New Brunswick to Atlantic City
Starting from New Brunswick’s George Street, travelers will quickly notice a number of bars, Rutgers University campus sites, and theaters like the State Theatre New Jersey. Head south and stop in Cranbury to check out some 18th-century buildings on Main Street—each with its own historical significance. Moreover, Battleship New Jersey in Camden gives tourists a front-row seat at the most decorated battleship in U.S. Navy history. One can head farther down south to find Lucy the Elephant—an architectural oddity built in 1882—in the small city of Margate. Finally, Atlantic City’s boardwalk is the first thing to check out once you reach your destination; it is home to street performers and the Steel Pier amusement park, quite popular for its thrill rides.
Paterson to Ringwood State Park
Try not to get trapped in Paterson. You still have a road trip lined up. While in the third largest city in New Jersey, tourists should surely visit Paterson Great Falls, one of the largest waterfalls in the eastern U.S. It has also been considered an industrial power source since Alexander Hamilton’s era. Road trippers can also check out Lambert Castle during the initial part of this short 40-minute journey. Afterward, one can head up north to New Jersey Botanical Garden in Ringwood; it has 96 acres of specialty gardens and a 44-room Tudor mansion worth investigating. Moreover, Ringwood Manor is a historic estate once owned by a wealthy iron magnate, with many artifacts from the 1800s to check out. All that and more at Ringwood State Park.
Final Thoughts
Many road trips have good reasons to make stops and linger here and there. It is easy to forget the destination when you are having so much fun on your journey, and that is not a bad thing. What makes a trip to New Jersey so special is not the final destination—that is only part of it. It is the small stops you make along the way, the people you meet, and the sights you encounter—sights you may never see again—but that's okay; there are always more sights to see and things to do. Each journey leaves you with more memories, more stories, and new discoveries that can only be found on the open road, urging you to venture even farther next time.
