We lived in New Jersey for 11 years, however after this 7-day highway journey, we realized how a lot we had taken without any consideration. Nicknamed the Garden State, it boasts quite a few out of doors leisure alternatives, together with 130 miles of seashores, 12 nationwide park websites, and the primary nationwide reserve. It’s the one state within the US the place all of the counties are thought of metropolitan areas, so you might be by no means shy of nice eating, cultural happenings, and issues to do. And did we point out it’s the Diner Capital of the World? You’re in for some good eats!
Too usually, folks decide New Jersey by what they see from the turnpike…however hop on the backroads, comply with our journey information under, and also you’ll see {that a} New Jersey Road Trip is filled with incredible and sudden issues to do.
New Jersey Road Trip Route
If you’re renting a automobile, Newark Airport is probably the most economical and central place to select up a set of wheels and begin your highway journey. From right here, go a mere 13 miles towards the Hudson River to Hoboken, NYC’s “sixth borough” and “The Mile Square”. As one of the walkable cities within the nation and with an intensive riverfront bike path connecting to Liberty State Park, you gained’t want your automobile for a few days, however prepare, the highway journey is about to start.
After your city adventures, head 21 miles north to the Great Falls of the Passaic for a jaw-dropping cascade and a significant piece of American historical past. After a half day on the falls, drive southwest by the countryside (set your GPS to “avoid highways”) to Lambertville and the Delaware River. Spend an evening or two on this historic city (there’s a lot to do!), then proceed 70 miles to New Jersey’s little-known vineyards of Egg Harbor City for wining, eating, and pampering.
Pack a number of bottles of glowing rosé, you’re heading to the seashore! First cease alongside the Jersey Shore is Ocean City for the most effective seashore boardwalk experiences, full with old-school pastimes. At Exit 0, you’ve hit the top of the Garden State Parkway and considered one of our favourite seashore cities in America, Cape May.
Read on for the perfect issues to do in your New Jersey Road Trip, going from North to South...
Bike Ride the Most Scenic Urban Trail, Hudson River Waterfront
@honeytrek For the perfect vistas of New York City, bike the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway! Linking North Jersey’s most scenic riverside cities through a manicured path, this trip has nonstop views of the Manhattan skyline and so many incredible stops alongside the way in which. The five-mile part from Hoboken to Liberty State Park is especially scenic, bringing the whole lot from the Freedom Tower to the Statue of Liberty entrance and middle. Don’t miss this bucket-list bike trip! #YesNJ @Visit NJ #accomplice #bikeride #HudsonRiverWaterfrontWalkway ♬ Belly Of The Castle – Tep No
Spanning 18 miles from the George Washington Bridge to Bayonne, the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway hyperlinks a few of North Jersey’s most scenic riverside cities through a manicured path and provides nonstop views of Manhattan. If you might be quick on time, the Hoboken to Liberty State Park part is especially spectacular…bringing world-famous monuments like Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty entrance and middle. Whether you might be hopping the boat to Lady Liberty or not, cease into the ferry terminal to see the enchanted forest taking up the previous prepare tracks. Watch the video above for extra suggestions and scenic stops.
Pub Crawl America’s Greatest Density of Bars, Hoboken
With 120 liquor licenses in simply 1.25 sq. miles, Hoboken has the best density of bars of any metropolis in America. While that will sound like complete debauchery, stroll historic Washington Street and also you’ll be wooed into Hoboken’s brownstone eating places, rooftop bars, and sidewalk cafes for a chilly one. When Mike moved right here after school, he and a few buddies tried to go to each bar in Hoboken in in the future (they made it to 96). Don’t attempt to break that report (lol), however do try these 4 bars and cocktail-shaking eating places:
Best Bars in Hoboken
- Pier 13: Jutting into the Hudson River, so near Midtown Manhattan’s skyscrapers they practically poke you within the eye, this beer backyard is Hoboken’s go-to sundowner spot. With six meals vans, a full bar, loungers, picnic tables, video games, and weekly occasions, the vibe is playful, younger skilled, and the views can’t be beat.
- Leo’s Grandevous: Built in 1939, simply as hometown Hoboken boy Frank Sinatra was hitting his musical stride, this restaurant is an homage to all issues Ol’ Blue Eyes, serving strong Italian meals and a full old-school bar.
- Antique Bar & Bakery: A century-old bakery was one of many hippest bars and eating places on the town. We love that the homeowners stored the unique tile flooring and painted by hand indicators, then blended in classic and modern furnishings for a hella cool vibe by the coal oven’s firelight. In addition to incredible meals (omg the bread pudding), the cocktails are divine. Try the Smokin’ Mary and the Johnny Friendly, and seize one to-go of their artsy memento bottles.
- The Elysian Cafe: Bars come and go in bustling Hoboken, however the Elysian has been holding sturdy since 1895. The French bistro-style menu and crown-molding-topped salon will make you say oh là là and order a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc and a bucket of mussels. Enjoy dinner at their mahogany bar or beneath the shade of the patio’s old-growth tree. It’s been our go-to Hoboken restaurant ever since we began relationship.
P.S. We have been so nostalgic about our time in Hoboken that we made this video, full with throwback photographs, a go to to our previous house, and extra of our favourite spots.
Explore the Great Falls of the Passaic
We’ll admit that we didn’t find out about this National Historic Park simply 21 miles from our previous residence, however after we noticed it, our jaws dropped. Framed by a sleek bridge and squeezing by a volcanic basalt gorge, the falls drop 72 toes with a roar and a splash. Unlike waterfalls hidden in a forest, these are within the coronary heart of America’s first deliberate industrial metropolis, envisioned by founding father Alexander Hamilton! Enjoy this contrasting panorama and obtain the free Mill Mile App to discover the historic hydro-powered buildings that supported industries, from textiles to locomotives, that received America’s industrial revolution shifting.
Where to Stay in North Jersey
W Hoboken
If you’re solely going to have one resort on the town, the luxe W is a darn sensible choice. At 18 tales excessive and proper subsequent to Pier A, you may’t beat the placement or the views. Plus, the W is in the midst of a renovation, so the already beautiful rooms, foyer, and restaurant are solely getting nicer.
Hyatt House, Jersey City
Ideally located on JC’s Waterfront, this residential-inspired constructing options spacious suites, many with kitchens (although you gotta love their complimentary breakfast). Spend a night on the Hyatt House’s rooftop bar with large firepits and epic views of decrease Manhattan and the Freedom Tower.
Vintage Shop within the Antiquing Capital of NJ, Lambertville
Head southwest towards the Delaware River and attain the totally charming Lambertville and its Pennsylvania sister village of New Hope. This historic river city and Revolutionary War crossing was based in 1705…with the products to show it! Considered to be the “Antiquing Capital of New Jersey,” Lambertville has a high quality flea market thrice every week and nice vintage purveyors open day by day. Window store to your coronary heart’s content material, and you’ll want to cease into the large, multi-vendor People’s Store and the extremely curated Touch of the Past. Whether your model is Baroque or Boho, you’ll discover it in Lambertville.
New Jersey Road Trip Tip: Take a slight detour to Stockton to see one of many final lined bridges in New Jersey.
Sip Legit Champagne Outside of France, Egg Harbor City
Who knew that New Jersey has a 161-year-old vineyard making licensed Champagne? When Renault Winery’s founder arrived from his residence of Champagne, France, he discovered the terroir of Egg Harbor City to be surprisingly related, so he put down roots. Being established earlier than France’s 1891 Treaty and staying in steady operation, Renault’s bubbles have been in a position to hold the coveted title of Champagne!
Those bragging rights apart, Renault Winery’s grounds are stunning, with rows of vines, expansive gardens, a formidable Champagne Glass Museum, and a energetic tasting room. Be positive to take the guided tour to study their incredible wines and intriguing historical past. (Spoiler alert: to maintain the bottles popping throughout prohibition, it concerned Al Capone, the church, secret airports, and numerous fancy footwork!)
New Jersey Road Trip Tip: As part of their Twenties advert marketing campaign, Renault made 80 large champagne bottles to behave as roadside billboards across the nation. Few stay, however you may take a selfie with this intoxicating 24-footer in New Gretna, NJ (GPS Coordinates: 39.589183,-74.463217)
Explore the US’s First National Reserve, The Pine Barrens
While New Jersey may be probably the most densely populated state, it has the biggest physique of open area on the East Coast from Richmond to Boston! Spanning seven counties and 1.1 million acres, the Pine Barrens (or Pinelands) is a biodiverse community of forests, rivers, fields, and bogs that’s residence to many uncommon crops and animals. Even Congress acknowledged the particular nature of this place, and in 1978, it designated this wilderness the US’s first National Reserve. Whether you fancy a hike or a kayak, Pinelands Adventures is a superb clothing store that will help you discover and perceive this official biosphere.
Where to Stay in Central New Jersey
The Inn at Lambertville Station
A Nineteenth-century prepare station was a resort, that is probably the most distinctive and energetic keep in downtown Lambertville. On the river and backed towards the historic canal locks, The Inn is surrounded by water, providing beautiful views and a variety of recreation alternatives. Plus, their restaurant has been sweeping up the culinary awards.
Château Renault
With a day of wining and eating at Renault in your future, you may as properly keep the evening and revel in it to the fullest. Recently renovated, the Château has a recent and modern look; there’s a pool on website, a golf course, and a soon-to-be-open spa. Unlike most wineries, Renault’s tasting room, restaurant, and beer backyard are open till 8 or 10pm and infrequently have stay music for enjoyable after darkish.
Under The Boardwalk Nostalgia, Ocean City
With its expansive wood boardwalk, curler coasters, scorching canine stands, salt water taffy makers, and views up and down the sandy shore, Ocean City, NJ, is as basic because the Jersey Shore will get. Keeping the tchotchkes at a minimal and the bars at bay, they’ve stored a family-friendly ambiance with out feeling kiddy. Playland’s Castaway Cove is a 65-year-old theme park with 32 rides (you’ll want to do the high-flying swings for 360-degree views). We had a grand previous time, taking part in video games, consuming Polish Ice, and people-watching. The boardwalk is 2.5 miles lengthy and really bike- and pedestrian-friendly. And it goes with out saying that should you stroll the entire 5-mile spherical journey, you earn an additional funnel cake.
Go on a Salt Marsh Safari, Cape May National Wildlife Refuge
Where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, Cape May County has unbelievable biodiversity, together with 400 species of birds and 300 species of fish! To get on the water, we joined a Salt Marsh Safari on The Skimmer. We noticed osprey, white ibis, laughing gulls, herons, and extra ghost crabs than you may think about! Captain Travis and his crew made this 2-hour journey as instructional because it was a blast.
Walking Tour of Victorian Cape May
We reached the tip of New Jersey and swung a left at Exit Zero for the seaside village of Cape May! It has been a preferred resort vacation spot because the 1700s, and regardless of a hearth destroying many of the city in 1878, it has stayed sturdy! Cape May used the catastrophe as an opportunity to get away from massive resort growth and give attention to Victorian inns and houses, with gingerbread trim, wrap-around porches, witches-hat roofs, and allure galore. Modern-day Cape May has completed an unbelievable job of preserving the 600+ Victorian buildings and earned your entire previous city the designation of a National Historic Landmark!
To discover and study extra concerning the structure that makes this place further particular, be part of a strolling tour with the nonprofit Cape May MAC (Museum, Arts, Culture). We adored their basic structure strolling tour, however you too can do a wide range of residence and backyard excursions, even of the haunted selection.
New Jersey Road Trip Tip: Be positive to cruise down Cape May’s Beach Ave, the place the grandest Victorian mansions come one after the subsequent. Turn on Jackson Street to dine in considered one of these Nineteenth-century beauties; The Mad Batter has incredible plant-based choices!
Save the Horseshoe Crabs, Delaware Bayshore
The Delaware Bayshore has extra horseshoe crabs than anyplace on the earth! These prehistoric creatures come to the seashores to spawn from April to July, however being comparatively unchanged for the final 400,000,000 years, they aren’t probably the most nimble and infrequently get caught within the jetties.
Alongside leaders of the New Jersey Audubon Society, the Wetlands Institute, and a dozen new buddies, we participated within the reTURN The Favor program to rescue impinged horseshoe crabs (a species whose uncommon blood has been important for contemporary medication!). We’re proud that our group saved 48 of them, and since 2013, this program has rescued over 1 million! To be part of their volunteer efforts, verify the calendar for his or her seashore walks, which happen a number of occasions every week in late spring and early summer season.
Where to Stay in South Jersey
Elaine’s Cape May
Built in 1860 within the Southern plantation model (do you know South Jersey was under the Mason-Dixon line?), Elaine’s simply underwent a wonderful renovation with the correct stability of previous and new. Ideally located close to Washington Street promenade and with an ideal on-site restaurant and stay music each summer season evening, this place has it occurring.
Beach Plum Cottages & Suites
Cape May hoteliers and restaurateurs Will and Curtis determined they wanted higher produce for his or her friends, in order that they began a regenerative farm the place folks might expertise the meals they ate. Today, you may store the farm stand and have an epic farm-to-dinner desk dinner at Beach Plum, however you too can sleep on this bucolic dreamscape. Stay of their stylish one-bedroom suites or their 6-8 individual cottages and have this 62-acre farm just about to yourselves every evening.
New Jersey Road Trip Tip: No matter if you’re staying at Beach Plum or not, don’t miss their Harvest Dinner Series. Dining on an extended farmhouse desk exterior the Amish barn, having fun with fantastically crafted meals, and breaking bread with new buddies made for our greatest meal in New Jersey!
Belly Up in The Diner Capital of the World
With 500+ diners in a variety of types, from painted wood prepare vehicles to neon-lined silver bullets, New Jersey is the Diner Capital of the World! From World War I to World War II, Diner Godfather Jerry O’Mahony constructed greater than 2,000 diner vehicles, and that signature metallic restaurant received dispersed across the state and the nation. A dozen extra prefab diner factories remained in operation till the Eighties, getting all of the extra ornate and neon-lit alongside the way in which. More than only a place to eat, diners are a cultural expression of NJ’s roots as multi-cultural and hard-working folks, the place neighbors get collectively for an excellent, reasonably priced meal and make amends for life…even when that’s at 3am.
Best NJ Diners from North to South
- Summit Diner: At over 100 years previous, Summit Diner is among the oldest within the state and on the coronary heart of Summit, NJ. It has retained its Twenties allure with its hand-painted signal, black & white flooring, wood partitions, floral curtains, and workers that makes you are feeling like household. Against all odds, our waitress satisfied the chef to show their basic Reuben sandwich right into a vegan dream for us.
- Angelo’s Glassboro Diner: Owned by the identical household because it opened in 1946, this nostalgic eatery is Grade A, from its striped awnings to its neon signal to its griddle truffles.
- Silver Coin: This diner leans into the Nineteen Fifties appear like a silver Thunderbird. We did a double-take after we handed and needed to go in. Not only a greasy spoon, it had an unlimited number of salads, Greek meals, and extra wholesome choices than any diner we’d seen.
We had such a blast on our New Jersey highway journey and know you’ll too! For extra suggestions, try our NJ Instagram spotlight reel. And should you assume we must always add any must-sees to this NJ highway journey itinerary (we all know it’s an enormous and delightful place!), we’d love to listen to them within the feedback under.
Many due to Visit New Jersey for inviting us to discover their unbelievable state and for supporting our content material creation.
For extra highway journey concepts, try our in depth collection of US journey guides.