New Jersey Highway Journey: 11 Surprising Issues to Do in The Backyard State

We lived in New Jersey for 11 years, however after this 7-day highway journey, we realized how a lot we had taken with no consideration. Nicknamed the Backyard State, it boasts quite a few outside 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-about 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, observe our journey information under, and also you’ll see {that a} New Jersey Highway Journey is stuffed with incredible and sudden issues to do.

New Jersey Highway Journey Route

Should you’re renting a automotive, Newark Airport is essentially 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 Sq.”. As one of the crucial walkable cities within the nation and with an intensive riverfront bike path connecting to Liberty State Park, you gained’t want your automotive for a few days, however prepare, the highway journey is about to start.

After your city adventures, head 21 miles north to the Nice 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 “keep away from highways”) to Lambertville and the Delaware River. Spend an evening or two on this historic city (there’s lots to do!), then proceed 70 miles to New Jersey’s little-known vineyards of Egg Harbor Metropolis for wining, eating, and pampering. 

Pack just a few bottles of glowing rosé, you’re heading to the seaside! First cease alongside the Jersey Shore is Ocean Metropolis for probably the greatest seaside boardwalk experiences, full with old-school pastimes. At Exit 0, you’ve hit the top of the Backyard State Parkway and certainly one of our favourite seaside cities in America, Cape Could.

Learn on for the most effective issues to do in your New Jersey Highway Journey, going from North to South...

Bike Experience the Most Scenic City Path, Hudson River Waterfront

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 by way of a manicured path and provides nonstop views of Manhattan. If you’re brief 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 or not you might be hopping the boat to Woman Liberty or not, cease into the ferry terminal to see the enchanted forest taking on the outdated prepare tracks. Watch the video above for extra ideas and scenic stops.

Pub Crawl America’s Best 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. Whereas which will sound like complete debauchery, stroll historic Washington Road 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 faculty, 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 file (lol), however do try these 4 bars and cocktail-shaking eating places:

Greatest 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 vehicles, 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: In-built 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.
• Vintage Bar & Bakery: A century-old bakery became one of many hippest bars and eating places on the town. We love that the house owners 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. Along with incredible meals (omg the bread pudding), the cocktails are divine. Attempt the Smokin’ Mary and the Johnny Pleasant, 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. Get pleasure from 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 had been so nostalgic about our time in Hoboken that we made this video, full with throwback pictures, a go to to our outdated condominium, and extra of our favourite spots.

Discover the Nice Falls of the Passaic

We’ll admit that we didn’t find out about this Nationwide Historic Park simply 21 miles from our outdated residence, however once we noticed it, our jaws dropped. Framed by a swish bridge and squeezing by a volcanic basalt gorge, the falls drop 72 ft with a roar and a splash. In contrast to waterfalls hidden in a forest, these are within the coronary heart of America’s first deliberate industrial metropolis, envisioned by founding father Alexander Hamilton! Get pleasure from 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 obtained America’s industrial revolution transferring.

The place to Keep in North Jersey

W Hoboken

Should you’re solely going to have one lodge on the town, the luxe W is a darn good selection. At 18 tales excessive and proper subsequent to Pier A, you may’t beat the situation 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 Home, Jersey Metropolis

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 Home’s rooftop bar with large firepits and epic views of decrease Manhattan and the Freedom Tower.

Classic Store 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 Battle crossing was based in 1705…with the products to show it! Thought-about to be the “Antiquing Capital of New Jersey,” Lambertville has a high quality flea market 3 times every week and nice vintage purveyors open day by day. Window store to your coronary heart’s content material, and make sure to cease into the huge, multi-vendor Individuals’s Retailer and the extremely curated Contact of the Previous. Whether or not your type is Baroque or Boho, you’ll discover it in Lambertville.

New Jersey Highway Journey Tip: Take a slight detour to Stockton to see one of many final coated bridges in New Jersey.

Sip Legit Champagne Outdoors of France, Egg Harbor Metropolis

Who knew that New Jersey has a 161-year-old vineyard making licensed Champagne? When Renault Vineyard’s founder arrived from his residence of Champagne, France, he discovered the terroir of Egg Harbor Metropolis to be surprisingly comparable, 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!

These bragging rights apart, Renault Vineyard’s grounds are lovely, with rows of vines, expansive gardens, a powerful Champagne Glass Museum, and a full of life tasting room. Remember to take the guided tour to find out about 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 a number of fancy footwork!)

New Jersey Highway Journey 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)

Discover the US’s First Nationwide Reserve, The Pine Barrens

Whereas New Jersey may be essentially the most densely populated state, it has the biggest physique of open house 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 vegetation and animals. Even Congress acknowledged the particular nature of this place, and in 1978, it designated this wilderness the US’s first Nationwide Reserve. Whether or not you fancy a hike or a kayak, Pinelands Adventures is a good clothes shop that will help you discover and perceive this official biosphere.

The place to Keep in Central New Jersey

The Inn at Lambertville Station

A Nineteenth-century prepare station became a lodge, that is essentially the most distinctive and full of life keep in downtown Lambertville. On the river and backed towards the historic canal locks, The Inn is surrounded by water, providing gorgeous 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 night time and luxuriate in it to the fullest. Lately renovated, the Château has a contemporary and modern look; there’s a pool on web site, a golf course, and a soon-to-be-open spa. In contrast to 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.

Below The Boardwalk Nostalgia, Ocean Metropolis

With its expansive picket boardwalk, curler coasters, scorching canine stands, salt water taffy makers, and views up and down the sandy shore, Ocean Metropolis, NJ, is as traditional because the Jersey Shore will get. Preserving the tchotchkes at a minimal and the bars at bay, they’ve stored a family-friendly environment with out feeling kiddy. Playland’s Castaway Cove is a 65-year-old theme park with 32 rides (make sure to do the high-flying swings for 360-degree views). We had a grand outdated time, enjoying 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 if you happen to stroll the entire 5-mile spherical journey, you earn an additional funnel cake.

Go on a Salt Marsh Safari, Cape Could Nationwide Wildlife Refuge

The place the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Could County has unimaginable 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. 

Strolling Tour of Victorian Cape Could 

We reached the tip of New Jersey and swung a left at Exit Zero for the seaside village of Cape Could! It has been a well-liked resort vacation spot because the 1700s, and regardless of a fireplace destroying a lot of the city in 1878, it has stayed sturdy! Cape Could used the catastrophe as an opportunity to get away from huge lodge improvement and deal with Victorian inns and houses, with gingerbread trim, wrap-around porches, witches-hat roofs, and attraction galore. Trendy-day Cape Could has completed an unimaginable job of preserving the 600+ Victorian buildings and earned your entire outdated city the designation of a Nationwide Historic Landmark! 

To discover and be taught extra concerning the structure that makes this place additional particular, be a part of a strolling tour with the nonprofit Cape Could MAC (Museum, Arts, Tradition). We adored their traditional structure strolling tour, however you too can do a wide range of residence and backyard excursions, even of the haunted selection.

New Jersey Highway Journey Tip: Remember to cruise down Cape Could’s Seaside Ave, the place the grandest Victorian mansions come one after the following. Activate Jackson Road to dine in certainly 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 wherever on this planet! 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 essentially 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 mates, we participated within the reTURN The Favor program to rescue impinged horseshoe crabs (a species whose uncommon blood has been very 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 affix their volunteer efforts, test the calendar for his or her seaside walks, which happen a number of occasions every week in late spring and early summer time.

The place to Keep in South Jersey

Elaine’s Cape Could

In-built 1860 within the Southern plantation type (do you know South Jersey was under the Mason-Dixon line?), Elaine’s simply underwent a superb renovation with the suitable stability of outdated and new. Ideally located close to Washington Road promenade and with a terrific on-site restaurant and stay music each summer time night time, this place has it occurring.

Seaside Plum Cottages & Suites

Cape Could hoteliers and restaurateurs Will and Curtis determined they wanted higher produce for his or her company, so that they began a regenerative farm the place folks may expertise the meals they ate. Right this moment, you may store the farm stand and have an epic farm-to-dinner desk dinner at Seaside Plum, however you too can sleep on this bucolic dreamscape. Keep of their stylish one-bedroom suites or their 6-8 individual cottages and have this 62-acre farm just about to yourselves every night time.

New Jersey Highway Journey Tip: Regardless of if you’re staying at Seaside Plum or not, don’t miss their Harvest Dinner Collection. Eating on an extended farmhouse desk exterior the Amish barn, having fun with superbly crafted meals, and breaking bread with new mates made for our greatest meal in New Jersey!

Stomach Up in The Diner Capital of the World

With 500+ diners in a variety of types, from painted picket prepare automobiles to neon-lined silver bullets, New Jersey is the Diner Capital of the World! From World Battle I to World Battle II, Diner Godfather Jerry O’Mahony constructed greater than 2,000 diner automobiles, and that signature metallic restaurant obtained dispersed across the state and the nation. A dozen extra prefab diner factories remained in operation till the Nineteen Eighties, getting all of the extra ornate and neon-lit alongside the way in which. Greater 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.  

Greatest NJ Diners from North to South

• Summit Diner: At over 100 years outdated, Summit Diner is likely one of the oldest within the state and on the coronary heart of Summit, NJ. It has retained its Twenties attraction with its hand-painted signal, black & white flooring, picket partitions, floral curtains, and employees that makes you are feeling like household. In opposition to all odds, our waitress satisfied the chef to show their traditional 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 desserts.
• Silver Coin: This diner leans into the Fifties seem like a silver Thunderbird. We did a double-take once we handed and needed to go in. Not only a greasy spoon, it had an enormous 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 ideas, try our NJ Instagram spotlight reel. And if you happen to suppose we must always add any must-sees to this NJ highway journey itinerary (we all know it’s a giant and exquisite place!), we’d love to listen to them within the feedback under.

Many because of Go to New Jersey for inviting us to discover their unimaginable state and for supporting our content material creation.

For extra highway journey concepts, try our intensive collection of US journey guides.