10 Best Day Trips in New Jersey

10 Best Day Trips In New Jersey

There are so many places within New Jersey that will make you feel as you’ve been carried away to somewhere else. From the glorious beaches to the beautiful mountains, New Jersey has so many wonderful places to see and discover on day trips.

Here are 10 best day trips in New Jersey:

Paterson Great Falls National Historic Park

This 77 foot waterfall is absolutely beckoning and is smack in the middle of one of our countries most populated cities.

Paterson is an historical industrial city that was once home to the Lenni Lenape Indians. The park is pretty small, the walkways are paved, and all roads lead to the magnificent waterfalls. There are plenty of places to sit and enjoy the views, and you can even take a self guided tour.

For more information, click the Patterson Great Falls website.

Atlantic City

Known for its glamorous casinos and fancy nightclubs, Atlantic City is a great destination for a fun day trip in New Jersey. You can easily spend the day gambling, attending shows, or admiring the beautiful architecture. Stroll the boardwalk, smell the fresh ocean breeze and enjoy the shopping and restaurants and rides on the 4 miles of boardwalk. Atlantic City is home to Tropicana, the Borgata, Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, and Harris and more.

Grounds for Sculpture

One of the most exquisite outdoor sculpture parks you will ever see, Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton, New Jersey is a show stopper. A beautiful showcase in an ever-changing collection of art sculptures as well as a fabulous permanent collection. There are beautiful galleries as well as really cool special events that happen throughout the year. It’s a great place to spend the day and enjoy delightful and amazing art in a perfect setting. Afterwards, make sure you stop and check out Rat’s Restaurant. They have a great happy hour and food specials, or you could stay for a fancier dinner.

80 Sculptors Way, Hamilton Township, New Jersey 08 619 phone: 609 – 586 -0616.

Princeton

This small city in New Jersey is a powerhouse of beauty, culture and education.

The infamous Princeton University makes this town look magical. Take your time and stroll through and enjoy the beautiful campus.

Make sure to visit Palmer Square, have dinner at Wingerie’s, followed by ice cream at the Bent Spoon. Watch a show at McCarter Theatre, and checkout the Princeton Arts Museum and the beautiful Princeton University Chapel.

No trip to Princeton is complete without going to Princeton Battlefield State Park. The land is just beautiful here and the park is massive. There is a lot of history here and many trails that you can walk on with plenty of room for picnicking.

Barnegat Lighthouse State Park

A lovely way to spend the day at the Jersey Shore. Barnegat Lighthouse is located at the most northern point of Long Beach Island and here you will find 32 acres of pure natural beauty.

There is so much to do here in addition to climbing the 217 steps to the top of the lighthouse. There are plenty of places to fish, or walk along the water. You can go to the beach, walk along the concrete path that goes from the lighthouse to the Barnegat Inlet. Here you can watch the boats coming in and out of the inlet, watch birds and just enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

208 Broadway, Barnegat Light, NJ 08006

Afterwards, grab a bite to eat at one of the great restaurants on the island. Wally’s and ScoJo’s are two of my faves!

You are reading the 10 Best Day Trips in NJ. Read Where are the Best Beaches in New Jersey for tips on finding the best NJ beaches.

Cape May

Cape May is a simply charming Victorian waterfront town that exudes hospitality with a laid-back vibe. Take a trolley ride to check out some of the beautiful homes in the area and get a history of the quaint little town. Rent some bikes and meander down by the lighthouse and stroll down the streets lined with inviting beds and breakfasts.

You’ll find unique stores for shopping that caters to all your needs. Scattered throughout the area you’ll find some tasty restaurants and delicious ice cream shops.

The beaches at Cape May are wonderful. Grab a towel and a good book and enjoy the ocean breeze and warm sunshine, weather permitting.

Cape May is home to a few amazing wineries too. Willow Creek Winery and Farm is one of my faves. Here are a few other great wineries in NJ.

You are reading the 10 Best Day Trips in NJ. Here are the 5 best wineries in NJ.

Delaware Water Gap

The Delaware Water Gap is a beautiful area that runs along the Delaware River. It is an absolutely beautiful area with a plethora of outdoor activities. Hike the Appalachian Trail and enjoy beautiful panoramic views, watch for birds, tube down the Delaware, or spend the afternoon picnicking by beautiful waterfalls.

The Delaware Water Gap is a destination for all seasons.

Liberty Science Center

This interactive science museum and learning center doesn’t disappoint. Filled with hands-on exhibits as well as a planetarium and lots of fun things to do for kids.

22 Jersey City Boulevard, Jersey City, NJ 07305 (201) 200-1000

Ellis Island

What a fun way to spend the day! What was once the busiest immagration inspection station in the United States is now transformed to its earlier days and visitors can take a glimpse of what their ancestors encountered when arriving here.

There’s a great museum that shares immigration history back to the 1500’s.

You can also visit the Family Immigration History Center and look for your ancestors who might have come through here.

Get all the info you need to know for your visit here.