Five Amazing Day Trips: New Jersey

The state of New Jersey is the gateway to many great destinations in the Northeast and home to popular attractions, outdoor recreation, and plentiful arts and entertainment. The coastal shore region attractions millions of people every summer to the wooden boardwalks, sandy beaches, and classic amusements that are responsible for and engrained in the memories of so many families. A trip to the Skylands and Delaware River Region offer visitors small towns filled with historic sites, outdoor activities, and charming downtowns with great local restaurants and unique galleries and stores. There are so many special places to visit in New Jersey, from Hoboken to Cape May— there’s something for everyone. Our day trips start in Jersey City and explore some of the state’s amazing destinations.

Here are five great day trips across the Garden State:

Asbury Park (Small Town Experiences)

The seaside town of Asbury Park is located about 50 miles south of Jersey City, along the Jersey Shore. The beach and boardwalk have been attracting people to the area for decades. Our day trip showcases the best of Asbury Park, including the mile-long stretch of sand, historic boardwalk, culinary scene, music venues, and unique shops. Each year another great restaurant joins the diverse range of options— we like Porta – Asbury Park for highly rated specialty pizza, Tim McLoone’s Supper Club with a great mix of entertainment and delicious cuisine, and Watermark for beachfront tapas and award-winning cocktails. No visit to Asbury Park is complete with seeing a show at The Stone Pony, The Wonder Bar, or The Convention Hall / Paramount Theater. Keep in mind many of the restaurants, cafés, and bars have live music, so there are plenty of places to catch up-and-coming artists while enjoying one of the best small towns in the United States.

Camden (Museums & Attractions)

Located on the Delaware River, the Camden Waterfront is about 85 miles southwest of Jersey City and home to three family-friendly attractions. Take a day trip to this revitalized entertainment district with stunning views of Philadelphia to tour the massive Battleship New Jersey Museum & Memorial, explore the award-winning Adventure Aquarium, and attend a performance at the BB&T Pavilion. Start the day with a self-guided tour of the most decorated battleship in U.S. history. Follow the recommended tour route and see everything from the engine room to the command and control areas on the impressive 887-foot-long Iowa class battleship that was in service for over five decades. The next stop is the nearby Adventure Aquarium, home to over 8,500 aquatic species and voted “Best Aquarium in the Northeast.” Enhance your visit and take a behind-the-scenes tour or book an animal encounter with penguins, sea turtles, hippos, and other animal ambassadors. In the evenings, the excitement shifts to the BB&T Pavilion, a 25,000-guest capacity outdoor amphitheater/indoor theater that hosts national recording artists. During the summer months there might not be a better place than the pavilion’s lawn to enjoy a concert by your favorite artists.

Long Beach Island (The Outdoors)

The 18-mile barrier island known locally as LBI, is located 100 miles south of Jersey City. Escape to this summer beach destination to forget about the hustle and bustle with a day at one of the six beach towns on Long Beach Island. The main attraction is, of course, the beach, popular for sunbathing, swimming, surfing, and fishing. There is something for everyone on LBI. On the north end of the island is the famous Barnegat Lighthouse, located in Barnegat Lighthouse State Park. The southernmost town of Beach Haven is home to Fantasy Island Amusement Park, offering a classic shore experience with rides, games, food, and live entertainment. Don’t be a “shoobie” on this day trip— enjoy the local culinary scene. For a true local’s choice, go to Mustache Bill’s Diner in Barnegat Light.

Paterson (Parks & Recreation)

Known as the Cradle of the Industrial Revolution in America,” Paterson is located along the Passaic River, just 20 miles north of Jersey City. With the creation of the Society for the Establishment of Useful Manufacturers and a plan to harness the energy of Paterson’s Great Falls, this site was critical to reducing America’s reliance on British manufactured goods. Today, Paterson Great Falls National Historic Park tells the story of the first planned industrial city in America which was later nicknamed “Silk City”. Start this day trip at the national park visitor center and grab a map while considering a guided tour or go at your own pace, stopping at the many points of interest. Either way, by the end of this day trip you will have a greater appreciation for the American Industrial Revolution after hearing the stories and seeing the historic sites at the National Park Site and National Natural Landmark.

Princeton (Tours & Experiences)

The historic town of Princeton, located about 50 miles southwest of Jersey City, was settled by Europeans in the late 1600’s and later named after the fourth oldest institution of higher education in the country, Princeton University. The highlight of this day trip is a two-mile walking tour offered by the Princeton Historical Society. The tour stops at the historic sites located around downtown and on the University’s campus, and touches upon the early history of Princeton, the founding of Princeton University, and Princeton’s involvement in the American Revolution, with stops at Bainbridge House, Nassau Hall, the University Chapel, and Palmer Square. After the tour, find 112 Mercer Street, the former home of Albert Einstein. The private home is not open to the public, but Einstein’s unique collection of furniture was donated to the historical society and is on display in the Einstein Salon and Innovators Gallery at the society’s Updike Farmstead. Before leaving town, explore the vibrant downtown area. You may have to wait in line for a table at one of the popular local restaurants, so pass the time visiting the boutiques and specialty shops before your meal.

**Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many states have travel restrictions and attractions may be temporarily closed or have limited hours. We direct you to their websites for updates and add them to your list for future travels!