10 New Jersey Road Trip Ideas With Hidden Gems
New Jersey is another one of those highly underrated states for a road trip but when you know where to go and what to look for, you’ll find that it has tons to offer. Having traveled here tons and explored much of the state, I want to give you 10 amazing New Jersey road trip ideas to explore, whether on your own or with others and believe me, it’ll be worth it!
1. Cape May to Delaware Bay Loop
This scenic coastal route starts in charming Cape May with its Victorian homes, beaches, and boardwalks. But it’s the drive west toward Delaware Bay that hides the real surprises. You’ll cruise through marshlands, wildlife refuges, and sleepy bayside towns like Fortescue, known for horseshoe crabs and sunsets.
Ideal Time to Go:
Late spring to early fall (May–September) for beach days and clear skies.
Hidden Gems to See:
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Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area
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Cape May’s WWII Lookout Tower
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East Point Lighthouse
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Fortescue Beach (sunset spot)
Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: Cape May town + Sunset Beach
Day 2: Explore Delaware Bay coast (East Point, Fortescue, Mauricetown)
Day 3: Cape May Brewery + nature trails at Higbee Beach
2. Skylands Region Highlands Drive
New Jersey’s northwest corner is filled with hilly forests, glacial lakes, and charming small towns. This road trip takes you through the Skylands where you can hike, fish, or kayak, then explore antique shops, historic estates, and hidden waterfalls.
Ideal Time to Go:
Mid-spring to late fall (April–October) for foliage and outdoor adventures.
Hidden Gems to See:
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Buttermilk Falls (hidden trail in Delaware Water Gap)
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Lake Mohawk Boardwalk
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Waterloo Village (preserved 1800s town)
Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: Hike at High Point State Park
Day 2: Explore Buttermilk Falls + Walpack Valley
Day 3: Lake Mohawk + lunch in Sparta
3. Pine Barrens Wilderness Drive
Explore one of the most mysterious parts of New Jersey: the Pine Barrens. This road trip reveals ghost towns, pitch pine forests, cranberry bogs, and remote trails. It’s also home to local legends like the Jersey Devil.
Ideal Time to Go:
Fall (September–November) for color and cooler hiking conditions.
Hidden Gems to See:
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Batsto Village (historic ironworks ghost town)
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Carranza Memorial (remote WWII tribute)
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Apple Pie Hill Fire Tower
Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: Batsto Village + Atsion Lake
Day 2: Carranza Road + hike Apple Pie Hill
Day 3: Hammonton for wineries + blueberry pie
4. Asbury Park to Sandy Hook Coastal Drive
This scenic coastal trip explores New Jersey’s northern shore with retro beach towns, boardwalk culture, and natural preserves. While Asbury Park draws the crowds, lesser-known stops like Sea Bright and Hartshorne Woods offer peaceful escapes.
Ideal Time to Go:
Summer (June–August) for swimming and boardwalk fun.
Hidden Gems to See:
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Hartshorne Woods Park
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Sea Bright’s hidden beaches
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Twin Lights Lighthouse in Highlands
Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: Asbury Park boardwalk + local art
Day 2: Sea Bright + Sandy Hook beach day
Day 3: Hike at Hartshorne Woods + Twin Lights visit
5. Western New Jersey River Towns Trail
Follow the Delaware River as it winds past quaint river towns and scenic overlooks. Lambertville, Frenchtown, and Stockton each offer their own small-town charm with antique shops, canals, and historic inns.
Ideal Time to Go:
Spring and fall (April–June or September–October)
Hidden Gems to See:
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Bulls Island State Park (pedestrian bridge over river)
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Goat Hill Overlook
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Lovin’ Oven in Frenchtown (organic bakery)
Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: Explore Lambertville + walk to New Hope
Day 2: Stockton’s historic canal trail + Goat Hill hike
Day 3: Frenchtown stroll + lunch at Lovin’ Oven
6. Millville to Cumberland Marshlands
This rural South Jersey trip is perfect for birdwatchers and lovers of quiet backroads. Millville’s glass-making history mixes with quiet wetlands, fishing villages, and boardwalk trails deep in nature preserves.
Ideal Time to Go:
Spring and fall (March–May or September–October)
Hidden Gems to See:
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Maurice River Bluffs Preserve
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Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center
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Union Lake Wildlife Trail
Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: WheatonArts + downtown Millville
Day 2: Maurice River kayaking or trail walk
Day 3: Sunset picnic at Union Lake
7. Long Beach Island and Barnegat Bay Backroads
Explore the quieter side of the Jersey Shore with a trip through Long Beach Island (LBI) and the mainland’s hidden bayfront roads. While Barnegat Lighthouse is iconic, towns like Tuckerton and Mystic Island are where you’ll find the real gems.
Ideal Time to Go:
Late summer (August–September) for fewer crowds
Hidden Gems to See:
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Tuckerton Seaport
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Barnegat Bay salt marsh trails
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Old Barney’s secret beach
Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: LBI beach day + Barnegat Lighthouse
Day 2: Explore Tuckerton Seaport
Day 3: Salt marsh trails in Mystic Island
8. Princeton and Sourlands Scenic Loop
A road trip through central New Jersey’s lush farmland, forested ridges, and intellectual heart, Princeton. But just outside the university town, Sourland Mountain holds hiking trails, hidden boulders, and quiet roads with valley views.
Ideal Time to Go:
Spring and fall (March–June or September–November)
Hidden Gems to See:
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Sourland Mountain Preserve
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Brick Farm Tavern (farm-to-table dining)
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D&R Canal Path
Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: Tour Princeton University + Nassau Street
Day 2: Sourland hike + Brick Farm lunch
Day 3: Canal bike ride + visit Hopewell
9. High Point State Park & Appalachian Foothills Route
This northernmost New Jersey road trip takes you to one of the state’s most underrated natural landmarks, High Point State Park. As the name suggests, it’s the highest elevation in New Jersey, offering panoramic views of three states. Surrounding it are lakes, rolling hills, and quiet stretches of the Appalachian Trail that make for a peaceful outdoor escape.
Ideal Time to Go:
Late spring through early fall (May–October) for the best hiking and visibility.
Hidden Gems to See:
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High Point Monument (views over NJ, NY, and PA)
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Steenykill Lake (perfect for kayaking or a quiet picnic)
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Scenic section of the Appalachian Trail
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Lake Marcia beach and picnic area
Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: Hike to High Point Monument + Lake Marcia picnic
Day 2: Morning paddle on Steenykill Lake + Appalachian Trail hike
Day 3: Drive scenic Route 519 to quaint towns like Branchville or Sussex for local eats
10. Paterson to Highlands Waterfall Trail
Start in Paterson, home of America’s first planned industrial city and impressive waterfalls, then wind your way north into Ramapo Mountains for waterfalls, lakes, and forest hikes.
Ideal Time to Go:
Spring (March–May) when waterfalls are fullest
Hidden Gems to See:
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Paterson Great Falls National Park
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Ramapo Lake Trail
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Wanaque Reservoir lookout
Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: Tour Paterson Great Falls + museum
Day 2: Hike Ramapo Mountain State Forest
Day 3: Explore Wanaque and Skyline Drive views
Packing List for a New Jersey Road Trip:
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Comfortable walking shoes and hiking boots
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Reusable water bottle
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Snacks and cooler for picnics
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Light layers and rain jacket
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Offline maps or printed directions (some spots have weak signal)
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Camera or phone with extra storage
Things to Know Before You Go:
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Many hidden spots require local roads or dirt paths, drive carefully and fuel up in advance.
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State parks may charge small entrance or parking fees.
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Bring cash for tolls, local markets, or small eateries.
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Respect nature areas and local communities, pack out what you pack in.
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Cell signal can be limited in remote regions like the Pine Barrens and Highlands.
Final Thoughts:
New Jersey is often underrated, but it’s packed with surprises once you get off the highways. From coastal villages to forested hills, you’ll find a blend of culture, history, and natural beauty that goes far beyond its reputation. Whether you’re a local looking for a fresh escape or an out-of-stater curious about the Garden State, these road trips offer the perfect mix of must-see highlights and secret stops.
Got questions or want to share your own favorite NJ road trip? Drop them in the comments below, I’d love to hear from you!
