New Jersey Road Trip: 11 Unexpected Things to Do in The Garden State

We lived in New Jersey for 11 years, but after this 7-day road trip, we realized how much we had taken for granted. Nicknamed the Garden State, it boasts numerous outdoor recreational opportunities, including 130 miles of beaches, 12 national park sites, and the first national reserve. It’s the only state in the US where all the counties are considered metropolitan areas, so you are never shy of fine dining, cultural happenings, and things to do. And did we mention it’s the Diner Capital of the World? You’re in for some good eats!

Too often, people judge New Jersey by what they see from the turnpike…but hop on the backroads, follow our travel guide below, and you’ll see that a New Jersey Road Trip is full of fantastic and unexpected things to do.

New Jersey Road Trip Route

If you’re renting a car, Newark Airport is the most economical and central place to pick up a set of wheels and start your road trip. From here, go a mere 13 miles toward the Hudson River to Hoboken, NYC’s “sixth borough” and “The Mile Square”. As one of the most walkable cities in the country and with an extensive riverfront bike path connecting to Liberty State Park, you won’t need your car for a couple of days, but get ready, the road trip is about to begin.

After your urban adventures, head 21 miles north to the Great Falls of the Passaic for a jaw-dropping cascade and a vital piece of American history. After a half day at the falls, drive southwest through the countryside (set your GPS to “avoid highways”) to Lambertville and the Delaware River. Spend a night or two in this historic town (there’s plenty to do!), then continue 70 miles to New Jersey’s little-known vineyards of Egg Harbor City for wining, dining, and pampering. 

Pack a few bottles of sparkling rosé, you’re heading to the beach! First stop along the Jersey Shore is Ocean City for one of the best beach boardwalk experiences, complete with old-school pastimes. At Exit 0, you’ve hit the end of the Garden State Parkway and one of our favorite beach towns in America, Cape May.

Read on for the best things to do on your New Jersey Road Trip, going from North to South...

Bike Ride the Most Scenic Urban Trail, Hudson River Waterfront

Spanning 18 miles from the George Washington Bridge to Bayonne, the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway links some of North Jersey’s most scenic riverside towns via a manicured trail and offers nonstop views of Manhattan. If you are short on time, the Hoboken to Liberty State Park section is particularly spectacular…bringing world-famous monuments like Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty front and center. Whether you are hopping the boat to Lady Liberty or not, stop into the ferry terminal to see the enchanted forest taking over the old train tracks. Watch the video above for more tips and scenic stops.

Pub Crawl America’s Greatest Density of Bars, Hoboken

With 120 liquor licenses in just 1.25 square miles, Hoboken has the greatest density of bars of any city in America. While that may sound like total debauchery, stroll historic Washington Street and you’ll be wooed into Hoboken’s brownstone restaurants, rooftop bars, and sidewalk cafes for a cold one. When Mike moved here after college, he and some buddies attempted to visit every bar in Hoboken in one day (they made it to 96). Don’t try to break that record (lol), but do check out these four bars and cocktail-shaking restaurants:

Best Bars in Hoboken

• Pier 13: Jutting into the Hudson River, so close to Midtown Manhattan’s skyscrapers they nearly poke you in the eye, this beer garden is Hoboken’s go-to sundowner spot. With six food trucks, a full bar, loungers, picnic tables, games, and weekly events, the vibe is playful, young professional, and the views can’t be beat.
• Leo’s Grandevous: Built in 1939, just as hometown Hoboken boy Frank Sinatra was hitting his musical stride, this restaurant is an homage to all things Ol’ Blue Eyes, serving solid Italian food and a full old-school bar.
• Antique Bar & Bakery: A century-old bakery turned into one of the hippest bars and restaurants in town. We love that the owners kept the original tile floors and hand-painted signs, then mixed in vintage and contemporary furnishings for a hella cool vibe by the coal oven’s firelight. In addition to fantastic food (omg the bread pudding), the cocktails are divine. Try the Smokin’ Mary and the Johnny Friendly, and grab one to-go in their artsy souvenir bottles.
• The Elysian Cafe: Bars come and go in bustling Hoboken, but the Elysian has been holding strong 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 under the shade of the patio’s old-growth tree. It’s been our go-to Hoboken restaurant ever since we started dating.

P.S. We were so nostalgic about our time in Hoboken that we made this video, complete with throwback photos, a visit to our old apartment, and more of our favorite spots.

Explore the Great Falls of the Passaic

We’ll admit that we didn’t know about this National Historic Park just 21 miles from our old home, but when we saw it, our jaws dropped. Framed by a graceful bridge and squeezing through a volcanic basalt gorge, the falls drop 72 feet with a roar and a splash. Unlike waterfalls hidden in a forest, these are in the heart of America’s first planned industrial city, envisioned by founding father Alexander Hamilton! Enjoy this contrasting landscape and download the free Mill Mile App to explore the historic hydro-powered buildings that supported industries, from textiles to locomotives, that got America’s industrial revolution moving.

Where to Stay in North Jersey

W Hoboken

If you’re only going to have one hotel in town, the luxe W is a darn good choice. At 18 stories high and right next to Pier A, you can’t beat the location or the views. Plus, the W is in the middle of a renovation, so the already lovely rooms, lobby, and restaurant are only getting nicer.

Hyatt House, Jersey City

Ideally situated on JC’s Waterfront, this residential-inspired building features spacious suites, many with kitchens (though you gotta love their complimentary breakfast). Spend an evening at the Hyatt House’s rooftop bar with huge firepits and epic views of lower Manhattan and the Freedom Tower.

Vintage Shop in the Antiquing Capital of NJ, Lambertville

Head southwest toward the Delaware River and reach the utterly charming Lambertville and its Pennsylvania sister village of New Hope. This historic river town and Revolutionary War crossing was founded in 1705…with the goods to prove it! Considered to be the “Antiquing Capital of New Jersey,” Lambertville has a quality flea market three times a week and fine antique purveyors open every day. Window shop to your heart’s content, and be sure to stop into the massive, multi-vendor People’s Store and the highly curated Touch of the Past. Whether your style is Baroque or Boho, you’ll find it in Lambertville.

New Jersey Road Trip Tip: Take a slight detour to Stockton to see one of the last covered bridges in New Jersey.

Sip Legit Champagne Outside of France, Egg Harbor City

Who knew that New Jersey has a 161-year-old winery making certified Champagne? When Renault Winery’s founder arrived from his home of Champagne, France, he found the terroir of Egg Harbor City to be surprisingly similar, so he put down roots. Being established before France’s 1891 Treaty and staying in continuous operation, Renault’s bubbles have been able to keep the coveted title of Champagne!

Those bragging rights aside, Renault Winery’s grounds are beautiful, with rows of vines, expansive gardens, an impressive Champagne Glass Museum, and a lively tasting room. Be sure to take the guided tour to learn about their fantastic wines and intriguing history. (Spoiler alert: to keep the bottles popping during prohibition, it involved Al Capone, the church, secret airports, and a lot of fancy footwork!)

New Jersey Road Trip Tip: As a part of their 1920s ad campaign, Renault made 80 massive champagne bottles to act as roadside billboards around the country. Few remain, but you can 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 might be the most densely populated state, it has the largest body of open space on the East Coast from Richmond to Boston! Spanning seven counties and 1.1 million acres, the Pine Barrens (or Pinelands) is a biodiverse network of forests, rivers, fields, and bogs that’s home to many rare plants and animals. Even Congress recognized the special 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 great outfitter to help you explore and understand this official biosphere.

Where to Stay in Central New Jersey

The Inn at Lambertville Station

A 19th-century train station turned into a hotel, this is the most unique and lively stay in downtown Lambertville. On the river and backed against the historic canal locks, The Inn is surrounded by water, offering stunning views and a range of recreation opportunities. Plus, their restaurant has been sweeping up the culinary awards.

Château Renault

With a day of wining and dining at Renault in your future, you might as well stay the night and enjoy it to the fullest. Recently renovated, the Château has a fresh and contemporary look; there’s a pool on site, a golf course, and a soon-to-be-open spa. Unlike most wineries, Renault’s tasting room, restaurant, and beer garden are open until 8 or 10pm and often have live music for fun after dark.

Under The Boardwalk Nostalgia, Ocean City

With its expansive wooden boardwalk, roller coasters, hot dog stands, salt water taffy makers, and views up and down the sandy shore, Ocean City, NJ, is as classic as the Jersey Shore gets. Keeping the tchotchkes at a minimum and the bars at bay, they’ve kept a family-friendly atmosphere without feeling kiddy. Playland’s Castaway Cove is a 65-year-old theme park with 32 rides (be sure to do the high-flying swings for 360-degree views). We had a grand old time, playing games, eating Polish Ice, and people-watching. The boardwalk is 2.5 miles long and very bike- and pedestrian-friendly. And it goes without saying that if you walk the whole 5-mile round trip, you earn an extra 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 incredible biodiversity, including 400 species of birds and 300 species of fish! To get on the water, we joined a Salt Marsh Safari on The Skimmer. We spotted osprey, white ibis, laughing gulls, herons, and more ghost crabs than you can imagine! Captain Travis and his crew made this 2-hour trip as educational as 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 popular resort destination since the 1700s, and despite a fire destroying most of the town in 1878, it has stayed strong! Cape May used the disaster as a chance to get away from big hotel development and focus on Victorian inns and homes, with gingerbread trim, wrap-around porches, witches-hat roofs, and charm galore. Modern-day Cape May has done an incredible job of preserving the 600+ Victorian buildings and earned the entire old town the designation of a National Historic Landmark! 

To explore and learn more about the architecture that makes this place extra special, join a walking tour with the nonprofit Cape May MAC (Museum, Arts, Culture). We adored their classic architecture walking tour, but you can also do a variety of home and garden tours, even of the haunted variety.

New Jersey Road Trip Tip: Be sure to cruise down Cape May’s Beach Ave, where the grandest Victorian mansions come one after the next. Turn on Jackson Street to dine in one of these 19th-century beauties; The Mad Batter has fantastic plant-based options!

Save the Horseshoe Crabs, Delaware Bayshore

The Delaware Bayshore has more horseshoe crabs than anywhere in the world! These prehistoric creatures come to the beaches to spawn from April to July, but being relatively unchanged for the last 400,000,000 years, they aren’t the most nimble and often get caught in the jetties.

Alongside leaders of the New Jersey Audubon Society, the Wetlands Institute, and a dozen new friends, we participated in the reTURN The Favor program to rescue impinged horseshoe crabs (a species whose rare blood has been vital for modern medicine!). We’re proud that our group saved 48 of them, and since 2013, this program has rescued over 1 million! To join their volunteer efforts, check the calendar for their beach walks, which occur multiple times a week in late spring and early summer.

Where to Stay in South Jersey

Elaine’s Cape May

Built in 1860 in the Southern plantation style (did you know South Jersey was below the Mason-Dixon line?), Elaine’s just underwent a fabulous renovation with the right balance of old and new. Ideally situated near Washington Street promenade and with a great on-site restaurant and live music every summer night, this place has it going on.

Beach Plum Cottages & Suites

Cape May hoteliers and restaurateurs Will and Curtis decided they needed better produce for their guests, so they started a regenerative farm where people could experience the food they ate. Today, you can shop the farm stand and have an epic farm-to-dinner table dinner at Beach Plum, but you can also sleep in this bucolic dreamscape. Stay in their chic one-bedroom suites or their 6-8 person cottages and have this 62-acre farm virtually to yourselves each night.

New Jersey Road Trip Tip: No matter if you are staying at Beach Plum or not, do not miss their Harvest Dinner Series. Dining on a long farmhouse table outside the Amish barn, enjoying beautifully crafted food, and breaking bread with new friends made for our best meal in New Jersey!

Belly Up in The Diner Capital of the World

With 500+ diners in a range of styles, from painted wooden train cars 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 built more than 2,000 diner cars, and that signature metallic restaurant got dispersed around the state and the country. A dozen more prefab diner factories remained in operation until the 1980s, getting all the more ornate and neon-lit along the way. More than just a place to eat, diners are a cultural expression of NJ’s roots as multi-cultural and hard-working people, where neighbors get together for a good, affordable meal and catch up on life…even if that’s at 3am.  

Best NJ Diners from North to South

• Summit Diner: At over 100 years old, Summit Diner is one of the oldest in the state and at the heart of Summit, NJ. It has retained its 1920s charm with its hand-painted sign, black & white floors, wooden walls, floral curtains, and staff that makes you feel like family. Against all odds, our waitress convinced the chef to turn their classic Reuben sandwich into a vegan dream for us.
• Angelo’s Glassboro Diner: Owned by the same family since it opened in 1946, this nostalgic eatery is Grade A, from its striped awnings to its neon sign to its griddle cakes.
• Silver Coin: This diner leans into the 1950s look like a silver Thunderbird. We did a double-take when we passed and had to go in. Not just a greasy spoon, it had a vast selection of salads, Greek food, and more healthy options than any diner we’d seen.

We had such a blast on our New Jersey road trip and know you will too! For more tips, check out our NJ Instagram highlight reel. And if you think we should add any must-sees to this NJ road trip itinerary (we know it’s a big and beautiful place!), we’d love to hear them in the comments below.

Many thanks to Visit New Jersey for inviting us to explore their incredible state and for supporting our content creation.

For more road trip ideas, check out our extensive series of US travel guides.