My favorite New Jersey spots—from hidden gems and scenic hikes to iconic boardwalks, beaches, farms, and weekend adventures. Whether you’re planning a day trip or you’re a local looking for somewhere new, these are the places I genuinely recommend.
Map
Sections
7
Broadwalks
Beaches
Weekend adventures
Farms
Zoos
Hiking
Broadwalks
The ultimate Jersey Shore experience with Morey’s Piers, roller coasters, arcades, shopping, classic boardwalk food, and a huge free beach. It’s consistently ranked among the best boardwalks in the country.
The Wildwoods Boardwalk
America’s first boardwalk, featuring casinos, restaurants, shopping, ocean views, and entertainment.
Boardwalk
Great for live music, trendy restaurants, boutique shopping, murals, and nightlife. A favorite for adults and couples.
Asbury Park Boardwalk • Food, shopping & music by the sea
(Point Pleasant Beach) – A classic family destination with an aquarium, amusement rides, arcades, and plenty of boardwalk treats. This is my number one
Jenkinson's Boardwalk | Point Pleasant Beach, NJ
Beaches
Gorgeous views of the NYC skyline, bike paths, historic sites, and spacious beaches.
Sandy Hook Beach
Victorian charm, beautiful beaches, shopping, and amazing sunsets.
Cape May Beaches and Beach Tags
Upscale, quiet, and known for pristine beaches
Beach at Avalon NJ
Popular for surfing, beach days, and nearby restaurants.
Belmar Beach
A natural, undeveloped beach perfect for nature lovers.
Island Beach State Park - State Parks, Forests & Historic Sites - NJDEP
Weekend adventures
Hike scenic trails, kayak the Delaware River, and enjoy breathtaking overlooks.
Delaware Water Gap | Outdoor Adventure, Camping & More
Thrilling roller coasters, a safari park, and fun for the whole family.
Six Flags Great Adventure - The World's Ultimate Thrill Park
Incredible views of the Manhattan skyline, walking paths, and ferry access to the Statue of Liberty.
Liberty State Park - State Parks, Forests & Historic Sites - NJDEP
Spend the weekend exploring beaches, Victorian homes, wineries, and local boutiques.
Cape May
A stunning sculpture park perfect for art lovers and Instagram-worthy photos.
Grounds For Sculpture
Stroll the beautiful campus, shop downtown, and enjoy excellent restaurants and cafés.
Princeton
🛍️ Shop, ski, skate, or visit the indoor water park
American Dream
🏈 Watch the Giants play at MetLife Stadium—an unforgettable game day experience for every football fan!
New York Giants 2026-2027 Home Game Schedule & Tickets
Get up close to wolves, foxes, and bobcats on guided tours.
Abma's Farm Market, Greenhouse, and Barnyard Petting Zoo: Wyckoff, NJ
* 🍓 Pick-your-own fruit
* 🚜 Hayrides
* 🌽 Corn maze
* 🍎 Apple cider donut
Alstede Farms
Demarest Farms
* 🍎 Apple picking
* 🎃 Pumpkin patch
* 🚜 Hayrides
* ⭐ Nationally recognized for apple picking
Demarest Farms
This farm is my number 1
*🌻 Sunflower fields
* 💜 Lavender fields
* 🫐 Pick-your-own blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and pumpkins
* 🎃 One of New Jersey’s biggest fall festivals with a corn maze, hayrides, pig races, animal feeding, and mor...
Happy Day Farm
*🍏 Orchard
* 🥧 Fresh pies
* 🍎 Apple cider donuts
Battleview Orchards
Zoos
* 🦒 Free admission (donations encouraged)
* 🦁 500+ animals
* 🌳 Beautiful park and playground
* Widely considered the best zoo in NJ.
Cape May County Park & Zoo
* 🐆 Big cats, giraffes, reptiles, and more
* 🚂 Family-friendly attractions
* 🩺 Features a public animal hospital where visitors can observe veterinary care.
Turtle Back Zoo
🐻 Rescue sanctuary for domestic and exotic animals
* ❤️ Supports animal rehabilitation.
Popcorn Park Zoo
*🦓 Drive-through safari
* 🦒 See giraffes, elephants, rhinos, and more from your car.
Six Flags Great Adventure - Wild Safari
Hiking
⭐ One of NJ’s most iconic hikes
* Incredible panoramic views
* Moderate to challenging
Mount Tammany
💦 New Jersey’s tallest waterfall
* Easy walk to the falls with longer nearby trails available
Buttermilk Falls Inn & Spa
🌄 Famous Appalachian Trail section
* Boardwalk through marshes followed by a rewarding summit
Stairway to Heaven - Remaster - song and lyrics by Led Zeppelin
🌊 Hudson River views
* Cliffs, forests, and several scenic trail options
Palisades Interstate Park Trail
📍 Highest elevation in New Jersey
* Monument with sweeping views of NJ, NY, and PA
High Point State Park – Monument Trail via A.T.
🌿 Great for beginners
* Trails, lake, and the historic Deserted Village
* HAUNTED *
