It isn’t hard to find fun in New Jersey. Most of the time, fun just happens to find you. There’s always something going on here, someplace new to see. If you’re seeking adventure, you’re in the right state. And, perhaps best of all, you can travel almost anywhere within a day. Here are some of the best NJ day trips you can take. You may be familiar with several of these places but we’re sure you’ll discover something new next time you’re searching for day trips near you in New Jersey.

1. Lakota Wolf Preserve, Columbia
Lakota Wolf Preserve, 89 Mt Pleasant Rd, Columbia, NJ 07832, USA
Lakota Wolf Preserve/Facebook
This incredible non-profit organization helps care for wolves born in captivity along with foxes and bobcats. The Lakota Wolf Preserve is the largest of its kind in the Northeastern United States and it is open to the public for tours. Educational tours are available twice per day, except on Mondays, and you must arrive early to register. Learn all about the way these wolves live and witness them up close for 60-75 minutes. Private photography tours are also available.

If you are looking for spontaneous day trips near you head to the Lakota Wolf Preserve in Columbia, NJ. Watch this vide form Jersey's Best to learn more about it:
2. Grounds For Sculpture, Hamilton
Grounds For Sculpture, 80 Sculptors Way, Hamilton Township, NJ 08619, USA
Grounds For Sculpture/Facebook
If you enjoy art, nature and good food, Grounds For Sculpture has got it all. You'll find stunning sculptures scattered throughout the 42-acre grounds, along with gorgeous landscaping that changes with the seasons and a gourmet eatery - Rat's Restaurant. The restaurant is designed to look like a Claude Monet painting and is truly a work of art. You'll find hidden surprises tucked in nearly every corner of the park, including elevated viewpoints and air-conditioned areas to relax. My favorite thing to do here? Get lost. You may just spot a peacock while trying to find your way.
3. Cape May
Cape May, NJ 08204, USA
mbtrama/Flickr
While this seaside resort is perfect for a weekend getaway, it also makes for a great day trip. Start with breakfast at The Mad Batter, shop the Washington Street Mall, take a trolley tour to suit your interests (ghosts, history, nature...) and end the day at Sunset Beach. Snap some photos of the SS Atlantus while you can; one day, it will be entirely engulfed by the ocean.
4. Liberty State Park, Jersey City
Liberty State Park, 1 Audrey Zapp Dr, Jersey City, NJ 07305, USA
Ludovic Bertran/Flickr
The urban oasis at Liberty State Park has a lot to offer. While being a departure point for cruises to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty may be the biggest draw, you'll also find the Liberty Science Center on the grounds, kayak eco-tours, a restored railroad terminal, opportunities for fishing and picnicking and bike rentals. But this isn't all! Don't miss the magnificent Liberty House and Maritime Parc Restaurants. If casual dining is more your scene, check out Baozi Brew, a beer garden and dim sum spot offering summer movies. Visit at the end of May for Fleet Week activities including military drills and demonstrations along with children's activities.
5. Ziplining at Mountain Creek, Vernon Township
Mountain Creek Resort, 200 NJ-94, Vernon Township, NJ 07462, USA
Mountain Creek
There's plenty to do at Mountain Creek, but the zipline tours are out of this world. Enjoy scenic views from the sky as you zip over the water and through the woods. Enjoy the mountain in a whole new way, all while safely strapped in to your harness.
6. Wildwood
Wildwood, NJ 08260, USA
Jim, the photographer/Flickr
Is it really summer if you haven't spent a day at Morey's Piers? The beachfront amusement park opens for the season toward the end of May and offers a wide variety of arcade games, family attractions and thrill rides. You'll also find waterparks and classic boardwalk grub along this 6-block adventure paradise in Wildwood, NJ. Be sure to try breakfast in the sky - a truly unique experience.

One of the best day trips in New Jersey is the Wildwood Boardwalk. Check it out in this video from EMan Walks Travel Videos:

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7. Clinton
Clinton, NJ 08809, USA
Mike Rastiello/Flickr
While the historic Red Mill is Clinton's most iconic attraction and should definitely be part of your day trip, don't forget to stop by the Hunterdon Art Museum. Located right across the river, current exhibits include The Art of Construction and a Young Artists Showcase. Don't miss Art on Tap (June 4th), an annual beer and food tasting fundraiser in Clinton, NJ. Before the day is done, take a stroll downtown.
8. Morristown
Morristown, NJ 07960, USA
Shinya Suzuki/Flickr
The ultimate New Jersey day trip destination for history buffs, this entire town could easily have the slogan, "Washington was here." His winter headquarters can be found at the Ford Mansion while his troops stayed in Jockey Hollow. Other popular attractions in Morristown include Fort Nonsense and the Frelinghuysen Arboretum.
9. Haddonfield
Haddonfield, NJ, USA
Doug Kerr/Flickr
This charming smaller town is a major shopping and dining destination. Don't miss the British Chip Shop (restaurant) and the English Gardner (gift shop) for a little slice of the UK. When you've perused as many shops as you can, stop by the Indian Tavern Museum (open Wednesday-Sunday) for a dose of local history.
10. The Tuckerton Seaport, Tuckerton
Tuckerton Seaport Museum, 120 W Main St, Tuckerton, NJ 08087, USA
The Tuckerton Seaport/Facebook
An immersive experience, The Tuckerton Seaport and Baymen's Musuem brings to life the Jersey Shore's maritime traditions. Enjoy hands-on activities, interpretive exhibits, demonstrations, nature trails and live aquatic displays. Fun for the whole family, visit on June 10th for the Privateers & Pirates Festival. Hunt for treasure as you learn about the golden age of pirating.
11. The Sterling Hill Mining Museum, Ogdensburg
Sterling Hill Mining Museum, 30 Plant St, Ogdensburg, NJ 07439, USA
Rob McConnell/Google Reviews
Learn about New Jersey's mining history, see the world's largest collection of fluorescent minerals and, best of all, take an underground mine tour. The tour is ADA-accessible and provides visitors with an in depth look into the way a mine works. You'll also get to enjoy the rainbow wall, a spectacular sight to behold. Add-ons to the 2-hour tour include a rock discovery center and mineral collecting.
12. Wharton State Forest
Wharton State Forest, 31 Batsto Rd, Hammonton, NJ 08037, USA
Carly/Flickr
A nature lover's paradise, this massive state park offers a multitude of hiking trails, opportunities for kayaking, a swimming beach (Atsion), ghost town ruins and a thriving historic village. Batsto Village allows visitors to experience industrial life over a century ago through restored buildings and live demonstrations. Structures including a gristmill, sawmill, mansion, blacksmith and cottages date as far back as the 1700s.

Take a look at the beautiful Wharton State Forest in this video from NJ.com. A day spent exploring New Jerseys natural areas is always a great addition to your New Jersey day trip ideas list:

This list is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to New Jersey day trip ideas – what’s your favorite? Share your best NJ day trips with a comment.

For more information on Wildwood’s Breakfast in the Sky (which we highly recommend), check out our previous article showing you how you can enjoy breakfast in the sky on this beachfront Ferris wheel along the Jersey Shore. The views are phenomenal!

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More to Explore

More fun day trips in New Jersey

Kim Magaraci | August 13, 2021

What are the best day trips in New Jersey?

Some of the best day trips in New Jersey include:

 

The best day trips in New Jersey show off a beautiful side of the state! If you're looking for road trip inspiration, check out our list of the coolest road trips in the state. Grab the road trip snacks and buckle up!

Which must-visit places in New Jersey should be on my hiking bucket list?

Some must-visit places for your hiking bucket list include:

 

There are a few trails in New Jersey that take you to must-visit places. The Red Dot Trail up Mount Tammany showcases an iconic Garden State view. Hiking around the battlefields - Washington's Crossing, Monmouth Battlefield, Princeton Battlefield, and even Iron Works Hill Park - will bring you into the footsteps of the Founding Fathers. If you love waterfalls, the Otter Hole area of Norvin Green State Forest is an often overlooked place to take in natural beauty.

Are there any unique attractions in New Jersey?

Some unique attractions in New Jersey include:

 

There are plenty of one-of-a-kind attractions in New Jersey. Grounds for Sculpture and Rutgers Gardens offer botanical art unlike anywhere else. Lucy the Elephant, in Margate, is a beloved member of our state. Storybook Land is an underrated theme park for children, and Diggerland opened up recently to give kids a true construction-site experience! Each of these rare family favorites that are sure to leave an impact on anyone who visits.

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