The 9 Best Stops On A Road Trip From New Brunswick To Seaside Heights

New Jersey is the most densely packed state in the nation, and that means no matter where you are, there will be a lot to do! You can go on an epic road trip and only cover a small part of the state – but still have a day packed with great activities and food! This coastal road trip in New Jersey is a perfect example of that. It starts in the busy cultural town of New Brunswick, before shifting from central New Jersey to the early part of the Jersey Shore and winding up in the popular beach town of Seaside Heights. Along the way, you’ll encounter unique attractions, delicious food, mouthwatering desserts, and stunning history. The craziest part of it all is, you’ll only drive just under seventy miles on this road trip itinerary, making nine stops along the way on a day you’ll never forget.

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Start your day in New Brunswick at this inventive international sausage shop. One of the unique hot dogs makes an ideal hearty breakfast - make sure to check the seasonal specials.

Destination Dogs, 101 Paterson St, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA

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Across the river only a few minutes' drive away is this humble corner bake shop. You'll definitely want to pick up some cookies, pastries, and bagels for the road. As a bonus, most of the treats here are dairy-free for those with allergies.

Mordy's Kosher Bakery and Cafe, 15 N 4th Ave, Highland Park, NJ 08904, USA

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Located in a strip mall, this surreal haunted house/mini golf combo is a great quick activity in the busy town of Edison.

Monster Mini Golf, 775 US-1, Edison, NJ 08817, USA

The Proprietary House/Google Local

As you approach the Jersey Shore, your first stop is in Perth Amboy - at this historic museum, which used to be the home of New Jersey's colonial governor. Tours are available on the weekends.

The Proprietary House, 149 Kearny Ave, Perth Amboy, NJ 08861, USA

Keyport Fishery/Google Local

As you drive, it'll definitely be time for lunch. This seafood shack is a working fish market, but it also serves up the best fried fish in New Jersey for hungry visitors. It's only feet from the pier for lunch with a view.

Keyport Fishery, 150 W Front St, Keyport, NJ 07735, USA

Trap Door Escape Room/Google Local

Take a break from the car for an hour to test your wits! This spooky, immersive escape room can transport the whole family to the Himalayas for a yeti hunt or the Paris Catacombs for a thrilling maze.

Trap Door Escape Room | Red Bank, NJ, 60 White St, Red Bank, NJ 07701, USA

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Time for another dessert stop! This hole-in-the-wall Asbury Park scoop shop serves some of the state's richest ice cream. It also features an extensive selection of vegan flavors.

Cookman Creamery, 711 Cookman Ave, Asbury Park, NJ 07712, USA

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One of the most iconic attractions on the Jersey Shore, this year-round aquarium features thousands of sea creatures, along with a seal-feeding show several times a day.

Jenkinson's Aquarium, 300 Ocean Ave N, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742, USA

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End your day at this popular Seaside Heights family restaurant, featuring some of the state's best thin-crust pizza.

Klee's Bar & Grill, 101 Boulevard, Seaside Heights, NJ 08751, USA

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Have you visited any of the stops on this coastal road trip in New Jersey? Tell us about your experiences in the comments section, and let us know about your own road trip plans for this year! For more things to do in the Garden State, check out this list of twelve hidden gems for 2023.