12 Unforgettable New Jersey Day Trips, One For Each Month Of The Year
Looking to make this year your most fun yet? We’ve made up a little guide with a new adventure each month. You can pick and choose, whatever looks like the most fun to you. Try all 12 of these best day trips in New Jersey to become the ultimate explorer in the state. You don’t want to miss these attractions!
Kicking off the new year's best day trips in New Jersey is Mountain Creek. While skiing and snowboarding are a blast, snow tubing is fun for all ages and requires no experience to have a good time. Bring the whole family and dine at one of the resort's wonderful restaurants when you're done.
You can read more about snow tubing at Mountain Creek in our previous coverage.
Mountain Creek Resort, 200 NJ-94, Vernon Township, NJ 07462, USA
This is the perfect winter destination. You can explore entire worlds without ever going outdoors! You'll find one of the largest planetariums in the world, all sorts of interactive exhibits, and special after-dark events for adults each month. It's one of the most incredible must-visit attractions in New Jersey.
Learn more on the Liberty Science Center's website.
Morristown is a city of museums. Take a day trip and visit three of the most popular - the Morris Museum, Macculloch Hall Historical Museum, and the Ford Mansion. The Morris Museum offers art, history, science, and one of the world's largest collections of mechanical musical instruments and automata. Macculloch Hall offers incredible art and a unique carpet collection. Ford Mansion was one of Washington's many headquarters in New Jersey.
The weather is warming up, so it's time to head outdoors...at least for a little while. Hang with sharks and penguins indoors at Adventure Aquarium and then head out briefly for a trip to the historic Battleship New Jersey. Take a tour and learn something new! These are two of the best must-visit attractions in New Jersey and everyone should visit at least once!
Whether you're interested in art, history, furniture, world cultures, or Americana, Lambertville has got you covered. It's got everyone covered with dozens of charming antique shops. You can't miss The People's Store Antique Center, Golden Nugget Flea Market, or A Touch of the Past Antiques. It's one of the best day trips in New Jersey you can take.
Visit the Lambertville Alive website to learn more.
Asbury Park is one of New Jersey's trendiest beach towns. You could easily spend a day - or weekend - here. Visit the Silverball Museum Arcade for some retro gaming and plenty of pinball, then head to Paranormal Books & Curiosities/The Paranormal Museum for a chilling tour. Grab a drink at Asbury Festhalle & Biergarten, enjoy live music at the Stone Pony, and plenty more. Shopping and dining options abound!
Head to the Visit NJ website to learn more about Asbury Park.
Check out nearby attractions like Historic Smithville in Galloway (shopping/dining/unique events + a small arcade) and Lucy the Elephant in Margate. She's one of the most interesting hidden gems in New Jersey that's worth exploring, so take a tour!
These neighboring towns have a ton to offer. Visit the Navesink Twin Lights, take a boat tour on the Navesink Queen (of Classic Boat Rides) or hike around Hartshorne Woods Park. And whatever you do, don't skip sunset at Mount Mitchill Scenic Overlook!
This interactive living history museum was once an iron-producing, factory town known as the Howell Iron Works. A visit means learning all about New Jersey's industrial past and enjoying special blacksmith and cooking demonstrations - just check their calendar. You'll also want to visit their general store for unique gifts or perhaps book their chapel for a wedding to remember.
You can read more about the historic village of Allaire in our previous coverage.
Allaire, Wall Township, NJ 07727, USA
October - The Great Pumpkin Festival at Heaven Hill Farm
One of the best day trips in New Jersey that you can take in the fall is to Heaven Hill Farm. Make the most of the fall season and check out The Great Pumpkin Festival. You'll find carnival rides, pumpkin picking, hayrides, a petting zoo, corn maze, and plenty more.
You can read more about The Great Pumpkin Festival at Heaven Hill Farm in our previous coverage.
Heaven Hill Farm and Garden Center, 451 NJ-94, Vernon Township, NJ 07462, USA
The INDOOR waterpark. It's always 84 degrees inside Sahara Sam's. They've got an outdoor area but the indoor play space is open year-round. You'll find slides, a lazy river, special areas for the little ones, a wave rider (for boogie boarding), and more. There's also an arcade if you want to take a break from splashing at the water park.
Cape May is a winter wonderland. You'll find the Emlen Physick Estate all decked out for the holidays, special Christmas trolley tours, live shows, multiple tree lightings, a winter carnival, and plenty more. The Christmas season is packed with fun activities.
Read our previous coverage to learn more about Cape May at Christmas.
Cape May, NJ 08204, USA
What do you think of this list of the best day trips in New Jersey to take throughout the year? How many have you done in the past or plan on doing this year? Tell us in the comments!
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Address: Mountain Creek Resort, 200 NJ-94, Vernon Township, NJ 07462, USA
Address: Liberty Science Center, 222 Jersey City Blvd, Jersey City, NJ 07305, USA
Address: Morristown, NJ 07960, USA
Address: Adventure Aquarium, 1 Riverside Dr, Camden, NJ 08103, USA
Address: Lambertville, NJ 08530, USA
Address: Asbury Park, NJ 07712, USA
Address: Lucy the Elephant, 9200 Atlantic Ave, Margate City, NJ 08402, USA
Address: Navesink Twin Lighthouses, Light House Rd, Highlands, NJ 07732, USA
Address: Allaire State Park, 4265 Atlantic Ave, Wall Township, NJ 07727, USA
Address: Heaven Hill Farm and Garden Center, 451 NJ-94, Vernon Township, NJ 07462, USA
Address: Big Kahuna's Water Park, 535 NJ-73, West Berlin, NJ 08091, USA
Address: Cape May, NJ 08204, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Day Trips In New Jersey
February 07, 2022
Melissa M.
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Hiding in plain sight are some of the Garden State’s best-kept secrets. We have compiled a list of 12 Hidden Gems In New Jersey we think you might want to visit. From a secret garden to a monument that looks like a castle, a magic shop, a quirky hot dog stand, and more, there are numerous fascinating attractions to visit around the state.
What are some of the best must-visit attractions in New Jersey?
There are plenty of spectacular attractions to visit in the state, just have a look at our article, 12 Must-See Places In New Jersey, for some ideas.
Can you recommend any road trips in New Jersey?
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Kristen is a writer, editor, and social media maven who loves her state. Born and raised in New Jersey, sharing all it has to offer is her passion. After attending Montclair State University, she continued her education online, obtaining certifications in social media management.