New Jersey may be small, but don’t underestimate it. Whatever it lacks in size, it certainly makes up for in experiences! Home to a variety of cities and destinations, there are so many beautiful places to visit in New Jersey. From the charming coastal towns of the Jersey Shore to the lush landscapes of the Delaware Water Gap, an exciting adventure is always within reach. When you’re looking to unwind in the Tristate area, New Jersey day trips can be the perfect remedy.

7 Great Destinations for New Jersey Day Trips

Whether you’re a beach lover, a nature enthusiast, a history buff, or an art connoisseur, these New Jersey day trips have you covered. Pack your bags, hop in the car, and get ready to have some fun in the Garden State!

Cape May

When all you want to do is sit back and relax, Cape May tops the list of the best places to go in New Jersey. Renowned for its immaculate beaches and well-preserved Victorian architecture, the coastal gem provides a perfect seaside escape at the Jersey Shore.

Spend time lounging in the sand and swimming in the waves, then take a bike ride through the historic district. Stopping by the Cape May Lighthouse is definitely a must-do. For foodies, there are plenty of wonderful places to savor fresh seafood with an ocean view. Its calming atmosphere certainly makes it one of the most blissful day trips in New Jersey.

If you aren’t ready to say goodbye, there are plenty of cute waterfront hotels to spend the night at, too!

Hamilton

Full of historical treasures and artistic flair, Hamilton is a lovely New Jersey town that deserves far more recognition. With its deep-rooted colonial heritage, it gives a glimpse into the lives of the region’s earliest settlers. To learn about the region, history lovers adore the William Trent House Museum. For a peaceful picnic, the lakes and lush greenery at Hamilton Veterans Park are the perfect setting.

Best of all, it’s home to the Grounds for Sculpture, which is such a cool place to spend a day. Seamlessly merging together nature and creativity, the artistic haven boasts a vast sculpture garden adorned with imaginative and thought-provoking work. Hundreds of contemporary sculptures span across its meticulously landscaped grounds, some of which are over 25 feet tall.

Whether you’re an art connoisseur or simply want a unique place to experience an immersive installation, visiting Grounds for Sculpture is definitely one of my favorite day trips in New Jersey. Hamilton has lots of delicious eateries to get lunch or dinner at after, or you could book a table right at Rat’s Restaurant, which is located on the property. 10/10 recommend!

Jersey City

Nestled along the Hudson River right across from Manhattan, Jersey City offers the perfect blend of urban exploration and scenic beauty. As one of the most popular cities in New Jersey, its lively neighborhoods are packed with activities and attractions. The food and bar scenes are terrific, offering tons of gorgeous restaurants and chic rooftop lounges to hang out at.

You’ll have incredible views of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island from Liberty State Park. During the warmer months of the year, renting kayaks or taking a sightseeing cruise is always a good time! There are plenty of art galleries, shopping centers, and entertainment venues to check out, too. With so much to do in one city, it’s definitely one of the best places to go in New Jersey for a day trip.

Asbury Park

As a haven for beachgoers and music lovers alike, Asbury Park definitely ranks as a top contender among the best cities in New Jersey to visit during the summertime. Spend your day lounging on the sandy shores or swimming in the waves, then take a stroll along the famous Asbury Park Boardwalk. The Stone Pony, an iconic venue in the city, is always hosting awesome artists and musicians. Check out the calendar and catch a live show!

There are lots of eclectic shops and seaside eateries to explore, which add to the city’s vibrant ambiance and lively atmosphere. If you’re looking for an upbeat destination to spend a day on the coast, Asbury Park won’t let you down.

Frenchtown

Resting on the banks of the Delaware River, Frenchtown is one of New Jersey’s hidden gems. Lined with quirky and colorful buildings, its quaint downtown area along Bridge Street exudes the essence of small-town charm. Full of antique shops, art galleries, and boutique stores, the town has a laid-back ambiance. Its rustic-chic aesthetic makes it one of the cutest towns in New Jersey!

Indulge in farm-to-table dining at the local restaurants and enjoy a scenic stroll along the riverfront. If you’re looking to get out on the water, lots of people go kayaking and tubing during the warmer months. As one of the state’s unsung heroes, Frenchtown is a delightful destination for New Jersey day trips.

Atlantic City

For those in search of New Jersey day trips with a little more excitement, Atlantic City may be the destination for you. Famous for its entertainment scene, you’ll never get bored in this summer hotspot. Try your luck at the casinos or enjoy a live show! If you don’t want the fun to end, there are plenty of fabulous hotels to stay the night. For a one-stop getaway in the city, the Borgata is a personal favorite.

The boardwalk area has plenty of dining options to enjoy a meal with an ocean view. If you’re in the mood to shop, the Tanger Outlets are an excellent retail center where you can find great prices on popular brands. As one of the cities in New Jersey with a little bit of everything, Atlantic City is a bustling place to be.

Red Bank

With a central location and a vibrant social scene, many consider Red Bank one of the best cities in New Jersey. Its charming downtown area has a lot to do, with many boutiques, galleries, and cafes lining its streets. There are delicious restaurants for a top-notch dinner, and plenty of brewpubs if you love craft beer.

Riverside spots like Marine Park have tranquil atmospheres if you want to relax by the water. For lovers of theater and live entertainment, there are several performance venues where you can catch a live show. If you’re looking for a place with a hip vibe and an upbeat culture, Red Bank is a solid option for day trips in New Jersey.

Find the Best New Jersey Activities Today

Looking for travel inspiration to plan your New Jersey day trip? Check out the best things to do in New Jersey on GetYourGuide and Viator! Both companies offer thousands of vacation activities, fun excursions, and day trips worldwide, including the Garden State.

Some of our favorite New Jersey activities available to book include…

• NYC Skyline Helicopter Tours: Choose from a private tour or group ride, doors on or off, and prepare to experience Manhattan in a new way! Helicopter tours of NYC belong on every bucket list. If you’re in New Jersey, you can takeoff from Kearny before flying over the Hudson River and past some of NYC’s most iconic landmarks. A bit pricey? Yes, but so worth it. My husband and I did a private tour with the doors off when he first moved to the U.S. and it’s still one of our favorite memories together!
• Sailing on the Hudson: If you love being on the water, spend a day sailing along the Hudson River! Choose from a range of options, including sightseeing tours, speedboat rides, or lunch and dinner cruises. To really customize the experience, opt for private sailing. Whether it’s an intimate tour for two or group ride for up to six, the memories made will be magical. Especially if it’s during the summertime!

Which Garden State excursion keeps calling your name? Leave a comment below to share what your perfect New Jersey day trip looks like!

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