12 Magnificent Hidden Gems to Discover in New Jersey This Year
Explore 12 unique hidden gems in New Jersey, one for each month of the year, including attractions, restaurants, and events.
Living in New Jersey means virtually never running out of fun things to do and unique places to explore. There are so many hidden gems in the Garden State that many people living here for decades haven't scratched the surface. These 12 attractions, restaurants, and events give you a taste of the best of New Jersey - with one adventure selected for every month of the year. From a humble fish market hiding in one of the state's best towns to a vintage restaurant serving elite modern cuisine to an arcade celebrating one of the very first electronic games ever played, these hidden gems in New Jersey will give you a new appreciation for just how unique this great state of ours truly is. Ready to explore some of the most unforgettable hidden gems in New Jersey? Let's go!
1. January - Winterfest Ice Skating Rink - Cooper River (Cherry Hill)
This massive skating rink in Cherry Hill is open all winter long - and it's the perfect way to celebrate the season. When it comes to winter day trips in NJ, Winterfest Ice Skating Rink definitely belongs on your radar.
2. February - Whispers Restaurant (Spring Lake)
Located in the Hewitt Wellington Hotel, this Victorian-style fine dining restaurant is a popular location for Valentine's Day. The A La Carte menu fuses classic ingredients with modern techniques. Learn more about planning your visit to the one-of-a-kind Whispers Restaurant in New Jersey.
3. March - Dooney's Pub (Delran)
St. Patrick's Day is a big event in New Jersey, and Dooney's is a popular spot for downing pints and eating some corned beef and cabbage. Located in a strip mall, it's easy to miss - but those in the know are in for a treat. Have you ever visited Dooney's Pub? It's a fabulous hidden gem in New Jersey.
4. April - Nassau Street Seafood & Produce Company (Princeton)
This humble New Jersey fish market on the main street of Princeton mostly sells fish for cooking at home, but they also have a regular menu of fried and grilled fish specialties. This hole-in-the-wall is especially popular during Lent.
5. May - Popcorn Park Zoo (Forked River)
This zoo isn't your usual animal exhibit - it's a certified animal sanctuary, and all the animals here have been deemed unreleasable. You'll find everything from big cats to peacocks to tiny lemurs here! Learn more about this special New Jersey zoo and why you'll want to visit.
6. June - Silverball Retro Arcade (Asbury Park)
Pinball ruled the arcades before video games came along, and this beachside pay-per-hour arcade collects hundreds under one roof. Play to your heart's content without a single quarter needed! Truly, there's something for everyone to enjoy at Silverball Retro Arcade.
7. July - World War II Lookout Tower (Cape May)
This historic site was used to guard the New Jersey coast from German attacks, and today visitors can climb the tower for a stunning view and a fascinating history lesson. Learn more about planning your visit to the fascinating World War II Lookout Tower in New Jersey.
8. August - Just Peachy Festival (Princeton)
Located on Terhune Orchards, this New Jersey peach festival is a great place to taste the orchard's crops as well as many specialty products.
9. September - Whitesbog Historic Village
Whitesbog is a beautiful spot to explore, but during September it's home to the state's biggest cranberry festival - and that means a lot of cranberry goodies for sale! A trip to Whitesbog Historic Village is one that belongs on everyone's New Jersey bucket list.
10. October - Scare Farm (Hillsborough Township)
Oh, October-- my favorite month! The temperatures begin to drop, the leaves begin to change, and the spooky season is upon us. Located on a working farm, this elaborate network of haunted houses is one of New Jersey's most immersive seasonal experiences. Plus, it might just be one of the best haunted corn mazes in New Jersey. Visit the Norz Hill Farm website to learn more.
11. November - Metuchen Inn (Metuchen)
A charming historic restaurant in a residential area of Metuchen, this inn is known for its elaborate Thanksgiving feasts. It's been serving food since 1843 and has been faithfully preserved for a one-of-a-kind experience. Visit the Metuchen Inn website to learn more.
12. December - Polar Express Train Ride (Whippany)
December brings a chance to embrace the long winter nights and enjoy Christmas light displays, caroling, and endless hot chocolate. New Jersey's most iconic Christmas experience, this trip on Whippany's recreational railroad transforms the train into a magical wonderland on a ride to the North Pole. The whole family will thoroughly enjoy this hidden gem in New Jersey.
Have you visited any of these unique hidden gems in New Jersey? Share this article with someone you want to embark on one (or more!) of these hidden gems in New Jersey with. For more unexpected adventures in New Jersey, consider taking one of these ideal winter day trips!
And, if you're planning to road trip to any of these destinations, don't forget to check out our ultimate road trip essentials packing list.