These undiscovered gems in New Jersey don't see the large crowds that may otherwise chase away those seeking a peaceful experience—and that's precisely why locals love them.

Are you the type of person who prefers popular tourist attractions, hidden gems, or both? I happen to prefer both, but where I live, there are so many places that tourists often don't even realize exist. While I'd love to gatekeep these places, I'm often excited to share them with those looking to get off the beaten path to discover someplace wonderful they've never heard of. The following undiscovered gems in New Jersey don't see the large crowds that may otherwise chase away those seeking a peaceful experience—and that's precisely why locals love them. Here are four places locals love in New Jersey:

1. Corson's Inlet State Park, Ocean City

Corson's Inlet State Park, one of the most remote state parks in New Jersey, is an ideal destination for unspoiled natural beauty and quiet activities such as fishing, crabbing, hiking, and birdwatching. This road trip-worthy destination is just a few miles from the super-busy Ocean City Boardwalk, but it feels like it's worlds away from any lively tourist spots and crowds. Set on a peninsula surrounded by both Corson's Inlet and the Atlantic Ocean, this park is a slice of paradise with sandy white dunes, marine estuaries, and trails to explore it all.

2. Kip's Castle Park, Verona

Have you ever visited a castle in New Jersey? While the state is no stranger to neighborhoods filled with palatial homes, it also boasts several notable historic castles, including Kip's Castle in Verona. Designed as a Norman-style castle, this 9,000-square-foot mansion sitting on 11 acres on the ridge of First Mountain is the very definition of palatial. It was built in 1905 for Frederic Ellsworth Kip, a wealthy and notable industrialist who was also a textile inventor. He lived here with his wife, Charlotte, until she passed away in 1926, and it was sold. Today, it is owned by Essex County and is part of the Essex County Park System. The Kip's Castle Park grounds are open to the public free of charge from dawn until dusk. See for yourself why this magnificent place is one that New Jersey locals love.

3. Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area, Cape May

Known as a major stop along the Atlantic Flyway migratory route during the fall, the 1,100-acre Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area is revered for its protection of endangered and threatened waterfowl species. With its location on the Cape May peninsula, the landscape is a mix of dunes, forest, maritime flora, and fields. Whether you're a birdwatcher, nature lover, or love nothing more than being by the water, Higbee Beach WMA is a secluded location for those seeking a peaceful spot to unplug for a while.

4. Millbrook Village Historic Site, Hardwick Township

Along the scenic Old Mill Road that winds its way for 30 miles through the Delaware Water Gap, you'll find a living history museum known as Millbrook Village Historic Site. Originally on the site was a grist mill that was constructed in 1832 along what was known as Van Campens Mill Brook at the time, and by 1875, there was a total of 19 buildings and a community of 75 people. Today, some of the original structures remain, and, while it's part of the National Park Service, the Millbrook Village Society has helped maintain its 19th-century countryside hamlet feel. As this historic site is in a secluded spot along a secluded road, you won't find the crowds here that you would at other historic parks in New Jersey.

Uncrowded Attractions in New Jersey

Those lesser-known places, which only locals seem to know about, are typically uncrowded and overlooked by tourists, making them appealing to those seeking a more peaceful experience. How many of the above attractions have you been to? If you have any favorite hidden gem attractions around the Garden State you'd like to share, please fill out our nomination form to tell us about them. You can also check out these hidden gems in New Jersey for more.