Discover the best road trips in New Jersey for any duration, from one day to a week, including seasonal and family-friendly options.
Living in New Jersey means epic road trips, whether we want to stay in the state or trek to nearby Pennsylvania, Delaware, or New York. When it comes time to hit the road in New Jersey, we have one pretty big decision. Where do we want to go? Here are some of the best road trips in New Jersey for your next adventure. Whether you have just one day, a long weekend, or even longer, here are the best road trips in New Jersey.
Remember, however, before you hit the road, confirm the attractions are open and check the days and hours. Some destinations may only be open seasonally, so planning is essential.
1-Day Road Trip in New Jersey
Route: Lucy the Elephant > Tuckerton Seaport Museum > Carranza Memorial > Burlington County Prison Museum > Monmouth Battlefield > Twin Lights State Historic Site > Asbury Park Convention Hall
Distance: 175 miles
Trip Time: 4 hours 11 minutes
This New Jersey road trip itinerary leads travelers on an adventure to some of the state's most iconic landmarks. One of our favorite quick road trips in New Jersey has you starting at Lucy the Elephant in Margate City, making stops at a couple of museums, and a historical park, and finally ending in Asbury Park at the Asbury Park Convention Hall.
3-Day Weekend Road Trip in New Jersey
Route: Long Branch > Asbury Park > Point Pleasant Beach > Seaside Heights > Beach Haven > Atlantic City > Ocean City > Wildwood > Cape May
Distance: 179 miles
Trip Time: 4 hours
Weekend road trips through New Jersey allow us to take our time and see the sights. Want to explore all the best the Garden State has to offer and enjoy one of the best drives in New Jersey? Then we invite you to embark on this three-day Jersey Shore road trip. The Garden State is home to some of the best beach towns in the country. From Long Branch to Cape May, every bustling city and charming small town along the shore has a distinct personality.
New Jersey Hidden Gems Road Trip
Route: Princeton Battlefield State Park > Ken Lockwood Gorge > The Faery Cave at Great Meadows > Sterling Hill Mining Museum > Chikahoki Falls > Speedwell Park
Distance: 127 miles
Trip Time: 3 hours 19 minutes
From a battlefield and a faery cave to a mining museum and a waterfall, there are so many interesting things to see on this hidden gems road trip through New Jersey. You'll most certainly discover a place (or two) that's new to you along the way.
New Jersey State Parks Road Trip
Route: Bass River State Forest > Double Trouble State Park > Brendan T. Byrne State Forest > Rancocas State Park > Jenny Jump State Forest > Swartswood State Park
Distance: 165 miles
Trip Time: 3 hours 49 minutes
Among the best road trips in New Jersey for nature lovers is a journey to some of the least-visited state parks. Beat the crowds and head to a park where you can traverse the hiking trails in peace. Or maybe you'll choose to spend time on the water and go kayaking at one of these quiet state parks. This nearly four-hour road trip through New Jersey begins at Bass River State Forest, stops at Double Trouble State Park and Jenny Jump State Forest, and culminates at Swatsword State Park.
Best New Jersey Road Trip for Spring
Route: Dunnfield Creek Falls > Buttermilk Falls > Boonton Falls > Ramapo Falls > Great Falls > Hemlock Falls > High Bridge Falls/Lake Solitude Dam > Hacklebarney Falls
Distance: 156 miles
Trip Time: 4 hours 24 minutes
Want to know the best road trip you can take in the spring? It's a New Jersey waterfall road trip. We may not have many waterfalls in New Jersey, but those we have are breathtaking. Visit some of our state's most beautiful falls on this short, easy road trip. You'll see our tallest waterfall (Buttermilk Falls) and our most powerful (Great Falls) along the way.
Best Summer Road Trip in New Jersey
Route: Paterson Great Falls > Red Bank > Six Flags Great Adventure > Seaside Heights Boardwalk > Atlantic City > Cape May County Park and Zoo > Cape May Point
Distance: 240 miles
Trip Time: 4 hours 36 minutes
If you're looking for something to do this summer, then we suggest you take a road trip to the best summer spots in New Jersey. The route starts at Paterson Great Falls in Paterson, New Jersey, before it takes you to the charming town of Red Bank. You'll then make your way to Six Flags to ride a few roller coasters, hit the Seaside Heights Boardwalk, and more. My favorite stop is Atlantic City, having lived about 10 minutes away from the shore several years ago, and there's nothing that compares to a balmy summer stroll on the boardwalk, except maybe fries and a shake at Johnny Rockets. This road trip can be taken over a few days making it the perfect family getaway when school is out for summer.
Best New Jersey Road Trip for Fall
Route: Palisades Interstate Park > Ringwood State Park > High Point State Park > Buttermilk Falls > Worthington State Forest > Washington Crossing State Park > Belleplain State Forest > Batsto Village
Distance: 302 miles
Trip Time: 7 hours
How about a little leaf-peeping when fall hits and the leaves start to turn gorgeous shades of crimson and gold? You don't need to head up to Maine or Vermont for incredible fall foliage; you can find colorful leaves all over the Garden State. This fall foliage road trip through New Jersey takes you down spectacular roads and to some of our state parks for the ultimate leaf-peeping experience.
Best Winter Road Trip in New Jersey
Route: Christmas Lights Show at Skylands Stadium > Holiday Lights at Turtle Back Zoo > The Christmas Light Show in Farmingdale > Majestic Hotel in Ocean Grove > Holiday Light Show in Galloway > Storybook Land's Christmas Fantasy With Lights > Cape May
Distance: 223 miles
Trip Time: 4 hours 12 minutes
Christmas in New Jersey is simply magical, a season brimming with beloved traditions. Make this holiday lights road trip in New Jersey a new holiday tradition. Set off during school break with the kids or a weekend getaway with a loved one. The shows are pure magic and several are even free.
Family-Friendly New Jersey Road Trip
Route: Spring Lake Beach > Sea Girt Beach > Mantoloking Beach > Seven Mile Beach in Avalon > Pearl Beach at Cape May Point
Distance: 119 miles
Trip Time: 2 hours 28 minutes
For a child, there's nothing quite as exciting as a trip to the beach. It's the perfect family-friendly destination, after all. Kids can play in the sand while adults relax and listen to the sounds of waves crashing on the shore. This family-friendly road trip in New Jersey will take you to five hidden beaches you probably never even heard of, gems you'll likely return to again and again.
Road Trip to New Jersey Landmarks & Natural Wonders
Route: High Point State Park > Buttermilk Falls > Worthington State Forest > Great Falls National Historical Park > Palisades Interstate Park > Ringwood State Park > Waywayanda State Park
Distance: 169 miles
Trip Time: 4 hours
We've got an abundance of natural beauty all over the state, but this trip focuses on Northern New Jersey to cut down on drive time. It's very doable over a weekend or split into a couple of day trips. You'll score epic river views from towering cliffs and gorgeous lakes along the way. This natural wonders road trip is one of the best road trips in New Jersey.
Road Trip to Best Small Towns in New Jersey
Route: Andover > Belvidere > Frenchtown > Lambertville > Medford Lakes > Shamong > Smithville
Distance: 151 miles
Trip Time: 3 hours 41 minutes
We've got so many charming small towns in the Garden State. Explore just a handful on this road trip that traverses the western side of our state for miles. Destinations on one of the most scenic trips in New Jersey include Andover, Shamong, Lambertville, and more.
Now that you have a few of the best road trips in New Jersey to look forward to, it's time to get packing. For road trip planning and packing tips, check out Only In Your State's Ultimate Road Trip Packing List. Whether you're leaving for a single day or a weeklong road trip, you can't forget the snacks. Here are on-the-go snack ideas perfect for traveling.