Trenton, New Jersey · Quintin Soloviev · CC BY 4.0

Road Trip Guide:
New Jersey

Explore New Jersey

On New Jersey highways built with jughandles, a left turn starts from the right lane: the State Highway Access Management Code defines a jughandle as an at-grade ramp that exits from the right lane and lets motorists make indirect left turns and U-turns.

Around 32 breweries sit near the stops we cover in New Jersey. 7 of them are brewpubs with a kitchen, which off the motorway is often the useful part. The kitchen figure is a floor: the source lists some full restaurants as production sites.

Brewpub locations from Open Brewery DB (MIT)

Around 3 public campgrounds sit near the stops we cover in New Jersey. All of them take reservations. Public campgrounds run by federal agencies. State-park and private campgrounds are not included.

Outdoors

Public land, water and snow — the places that are the reason for the drive.

National parks and federal sites in New Jersey

11 National Park Service sites in New Jersey. We have written guides to only a few of these — the rest are here so you can see what is in the state.

*Check before you go. Entrance fees, seasonal road closures, timed-entry reservations and whether a site suits your family are set by each park and change through the year. Follow the link and check with the park itself.

Park register from the National Park Service (public domain)

State parks in New Jersey

33 state parks we know of in New Jersey. We have not visited these and have no guide to them — this is a list of what exists, so you can look one up.

See all 33

Allaire State Park
Allamuchy Mountain State Park
Barnegat Lighthouse State Park
Bulls Island Recreation Area
Cape May Point State Park
Capital State Park
Cheesequake State Park
Corson's Inlet State Park
Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park
Double Trouble State Park
Farny State Park
Fort Mott State Park
Hacklebarney State Park
High Point State Park
Hopatcong State Park
Island Beach State Park
Kittatinny Valley State Park
Liberty State Park
Long Pond Ironworks State Park
Monmouth Battlefield State Park
Parvin State Park
Pigeon Swamp State Park
Princeton Battlefield State Park
Rancocas State Park
Ringwood State Park
Stephens State Park
Swartswood State Park
Tall Pines State Preserve
Twin Lights State Historic Site
Voorhees State Park
Washington Crossing State Park
Washington Rock State Park
Wawayanda State Park

*Check before you go. Opening hours, entry fees, campsite availability and whether a park suits your family are not in this data and change with the season. Several of these are day-use only. Please confirm with the park before setting out.

State park locations from Wikidata (CC0)

Lakes in New Jersey

1 lake in New Jersey that we have checked. These are the ones from our research that we could check against an official page — not every lake there is. We have not been to these; this is what the official pages say, so you can look one up.

Round Valley Reservoir
near Clinton Twp; Lebanon (Hunterdon County) · 2,350 acres · reservoir
- Fishingyes - lake trout (naturally reproducing), brown & rainbow trout, largemouth & smallmouth bass, perch, pickerel, eel
- BoatingMotors up to 10 hp (current NJDEP park brochure); ramps off Rt 629; Boat Ramp Maintenance Permit ($15) unless a licensed angler or hunter
- SwimmingSwimming facilities mentioned (beach not verified)
- CampingWilderness camping area (access type not verified); camper launch
Deep, cold water. NJDEP HABs: dep.nj.gov
Run by NJ Water Supply Authority (reservoir) - not verified; NJ DEP Parks & Forestry (Round Valley Recreation Area)

*Check before you go. Every lake here links to the official page we checked it against. Fees, seasons, water levels, algal advisories and ramp closures change without notice and belong to the agency that runs the water. A blank is something we did not confirm, not something the lake lacks. Never assume a lifeguard. Whether a beach is staffed turns on the season, the day, and which agency runs that particular beach — two beaches on one lake can differ. If that matters to your family, confirm it with the agency before you set out.

Skiing and Snowboarding

2 in this state.

Campgaw MountainMahwah
County-owned small hill in Bergen County
Mountain CreekSummer bike parkVernon
Closest big mountain to NYC; bike park and waterpark

This is a list of what is there, not a recommendation of any of it. We do not list rentals: our source marked every ski area in the country “likely” to have them and confirmed none, so there was nothing to publish. Most hills do rent gear — ring ahead rather than take that from us. Opening dates, lift schedules and trail conditions move every year and we hold none of them, so check before you build a day around it. Every name above links to the operator’s own site.

Lift-Served Bike Parks

1 in this state.

Mountain CreekAlso a ski resortLift-servedVernon
Closest big park to New York City

This is a list of what is there, not a recommendation of any of it. Opening dates, lift schedules and trail conditions move every year and we hold none of them, so check before you build a day around it. Every name above links to the operator’s own site.

Long Bike Trails

1 in this state.

Delaware & Raritan Canal Towpath
Length
70 miles
Surface
Crushed stone
End to end
New Brunswick NJ – Frenchtown NJ
Canal and Delaware River towpaths near Princeton

Days out with the family

Gated attractions with a front door, a ticket and a car park.

Zoos, Aquariums and Wildlife Parks

13 across New Jersey, by town.

Space Farms Zoo & MuseumBeemerville (Sussex)
Hours
10am-5pm daily; last entry 4pm
Season
seasonal (late Mar - Nov 1, 2026)
Admission
Adult from $26 (age split not shown) · Child from $26 (age split not shown)
Reservations
Not required
Tickets sold online
Cohanzick ZooBridgeton
Hours
9am-5pm (spring/summer); 9am-4pm (fall/winter)
Season
year-round (closed Christmas)
Admission
Free
Reservations
Not required
City-run zoo in Bridgeton City Park
Adventure Aquarium — some details below are unconfirmedAZA-accreditedCamden
Admission
Adult from $32.99 · Child from $27.99
Mostly cashless
* We could not confirm: hours on calendar, not captured. Check their site before you go.
Cape May County Park & ZooAZA-accreditedCape May Court House
Hours
10am-3:30pm (winter); 10am-4:30pm (summer)
Season
year-round (closed Christmas)
Admission
Free
Reservations
Not required
Free admission year-round; county-operated
Lakota Wolf Preserve — some details below are unconfirmedColumbia
Hours
guided tours daily (times not captured)
Reservations
Required (visit is by tour or appointment)
Visits by guided tour; booking via FareHarbor
* We could not confirm: tour times/prices not captured. Check their site before you go.
SEA LIFE New Jersey Aquarium — some details below are unconfirmedEast Rutherford
Hours
10am-6:30pm (as shown for one day)
Admission
Child varies (online discounts)
Inside American Dream mall
* We could not confirm: standard prices not shown. Check their site before you go.
Popcorn Park Animal Refuge — some details below are unconfirmedForked River (Lacey Township)
Hours
10am-4pm daily; last entry 3:30pm
Refuge for rescued exotic, wild and farm animals run by Associated Humane Societies
* We could not confirm: admission not captured. Check their site before you go.
Six Flags Great Adventure Wild Safari — some details below are unconfirmedJackson Township
Season
seasonal (follows park calendar)
Admission
Child included with park ticket (under 36 in. free)
Part of Six Flags Great Adventure theme park
* We could not confirm: hours/prices on park calendar, not captured. Check their site before you go.

See the other 5

Liberty Science Center — some details below are unconfirmedJersey City
Hours
10am-4pm or 5pm (varies by day)
Season
year-round
Science museum with live animal exhibits
* We could not confirm: admission not captured. Check their site before you go.
Bergen County ZooParamus
Hours
10am-4:30pm daily; last entry 4pm
Season
year-round (admission charged May-Oct per Wikipedia)
Admission
Adult from $8 (15-61) · Child $5 out-of-county / $2 Bergen resident (3-14); under 3 free
Reservations
Not required
In Van Saun County Park; budgie exhibit closed
Jenkinson's Aquarium — some details below are unconfirmedAZA-accreditedPoint Pleasant Beach
300 Ocean Ave; renovated top floor open
* We could not confirm: hours/admission not captured. Check their site before you go.
Turtle Back ZooAZA-accreditedWest Orange
Hours
10am-4pm daily (10am-3pm from Nov 2)
Season
year-round (some attractions seasonal)
Admission
Adult from $22.00 (13+) · Child $19.00 (2-12); under 2 free
Reservations
Not required
Essex County-operated; hoofstock barn construction under way (opening 2027)
Woodbridge Aquarium and Wildlife CenterWoodbridge
Hours
11am-7pm Mon-Sat; 12pm-6pm Sun
Season
year-round (indoor)
Admission
Adult from $17.99 (all ages 2+) · Child from $17.99 (all ages 2+); under 23 months free
Reservations
Not required
In Woodbridge Center mall; formerly SeaQuest Woodbridge; animal interactions use tokens

This is a list of what is near you, not a recommendation of any of it. 4 of these carry an accreditation we confirmed against the accrediting body’s own register. Where there is no badge we did not confirm one — that is not a judgement on the place, and a good many municipal, state and university sites belong to no register we check. 7 entries are marked with an asterisk: we could not confirm part of what is listed, and the note under it says which part. Opening times, prices and seasons change without notice, so check the operator’s own site — every name above links to it.

Amusement and Water Parks

17 across New Jersey, by town.

Steel PierSeasonalamusement parkAtlantic City
Pier amusement park; seasonal; fall hours not shown on site.
Fantasy Island Amusement ParkSeasonalamusement parkBeach Haven
Seasonal rides; arcade open all year.
Thundering Surf WaterparkSeasonalwater parkBeach Haven
Site says closed for the season.
DreamWorks Water Parkwater parkEast Rutherford
Indoor water park in the American Dream complex; year-round.
Storybook Landtheme parkEgg Harbor Township
Opened
1955
Operates spring through December; Christmas lights event from Nov 14.
iPlay Americafamily entertainment centerFreehold
Indoor amusement park; open Wed-Sun.
Land of Make Believe (amusement park)Seasonalamusement park and water parkHope
Site says closed for the season; reopens May 2027.
Six Flags Great Adventuretheme parkJackson
Fright Fest select nights through Nov 1, 2026.

See the other 9

Six Flags Hurricane Harbor New JerseySeasonalwater parkJackson
Opened
2000
Separate-admission water park; mid-May to early Sept season.
Keansburg Amusement Park & Runaway RapidsSeasonalamusement park and water parkKeansburg
Seasonal; site blocks automated fetch, URL not load-verified.
Wild West Citytheme parkNetcong
Western-themed park; 2026 season ends Sunday Nov 1.
Playland's Castaway CoveSeasonalamusement parkOcean City
Boardwalk amusement park; site did not show 2026 dates.
Jenkinson's BoardwalkSeasonalamusement parkPoint Pleasant Beach
Boardwalk rides are seasonal; site lists late-Nov/Dec events only.
Casino PierSeasonalamusement park and water parkSeaside Heights
Boardwalk pier park with Breakwater Beach water park; seasonal; site updated Oct 2026.
Mountain Creek WaterparkSeasonalwater parkVernon
Old mcwaterpark.com redirects to mountaincreek.com; summer water park.
Diggerland USAtheme park and water parkWest Berlin
Construction-themed park; holiday light show from Nov 20, 2026.
Morey's PiersSeasonalamusement park and water parkWildwood
Three piers and two water parks; seasonal; fall hours not shown.

This is a list of what is near you, not a recommendation of any of it. 11 of these run a season rather than opening year round. Opening and closing dates move every year and we hold none of them, so check the park’s own calendar before you build a day around it. Prices, hours and ride closures change without notice — every name above links to the park’s own site.

Wineries in New Jersey

8 producers in New Jersey that we have checked. These are the ones from our research we could check against their own site — not every producer there is. We have not been to these; this is what their own sites say, so you can look one up.

Sharrott Winery
winery · Hammonton, NJ · Outer Coastal Plain
Hammonton winery with a scratch kitchen open daily; groups capped at 8.
- HoursSun 10am-5pm; Mon-Tue 12-6pm; Wed-Sat 12-9pm
- Reservationsrecommended
- Foodyes
- Phone(609) 567-9463
370 S Egg Harbor Road, Hammonton, NJ 08037
Tomasello Winery
winery · Hammonton, NJ · Outer Coastal Plain · founded 1933
Hammonton winery operating since 1933 with several satellite tasting rooms around NJ.
- HoursMon-Thu 10am-5pm; Fri 10am-8pm; Sat 10am-7pm; Sun 11am-6pm
- Phone(800) 666-9463
225 North White Horse Pike, Hammonton, NJ 08037
Balic Winery
winery · Mays Landing, NJ · Outer Coastal Plain
Vineyard first planted in the early 1900s and bought by Savo Balic in 1966.
- HoursMon-Sat 9am-8pm; Sun 11am-7pm
- Phone609-625-2166
6623 Harding Hwy (Route 40), Mays Landing, NJ 08330
Alba Vineyard21 and over
winery · Milford, NJ · Warren Hills (Delaware River)
Family-run farm winery near the Delaware River with wood-fired pizza.
- HoursMon-Thu 11am-4pm; Fri-Sat 11am-8pm; Sun 11am-5pm (page inconsistent)
- Foodyes
- Phone908-995-7800
- ChildrenAll guests asked to be 21 or older
269 County Rd 627, Milford, NJ 08848
Beneduce Vineyards
winery · Pittstown, NJ · Central NJ (Hunterdon County)
Hunterdon County farm winery; weekend reservations strongly suggested.
- HoursWed, Thu, Sun 12-6pm; Fri-Sat 12-9pm
- Reservationsrecommended
- Phone(908) 996-3823
- ChildrenAll ages welcome except Saturday evening live-music event
1 Jeremiah Lane, Pittstown, NJ 08867
Unionville Vineyards
winery · Ringoes, NJ · Central NJ (Hunterdon County)
Hunterdon County winery offering tastings and vineyard tours.
- HoursDaily 12-5pm
- Toursyes - winery and vineyard tours (per site description)
- Phone908-788-0400
9 Rocktown Rd, Ringoes, NJ 08551
Hawk Haven Vineyard & Winery
winery · Rio Grande, NJ · Cape May Peninsula · founded 2007
Cape May County vineyard established in 2007.
- HoursDaily 11am-5pm
- Phone(609) 846-7347
600 South Railroad Avenue, Rio Grande, NJ 08242
Valenzano Winery
winery · Shamong, NJ · Outer Coastal Plain
Burlington County family winery with a Wine Pub serving food during all open hours.
- HoursThu & Sun 12-5pm; Fri-Sat 12-8pm; closed Mon-Wed
- Toursno - none listed
- Reservationswalk-in
- Foodyes
- Phone(609) 268-6731
1090 Route 206, Shamong, NJ 08088

*Check before you go. Every producer here links to its own site, which is where we read these details on the date we checked. Opening hours, tour times, tasting fees and who may come in change without notice and belong to the producer. A blank is something we did not confirm, not something they lack. 2 of these say something about children, in their own words above. Where there is no Children line, we did not find a policy — that is not the same as children being welcome, and several tasting rooms are 21 and over.

Roadside oddities in New Jersey

Lucy the ElephantOdd building / architectureMargate City
Cost to see it
Costs something — we did not find the price published
When you can see it
Only while it is open, and we did not find its hours published
Nearest road
Garden State Pkwy / Atlantic City Expwy
Six-story 1881 elephant-shaped building you can tour inside
Read on the page we checked

These are things you can go and look at, not a recommendation of any of them. Oddities move, get sold and quietly disappear more than anything else we list, so check anything you are driving a long way for. Where this list says we did not find a price or opening times published, that is exactly what we mean. A blank is not “free” and not “always open”. Some sit on private land and can only be seen from the road — please do not go onto anyone’s property. Every entry links the page we read it off.

Venues and Annual Events

13 across New Jersey, by town.

Where to see something

The Stone PonyclubAsbury Park
Hours
Summer box office: Mon noon–3pm, Thu–Sun noon–5pm, and show hours
Address
913 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
Phone
732-502-0600
Capacity
850 indoor; 4,500 Summer Stage
Club associated with Bruce Springsteen and Southside Johnny early in their careers.

What is on, and when

Sea.Hear.Now Festivalmusic festivalAsbury Park
Usually
September, over several days
Held at
Beach and boardwalk (North Beach)
Since
2018
New Jersey State Fair / Sussex County Farm & Horse ShowfairAugusta
Usually
Late July–early August, over several days
Held at
Sussex County Fairgrounds
Ocean County FairfairBerkeley Township
Usually
Mid-July, over several days
Held at
Robert J. Miller Airpark
Morris County 4-H FairfairChester
Usually
Late July, over several days
Held at
Chubb Park
Burlington County Farm FairfairColumbus
Usually
Late July, over several days
Held at
Burlington County Fairgrounds
Middlesex County FairfairEast Brunswick
Usually
Early August, over several days
Held at
Middlesex County Fairgrounds

See the other 6

State Fair Meadowlands — some details below are unconfirmedfairEast Rutherford
Usually
Late June–mid July
Held at
MetLife Stadium grounds
* We could not confirm: the details beyond the month it usually runs. Check their site before you go.
Monmouth County FairfairFreehold
Usually
Late July, over several days
Held at
East Freehold Park Showgrounds
Warren County Farmers' FairfairHarmony
Usually
Late July–early August, over several days
Held at
Warren County Fairgrounds
Hunterdon County 4-H & Agricultural FairfairLambertville
Usually
Mid–late August, over several days
Held at
South County Park
Gloucester County 4-H FairfairMullica Hill
Usually
Late July, over several days
Held at
Gloucester County 4-H Fairgrounds
Salem County FairfairPilesgrove
Usually
Early August, over several days
Held at
Salem County Fairgrounds

This is a list of what is near you, not a recommendation of any of it. Events are listed by the month they usually fall in, because that is what we hold — we do not publish dates, and a month is not a promise. Check the organiser before you plan around one. One entry is marked with an asterisk: we could not confirm part of what is listed, and the note under it says which part. Opening times, line-ups and ticketing change without notice, so check the venue’s or organiser’s own site — every name above links to it.

On the road

Before you set off.

Scenic roads through New Jersey

Federally designated scenic byways and All-American Roads, with the places we publish along each one in the order you meet them.

Palisades Scenic Byway2 states · 17 places we publish Bayshore Heritage BywayNew Jersey · 10 places we publish Pine Barrens BywayNew Jersey · 10 places we publish Delaware River Scenic BywayNew Jersey · 4 places we publish Western Highlands Scenic BywayNew Jersey · 4 places we publish

What to wear in New Jersey

Illustrated outfit board for New Jersey: four seasonal panels of clothing with average temperatures.

Spring 62°/41°F (17°/5°C)

Spring is changeable, with cool starts and rainy spells.

Wear: Start with a long-sleeve tee, stretch pants, and a fleece or sweater. Add a rain shell when the wind or showers pick up.
Shoes: Water-resistant walking shoes with grip; boots for muddy stops.
Pack: fleece or sweater
rain shell
light beanie
spare dry socks

Summer 83°/63°F (29°/17°C)

Summer is warm and humid, with breezes along the shore.

Wear: Choose a loose, breathable tee or shirt with quick-drying shorts, lightweight pants, or an airy dress. Carry a thin layer for chilly indoor stops.
Shoes: Breathable walking sneakers; secure sandals for casual paved stops.
Pack: sun hat
sunglasses
light indoor layer
light rain shell
spare tee

Fall 66°/46°F (19°/8°C)

Fall brings cooling days and chilly evenings.

Wear: Build around a long-sleeve tee, comfortable pants, and a sweater or fleece. Add a wind-resistant jacket for breezy overlooks.
Shoes: Walking shoes with grip; water-resistant boots for wet or muddy routes.
Pack: sweater or fleece
wind and rain shell
beanie
light gloves
spare socks

Winter 43°/25°F (6°/-4°C)

Winter is cold, with occasional snow and coastal storms.

Wear: Layer a moisture-wicking long-sleeve top under a sweater or fleece and an insulated coat. Wear long pants; add thermal bottoms when the forecast calls for them.
Shoes: Waterproof insulated boots for snowy stops, with warm wool or synthetic socks.
Pack: thermal base layers
insulated coat
beanie
gloves or mittens
warm spare socks

Adjust for your route. Northwestern highlands are colder than the southeast. Add a wind-resistant shell for shoreline visits.

Climate background: NOAA State Climate Summary

See what to wear in every state →

Keep exploring

See It in the Book

Explore New Jersey

Locations in New Jersey

Atlantic City

Cape May

Newark

Trenton

National parks and federal sites in New Jersey

State parks in New Jersey

Lakes in New Jersey

Skiing and Snowboarding

Campgaw MountainMahwah

Mountain CreekSummer bike parkVernon

Lift-Served Bike Parks

Mountain CreekAlso a ski resortLift-servedVernon

Long Bike Trails

Zoos, Aquariums and Wildlife Parks

Space Farms Zoo & MuseumBeemerville (Sussex)

Cohanzick ZooBridgeton

Adventure Aquarium* — some details below are unconfirmedAZA-accreditedCamden

Cape May County Park & ZooAZA-accreditedCape May Court House

Lakota Wolf Preserve* — some details below are unconfirmedColumbia

SEA LIFE New Jersey Aquarium* — some details below are unconfirmedEast Rutherford

Popcorn Park Animal Refuge* — some details below are unconfirmedForked River (Lacey Township)

Six Flags Great Adventure Wild Safari* — some details below are unconfirmedJackson Township

Liberty Science Center* — some details below are unconfirmedJersey City

Bergen County ZooParamus

Jenkinson's Aquarium* — some details below are unconfirmedAZA-accreditedPoint Pleasant Beach

Turtle Back ZooAZA-accreditedWest Orange

Woodbridge Aquarium and Wildlife CenterWoodbridge

Amusement and Water Parks

Steel PierSeasonalamusement parkAtlantic City

Fantasy Island Amusement ParkSeasonalamusement parkBeach Haven

Thundering Surf WaterparkSeasonalwater parkBeach Haven

DreamWorks Water Parkwater parkEast Rutherford

Storybook Landtheme parkEgg Harbor Township

iPlay Americafamily entertainment centerFreehold

Land of Make Believe (amusement park)Seasonalamusement park and water parkHope

Six Flags Great Adventuretheme parkJackson

Six Flags Hurricane Harbor New JerseySeasonalwater parkJackson

Keansburg Amusement Park & Runaway RapidsSeasonalamusement park and water parkKeansburg

Wild West Citytheme parkNetcong

Playland's Castaway CoveSeasonalamusement parkOcean City

Jenkinson's BoardwalkSeasonalamusement parkPoint Pleasant Beach

Casino PierSeasonalamusement park and water parkSeaside Heights

Mountain Creek WaterparkSeasonalwater parkVernon

Diggerland USAtheme park and water parkWest Berlin

Morey's PiersSeasonalamusement park and water parkWildwood

Wineries in New Jersey

Alba Vineyard21 and over

Roadside oddities in New Jersey

Lucy the ElephantOdd building / architectureMargate City

Venues and Annual Events

Where to see something

The Stone PonyclubAsbury Park

What is on, and when

Sea.Hear.Now Festivalmusic festivalAsbury Park

New Jersey State Fair / Sussex County Farm & Horse ShowfairAugusta

Ocean County FairfairBerkeley Township

Morris County 4-H FairfairChester

Burlington County Farm FairfairColumbus

Middlesex County FairfairEast Brunswick

State Fair Meadowlands* — some details below are unconfirmedfairEast Rutherford

Monmouth County FairfairFreehold

Warren County Farmers' FairfairHarmony

Hunterdon County 4-H & Agricultural FairfairLambertville

Gloucester County 4-H FairfairMullica Hill

Salem County FairfairPilesgrove

Scenic roads through New Jersey

What to wear in New Jersey

Spring 62°/41°F (17°/5°C)

Summer 83°/63°F (29°/17°C)

Fall 66°/46°F (19°/8°C)

Winter 43°/25°F (6°/-4°C)

Keep exploring

Adventure Aquarium — some details below are unconfirmedAZA-accreditedCamden

Lakota Wolf Preserve — some details below are unconfirmedColumbia

SEA LIFE New Jersey Aquarium — some details below are unconfirmedEast Rutherford

Popcorn Park Animal Refuge — some details below are unconfirmedForked River (Lacey Township)

Six Flags Great Adventure Wild Safari — some details below are unconfirmedJackson Township

Liberty Science Center — some details below are unconfirmedJersey City

Jenkinson's Aquarium — some details below are unconfirmedAZA-accreditedPoint Pleasant Beach

State Fair Meadowlands — some details below are unconfirmedfairEast Rutherford