New Jersey has all sorts of hidden gems – in fact, it can seem impossible to see all of them. Luckily, we’ve created a road trip that will take you to some of our favorite little-known places in the state in a quick and easy way. Check out this awesome hidden gems in New Jersey road trip, where you’ll hit all the best, lesser-known spots.

This road trip takes minimal driving time between destinations and takes you to some of New Jersey’s best hidden gems.

Google Maps

Start off the day in Asbury Park with the Asbury Park Pedal Boats.

Michael M/TripAdvisor Asbury Park, NJ 07712, USA

Jenkinson’s Boardwalk is the next stop.

Jenkinson’s Boardwalk/Facebook Everybody knows about Atlantic City’s boardwalk, but this one is a little lesser-known. Still, it has a beachfront, an amusement park, and fun shops and ice cream. What’s not to love? Jenkinson’s Boardwalk, 300 Ocean Ave N, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742, USA

It’s time for some food at Papa’s Tomato Pies.

Papa’s Tomato Pies/Facebook This family-run eatery has been in business since 1912, and after trying its pizzas, you’ll understand why. 19 Main St, Robbinsville Twp, NJ 08691, USA

Experience some history and refreshments at Yankee Doodle Tap Room.

Yankee Doodle Tap Room/Facebook This historical pub has been around since the 1700s! You’ll get a taste of the past and delicious beer here. 10 Palmer Square E, Princeton, NJ 08542, USA

Enjoy a stroll around Rutgers Gardens.

Rutgers Gardens/Facebook Not many people know about this beautiful, peaceful oasis. Soak up the flowers and the quiet! 112 Log Cabin Rd, East Brunswick, NJ 08816, USA

Head to Gunnison Beach to watch the sunset.

Olga N/TripAdvisor OK, Gunnison Beach is unusual because it’s a nude beach — one of the few still around in the northeast. However, you can easily keep your clothes on and avoid spotting anything you don’t want to see here — just keep your eyes on the absolutely phenomenal sunset at this quieter beach. Gunnison Beach, Atlantic Dr, Highlands, NJ 07732, USA

And if this particular route doesn’t work for you, just mix and match! There are different options and who says you can’t try ’em all? Be sure to stick around for more New Jersey road trip ideas – we’ve got a lot of big things packed into our little state!

Google Maps

Michael M/TripAdvisor

Asbury Park, NJ 07712, USA

Jenkinson’s Boardwalk/Facebook

Everybody knows about Atlantic City’s boardwalk, but this one is a little lesser-known. Still, it has a beachfront, an amusement park, and fun shops and ice cream. What’s not to love?

Jenkinson’s Boardwalk, 300 Ocean Ave N, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742, USA

Papa’s Tomato Pies/Facebook

This family-run eatery has been in business since 1912, and after trying its pizzas, you’ll understand why.

19 Main St, Robbinsville Twp, NJ 08691, USA

Yankee Doodle Tap Room/Facebook

This historical pub has been around since the 1700s! You’ll get a taste of the past and delicious beer here.

10 Palmer Square E, Princeton, NJ 08542, USA

Rutgers Gardens/Facebook

Not many people know about this beautiful, peaceful oasis. Soak up the flowers and the quiet!

112 Log Cabin Rd, East Brunswick, NJ 08816, USA

Olga N/TripAdvisor

OK, Gunnison Beach is unusual because it’s a nude beach — one of the few still around in the northeast. However, you can easily keep your clothes on and avoid spotting anything you don’t want to see here — just keep your eyes on the absolutely phenomenal sunset at this quieter beach.

Gunnison Beach, Atlantic Dr, Highlands, NJ 07732, USA

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

The OIYS Visitor Center

Hidden Gems in New Jersey May 29, 2022 Tori Jane What are some must-do New Jersey hidden gems?   New Jersey might be a tiny little state, but it’s got big heart and huge personality! It’s filled with fun little hidden gems that even many locals don’t know about, but we love them! Should you be a fan of natural wonders of New Jersey, be sure to check out Buttermilk Falls at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. The region is home to numerous waterfalls, but that one is probably our favorite! It’s easily one of the best waterfalls in New Jersey. If you prefer sticking to the city, be sure to visit the Deep Cut Gardens in Middletown, which will blow you away with its serenity.   Where are the best hidden places in New Jersey?   Of course, the list of hidden places in New Jersey goes on! If you enjoyed the magic of the Deep Cut Gardens, you’ll also probably love the mystique of Rutger’s Gardens, in New Brunswick. It’s hidden away beneath some highway ramps for Route 1, and because of this, lots of folks don’t even realize it’s there! Alternatively, if you’re a fan of the distant history of New Jersey from before time, head over to Haddonfield, where the first complete dinosaur skeleton found in all of North America was found, and check out the downtown area, which is filled with all kinds of dino-centric delights.   What kind of interesting New Jersey road trips can I go on?   New Jersey is tiny but that just makes it even better for road trips, we think – after all, you’ll never have to go super far! No matter what your interests are, you’ll be able to make a road trip in New Jersey out of them. Some of our favorite ideas for road trips include the ultimate Jersey Shore road trip, abandoned places in New Jersey road trip, and even an epic waterfall road trip! Embark upon adventure seeking out the best ice cream in the state, or maybe the best barbecue – the options are only as limited as your imagination!  

The OIYS Visitor Center

Hidden Gems in New Jersey

May 29, 2022

Tori Jane

What are some must-do New Jersey hidden gems?   New Jersey might be a tiny little state, but it’s got big heart and huge personality! It’s filled with fun little hidden gems that even many locals don’t know about, but we love them! Should you be a fan of natural wonders of New Jersey, be sure to check out Buttermilk Falls at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. The region is home to numerous waterfalls, but that one is probably our favorite! It’s easily one of the best waterfalls in New Jersey. If you prefer sticking to the city, be sure to visit the Deep Cut Gardens in Middletown, which will blow you away with its serenity.   Where are the best hidden places in New Jersey?   Of course, the list of hidden places in New Jersey goes on! If you enjoyed the magic of the Deep Cut Gardens, you’ll also probably love the mystique of Rutger’s Gardens, in New Brunswick. It’s hidden away beneath some highway ramps for Route 1, and because of this, lots of folks don’t even realize it’s there! Alternatively, if you’re a fan of the distant history of New Jersey from before time, head over to Haddonfield, where the first complete dinosaur skeleton found in all of North America was found, and check out the downtown area, which is filled with all kinds of dino-centric delights.   What kind of interesting New Jersey road trips can I go on?   New Jersey is tiny but that just makes it even better for road trips, we think – after all, you’ll never have to go super far! No matter what your interests are, you’ll be able to make a road trip in New Jersey out of them. Some of our favorite ideas for road trips include the ultimate Jersey Shore road trip, abandoned places in New Jersey road trip, and even an epic waterfall road trip! Embark upon adventure seeking out the best ice cream in the state, or maybe the best barbecue – the options are only as limited as your imagination!  

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

New Jersey might be a tiny little state, but it’s got big heart and huge personality! It’s filled with fun little hidden gems that even many locals don’t know about, but we love them! Should you be a fan of natural wonders of New Jersey, be sure to check out Buttermilk Falls at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. The region is home to numerous waterfalls, but that one is probably our favorite! It’s easily one of the best waterfalls in New Jersey. If you prefer sticking to the city, be sure to visit the Deep Cut Gardens in Middletown, which will blow you away with its serenity.  

Where are the best hidden places in New Jersey?  

Of course, the list of hidden places in New Jersey goes on! If you enjoyed the magic of the Deep Cut Gardens, you’ll also probably love the mystique of Rutger’s Gardens, in New Brunswick. It’s hidden away beneath some highway ramps for Route 1, and because of this, lots of folks don’t even realize it’s there! Alternatively, if you’re a fan of the distant history of New Jersey from before time, head over to Haddonfield, where the first complete dinosaur skeleton found in all of North America was found, and check out the downtown area, which is filled with all kinds of dino-centric delights.  

What kind of interesting New Jersey road trips can I go on?  

New Jersey is tiny but that just makes it even better for road trips, we think – after all, you’ll never have to go super far! No matter what your interests are, you’ll be able to make a road trip in New Jersey out of them. Some of our favorite ideas for road trips include the ultimate Jersey Shore road trip, abandoned places in New Jersey road trip, and even an epic waterfall road trip! Embark upon adventure seeking out the best ice cream in the state, or maybe the best barbecue – the options are only as limited as your imagination!