New Jersey has a treasure trove of delightful secrets, just waiting to be discovered. From gorgeous gardens to quirky state monuments, epic sandwich menus to alien invasions, these 12 hidden gems in New Jersey are the state’s best-kept secrets.

1. Rutgers Gardens, a secret garden hidden between highways
RutgersGardens/Facebook
RutgersGardens/Facebook
These gorgeous, secret gardens are located in New Brunswick, just minutes from the Turnpike and nestled under the Route 1 exit ramps. Rutgers Gardens is home to America's second-largest collection of holly, and they even have their own farmers market featuring some of the freshest fruit in Jersey. Learn more about Rutgers Gardens on their website.
2. Sinatra's Towel
WhiteHouseSubShop/Facebook
Located in White House Sub Shop in Atlantic City, enjoy a spectacular sandwich, celebrity memorabilia and famous guests. This is certainly a quirky, Jersey-centric spot! Find the menu and more information for White House on their website.
3. Women's Federation Monument
Charles Boyle/Flickr
This beautiful tower overlooks the Hudson River from atop the Palisades Cliffs. It commemorates the role of the New Jersey Women's Federation in preserving the natural beauty of the cliffs. It is an incredibly scenic spot, perfect for picnics and totally Insta-worthy photo opps.
4. The Haddonfield dinosaur
Dave Buchhoefer/Flickr
The first full dinosaur skeleton to be found in North America was discovered in 1858 in Haddonfield, New Jersey! Bet you didn't know that. While the skeleton is currently on display in Philadelphia, Downtown Haddonfield commemorates its paleontological notoriety with a life-size dinosaur model. If you totally geek out about dinosaurs (and who doesn't, really?), check out this NJ fossil park!
5. New Jersey Craft Beer Club
Smab Sputzer/Flickr
If you love craft beer, join the club! Perks include discounts at bars, clubs, pubs and liquor stores - you can even save on food. Deals range from $1 off a drink to 10% off your order, and they're valid at more than 100 breweries throughout the state. Learn more right here.

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6. The world's oldest magic shop
MartinkaMagic/Facebook
Once owned by Houdini, Martinka has been in business for over 130 years. They operate as a shop and museum, offering autographs, tricks and memorabilia. Guests are welcome to buy, sell or simply explore the Midland Park store during business hours: 12-5:30, Tuesday through Friday. Visit their website to see everything that's being offered at this one-of-a-kind spot.
7. Windmill Hot Dogs
WindMill Hot Dogs/Facebook
Delicious dogs, a unique building and just minutes from the beach in Long Branch! There's a reason that Windmill was named one of the best hot dog shops in the state!
8. Hackensack River Eco-Cruises
HackensackRiverKeeper/Facebook
The Hackensack River may seem like a strange spot for a cruise, but you're sure to be surprised by the wildlife and beautiful scenery at this outdoor gem! Take a ride with the Hackensack Riverkeepers - learn more about what they offer on their website, here.
9. The secret menu at Jersey Mike's
JerseyMike's/Facebook
Though this shop isn't just a Jersey chain, it got its start in Manasquan, and there are 49 locations in The Garden State. Try the Cancro Special, with roast beef, provolone, and pepperoni, all grilled and toasted until the cheese is melted perfection. Yum! Here's a guide to their secret menu.
10. Sybil's Cave
WalterBurns/Flickr
Located in Hoboken, this cave was once a popular tourist attraction, but is now gated off. Still, the site has some interesting history: an unsolved murder here inspired Edgar Allen Poe's "The Mystery of Marie Roget." Though the cave is closed, you can still see the exterior while walking along the waterfront.
11. Duke Farms
DukeFarms/Facebook
This gorgeous estate in Hillsborough is free and open to the public and offers a wide range of activities. Walk the gardens, hunt for a geocache, stop at the cafe or participate in the bike share program! Learn more about Duke Farms on their website.
12. Coffee that's out-of-this-world at Grover's Mill Coffee Co
Grover's Mill Coffee House/Facebook
If you're a regular reader, you're probably aware of the Grover's Mill alien invasion scare of 1938. We've actually covered the monument in a previous article, but recently discovered this alien-themed coffee shop. It's dedicated to the Halloween radio broadcast of War of the Worlds, which people mistakenly took as fact. Bizarre! But great coffee. Visit their website for more information!

I’ve lived in New Jersey all my life, but I’m sure there are many secrets I have yet to discover. Do you know of any incredible shops, restaurants, museums, or attractions? Nominate your favorites right here, and we’ll be sure to check them out! Who knows, you may see your community featured before you know it.

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More to Explore

Hidden Gems In New Jersey

Kim Magaraci | February 15, 2021

What are the most unique towns in New Jersey?

Even though NJ is so densely populated, the state still manages to create vibrant small communities within the bigger urbanized areas. Some of the most unique towns in the state include Merchantville, in Camden County, where you'll find a historic Main Street and old homes converted into charming small businesses. In Burlington County, Mount Holly is home to a great downtown district and a haunted park trail that takes you up to the top of the Mount for which the city is named. Mount Tabor is another cute town, and this former Methodist retreat is unique thanks to its gingerbread-style architecture. Of course, no conversation about unique towns in New Jersey is complete without a mention of Asbury Park, the artsy music town down the shore with its iconic Convention Hall, the Wonder Bar, and the Stone Pony.

What are the most popular foods in New Jersey?

Here in NJ, we love to eat! In the mornings, catch us with a pork roll, egg, and cheese sandwich - on a bagel, of course. Down in South Jersey, you might find scrapple on breakfast plates, and up north, you'll cause a stir if you don't order Taylor Ham. Jersey is also the pizza capital of the country, so order a slice and chow down. Oh, and whether you call them hoagies or subs, you'll find great sandwiches in delis all across the state.

What are the most beautiful places in New Jersey?

The Garden State has several beautiful parks and botanic gardens that are each worth visiting. Rutgers Gardens is a hidden oasis in an otherwise urbanized area that's home to a seasonal farmer's market. Sayen House and Gardens, in Hamilton, is wonderful in the early spring when their azalea walk is in bloom. During Cherry Blossom season, the trees in Newark will blow you away with their beauty. If you prefer a rockier landscape, the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is one of the most beautiful places in New Jersey for hiking or paddling.

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Featured Addresses
Rutgers Gardens, 112 Log Cabin Rd, North Brunswick Township, NJ 08902, USA
White House Sub Shop, 2301 Arctic Ave, Atlantic City, NJ 08401, USA
Norwood, NJ 07648, USA
37e Lantern Ln, Haddonfield, NJ 08033, USA
103 Godwin Ave, Midland Park, NJ 07432, USA
Windmill HotDogs of West End, 586 Ocean Blvd, Long Branch, NJ 07740, USA
Hackensack Riverkeeper, Inc., 231 Main St, Hackensack, NJ 07601, USA
2627 NJ-70, Manasquan, NJ 08736, USA
Sybil's Cave, Frank Sinatra Dr, Hoboken, NJ 07030, USA
Duke Farms, 1112 Dukes Pkwy W, Hillsborough Township, NJ 08844, USA
Grover's Mill Coffee Co, 295 Princeton Hightstown Rd, West Windsor Township, NJ 08550, USA