The Ultimate Weekend Itinerary If You Love Spending Time Outdoors In New Jersey
By Raymond Goldfield|Published May 02, 2023
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Raymond Goldfield
Author
Raymond Goldfield is a life-long New Jersey resident and an avid traveler and foodie who can be usually found on the Jersey Shore during the offseason or checking out the latest seasonal flavors at The Bent Spoon in Princeton. He has been working for Only In Your State for since early 2022, where he writes for New Jersey and Iowa and edits the Mid-Atlantic region. He can also be found writing about pop culture for GeekDad. When at home, he enjoys reading comic books and is part of The Rabbitt Stew podcast team. While New Jersey is his home base, he travels regularly and has visited Virginia, Florida, Maine, Minnesota, and Canada as well as all of NJ's border states. Ultimate travel goal? Visit all the best buffets in the United States.
Many of the uninitiated might think that because New Jersey is such a densely populated and developed state, it doesn’t have much room for natural wonders. However, the residents of the Garden State know that it’s just the opposite – our natural wonders are packed into a dense space, and it’s easy to see a whole bunch of them with less than two hours of driving if you have the right itinerary! New Jersey has some amazing places in both the mountainous north of the state, and the Pine Barrens of southern New Jersey. However, you don’t even have to go to those far stretches for some incredible outdoor adventures and activities in NJ! This trip through central Jersey to the Jersey Shore will take you through a fascinating wildlife preserve, an iconic botanical garden, a crystal-clear lake, and a delicious bistro with a waterfront view before taking you to a relaxing beach house with its own private beach. The weather is taking a turn for the amazing, and there’s never been a better time to get in the car and enjoy all the natural beauty New Jersey has to offer.
From national parks and campgrounds to waterfalls, canyons, and more, there is so much to love about America’s natural splendor — and June, designated as Great Outdoors Month, is the perfect time to get outside.
Taking up just under two hours of driving time, this natural road trip getaway takes you to some of the most underrated sites displaying the best natural beauty New Jersey has to offer.
Explore The Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
The most impressive nature preserve in all of New Jersey, this 7,800-acre wildlife refuge is one of the great spots of unspoiled nature in New Jersey.
Located on the banks of New Jersey's oldest public university is hands down the most beautiful and magical botanical garden in the Garden State - some might say in the entire United States.
Rutgers Gardens is a sprawling complex contained on Rutgers University's territory in New Brunswick. A helpful map at the entry will make it easy to navigate the countless gardens and exhibits.
The gardens are home to unique natural areas, flower beds, art projects, and seasonal markets and farms where you can get fresh produce.
Rutgers Gardens, 112 Log Cabin Rd, North Brunswick Township, NJ 08902, USA
Due to the seasonal nature of the gardens, every visit will be a little different - but there is no better time to visit than as spring turns to summer and the gardens are in full bloom.
Take In The View While Enjoying Fine Dining At Mister C’s Beach Bistro
The most famous restaurant in Allenhurst, this beachside bistro is an institution during the summer months both among locals and visitors.
While Allenhurst is a sleepy town where the Jersey Shore is concerned, Mister C's Beach Bistro always draws a healthy crowd for its stunning views and excellent food.
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Did we mention the cuisine! This isn't your ordinary beach bar-and-grill - the food is seafood-heavy and features seasonal preparations and incredible flavors in every dish.
Mister C's Beach Bistro, Allen Avenue &, Ocean Pl, Allenhurst, NJ 07711, USA
This Manasquan vacation rental is a four-bedroom beach house that sleeps seven, making it perfect for a family getaway. Coming with TV, internet, games, and books, it's the perfect place to unwind after a day of travel.
Of course, that's not the biggest selling point here - that's the stunning view right outside your window!
You have your own private beach, with a view of the ocean. Along with a full kitchen in the house and a fireplace inside, we'd probably be tempted into extending our stay in this beachside paradise and enjoying the shore for a while longer!
Are you excited to embark on a journey into some of the best outdoor adventures and activities in NJ? Do you have any favorite locations packed with natural beauty that you love to travel to? Let us know in the comments section! For more ways to celebrate Great Outdoors Month, take a look at some of Only In Your State’s other New Jersey road trips.
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