The 9 Best Stops On A Road Trip From New Brunswick To Seaside Heights
By Raymond Goldfield|Published March 06, 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.
New Jersey is the most densely packed state in the nation, and that means no matter where you are, there will be a lot to do! You can go on an epic road trip and only cover a small part of the state – but still have a day packed with great activities and food! This coastal road trip in New Jersey is a perfect example of that. It starts in the busy cultural town of New Brunswick, before shifting from central New Jersey to the early part of the Jersey Shore and winding up in the popular beach town of Seaside Heights. Along the way, you’ll encounter unique attractions, delicious food, mouthwatering desserts, and stunning history. The craziest part of it all is, you’ll only drive just under seventy miles on this road trip itinerary, making nine stops along the way on a day you’ll never forget.
Central New Jersey is one of the most packed regions of the state, and this coastal road trip will show you the best it has to offer.
Start your day in New Brunswick at this inventive international sausage shop. One of the unique hot dogs makes an ideal hearty breakfast - make sure to check the seasonal specials.
Across the river only a few minutes' drive away is this humble corner bake shop. You'll definitely want to pick up some cookies, pastries, and bagels for the road. As a bonus, most of the treats here are dairy-free for those with allergies.
As you approach the Jersey Shore, your first stop is in Perth Amboy - at this historic museum, which used to be the home of New Jersey's colonial governor. Tours are available on the weekends.
As you drive, it'll definitely be time for lunch. This seafood shack is a working fish market, but it also serves up the best fried fish in New Jersey for hungry visitors. It's only feet from the pier for lunch with a view.
Take a break from the car for an hour to test your wits! This spooky, immersive escape room can transport the whole family to the Himalayas for a yeti hunt or the Paris Catacombs for a thrilling maze.
Time for another dessert stop! This hole-in-the-wall Asbury Park scoop shop serves some of the state's richest ice cream. It also features an extensive selection of vegan flavors.
One of the most iconic attractions on the Jersey Shore, this year-round aquarium features thousands of sea creatures, along with a seal-feeding show several times a day.
Have you visited any of the stops on this coastal road trip in New Jersey? Tell us about your experiences in the comments section, and let us know about your own road trip plans for this year! For more things to do in the Garden State, check out this list of twelve hidden gems for 2023.
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