New Jersey is an incredible state for road tripping. With its diverse landscape, there is something for everyone to enjoy. From the serene beauty of the Pine Barrens to the bustling boardwalks of the Jersey Shore, there are plenty of scenic drives to explore. Whether you’re looking for a day trip or a weekend getaway, these top scenic drives in New Jersey will take you on a journey of discovery. From the rolling hills of the Skylands to the majestic Delaware Water Gap, these scenic drives will be sure to make you appreciate New Jersey’s beauty. Along the way, you can enjoy the panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, the fragrant smell of the pine trees, and the vibrant colors of the fall foliage. So, get ready to hit the road and explore the best of what New Jersey has to offer.
Skylands Scenic Drive
The Skylands Scenic Drive is a road trip destination for its breathtaking scenery. Along this route, you can take in some of the state of New Jersey’s most breathtaking scenery. The northern part of the state is where the drive is, making it a convenient option for those staying in the New York City area. From Manhattan, you can travel to some of New Jersey’s most famous landmarks, such as the Delaware Water Gap, in under two hours. Driving this route will take you through a variety of environments, from farmland to forests to swamps to rock formations. The drive is a wonderful way to take in a wide range of New Jersey’s natural wonders, such as the Kittatinny Mountains, the Ramapo Mountains, and the picturesque Delaware River Gorge.
Delaware Water Gap Scenic Drive
One of the most beautiful drives in New Jersey is the Delaware Water Gap Scenic Drive. You will see how the lush Pennsylvanian forests change as you travel from the New Jersey highlands. This is the drive for you if you’re looking for a breathtaking and historically significant scenic route. While driving, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the Appalachian Mountains in the distance and the Delaware River below. The renowned River Bend Cafe, known for its delectable breakfasts and river views, is another location you’ll pass. You’ll see some of the best fall foliage in the nation if you go in the autumn. Given that it’s in the middle of New Jersey, this scenic drive is a fantastic option for tourists.
Jersey Shore Scenic Drive
The Jersey Shore Scenic Drive is not for those who are easily intimidated. This scenic drive passes through the heart of the Jersey Shore, which is home to some of the most popular tourist destinations. Along the route, you will see the magnificent Atlantic Ocean, the picturesque Barnegat Lighthouse, the quaint streets of Cape May, and the lively Atlantic City Boardwalk, among other sights. The route is located in the southern portion of the state, making it an excellent option for Philadelphia-area residents. The approximately three-hour drive is a fantastic way to see everything the Jersey Shore has to offer. Fall visitors will be treated to the vibrant colors of the leaves as they change. This route is ideal for those who wish to see the best of New Jersey in a single day.
Pine Barrens Scenic Drive
A scenic drive through the Pine Barrens is required for any road trip in New Jersey. The Pine Barrens are one of New Jersey’s most distinctive regions and home to some of the state’s most breathtaking natural beauty. This scenic drive traverses the Barnegat and Bass River State Forests, which provide a variety of scenic vistas. You will see the crystal-clear waters of Piners Creek, the picturesque cranberry bogs, and the iconic Black Water Swamp along the way. This scenic route is the ideal option for travelers to southern New Jersey. The drive takes about an hour and a half to complete and is located near Atlantic City and the Jersey Shore, making it an excellent option for visitors to the southern region of the state.
Kittatinny Valley Scenic Drive
The Kittatinny Valley Scenic Drive is an excellent scenic route for anyone visiting northern New Jersey. This route takes you through the Kittatinny Valley, one of the state’s most scenic areas. You’ll see the beautiful Kittatinny Mountains, the rushing waters of the Great Delaware River, and the colorful fall foliage along the way. This scenic drive is ideal for visitors in the fall, when the valley is known for its vibrant fall colors. This drive is in the northern part of the state, making it an excellent choice for anyone driving to New York City. This scenic drive is approximately two hours from New York City and is an excellent way to see the best of New Jersey in a single day.
Delaware River Scenic Byway
Route 29, the Delaware River Scenic Byway, runs from Hancock in Sussex County to Trenton in Mercer County. The drive passes the Delaware River, New Hope, PA, Stockton, NJ, and Lambertville, NJ. It passes through farmland and charming towns. The scenic drive can be accessed from the Hancock Village Byway, the Bridge on the River Wye, the DE River Scenic Byway, the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park, the Riverview Scenic Byway, and the Camden Scenic Byway.
Garden State Parkway
The Garden State Parkway (or Route 4) is a beautiful highway in New Jersey. From the George Washington Bridge all the way to the New Jersey/New York state line, this parkway (which is four lanes in each direction) provides spectacular views of the Garden State. The route passes by several beautiful areas, including the Hudson River, the Meadowlands, and the New Jersey Pinelands. Northern New Jersey, Central New Jersey, Southern New Jersey, and Southwestern New Jersey make up the scenic drive’s four sections. The parkway is open all year round, at any time of day or night. The route features numerous scenic overlooks, so you can pull over and take in the sights.
Palisades Scenic Drive
One of the most stunning drives in New Jersey is the Palisades Scenic Drive. On this route, you’ll see two of New Jersey’s most beautiful areas: the Hudson and Palisades. Views of the Hudson River, the Palisades, Bear Mountain Bridge, and Bear Mountain State Park will greet you along the way. In the fall, when the leaves change colors, this scenic drive is a great choice for tourists. Visitors to the New York City area will find this route in the state’s north to be convenient. You can see a lot of New Jersey’s top attractions in a day if you take the two-and-a-half-hour drive from New York City.
Great Egg Harbor Bay Scenic Drive
The Great Egg Harbor Bay Scenic Drive is among the most beautiful roads in New Jersey. This route takes you to the southern region of New Jersey, where some of the state’s most distinctive attractions are located. Along the route, you will observe the stunning Great Egg Harbor Bay, the charming Atlantic City Boardwalk, and the renowned Cape May Lighthouse. This scenic drive is perfect for autumn tourists, as this region is renowned for its vibrant fall foliage. This route is located in the southern portion of the state and is highly recommended for Philadelphia-area visitors. The three-hour drive from Philadelphia is a fantastic way to see the best of New Jersey in one day.
Cape May Scenic Drive
If you’re looking for a scenic drive in New Jersey, look no further than the Cape May Scenic Drive. Traveling this route will bring you to the southernmost tip of New Jersey, where you can take in some of the state’s most recognizable landmarks, such as the Cape May Lighthouse. In the autumn, when the leaves change color, this road trip is a must-do for tourists. If you’re in the Philadelphia area and looking for a great drive, look no further than this southern route. It is possible to see much of New Jersey in a single day if you take the three-hour drive from Philadelphia.
Atlantic City Boardwalk Scenic Drive
A lot of people say that the Atlantic City Boardwalk Scenic Drive is the best scenic drive in all of New Jersey. You’ll see some of New Jersey’s most famous landmarks along the way to its southernmost point. Along the way, you can take in sights like the Atlantic Ocean, the Atlantic City Boardwalk, and the Atlantic City Inlet. In the fall, when the leaves change colors, this drive is at its most beautiful. If you’re planning a trip to the Philadelphia area, you should definitely take this drive, which is conveniently located in the state’s southern region. The trip takes about three hours from Philadelphia and is a fantastic way to see the highlights of the Garden State in a single outing.
Conclusion
New Jersey does not disappoint when it comes to scenic drives. The state has some of the most stunning landscapes in the country, making it ideal for a scenic drive. Whether you visit in the spring, summer, fall, or winter, there is bound to be a scenic drive that suits your needs. These drives will make you appreciate New Jersey’s beauty, from the rolling hills of the Skylands to the majestic Delaware Water Gap.
