Need to get away? Planning day trips in NJ can be just the vacation you need if you’re itching to go somewhere but don’t have the time or wallet for a longer trip. Thanks to our prime location in the Garden State, you can have sand between your toes, hike along scenic wooded trails, jump in a lake, or walk in the footsteps of history, all while feeling like you’ve been far, far away. Read below for the perfect spots that satisfy any family vacation craving, and for overnight vacations without a plane ride, check out our guide to family resorts in NJ. (Featured Photo Credit: Highlands Natural Pool)
4 Day Trips In NJ That Feel Like A Vacation
Head to a quiet beach
Skip the rowdy crowds and buzzing boardwalk and head to a quieter spot by the shore for a beachy day trip in NJ. Avon-by-the-Sea offers plenty of waterfront play with amenities, including a playground, pavilion with restrooms, free parking, and a no-frills boardwalk, making a day trip feel like a solid vacation. Start your morning with a peaceful walk on the boardwalk and take in the gorgeous views. Buy a badge, stake out your spot on the beach, and finally relax on the pristine shore renowned for its cleanliness and family atmosphere. Spend the day and then break for a late lunch at the Avon Promenade on the boards steps away from the sand. Feast on freshly rolled sushi, delicious salads, and fish just off the boats as you look out at the fantastic views and listen to live music, or opt for something more casual at their take-out window next door.
Jump in a lake
New Jersey’s bigger lakes can get overrun with boats, so for a pure swimming spot, try Highlands Natural Pool in Ringwood, open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. This spring-fed swimming hole is a hidden gem where kids can take the “go jump in a lake” command seriously. Bring a cooler for lunch and plan for a fun day—there are lifeguarded swimming and roped-off areas like a pool, a sandy volleyball area, a sandbox for littles, and on-site hiking trails that offer scenic views of New York City.
Relive the past
If your family is obsessed with history or wants to appreciate our country’s roots, visiting Morristown is a must. Spend the day retracing Washington’s steps from his headquarters to Jockey Hollow, where revolutionary soldiers fought and lived during the brutal winter of 1780. Stop by The Ford Mansion, most famously known for serving as George Washington’s military headquarters. Today, it’s a museum featuring period furnishings, including the rooms where George Washington reviewed his war plans, and you can take a guided tour to learn more about him and the mansion. Down the road is Historic Speedwell, where Samuel Morse invented the telegraph. The newly renovated 19th-century buildings include interactive displays about communication, making it an ideal place to learn about Morristown’s role in the Industrial Revolution. Next, make a burger pit stop at The Committed Pig, which boasts views of the historic Green. Afterward, head to nearby Jockey Hollow Park, where kids can learn more about the war fought on the grounds and get up close to the authentic soldier huts.
Relax in the great outdoors
Pack a picnic and drive to Cheesequake State Park, known for its unique landscape and one of the most beautiful day trips in NJ. It features saltwater and freshwater marshes, alongside hardwood trees, positioning it within two distinct ecosystems: the sea and the forest. The interpretive nature center is an excellent place to start, where you can view exhibits on nature, wildlife, and history, learn about the three habitats located within the park, and read about the Native Americans and early colonizers of the area. You can also pick up a trail map and decide which of the five trails you can all enjoy—they range from easy to moderate with inclines, and some allow bikes.
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