NJ is famous for many things—Lucy the Elephant, Liberty State Park, and Princeton, among others—but there are a few hidden gems in NJ that even long-time residents overlook. And since we’re not ones to gatekeep, we’re going to spill the details. From hidden hiking spots to not-so-famous parks to historic eateries to under-the-radar towns, these spots are worth a visit. Scroll down to start planning your itinerary now. (feature photo credit: @finding_pretty_places)
These Are 15+ Hidden Gems In NJ To Visit Now
Hidden Gems in North Jersey
Crystal Lake Camp
Get ready to get spooked (if you dare) at the actual location where Friday the 13th Part 1 was filmed. Fans of the movie can head to Camp No-Be-Bo-Sco (Crystal Lake Camp in the film) for guided tours that highlight the camp’s famous film locations. They also host special events featuring activities such as canoeing, meet-and-greets, and archery. Be sure to swing by the gift shop on your way out—a must for Freddy Krueger and Camp Crystal Lake merch.
Sand Pond Road, Blairstown, NJ 07825
Hamilton Dueling Grounds
Hamilton Park in Weehawken, named for Alexander Hamilton, features a bust of the famed political figure who laid the groundwork for the US Constitution and offers a glimpse into a real piece of Revolutionary War history, made even more famous by the Broadway show. Still, the real reason to come to this NJ hidden gem is the screen-worthy views—a fantastic backdrop for Insta-shots and holiday card photo ops. And if your fam is a fan of Hamilton, stop by the plaque at the Weehawken Dueling Grounds within the park, commemorating where Hamilton and Aaron Burr had their famous duel.
Hamilton Avenue, Weehawken, NJ 07086
Lakota Wolf Preserve
Wolves, bobcats, foxes, and lynx in their natural habitat can be seen at the Lakota Wolf Preserve. It’s the largest location in the Northeast where you can experience the beauty and grace of these endangered creatures. Take a guided tour or spend time in an observation area surrounded by four packs of wolves for an experience of a lifetime.
89 Mount Pleasant Road, Columbia, NJ 07832
Liberty Hall Museum
Tucked away on the Kean University campus is a museum, arboretum, and gardens that grace the over 250-year history of a revolutionary-era mansion home to governors, congressmen, senators, and more. Take a guided tour of Liberty Hall with period furnishings, try an educational program, or wander through the arboretum and gardens, which highlight historical horticulture and include some of New Jersey’s oldest trees. The Museum at Liberty Hall is also part of the Passport to Your National Parks program, so make sure you bring in your passport to get it stamped.
1003 Morris Avenue, Union, NJ 07083
Hidden Gems in Central Jersey
BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham
It will feel like you have been transported to another place as you enter this landmark of Hindu architecture and culture, so captivating that you will be in awe of the massive campus that stretches before you. BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham is like nothing else in the Garden State, with Nilkanth Plaza a place to reflect, a Traditional Hindu Mandir as a space of serenity, and Brahm Kund a traditional stepped pond. But, you definitely won’t want to miss Akshardham Mahamandir, the grand centerpiece of this temple that is like no other.
112 N. Main Street, Robbinsville Township, NJ 08561
Cattus Island
Enter an area with unspoiled beauty and 530 acres, seven trails, beach views, and an environmental center with hands-on educational displays. On Cattus Island, you can see animals, trails, and the beach, as well as the newly renovated Cooper Environmental Center with hands-on educational displays that include a live view of the osprey cam, a habitat tree and tunnel, a bird-viewing area, and a children’s activity corner. Plus, there is a collection of live reptiles and fish, as well as a Butterfly Garden where you can view native plants and pollinators.
1170 Cattus Island Boulevard, Toms River, NJ 08753
Duke Farms
Once the home of tobacco heiress Doris Duke, Duke Farms is a hidden gem where you can explore 900 acres of hiking and biking trails, attend events to admire the beautiful orchids under the full moon, or cross the Guzei Bridge to visit the Meditation Garden. With 2,700 acres in Hillsborough, New Jersey, Duke Farms is a place where you can introduce your kids to the beauty of the environment and the importance of stewardship.
1112 Dukes Parkway West, Hillsborough, NJ 08844
Lambertville
Ocean Grove
This quieter beach town is a great place to visit any time of year because it has a simple boardwalk and a small historic village made for exploring, which puts it at the top of our list for must-go-to hidden gems in NJ. The legendary Great Auditorium is the heart of the town—the site of music and religious services—and generations of Methodist families own the 114 tents surrounding it. Make a pit stop at Day’s Ice Cream for an old-fashioned ice cream parlor experience; it’s been open for 138 years and is the town’s oldest continually operating business. Kids will like heading down the Ocean Pathway, a stretch of grass (and sidewalks with benches) that connects the village to the beach and is lined with charming Victorian-style houses.
Papa’s Tomato Pies
Snag a slice and piece of history at the oldest pizza joint in New Jersey and the longest-operating one owned by the same family in the United States since 1912. They’re known for their unique Spicy Brown Mustard pie, where they spread a dollop of mustard between the dough before baking it (ah, yum?!). But don’t worry if your family doesn’t get it—they’ve also got the beloved classic pies, pasta, and delicious Italian favorites.
19 Robbinsville Allentown Road, Robbinsville, NJ 08691
The Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park Trail
An absolute hidden gem in NJ, this entire trail is a whopping 70 miles, but don’t let that deter you, since there are plenty of smooth, flat paths. Choose one of the entry points along the canal—you can’t go wrong since they all offer picturesque views at every turn (imagine those Insta posts). Got kids who love to ride their bikes? Take a ride on the trail and along the river. Plan to pack a lunch and picnic—there are tables and grills at certain spots, but you can also grab a patch of grass and lay down a blanket. And if you get lucky, you might even come across a plodding turtle or cute bunny on the path.
Trailheads starting in Trenton, Frenchtown, and New Brunswick
The Swinging Bridge over Stony Brook
This swinging bridge is a must if you’re looking for a bit of adventure. Kids will like “walking the plank” across this bridge, with ropes lining the edge as you cross. For the most Insta-worthy shots, going during fall is prime since the foliage around the bridge pops, giving you that feeling you’ve stumbled upon a hidden treasure. It’s a bit tricky to find (most hidden gems are), but you’ll see it as you make your way down the trail. Park at the Princeton Battlefield State Park, and from there, turn off Mercer Road, walk past the Clarke House Museum, and then take a few unmarked trails for about 1.3 miles until you uncover the secret bridge.
Located in Princeton
Hidden Gems in South Jersey
Batsto Village
This historic site in the South Central Pinelands of New Jersey has roots dating back to 1766. It has one of the four oldest post offices in the United States and a 32-room mansion that served as a residence for generations of iron masters. Other buildings include the General Store, Gristmill, Sawmill, Blacksmith, Glass Works, Cottages, Farm, Icehouse, and a Nature Center. Join a guided tour or walking tour to learn all about this historic site.
31 Batsto Road, Hammonton, NJ 08037
Broadway Theatre of Pitman
Opened in May 1926, this opulent New Jersey theatre was designed in the French Revival style by the Philadelphia firm of Eberhard, Magaziner, and Harris. But what makes this a real hidden gem is that the theatre still has its original 3/8 Kimball pipe organ – a unique instrument for its size. The Southern Jersey Theatre Organ Society has restored the Kimball to full concert status, and it’s used in many productions.
43 South Broadway, Pitman, NJ 08071
Cowtown Rodeo
Believe it or not, New Jersey is home to the longest-running weekly professional rodeo in the United States. Cowtown Rodeo not only produces rodeos all over the East Coast, from Rutland, Vermont, to Raleigh, North Carolina, but also raises most of its bucking stock. The bucking horses you see today are the grandsons and granddaughters of those from the early 1970s. Known as “The Best Show on Dirt”, you can catch the rodeo in South Jersey from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
780 Harding Highway, Pilesgrove, NJ 08098
Whitesbog Village
This site is where Elizabeth White, in collaboration with Dr. Frederick V. Coville, developed the first cultivated blueberry in 1916, and her test fields remain there today. The village, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, was once a company town and working farm, with 25 original buildings that host year-round events and festivals, such as the Blueberry Festival. Take a hike on one of the trails in the surrounding Brendan T. Byrne Forest and check out where everyone’s favorite berry originated.
799 Lakehurst Road, Browns Mills, NJ 08015
Woodland Village
There are 17 unique shops hidden between landscaped walkways and overhanging wisteria on the pavilion at Woodland Village in Clermont, NJ. The peaceful wooded atmosphere is an ideal place to slow down and shop. From an ice cream shop to a candy shop to a tea and spice shop, there is a little bit of everything here. The Garden Center and Flower Shop are nearby, so that you can bring some of the beauty home with you.
1919 North Route 9, Clermont, NJ 08210
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