Great Falls of the Passaic River in Paterson, New Jersey By Merle9999 – Wikimedia Commons

Ten Beautiful Places to visit in New Jersey


 

New Jersey, typically known for being unashamedly loud, and feisty, is also arguably one of America’s most eye-candy states.  Despite being quite small it for sure packs a punch. The beautiful, long, wide sandy beaches are the first things people think of when they think of this particular state.

You can explore away from the rollercoaster-riding and sunbathing.  In addition, you’ll realize that there is more to it as you’ll find some unique and tranquil beauty spots. Here are 10 beautiful places to visit in New Jersey on your next adventure in the state. 

1. Delaware Water Gap Recreational Area

Running through Warren and Sussex counties is the water gap, a scenic passage between rocky mountain ridges and low forested mountain. known for its distinct vacation appeal. It covers a gigantic area of 70,000 acres, acting as a boundary between Pennsylvania and New Jersey and encompasses native American sites and structures from early Dutch settlement.

As a visitor you should expect gorgeous scenery as you visit the historic Millbrook Village, hike to the Dingman Falls or engage yourself in watersports along the Delaware River valley. The pristine landscape of this national recreation area will take you back in time.

2. The Red Mill

The Red Mill in Clinton New Jersey By Christopher Lotito – Wikimedia Commons

Clinton is a charming country town situated in Hunterdon County, just over an hour west of the Lincoln Tunnel. The picturesque Red Mill, with a unique roof has become a focal point in this town. Its vast history as it once was a peach basket factory, a wool processing plant and a textile mill in the early 1800s.

Right on the opposite bank of the South Branch Raritan River also lies the Stone Mill which is also a famous landmark. Nowadays visitors gawk at The Red Mill’s unique colour and position on a dam where streams of water run past it in the most gentle of ways.

3. The Adventure Aquarium

On the Delaware River in Camden lies the Adventure Aquarium, a two-million-gallon aquarium. It is home to more than 8500 marine animals including penguins, stingrays, sea turtles and a large of collection of sharks. The Adventure Aquarium is considered one of the best aquatic educational facilities.

Moreover, it also has the distinction of being the only aquarium with hippos worldwide. Fortunately, the aquarium gives visitors the chance to meet some animals like sea turtles and African penguins up close and an in-water encounter with stingrays and sharks.

4. Speedwell Waterfall

Speedwell Park in Morristown, New Jersey By William Doyle – Wikimedia Commons

One of the idyllic spot situated across the street from Historic Speedwell, Morristown is the Speedwell Waterfall. It gives tourists a chance to step back in time and time warp into the Industrial Revolution with well preserved ancient buildings that trace back to the 18th Century. It is famous for being the spot where Samuel F. Morse and Alfred Vail first demonstrated the Morse code to the public.

5. Ramapo Valley

This Ramapo Valley County Reservation in Mahwah is considered a perfect spot for hikes with 21 miles of hiking trails. It features five main trails with contrasting difficulty and one of the best trails is Vista Loop Trail that boasts panoramic views as well as a reservoir and a waterfall.

6. The Great Falls

Great Falls of Paterson By FirozAnsari –Wikimedia Commons

This is a spectacular waterfall standing at 23 meters high on the Passaic River in Paterson, surrounded by a National Historic Park. It is one of the largest waterfalls in the United States, formed around 13,000 years ago. It is said that the Dutch settlers moved in. during the 1690s but the Lenape Native Americans originally settled on the site years back.

7. Cape May

Undeniably one of the best beaches on the Middle Atlantic Coast, situated at the southern tip of Cape May Peninsula in Cape May County. It’s the beautiful Sunset Beach Cape May. It is the oldest seaside resort in America that offers rich architectural diversity and marvelous beaches. You could indulge in water sports, have a nice swim or even take a scenic walk on the promenade to enjoy the fiery, western facing Jersey sunset views, especially during summer.

When you are not climbing the top of the historic Cape May Lighthouse or touring the elegant Emlen Physick Estate, you could check out the retail stores at Washington Street Mall, which is an outdoor shopping center lined with boutiques, restaurants beautiful art galleries. Another highly recommendable spot in Cape May is The Cove.

8. Island Beach

Island Beach State Park, in Berkeley Township, Ocean County, New Jersey By Famartin – Wikimedia Commons

Nestled between the historic Barnegat Bay and the Atlantic Ocean is the Island Beach state park. A unique national resource filled with rolling dunes, tidal marshes, lush maritime forests and boasts the largest expanse of beach. It is also home to diverse fauna and flora which serve the environment by creating a beautiful ambience to enjoy picnicking. Other recreational activities like scuba diving, hiking and surfing are available too in this pristine state park.

9. New Hope-Lambertville Bridge

Offering a wonderful view of the Delaware River, historical buildings, surrounding trees and riverfront. Homes, this beautiful bridge straddles New Jersey and Pennsylvania. It is short, approximately just over 1000 feet in length and has six spans. It is walkable and provides access between the eclectic New Hope, Pennsylvania and charming Lambertville, New Jersey.

10. Twin Lights Lighthouse

The historical lighthouse, one of the Twin Lights in the town of Highlands, NJ By Ayelet Ben-Zvi – Wikimedia Commons

This historic lighthouse sits high above a bluff on Sandy Hook Bay and offers picturesque views of the Atlantic Ocean and the New York Harbor. Visitors have the liability to take in the beauty of the awesome brownstone structure from outside or even climb both lighthouse towers if they don’t mind.

Frequently referred to as The Garden State, New Jersey sure has a plethora of stunning spots inclusive of roughly 130 miles of coastline, recreation areas and trails, national historical parks and a lot more to offer that will inevitably satisfy your body with enough dopamine.

Next time you plan a trip in New Jersey or are in town , make it a point to visit a few places on this list.