3-Day Itinerary for New Jersey’s Skylands, Shore, and Southern Shore Regions
Enjoy the best the Garden State has to offer from the serene mountains in the Skylands Region to the iconic beaches of the Shore and Southern Shore Regions. With this immersive three-day itinerary, you will experience everything from wolves and amusement parks to food tours, lighthouses and historic attractions. Grab your sunglasses and get ready for a memorable trip around the Garden State.
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New Jersey mountain and beach attractions at a glance:
- Hike and picnic at High Point State Park
- Taste farm-to-table cuisine at Agricola Eatery
- Hear the call of the wolves at the Lakota Wolf Preserve
- Splash around at the Breakwater Beach Waterpark
- Go back in time at Historic Cold Spring Village
- Take an award-winning food tour in Cape May
NEW JERSEY’S MOUNTAINS TO SHORE DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY
DAY 1: SKYLANDS REGION
Start your journey in the northwest Skylands region of New Jersey at High Point State Park, the highest point in New Jersey at 1,803 feet above sea level located off Route 23 in Sussex. Explore the myriad trails and attractions, including High Point Monument and the Appalachian and Cedar Swamp Trails.
Other options include swimming at Lake Marcia, horseback riding or canoeing.
Afterward, groups can take in the park’s spectacular panoramic views while breaking for a picnic lunch. After lunch, head south to the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area located in Hardwick. Enjoy waterfalls, hiking, canoeing, fishing and swimming in the nearly 70,000 acres situated along 40 miles of the Delaware river.
Another option for groups is to head south to Phillipsburg and experience a Delaware River Railroad Excursion. Choose from a relaxing ride on the River Train, see New Jersey’s most beautiful winery on the Winery Train or spend some time panning for minerals on the Mine Train. Each train excursion has something to offer, picnic areas, restrooms, and additional activities.
If there’s time after the historic train ride, groups can head south to the Lakota Wolf Preserve, a nonprofit home to several packs of timber, tundra and Arctic wolves, as well as foxes, lynx, and bobcats. Take the family on a guided Wolf Watch Tour to observe these majestic animals in a natural setting. Reservations are required.
End the day in historic Morristown with a wholesome dinner at the farm-to-table restaurant, Agricola. Whether you are vegetarian, pescatarian, or love all types of food there is something for everyone here.
DAY 2: SHORE REGION
Grab breakfast and take a scenic 1.5 to 2 hour drive to see Barnegat Light State Park, home to the iconic Barnegat Lighthouse and quiet white-sand beaches. After snapping photos and climbing the lighthouse, go shopping at the Shore’s iconic Ron Jon Surf Shop in Ship Bottom, a surf staple at the Jersey Shore for over 60 years.
Next, head south on the island and grab some fudge and old-fashioned saltwater taffy at one of the oldest family-owned candy shops at the shore, Stutz Candies in Long Beach Township.
After satisfying your sweet tooth, you may want to head west off the island to Seaside Heights, home to the famous Casino Pier and Boardwalk. Visit the amusement park with roller coasters, family and kids’ rides, miniature golf courses, a Go-Kart track, and boardwalk games.
Another choice groups love is to cool down at the Breakwater Beach Waterpark where there’s something for everyone, including a giant wave pool, tube slides, giant flumes, hot spring tubs, interactive multi-level water play areas, and more.
A third possibility is groups can head north to Point Pleasant for a seafood lunch at Surf Taco, an old-fashioned burger and fries at Stewart’s Drive-In, or classic diner food at the Atlantis Diner. After lunch, go scuba diving to an offshore shipwreck or spear fishing are available in the Manasquan Inlet or the Railroad Bridge in Gull Island Park. Surf kayaking and jet skiing offer additional activities for the thrill seekers in your group. For an exciting yet low-exertion activity the entire family can enjoy, charter and party boat rentals are also available.
End your day in Asbury Park to see the famous Stone Pony and Asbury Park Boardwalk. New Jersey is home to some of the greatest rock legends of our time, including Bruce Springsteen, Jon Bon Jovi and Steve Van Zandt, who put the Stone Pony on the map and solidified the Jersey Shore’s music scene back in the 1970s. Have dinner at one of the many local eateries, including Moonstruck for some Italian and seafood, or enjoy Japanese at Taka.
DAY 3: SOUTHERN SHORE REGION
Embark on a scenic hour-and-20-minute ride from Asbury Park to New Jersey’s Southern Shore Region in Ocean City. Named Coastal Living magazine’s “Best Beach in America,” groups can enjoy a delicious breakfast at Uncle Bill’s Pancake House before heading down to the beach and boardwalk.
Take a stroll down the Ocean City Boardwalk and try your hand at some of the boardwalk games, play miniature golf at Congo Falls Adventure Golf, or rest while the kids play at Playland’s Castaway Cove amusement park.
Start making your way to Cape May with a stop at Wildwoods and have lunch at the Dogtooth Bar & Grill and enjoy old-fashioned American tavern cuisine.
If your schedule permits, after lunch, take a quick tour of the Doo Wop Museum, a nonprofit housing America’s largest collection of mid-20th century resort architecture, known as “Doo Wop” architecture with a mission to foster awareness and appreciation of the culture and iconic imagery of the 1950s and 1960s.
Wind down your trip in captivating Cape May with an award-winning walking food tour and savor the flavors from six amazing eateries while experiencing the Victorian charm of this quaint town. Next, head to the famous Cape May Lighthouse at Cape May Point State Park for photos and fun. Climb the 199 steps to the top of the lighthouse and enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay. Be sure to stop at the Oil House, visitors’ center, and Museum Shop to shop maritime souvenirs and memorabilia.
Another popular option is the Historic Cold Spring Village on Seashore Road where the 1800s come to life. Situated on over 30 acres, the village houses 27 restored historic buildings where period reenactments take place. Watch blacksmithing, basket weaving, and woodworking demonstration. There are farm animals for the kids as well as a country store, village bakery, the Cold Spring Brewery, and Cold Spring Grange Restaurant where your group can grab a quick snack.
End your trip with dinner and entertainment at Elaine’s Dinner Theater, the famous attraction voted one of the top five dinner theaters in America by the Food Network. This must-experience attraction has it all – food, fun, and entertainment wrapped up in one memorable experience.
For more great travel stories, Read the Full Leisure Group Travel Magazine and Subscribe to the Newsletter for FREE
Contact Info:
- Contact For Domestic Groups:
- Name – Michael Styles
- Email – Michael.Styles@sos.nj.gov
- Phone – 609-292-4239
- Contact For International Trip Planning:
- Name – Ann Pilcher
- Email – Ann.Pilcher@sos.nj.gov
- Phone – 609-984-9413
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