Picture Perfect New Jersey

Grab your camera and get ready to capture some stunning and iconic photos as you travel through New Jersey. From pristine, sandy white beaches to historic lighthouses to architectural marvels to picturesque wineries, the Garden State is picture-perfect.

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Picture Perfect New Jersey at a Glance:

  • See the sights on the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway
  • Get acquainted with the Victorian community in Cape May
  • Enjoy pristine beaches at Island Beach State Park
  • Do some antique shopping in Salem

Day-to-Day New Jersey Itinerary

Day 1 Photo-Hunting in New Jersey

Begin your tour in Hoboken at the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway, extending approximately 19 miles from just beyond Fort Lee to Bayonne. This expansive path connects Hudson County’s most scenic waterfront neighborhoods with a pedestrian friendly walkway. The parks and piers along the way provide captivating views of the waterfront as well as spectacular views of the New York City skyline. Stop in Jersey City for a poignant photo of lower Manhattan from inside Empty Sky, New Jersey’s official 9/11 memorial. Or you can start your day at Penn Station in Newark. This is a great location for street photography, capturing the hustle and bustle of the city along with historic architecture. Stop at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, a 19th century gothic cathedral for additional photos. (If traveling in the spring, Branch Brook is home to 4,300 cherry blossom trees and should be included in the itinerary).

Whatever option you choose, the next stop is a return to the Shore, featuring miles of white-sandy beaches. Stop in Highlands for a photo at Sandy Hook Lighthouse, part of the Gateway National Recreation Area and the nation’s oldest working lighthouse. Enjoy lunch and a beverage at one of the breweries in Asbury Park. The city’s iconic boardwalk, colorful murals, and street art make for some interesting photos. Continue down the shoreline to Island Beach State Park. Shaped by storms and tides, this narrow barrier island stretches for 10 miles between the restless Atlantic Ocean and the historic Barnegat Bay. Miles of natural sand dunes and pristine beaches provide habitats for diverse wildlife and maritime plants.

Dinner can be enjoyed at a variety of establishments including Rosie’s Restaurant in Ocean Gate (featuring hand crafted cocktails and a great wine list), Chef Mike’s ABG in Seaside Heights (home to excellent seafood) and Break in Bread on the Boulevard in Seaside Heights (a family owned and operated Italian restaurant).

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Day 2 of Photo Tours in New Jersey

Enjoy breakfast before traveling 80 miles to Avalon for some shopping at the quaint shops and stylish boutiques in Avalon. Continue to Stone Harbor Point for a group photo. Unlike most beaches on the Jersey Shore, there is a large parking lot and parking is free. It is a nature preserve, so photos won’t have trash cans, swimmers, or lifeguard stands in the way. The Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary and quaint downtown area also make for memorable photos. Choose a cozy café in Cape May for lunch before visiting the Cape May Lighthouse.

Climb the 199 steps to the top for a staggering view of the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean, the surrounding nature trails of Cape May Point State Park and Cape May Point Borough. Enjoy a Trolley Tour of Cape May to get further acquainted with the Victorian community. Then step back in time while touring the Emlen Physick Estate, a Victorian house museum. Depending on your budget, check into an ocean-front or other conveniently located hotel. There are many choices for dinner before capturing a few more photos. Sunset is one of the best times to photograph Cape May’s historic Victorian homes.

Day 3 for More Iconic New Jersey Photos

After breakfast, leave the shore and continue to New Jersey’s Delaware Region, the most rural part of the state. The winding trails in secluded forests make for a totally different experience and photos. Stop in Salem to do some antique shopping before arriving at the Salem Oak Vineyards in Pedricktown. Take a few photos in the French vineyard surrounded by 100 acres of open farmland before enjoying a wine tasting. Lunch follows in Mount Holly, about 40 miles from Pedricktown, provided by On the Town Food Tours.

Explore the diversity of food and discover neighborhood culture and history. Choices may vary, but typically include a famous homemade soup from The Robin’s Nest, a tasting at Kitchen 87, Best Taste Caribbean Cuisine, a visit to Village Idiot Brewing Company for craft beer tastings and RG Gallery to see African art. Finish at Vincent’s Homemade Ice Cream and with Greek treats at The Sweet Spot. End your journey in the Burlington Historic District, a quaint Colonial city dating to 1677. Stop at the Third State Brewery, located in the district, for a tour and tasting. Have dinner at a local eatery before returning home.

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