New Jersey is a small state with lots to discover. There are so many places that we all enjoy, from our most popular attractions to top-rated restaurants. There are also incredible places that fly under the radar and deserve just as much attention. Some of these spots are more popular than others, but they are all wonderful hidden gems in New Jersey that can’t be missed.
- Green Sergeant’s Covered Bridge, Stockton
Flickr/Daniel D’Auria
Flickr/Garden State Hiker This beautiful bridge is one of New Jersey’s last remaining covered bridges. There were once over 75 covered bridges in our state.Read more about it right here. Green Sergeant Covered Bridge, 707 Rosemont Ringoes Rd, Stockton, NJ 08559, USA
- Asbury Park Pedal Boats, Wesley Lake
Facebook/Asbury Park Pedal Boats
Flickr/Boston Public Library These lovely boats are located on Wesley Lake, between scenic Asbury Park and Ocean Grove. A favorite attraction from the 1930s-1960s, the swans returned in 2011. Though these foot pedal boats are not the same as the massive motorized original, they still offer a trip down memory lane. Read more about this perfectly charming town right here. Asbury Park Pedal Boats, Lake Ave, Asbury Park, NJ 07712, USA
- Buttermilk Falls, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Flickr/Nicholas A. Tonelli The DWG National Recreation Area is home to several waterfalls including the beautiful Buttermilk Falls and stunning Silver Spray Falls. Buttermilk Falls is easier to access, with a developed viewing area, wooden walkway, and interpretive display. While this could easily be part of a lovely hike, there is parking available nearby.Read more about this beautiful cascade right here. Buttermilk Falls, Mountain Rd, Layton, NJ 07851, USA
- Deep Cut Gardens, Middletown
Facebook/Deep Cut Gardens These gorgeous gardens are free to visit and offer a greenhouse for year-round beauty. Visit the horticultural center to borrow a “garden safari backpack,” offering everything you need to explore and fully enjoy the gardens. Tours, classes, and special events are available regularly. Read more about it right here. Deep Cut Gardens, 152 Red Hill Rd, Middletown Township, NJ 07748, USA
- Papa’s Tomato Pies, Robbinsville
Facebook/PapasTomatoPies Opened in 1912, Papa’s is the oldest family-owned pizzeria in the United States. Both CBS and NBC ranked the pizza here among the top 20 pies in the country. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the mustard pie - a local favorite. Did you know that NJ is the pizza capital of the country? Papa’s Tomato Pies, 19 Main St, Robbinsville Twp, NJ 08691, USA
- The Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms, Morris Plains
Facebook/TheStickleyMuseum This historic home and museum celebrates the life of Gustav Stickley, creator of the Arts and Crafts architectural movement. His philosophy emphasized simplicity, honesty and quality. Today guests can explore his home and grounds, enjoying programs and lectures focused on the link between design and daily life. A truly charming spot, it will take you back to simpler times. Read more about it right here. The Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms, 2352 NJ-10, Morris Plains, NJ 07950, USA
- Silverball Pinball Museum, Asbury Park
Flickr/Rob DiCaterino This interactive museum allows visitors of all ages to both learn and play. Enjoy classic arcade and pinball games dating back to 1950 - see if you can spot some of your old favorites! You’ll love testing your skills at this unique New Jersey museum.Read more about it right here. Silverball Retro Arcade, 1000 Ocean Ave N, Asbury Park, NJ 07712, USA
- Valley Shepherd Creamery, Long Valley
Facebook/Valley Shepherd Creamery
Facebook/Valley Shepherd Creamery This working farm focuses on artisanal cheeses and offers tastings, tours and classes. Watch sheep being sheared, make your own cheese, or enjoy fine wine and fantastic flavors. Read more about it right here. Valley Shepherd Creamery, 50 Fairmount Rd, Long Valley, NJ 07853, USA
- Gardner’s Basin, Atlantic City
Facebook/Atlantic City Aquarium This historic area of Atlantic City often goes overlooked in the shadow of the casinos. Its biggest attraction is the Atlantic City Aquarium, though there are many lovely shops and restaurants in the neighborhood; Back Bay Ale House and Bayside Antiques are local favorites. You can also take short cruises departing from the basin through Atlantic City Cruises. Enjoy sightseeing, wildlife and a full service bar. Learn a little more about the “other” AC here. Gardners Basin, Atlantic City, NJ 08401, USA
- Franklin Mineral Museum, Franklin
Facebook/Franklin Mineral Museum Nearby Sterling Hill Mining Museum gets all the attention, but Franklin Mineral Museum is just as special. Enjoy a life-size mine replica and massive collection of fluorescent minerals. Visitors also have the opportunity to dig for their own rocks and minerals. Open seasonally from March - November.Read more about NJ’s mining history here. Franklin Mineral Museum Inc, 32 Evans St, Franklin, NJ 07416, USA
- Cowtown Rodeo, Pilesgrove
Yelp/CowtownRodeo Who would have guessed that the oldest weekly running rodeo in the United States is right here in New Jersey? If you live in the area, you may be aware of this unique attraction, but many don’t know it exists. From barrel racing to bull riding, this rodeo has it all. Read more about it right here. Cowtown Rodeo, 780 Harding Hwy, Pilesgrove, NJ 08098, USA
- Jersey Shore Pirates, Brick
Facebook/Jersey Shore Pirates If you’re looking for a swashbuckling adventure off the Jersey Shore, look no further. Children are immersed in a pirate’s tale, participating in the story. They’ll fire water cannons, find hidden treasure, battle enemy ships, and more! Set sail! Pirate Adventures Jersey Shore, 281 Princeton Ave, Brick Township, NJ 08724, USA
- The Hermitage Museum, Ho-Ho-Kus
Facebook/Friends Of The Hermitage Built in 1763 and expanded in 1847, George Washington stayed for several days in this historic home during the Revolutionary War. James Madison and Alexander Hamilton also spent time here, and Aaron Burr was married on the property. History buffs will love the Civil War Encampment Weekend, from January 30-31. This unique experience will take you back in time with period actors, live demonstrations, interactive activities, and displays of Civil War artifacts.
Check out a few other famous homes in NJ, here! The Hermitage, 335 Franklin Turnpike, Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ 07423, USA
- Yankee Doodle Tap Room, Princeton
Facebook/Nassau Inn Besides being a lovely place to stay, Nassau Inn is home to the magnificent Yankee Doodle Tap Room. The gastro pub, a tavern for over 200 years, is home to a savory selection of brews and Norman Rockwell’s largest mural. A favorite among Princeton locals, Albert Einstein was a fan.Read more about it right here. Yankee Doodle Tap Room, 10 Palmer Square E, Princeton, NJ 08542, USA
Have you been to any of these hidden gems in New Jersey? I know there are so many cool places, they can’t all fit in just one list! What others would you add?
Flickr/Daniel D’Auria
Flickr/Garden State Hiker
This beautiful bridge is one of New Jersey’s last remaining covered bridges. There were once over 75 covered bridges in our state.Read more about it right here.
Green Sergeant Covered Bridge, 707 Rosemont Ringoes Rd, Stockton, NJ 08559, USA
Facebook/Asbury Park Pedal Boats
Flickr/Boston Public Library
These lovely boats are located on Wesley Lake, between scenic Asbury Park and Ocean Grove. A favorite attraction from the 1930s-1960s, the swans returned in 2011. Though these foot pedal boats are not the same as the massive motorized original, they still offer a trip down memory lane. Read more about this perfectly charming town right here.
Asbury Park Pedal Boats, Lake Ave, Asbury Park, NJ 07712, USA
Flickr/Nicholas A. Tonelli
The DWG National Recreation Area is home to several waterfalls including the beautiful Buttermilk Falls and stunning Silver Spray Falls. Buttermilk Falls is easier to access, with a developed viewing area, wooden walkway, and interpretive display. While this could easily be part of a lovely hike, there is parking available nearby.Read more about this beautiful cascade right here.
Buttermilk Falls, Mountain Rd, Layton, NJ 07851, USA
Facebook/Deep Cut Gardens
These gorgeous gardens are free to visit and offer a greenhouse for year-round beauty. Visit the horticultural center to borrow a “garden safari backpack,” offering everything you need to explore and fully enjoy the gardens. Tours, classes, and special events are available regularly. Read more about it right here.
Deep Cut Gardens, 152 Red Hill Rd, Middletown Township, NJ 07748, USA
Facebook/PapasTomatoPies
Opened in 1912, Papa’s is the oldest family-owned pizzeria in the United States. Both CBS and NBC ranked the pizza here among the top 20 pies in the country. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the mustard pie - a local favorite. Did you know that NJ is the pizza capital of the country?
Papa’s Tomato Pies, 19 Main St, Robbinsville Twp, NJ 08691, USA
Facebook/TheStickleyMuseum
This historic home and museum celebrates the life of Gustav Stickley, creator of the Arts and Crafts architectural movement. His philosophy emphasized simplicity, honesty and quality. Today guests can explore his home and grounds, enjoying programs and lectures focused on the link between design and daily life. A truly charming spot, it will take you back to simpler times. Read more about it right here.
The Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms, 2352 NJ-10, Morris Plains, NJ 07950, USA
Flickr/Rob DiCaterino
This interactive museum allows visitors of all ages to both learn and play. Enjoy classic arcade and pinball games dating back to 1950 - see if you can spot some of your old favorites! You’ll love testing your skills at this unique New Jersey museum.Read more about it right here.
Silverball Retro Arcade, 1000 Ocean Ave N, Asbury Park, NJ 07712, USA
Facebook/Valley Shepherd Creamery
This working farm focuses on artisanal cheeses and offers tastings, tours and classes. Watch sheep being sheared, make your own cheese, or enjoy fine wine and fantastic flavors. Read more about it right here.
Valley Shepherd Creamery, 50 Fairmount Rd, Long Valley, NJ 07853, USA
Facebook/Atlantic City Aquarium
This historic area of Atlantic City often goes overlooked in the shadow of the casinos. Its biggest attraction is the Atlantic City Aquarium, though there are many lovely shops and restaurants in the neighborhood; Back Bay Ale House and Bayside Antiques are local favorites. You can also take short cruises departing from the basin through Atlantic City Cruises. Enjoy sightseeing, wildlife and a full service bar. Learn a little more about the “other” AC here.
Gardners Basin, Atlantic City, NJ 08401, USA
Facebook/Franklin Mineral Museum
Nearby Sterling Hill Mining Museum gets all the attention, but Franklin Mineral Museum is just as special. Enjoy a life-size mine replica and massive collection of fluorescent minerals. Visitors also have the opportunity to dig for their own rocks and minerals. Open seasonally from March - November.Read more about NJ’s mining history here.
Franklin Mineral Museum Inc, 32 Evans St, Franklin, NJ 07416, USA
Yelp/CowtownRodeo
Who would have guessed that the oldest weekly running rodeo in the United States is right here in New Jersey? If you live in the area, you may be aware of this unique attraction, but many don’t know it exists. From barrel racing to bull riding, this rodeo has it all. Read more about it right here.
Cowtown Rodeo, 780 Harding Hwy, Pilesgrove, NJ 08098, USA
Facebook/Jersey Shore Pirates
If you’re looking for a swashbuckling adventure off the Jersey Shore, look no further. Children are immersed in a pirate’s tale, participating in the story. They’ll fire water cannons, find hidden treasure, battle enemy ships, and more! Set sail!
Pirate Adventures Jersey Shore, 281 Princeton Ave, Brick Township, NJ 08724, USA
Facebook/Friends Of The Hermitage
Built in 1763 and expanded in 1847, George Washington stayed for several days in this historic home during the Revolutionary War. James Madison and Alexander Hamilton also spent time here, and Aaron Burr was married on the property. History buffs will love the Civil War Encampment Weekend, from January 30-31. This unique experience will take you back in time with period actors, live demonstrations, interactive activities, and displays of Civil War artifacts.
Check out a few other famous homes in NJ, here!
The Hermitage, 335 Franklin Turnpike, Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ 07423, USA
Facebook/Nassau Inn
Besides being a lovely place to stay, Nassau Inn is home to the magnificent Yankee Doodle Tap Room. The gastro pub, a tavern for over 200 years, is home to a savory selection of brews and Norman Rockwell’s largest mural. A favorite among Princeton locals, Albert Einstein was a fan.Read more about it right here.
Yankee Doodle Tap Room, 10 Palmer Square E, Princeton, NJ 08542, USA
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The OIYS Visitor Center
hidden gems in New Jersey July 10, 2021 Kim Magaraci Are there any secret gardens in New Jersey? There are many secret gardens in New Jersey. Here are a few of our favorites:
Rutgers Gardens Sayen Gardens Smithville Park Gardens Reeves-Reed Arboretum Duke Farms New Jersey Botanical Garden
Considering we’re the Garden State there are certainly a few beautiful gardens in the state! Some of the best tucked-away gardens in New Jersey include Rutgers Gardens in New Brunswick, Sayen Gardens in Hamilton, and the beautiful garden at Smithville Park in Eastampton Township, New Jersey. The Reeves-Reed Arboretum, Duke Farms, and the New Jersey Botanical Garden are a little more well-known, but still worth visiting for anyone who loves horticulture and beautiful flowers. What are the best little-known parks in New Jersey? Take some time to explore New Jersey and you’re sure to stumble upon parks you love! Lake Lenape Park is a hidden gem in South Jersey’s pinelands that offers a lake lighthouse, a fun dragon climbing sculpture for kids, and miles of waterfront trails to explore. Amico Island Park is another relatively unknown park that’s located right in the middle of the Delaware River! Up in North Jersey, Hacklebarney State Park flies under the radar despite being one of the most beautiful places in the state. What are some underrated hidden gems in New Jersey? In the summer, the swimming hole at the base of Chikahoki Falls proves to be a hidden gem worth tracking down. You’ll have to hike through Norvin Green State Forest to find it! Our favorite fall destination that’s never overrun with crowds is the Ken Lockwood Gorge. In the Spring, visit Sayen Gardens to see beautiful rhododendrons in bloom, and in the winter, enjoy a short snowy hike at Goat Hill Overlook, looking down on Lambertville and New Hope from this Pennington observation point.
The OIYS Visitor Center
hidden gems in New Jersey
July 10, 2021
Kim Magaraci
Are there any secret gardens in New Jersey? There are many secret gardens in New Jersey. Here are a few of our favorites:
Rutgers Gardens Sayen Gardens Smithville Park Gardens Reeves-Reed Arboretum Duke Farms New Jersey Botanical Garden
Considering we’re the Garden State there are certainly a few beautiful gardens in the state! Some of the best tucked-away gardens in New Jersey include Rutgers Gardens in New Brunswick, Sayen Gardens in Hamilton, and the beautiful garden at Smithville Park in Eastampton Township, New Jersey. The Reeves-Reed Arboretum, Duke Farms, and the New Jersey Botanical Garden are a little more well-known, but still worth visiting for anyone who loves horticulture and beautiful flowers. What are the best little-known parks in New Jersey? Take some time to explore New Jersey and you’re sure to stumble upon parks you love! Lake Lenape Park is a hidden gem in South Jersey’s pinelands that offers a lake lighthouse, a fun dragon climbing sculpture for kids, and miles of waterfront trails to explore. Amico Island Park is another relatively unknown park that’s located right in the middle of the Delaware River! Up in North Jersey, Hacklebarney State Park flies under the radar despite being one of the most beautiful places in the state. What are some underrated hidden gems in New Jersey? In the summer, the swimming hole at the base of Chikahoki Falls proves to be a hidden gem worth tracking down. You’ll have to hike through Norvin Green State Forest to find it! Our favorite fall destination that’s never overrun with crowds is the Ken Lockwood Gorge. In the Spring, visit Sayen Gardens to see beautiful rhododendrons in bloom, and in the winter, enjoy a short snowy hike at Goat Hill Overlook, looking down on Lambertville and New Hope from this Pennington observation point.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
There are many secret gardens in New Jersey. Here are a few of our favorites:
- Rutgers Gardens
- Sayen Gardens
- Smithville Park Gardens
- Reeves-Reed Arboretum
- Duke Farms
- New Jersey Botanical Garden
Considering we’re the Garden State there are certainly a few beautiful gardens in the state! Some of the best tucked-away gardens in New Jersey include Rutgers Gardens in New Brunswick, Sayen Gardens in Hamilton, and the beautiful garden at Smithville Park in Eastampton Township, New Jersey. The Reeves-Reed Arboretum, Duke Farms, and the New Jersey Botanical Garden are a little more well-known, but still worth visiting for anyone who loves horticulture and beautiful flowers.
What are the best little-known parks in New Jersey?
Take some time to explore New Jersey and you’re sure to stumble upon parks you love! Lake Lenape Park is a hidden gem in South Jersey’s pinelands that offers a lake lighthouse, a fun dragon climbing sculpture for kids, and miles of waterfront trails to explore. Amico Island Park is another relatively unknown park that’s located right in the middle of the Delaware River! Up in North Jersey, Hacklebarney State Park flies under the radar despite being one of the most beautiful places in the state.
What are some underrated hidden gems in New Jersey?
In the summer, the swimming hole at the base of Chikahoki Falls proves to be a hidden gem worth tracking down. You’ll have to hike through Norvin Green State Forest to find it! Our favorite fall destination that’s never overrun with crowds is the Ken Lockwood Gorge. In the Spring, visit Sayen Gardens to see beautiful rhododendrons in bloom, and in the winter, enjoy a short snowy hike at Goat Hill Overlook, looking down on Lambertville and New Hope from this Pennington observation point.
