New Jersey Vacation Ideas
New Jersey has 127 miles of beaches full of breathtaking views.
New Jersey's unique geography gives any visitor plenty of activities and entertaining opportunities.
With 42 parks, 11 forests, 3 recreation areas and more than 50 historic sites and districts, New Jersey's is rich with stories to tell.
Whether you are looking for an action packed day of hiking and swimming, or camping under the stars, there are plenty of things to see and do.
Historic homes, landscapes and battlefields where Washington and the Continental Army spent almost half of the American Revolutionary War can be visited.
Rock Climbing
Many people think 'New Jersey' and see only images of the Turnpike and Port Elizabeth, but it's residents know that no matter which exit you take, the road will eventually lead you to an absolutely beautiful area.
Allamuchy State Park is the place to practice top roping as well as meet other rock climbers. It is one of the more accessible and popular areas for climbers of all levels.
If you're interested in a multi-pitch adventure head over to the New Jersey/ Pennsylvania border and check out the Delaware Water Gap.
If you're looking for a real adventure head up to Waywayanda State Park, access has finally returned to this adventure area with opportunities for bouldering and multipitch climbing.
Cape May
Cape May is a peninsula, located at the southernmost tip of New Jersey between the Atlantic Ocean and the Delaware Bay.
The 30 mile ribbon of white sandy beaches are rich with natural wetlands that attract a wide variety of wildlife and feature an unusual blend of flora and fauna.
Mild winters and warm summers allow for hundreds of species of annuals, perennials and semi-tropical vegetation to thrive, including several species of orchids.
A playful surf runs up and down these beaches. Boardwalks, lighthouses, and botanical gardens are some of the few ideas for a visitor to New Jersey.
Fishing and sailing the bays are also fun excursions for couples or the family. There are also many great campgrounds throughout the area to experience the natural beauty of New Jersey.
Bird Watching
Located at the southernmost tip of New Jersey, and surrounded by water, the area is a stopover for countless migratory birds. In fact, the Jersey Cape is one of the top ten birding "hot spots" in the country with more than 400 species of birds.
At night New Jersey is a great opportunity to teach yourself and the children about the planets and the night sky. One of my favorite things to do is look for constellations and for just a few dollars you can pick up a star finder. It's not hard to do and it is a lifetime of knowledge and fun for everyone.
Fish, Amphibians and Lizards
Over 40 species of saltwater fish are common the ocean and bay area including Marlin, Dolphin and Wahoo during the summer months.
Turtles and frogs can often be found along the edges of ponds, streams and wetlands. Dune areas are home to toads, skunks and fence lizards.
In June and early July, diamondback terrapin females can be seen crossing the roads and causeways adjacent to the salt marsh.
Flora and Fauna
Coastal and freshwater wetlands, forests, fields and dunes are waiting to be explored by amateur botanists. Acuba, Water Fern, Vinca Major, Scattered bald cypress trees and rare orchids are just a few of the interesting plant species found here.
Sandy Hook
Sandy Hook is a beautiful, 1,665-acre barrier peninsula within view of the Manhattan skyline.
The seven-mile stretch of spectacular ocean and bay beaches are excellent for surf casting, swimming, kayaking or relaxing on the sand.
Nature lovers will revel in the 300 plus species of migratory birds, as well as the pristine holly forest.
Sandy Hook is a National Park so there is no beach town but it is home to a military base and a lighthouse.
Pine Barrens
Also known as the Pinelands, it is a heavily forested area covering 1.1 million acres of coastal plain across Southern New Jersey.
The Pine Barrens supports a unique and diverse spectrum of plant life, including orchids and carnivorous plants.
The area is also notable for its populations of rare pygmy Pitch Pines and other plant species that depend on fire to reproduce (fire is very frequent in the Pine Barrens).
The Garden State has many great places to visit as well as relaxing vacation spots. Enjoy your vacation.