We call New Jersey the Garden State because it has a lot of drives that are much more scenic than the NJ Turnpike. In fact, New Jersey has the third largest state parks system in the country and diverse communities of wildlife. Here are some of our auto insurance companies’ favorite destinations and drives that bring you to a variety of historical and natural gems.
- Northern New Jersey
- Central New Jersey
- Southern New Jersey
- Summer Destinations
In northern New Jersey:
- Check out the 30-mile stretch of sustainable farming, wineries, and Lake Hopatcong on Route 15 North off of exit 34a on Route 80.
- If you’re going to be in Newark, start at CR 510 and pick up CR 604 toward the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge to experience the transition from urban expansion to leafy suburbs.
- Closer to Morristown? Head west on Route 24 and CR 510 toward Route 31 South in the fall to see amazing autumn foliage and historic sites, including the Clinton Historic Mill.
- To reach some great State parks, take a trip through northwest county roads starting at Exit 3 on Interstate 78, heading north on 173 and CR 519 until you reach Interstate 80. Taking CR 521 from Exit 12 on Interstate 80 will put you in the area of Stokes State Forest, Swartswood State Park, High Point State Park (off of Route 23) and access to the Appalachian trail.
- Don’t miss the historic mining towns of the 1800s by taking Exit 41 on Interstate 287 and heading north on CR 511 toward Ringwood. You can also find other great destinations in this area, including Ringwood State Park, the NJ State Botanical Garden and Longwood Ironworks State Park.
- Along the Hudson, take the Palisades Interstate Parkways north, starting at Fort Lee, to reach Palisades Interstate Park, Liberty State Park (including the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island) and the Liberty Science Center.
In central New Jersey:
- Take a tour through the historic towns around our state capital by heading north on Route 29 from Trenton through Lambertville, Stockton, Frenchtown, and Milford. While you’re in the area, make sure to stop at Washington Crossing State Park, Howell Living History Museum and Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park.
- Hit the northern New Jersey shore by taking exit 117 on the Parkway to Route 36 through the Atlantic Highlands, Monmouth Beach, Long Branch, and Sea Bright. Pick up Route 35, then Route 33 into Asbury Park and Ocean Grove. Along the way, check out the beautiful beaches, lighthouses, and Victorian architecture.
- Visit Green Sergeant’s Bridge, a covered bridge considered one of New Jersey’s 10 most beautiful places by New Jersey Monthly. The bridge is located near Flemington, NJ on Rosemont-Sergeantsville Road CR (604) about a mile west of Sergeantsville.
- Experience the North-South axis along CR 527 to spot everything from old-English affluent suburbs to industrial complexes to rural New Jersey in the south. Pick up CR 527 on the northern end in Cedar Grove, Essex at North Mountain Ave. off CR 604 and Route 23.
In southern New Jersey:
- Start in Camden and head east on Route 70 and Route 72 toward CR 563, west on CR 542, south on CR 623, left on CR 643, right on CR 563, and back to NJ 50 onto NJ 49 to access a variety of walks, historical sites, small towns, museums and parks. You’ll find the Brendan T. Byrne State Forest, Basto Historic Village, Renault Winery, and Museum of American Glass.
- Check out southern New Jersey beach towns by heading south on Route 9 after taking Exit 48 on the Parkway. Among others, destinations include the Absecon Lighthouse, Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge and Cape May Point State Park.
- Explore coast to coast by heading east on 537 from Camden. Along the way, experience the Adventure Aquarium in Camden, Monmouth Battlefield and reenactments, and more.
Summer destinations:
- Visiting the Barnegat Lighthouse on Long Beach Island
- Enjoying the beautiful beaches and great activities in Cape May
- Tubing on the Delaware River
- Reliving history at the Fosterfields Living Historic Farm in Morris
- Exploring the Appalachian trail at Hospitality Creek Campground
- Experiencing spectacular balloons and the annual Hot Air Balloon Festival
- Boating, swimming and relaxing at Lake Hopatcong
- Canoeing or kayaking at the Lazy River Outpost
- Gaming at Atlantic City’s casinos
- Visiting over 500 vendors at the New Meadowlands Market
- Wandering through the NJ Botanical Gardens
- Taking in coastal town history at Ocean Grove
- Walking the boardwalk at Point Pleasant
- Enjoying the sun and surf at Seaside Heights
- Checking out the town at Spring Lake
- Touring historical Morristown
- Admiring the New York City skyline from Twin Lights of Navesink
