If you know where you look, you’ll find an escape from traffic and discover the best scenic drives in NJ. Though you can travel the entire length of New Jersey in about three hours, we have diverse landscapes and winding roads that traverse them. You can explore rivers, mountains, woodlands and charming small towns, all in the span of several hours. It would be nearly impossible for us to compile a complete list of country roads with beautiful scenery in New Jersey, since we have so many, but here is a sample of what our state has to offer.
- Route 519, From Colesville to Rosemont
Flickr/Doug Kerr
Flickr/Doug Kerr This 88-mile stretch along New Jersey’s oldest county road will take you back to a simpler time. You’ll pass old barns, sprawling farms, vineyards and antique shops along the way, all while taking in some gorgeous scenery.
- Route 521, From Montague To Hope
Flickr/Doug Kerr This winding road will afford you some magical views of parks, lakes and streams, particularly farther north on the route. Hope Township is home to Jenny Jump State Forest, and it’s always worth a stop for hikers and anyone who loves natural wonder.
- Ocean Drive, From Ocean City To North Wildwood
Flickr/Christopher Paquette Enjoy views of beaches, bays, and the open ocean on this 20-mile trek. Skip Route 9 and the Parkway and take the scenic route! Take a detour and stop at Corson’s Inlet State Park along the way for secluded beaches and a serene natural landscape. On your way through Sea Isle City, stop at Hank Sauce for some pinchos or mahi tacos.
- Route 80, Through Warren County
Flickr/Nicholas A. Tonelli
Flickr/Nicholas A. Tonelli
Flickr/Nicholas A. Tonelli This interstate highway is often overlooked as a scenic spot, but its mountain views can’t be beat. This drive is particularly spectacular during the fall months, and several scenic overlooks will afford travelers breathtaking views. You can travel from the Delaware Water Gap all the way to New York City, straight across the state.
- Route 49, From Deepwater to Tuckahoe
Flickr/Doug Kerr You’ll drive through pinelands and wildlife preserves on this lovely 60-mile route. Stop in Millville along the way and enjoy the bustling arts scene or grab a slice in Bridgeton at the legendary Big John’s. This serene drive is sure to relax you.
- Route 29, From Washington Crossing To Frenchtown
Flickr/Doug Kerr
Flickr/Doug Kerr You’ll start with scenic views of the Delaware and will drive through the incredibly charming town of Lambertville on your way. Be sure to stop and explore Bull’s Island and grab lunch at El Tule. The winding riverside road will become your favorite way to explore the Mercer and Hunterdon County areas.
- Palisades Interstate Parkway, From Fort Lee To Rockleigh
Flickr/Anthony Quintano
Flickr/Anthony Quintano
Flickr/Katherine Hala This drive is incredible year round, but just look at that fall foliage! Make sure to take a detour and enjoy the scenic overlooks with views of NYC, the Hudson River and the Palisades Cliffs. The Palisades are a one-of-a-kind wonder in the Garden State.
- Route 513, From West Milford To Frenchtown
Flickr/Doug Kerr
Flickr/Doug Kerr You’ll find farms, fields, forests, streams and small towns along this 70-mile trek. Don’t miss the “pole farm” in Chester, a former AT&T testing ground.
- Old Mine Road, Through Worthington State Forest
Flickr/SurFeRGIR30
Flickr/SurFeRGIRL30 This drive along the Delaware River is just 11 miles long, but it is packed with incredible views. Enjoy lakes, rivers, streams, creeks, wildlife and of course…the forest. This is a relaxing drive that will have you feeling connected to nature, but do note that this road is closed during the winter.
- Route 537, From Camden To Long Branch
Flickr/Jazz Guy Though starting in Camden may not seem very scenic, you’ll have incredible views of Philadelphia. You’ll pass through fields, farms and several small towns, ending up in the lively Long Branch, right near the beach.
- Henry Hudson Drive, From Fort Lee To Alpine
Flickr/Doug Kerr Running along the Palisades, this drive will take you right along the Hudson at the base of the cliffs. The views of NYC are stunning and the cliffs are majestic! Enjoy the Fort Lee Museum and Historic Park, Alpine Boat Basin and picnic spots along the way.
- Route 527, From Cedar Grove To Toms River
Flickr/Doug Kerr Experience New Jersey’s diversity, driving through large cities, small towns, affluent suburbs, industrial complexes and farmland. Enjoy the rivers, creeks and woodlands along the way!
If you’ve spent enough time in the Garden State, chances are you can think of countless others, from Route 15 past Lake Hopatcong to Route 9 near the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge. What other scenic drives would you add to this list? Drop us a line with our nomination form and we’ll be sure to check them out!
Flickr/Doug Kerr
This 88-mile stretch along New Jersey’s oldest county road will take you back to a simpler time. You’ll pass old barns, sprawling farms, vineyards and antique shops along the way, all while taking in some gorgeous scenery.
This winding road will afford you some magical views of parks, lakes and streams, particularly farther north on the route. Hope Township is home to Jenny Jump State Forest, and it’s always worth a stop for hikers and anyone who loves natural wonder.
Flickr/Christopher Paquette
Enjoy views of beaches, bays, and the open ocean on this 20-mile trek. Skip Route 9 and the Parkway and take the scenic route! Take a detour and stop at Corson’s Inlet State Park along the way for secluded beaches and a serene natural landscape. On your way through Sea Isle City, stop at Hank Sauce for some pinchos or mahi tacos.
Flickr/Nicholas A. Tonelli
This interstate highway is often overlooked as a scenic spot, but its mountain views can’t be beat. This drive is particularly spectacular during the fall months, and several scenic overlooks will afford travelers breathtaking views. You can travel from the Delaware Water Gap all the way to New York City, straight across the state.
You’ll drive through pinelands and wildlife preserves on this lovely 60-mile route. Stop in Millville along the way and enjoy the bustling arts scene or grab a slice in Bridgeton at the legendary Big John’s. This serene drive is sure to relax you.
You’ll start with scenic views of the Delaware and will drive through the incredibly charming town of Lambertville on your way. Be sure to stop and explore Bull’s Island and grab lunch at El Tule. The winding riverside road will become your favorite way to explore the Mercer and Hunterdon County areas.
Flickr/Anthony Quintano
Flickr/Katherine Hala
This drive is incredible year round, but just look at that fall foliage! Make sure to take a detour and enjoy the scenic overlooks with views of NYC, the Hudson River and the Palisades Cliffs. The Palisades are a one-of-a-kind wonder in the Garden State.
You’ll find farms, fields, forests, streams and small towns along this 70-mile trek. Don’t miss the “pole farm” in Chester, a former AT&T testing ground.
Flickr/SurFeRGIR30
Flickr/SurFeRGIRL30
This drive along the Delaware River is just 11 miles long, but it is packed with incredible views. Enjoy lakes, rivers, streams, creeks, wildlife and of course…the forest. This is a relaxing drive that will have you feeling connected to nature, but do note that this road is closed during the winter.
Flickr/Jazz Guy
Though starting in Camden may not seem very scenic, you’ll have incredible views of Philadelphia. You’ll pass through fields, farms and several small towns, ending up in the lively Long Branch, right near the beach.
Running along the Palisades, this drive will take you right along the Hudson at the base of the cliffs. The views of NYC are stunning and the cliffs are majestic! Enjoy the Fort Lee Museum and Historic Park, Alpine Boat Basin and picnic spots along the way.
Experience New Jersey’s diversity, driving through large cities, small towns, affluent suburbs, industrial complexes and farmland. Enjoy the rivers, creeks and woodlands along the way!
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Address: County Road 519, New Jersey, USAAddress: Co Rd 521, New Jersey, USAAddress: Ocean Dr, Sea Isle City, NJ, USAAddress: Christopher Columbus Hwy, Montville, NJ, USAAddress: NJ-49, Pennsville, NJ, USAAddress: NJ-29, Hopewell Township, NJ, USAAddress: State Line Lookout, Palisades Interstate Park Commission, State Line Lookout, Closter, NJ 07624, USAAddress: County Rd 513, Franklin Township, NJ, United StatesAddress: Old Mine Rd, New Jersey, USAAddress: County Rd 537, New Jersey, USAAddress: Henry Hudson Drive, Henry Hudson Dr, Fort Lee, NJ, USAAddress: County Rd 527, Toms River, NJ, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
best scenic drives in NJ May 15, 2020 Kim Magaraci What are the best road trips through New Jersey? Traffic in New Jersey can be rough, but if you stick to back roads, you’ll find some beautiful drives in the Garden State. Try traveling the length of Route 206 from Hammonton all the way to Port Jarvis, NY and you’ll discover farmland of Shamong and Columbus, the urban setting of Trenton, and the mountains of the Kittatinny Ride all along one road. If you’re looking for less of a scenic trip and more of a destination-based journey, follow one of our New Jersey Food Trails. You can find a taco trail, ice cream trail, and a wine trail all here in New Jersey. What are the most charming small towns in New Jersey? Even though NJ is the most densely populated state, you can find charming small towns in every one of our counties. Whether you love the mountain setting of Hope Township, the city-neighborhood feel of Collingswood, or you enjoy strolling the streets of historic Mount Holly, on the banks of the Rancocas Creek, you’ll have an easy time finding a small town to fall in love with. Beyond those mentioned above, Moorestown, Madison, Highland Park, Pennington, Cape May, and Montclair are each worth discovering. What one-of-a-kind destinations can I visit in New Jersey? New Jersey is full of unique wonders! Visit Lucy the Elephant in Margate, Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton, Buttermilk Falls in Walpack, or the one-of-a-kind Palisades where you’ll find wilderness just a stone’s throw from New York City.
The OIYS Visitor Center
best scenic drives in NJ
May 15, 2020
Kim Magaraci
What are the best road trips through New Jersey? Traffic in New Jersey can be rough, but if you stick to back roads, you’ll find some beautiful drives in the Garden State. Try traveling the length of Route 206 from Hammonton all the way to Port Jarvis, NY and you’ll discover farmland of Shamong and Columbus, the urban setting of Trenton, and the mountains of the Kittatinny Ride all along one road. If you’re looking for less of a scenic trip and more of a destination-based journey, follow one of our New Jersey Food Trails. You can find a taco trail, ice cream trail, and a wine trail all here in New Jersey. What are the most charming small towns in New Jersey? Even though NJ is the most densely populated state, you can find charming small towns in every one of our counties. Whether you love the mountain setting of Hope Township, the city-neighborhood feel of Collingswood, or you enjoy strolling the streets of historic Mount Holly, on the banks of the Rancocas Creek, you’ll have an easy time finding a small town to fall in love with. Beyond those mentioned above, Moorestown, Madison, Highland Park, Pennington, Cape May, and Montclair are each worth discovering. What one-of-a-kind destinations can I visit in New Jersey? New Jersey is full of unique wonders! Visit Lucy the Elephant in Margate, Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton, Buttermilk Falls in Walpack, or the one-of-a-kind Palisades where you’ll find wilderness just a stone’s throw from New York City.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Traffic in New Jersey can be rough, but if you stick to back roads, you’ll find some beautiful drives in the Garden State. Try traveling the length of Route 206 from Hammonton all the way to Port Jarvis, NY and you’ll discover farmland of Shamong and Columbus, the urban setting of Trenton, and the mountains of the Kittatinny Ride all along one road. If you’re looking for less of a scenic trip and more of a destination-based journey, follow one of our New Jersey Food Trails. You can find a taco trail, ice cream trail, and a wine trail all here in New Jersey.
What are the most charming small towns in New Jersey?
Even though NJ is the most densely populated state, you can find charming small towns in every one of our counties. Whether you love the mountain setting of Hope Township, the city-neighborhood feel of Collingswood, or you enjoy strolling the streets of historic Mount Holly, on the banks of the Rancocas Creek, you’ll have an easy time finding a small town to fall in love with. Beyond those mentioned above, Moorestown, Madison, Highland Park, Pennington, Cape May, and Montclair are each worth discovering.
What one-of-a-kind destinations can I visit in New Jersey?
New Jersey is full of unique wonders! Visit Lucy the Elephant in Margate, Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton, Buttermilk Falls in Walpack, or the one-of-a-kind Palisades where you’ll find wilderness just a stone’s throw from New York City.
