Directions To The Garden State Parkway
Directions To The Garden State Parkway
Introduction
Located in the heart of New Jersey, the Garden State Parkway is a scenic highway that stretches all the way from Cape May to the New York state line. This famous road is not only known for its beautiful views, but it also provides easy access to some of the best attractions, hidden gems, and outdoor adventures in the region. Whether you’re a local or a first-time visitor, this travel guide will help you plan the ultimate trip to the Garden State Parkway.
Top Attractions
Atlantic City Boardwalk
The Atlantic City Boardwalk is a must-see attraction located just a short drive from the Garden State Parkway. This iconic boardwalk is home to numerous casinos, shops, and restaurants, as well as the famous Steel Pier amusement park. Take a stroll along the boardwalk, enjoy the ocean views, and try your luck at the casinos.
Cape May Lighthouse
The Cape May Lighthouse is a historic landmark located at the southernmost point of New Jersey. Visitors can climb to the top of the lighthouse for stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay.
Hidden Gems
The Pine Barrens
The Pine Barrens is a vast and beautiful wilderness area located just a short drive from the Garden State Parkway. This unique ecosystem is home to rare plant and animal species, as well as numerous hiking trails and canoeing routes.
Grounds For Sculpture
Grounds For Sculpture is a hidden gem located in Hamilton Township, just a short drive from the Garden State Parkway. This 42-acre sculpture park is home to over 270 sculptures, as well as beautiful gardens and winding paths.
Food Scene
Tommy’s Tavern + Tap
Tommy’s Tavern + Tap is a popular restaurant located in Sea Bright, just a short drive from the Garden State Parkway. This restaurant is known for its delicious burgers, craft beer selection, and outdoor seating area with ocean views.
Lucy’s Kitchen and Market
Lucy’s Kitchen and Market is a farm-to-table restaurant located in Princeton, just a short drive from the Garden State Parkway. This restaurant is known for its fresh and seasonal ingredients, as well as its cozy and welcoming atmosphere.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Visit State Parks
New Jersey is home to numerous state parks, many of which are located just a short drive from the Garden State Parkway. These parks offer a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, fishing, and camping, and many of them have free admission.
Take Advantage of Free Events
New Jersey is home to numerous free events throughout the year, such as concerts, festivals, and outdoor movie screenings. Check local event calendars to find out what’s happening during your visit.
Outdoor Adventures
Kayaking on the Navesink River
The Navesink River is a beautiful waterway located just a short drive from the Garden State Parkway. Rent a kayak and explore the scenic river, which is home to numerous bird species and other wildlife.
Hiking in the Watchung Mountains
The Watchung Mountains are a beautiful range located just a short drive from the Garden State Parkway. These mountains offer numerous hiking trails, which provide stunning views of the surrounding area.
Family-Friendly Activities
Adventure Aquarium
The Adventure Aquarium is a family-friendly attraction located in Camden, just a short drive from the Garden State Parkway. This aquarium is home to numerous species of marine life, as well as interactive exhibits and shows.
Jenkinson’s Boardwalk
Jenkinson’s Boardwalk is a family-friendly attraction located in Point Pleasant Beach, just a short drive from the Garden State Parkway. This boardwalk is home to numerous rides, games, and attractions, as well as a beautiful beach.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
The Red Mill Museum Village
The Red Mill Museum Village is a unique attraction located in Clinton, just a short drive from the Garden State Parkway. This museum is housed in a historic gristmill and features exhibits on local history, as well as a beautiful garden and waterfall.
The Gingerbread Castle
The Gingerbread Castle is a quirky attraction located in Hamburg, just a short drive from the Garden State Parkway. This castle-shaped building was once a popular amusement park, and now serves as a unique museum and event space.
Natural Wonders
The Palisades
The Palisades are a stunning natural wonder located just a short drive from the Garden State Parkway. These towering cliffs offer stunning views of the Hudson River and New York City skyline.
The Great Falls
The Great Falls are a breathtaking natural wonder located in Paterson, just a short drive from the Garden State Parkway. These falls are over 77 feet tall and are surrounded by beautiful parkland.
Vibrant Nightlife
Asbury Park Boardwalk
The Asbury Park Boardwalk is a popular nightlife destination located just a short drive from the Garden State Parkway. This boardwalk is home to numerous bars, restaurants, and nightclubs, as well as live music venues and theaters.
New Brunswick Downtown
The downtown area of New Brunswick is a vibrant nightlife destination located just a short drive from the Garden State Parkway. This area is home to numerous bars, restaurants, and theaters, as well as a lively arts and music scene.
Local Markets
The Trenton Farmers Market
The Trenton Farmers Market is a popular local market located just a short drive from the Garden State Parkway. This market offers a wide selection of fresh produce, meats, and baked goods, as well as numerous food stalls and restaurants.
The Atlantic City Farmers Market
The Atlantic City Farmers Market is a popular local market located in the heart of Atlantic City, just a short drive from the Garden State Parkway. This market offers a wide selection of fresh produce, meats, and seafood, as well as numerous food stalls and restaurants.
Beaches and Mountains
Sandy Hook Beach
Sandy Hook Beach is a beautiful beach located just a short drive from the Garden State Parkway. This beach is known for its wide expanse of sand and clear waters, as well as its stunning views of New York City.
The Delaware Water Gap
The Delaware Water Gap is a stunning mountain range located just a short drive from the Garden State Parkway. This area offers numerous hiking trails, as well as stunning views of the Delaware River and surrounding area.
Cultural Immersion
The Newark Museum
The Newark Museum is a cultural institution located in Newark, just a short drive from the Garden State Parkway. This museum features exhibits on art, science, and history, as well as a planetarium and sculpture garden.
The Liberty Science Center
The Liberty Science Center is a popular attraction located in Jersey City, just a short drive from the Garden State Parkway. This center features numerous interactive exhibits on science and technology, as well as a planetarium and IMAX theater.
Art and Music Scene
The Princeton Symphony Orchestra
The Princeton Symphony Orchestra is a world-renowned orchestra located in Princeton, just a short drive from the Garden State Parkway. This orchestra performs numerous concerts throughout the year, featuring classical and contemporary music.
The Count Basie Center for the Arts
The Count Basie Center for the Arts is a popular venue located in Red Bank, just a short drive from the Garden State Parkway. This venue features numerous concerts, plays, and other performances throughout the year, featuring local and international artists.
Walking Tours
The Princeton Tour Company
The Princeton Tour Company offers numerous walking tours of the historic town of Princeton, just a short drive from the Garden State Parkway. These tours cover the town’s history, architecture, and famous residents, and are a great way to explore the town.
The Cape May Ghost Tour
The Cape May Ghost Tour is a popular walking tour located in Cape May, just a short drive from the Garden State Parkway. This tour covers the town’s haunted history and is a great way to explore the town’s historic architecture and landmarks.
Architectural Marvels
The Thomas Edison National Historical Park
The Thomas Edison National Historical Park is a historic site located in West Orange, just a short drive from the Garden State Parkway. This site features the laboratory and home of Thomas Edison, as well as numerous exhibits on his life and inventions.
The Cape May Historic District
The Cape May Historic District is a beautiful area located in Cape May, just a short drive from the Garden State Parkway. This area features numerous Victorian-era homes and buildings, as well as beautiful gardens and parks.
