Pack up the car and get behind the wheel, the perfect road trip is in your own backyard. Here are some scenic South Jersey roads you won’t want to miss on your way:
Double Trouble State Park
Route 9, from Cape May to Toms River
As you enjoy views of the ocean and scenic shoreline, don’t miss Cape May County Park North. The intimate setting is perfect for a relaxing stroll through the forest. Then, take your adventure to the next level at Double Trouble State Park, which is bursting with nature and culture. The Double Trouble Village, located in the park, is an active cranberry farm where you can see cranberry bogs and other historical landmarks.
Corson’s Inlet State Park
Ocean Drive, from Ocean City to Cape May
The drive down the Shore has never looked so good. Head from Ocean City to Cape May with views of the Atlantic Ocean, salt marshes and busy fishing ports. You’ll begin with a stunning view of Corson’s Inlet State Park in Ocean City and finish your journey by watching the picturesque sunset at Sunset Lake.
Cohanzik Zoo
Route 49, from Deepwater to Tuckahoe
Who knew one road held so much of New Jersey’s history? At the start of your journey from Deepwater to Tuckahoe, be sure to stop at Salem’s 600-year-old oak tree (located at 112 West Broadway), then head to historical Elsinboro, the site of the first English settlement in the state. Then, don’t miss The Cohanzick Zoo, New Jersey’s first zoo. As you reach the end of Route 49, just two miles off the road is Millville’s WheatonArts and Cultural Center, where the American glass industry was started.
Batsto Village
Route 542, from New Gretna to Hammonton
If you’re looking to explore the Pine Barrens without actually hiking through the forest, hop on Route 542. About halfway through the trip, travel back in time at Batsto Village, complete with the wheelwright and blacksmith shops, the general store, and 19th-century cottages. Enjoy several gorgeous bodies of water along the way, including Wading River, Mullica River and Batsto Lake.
A.J. Meerwald
Route 553/Back Neck Road, from Port Norris to Sea Breeze
Before you leave Port Norris, visit the A.J. Meerwald – a restored oyster dredging ship originally launched in 1928 – at the Bayshore Center at Bivalve. (Check the Bayshore Center’s website for the A.J. Meerwald’s port schedule). Then, stop at Turkey Point for some bird watching and to spot other wild creatures in the salt marshes. If you can’t get enough of the unique wildlife, head just a few miles up the road to Cedar Lake, where you just might see a bald eagle.
Naval Air Center
Route 539 from Allentown to Tuckerton
Enjoy miles of gorgeous forestry, sprinkled with picturesque lakes and outstanding farmers’ markets. Be sure to pick up some of the best pies in South Jersey at Emery’s Berry Farm in New Egypt, and don’t miss the Naval Air Center in Lakehurst. You’ll want to take this trip in the morning so you can eat breakfast at Lucille’s Country Cooking in Barnegat.
Cowtown Rodeo
Route 40, from Pennsville/Carneys Point to Atlantic City
This trip on picturesque Route 40 will take you from the state’s western border all the way to its eastern shoreline. After just 10 minutes of driving, you’ll pass places like the Salem County Fairgrounds, home of the Salem County Fair since 1959, and Cowtown Rodeo, the only professional weekly rodeo in the state. Later, enjoy the serene atmosphere at Memorial Lake. Before you cross Lake Lenape, be sure to stop and take in the Lake Lenape Park, teeming with wildlife.
Millville Army Air Field Museum
Route 55, from Deptford to Menantico
Route 55, abundant with forestry and small creeks and rivers, will give you a little taste of what South Jersey’s nature has to offer. There’s nothing like the flower-filled grounds of Alcyon Lake Park so, don’t forget to stop by and enjoy the natural beauty. As you near Menantico, stop by historical Millville for some window shopping at the Glasstown Arts District or to see the Millville Army Air Field Museum.
