South Jersey’s highways are iconic (just ask anyone what exit they’re from), but it’s the byways and small-town roads that turn a regular drive into a scenic road trip. In anywhere from 45 minutes to a few hours, you can see all kinds of different towns, nature, ecosystems and attractions. Here are a few of our favorite drives:

Route 49, from Deepwater to Tuckahoe: Stop at Salem’s 600-year-old oak tree (located at 112 West Broadway), then head to historic Elsinboro, then the Cohanzick Zoo, New Jersey’s first zoo. As you reach the end of Route 49, just 2 miles off the road is Millville’s WheatonArts and Cultural Center, where the American glass industry was started.

Ocean Drive, from Ocean City to Cape May: 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.

Route 40, from Pennsville/ Carneys Point to Atlantic City: Pass places like the Salem County Fairgrounds, Cowtown Rodeo and Lake Lenape Park as you drive from the state’s western border all the way to its eastern shoreline.

Route 9, from Cape May to Toms River: Catch amazing nature views passing through Cape May County Park and North Double Trouble State Park, then stop at Double Trouble Village, an active cranberry farm where you can see cranberry bogs and other historical landmarks.

Route 542, from New Gretna to Hammonton: Explore the Pine Barrens without actually hiking the forest as you drive through Batsto Village and along the Mullica River and Batsto Lake.