Pack the car – we’re going road tripping! Ok, so we’re doing mini road trips. But still. This spring, we’re heading out to explore the many unique and fun-filled sites that South Jersey has to offer.
The history haul
South Jersey is teeming with historic buildings and iconic sites, it would be impossible to visit them all in one day. But we can hit a few. Start your day at the Burlington County Prison Museum – where many infamous criminals of the 1800’s served time – for an hour-long audio tour that takes you through the historic stone building and try your hand at the escape game to see if you can break out.
Next, take a short drive to Haddonfield to walk the halls that our founding fathers used to broker deals and discuss politics at the Indian King Tavern. You may even be able to chat with a reenactor who can tell you about the storied history of the tavern’s bar on the first floor. And the Main St. in Haddonfield has a number of great options to stop for lunch on your trip.
Finally, head even further south to Camden’s Waterfront to board the massive Battleship New Jersey, the country’s most decorated ship. The Battleship offers tours through the lower decks, where you can see the crew’s quarters, mess hall and the room where they shot the ship’s big guns. Plus, walk the decks to see the Philadelphia skyline.
And if you’re feeling extra ambitious, you can end your day at Red Bank Battlefield in Gloucester. The park was the site of a Revolutionary War era fort that saw plenty of action, and not only does it feature family friendly walking trails, but plenty of educational sites with the history of the park.
The lighthouse trail
Get your steps in along the Jersey coast by visiting all four South Jersey lighthouses. Start at Barnegat Lighthouse and climb the 217 steps to the top for sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean and Barnegat Light. Then, drive to Absecon for New Jersey’s tallest lighthouse, Absecon Lighthouse. Next comes North Wildwood and Hereford Inlet Lighthouse to climb 49 ½ feet above the coastline and admire the 200 species of flowers and plants in the victorian style park below. End your coastal cruise at Cape May Lighthouse, where you can gaze out over the Cape May Wetlands State Natural Area. Keep an eye out for wildlife and birds that call the area home.
The kid-friendly trip
Pack up the kids – and plenty of snacks – for a day of fun, and a little bit of learning. Kick things off at Morning Glori Farmette alpaca farm, where the whole family can not only learn about these cuddly creatures and meet a few, but you can also choose an alpaca-themed craft to do for a $5 fee. Then, run off some of that energy at Cooper River Park – featuring a pooch park, two picnic areas, playground, sculpture garden and the iconic Cooper River running right through the middle. You can also hop over to Collingswood’s restaurant row for a quick lunch that the kids will love at Sabrina’s or The Pop Shop. Finally, head to Camden’s Waterfront and explore the other worldly Adventure Aquarium, with 15,000 aquatic animals and gallons and gallons of saltwater. The kids will love the many touchtanks, Shark Tunnel and Penguin Park.
Jersey Shore hidden gems
There are plenty of hidden gems on the Jersey Shore peninsula – and they’re not hiding in the sand. Head to Cape May for a day of unique fun, starting on your way in Wildwood, at the Doo Wop Museum. The museum is full of eye-catching neon signs and other memorabilia from the ’50s. You’ll get lost in the bright wonder as you explore the nostalgia.
Then, head to Cape May for something different. Start at the Harriett Tubman Museum, where you can learn all about the resort town’s role in the fight for freedom and its most famous visitor, Harriett Tubman. Then give your legs a break on one of Cape May MAC’s trolley tours, which take you around town to admire the Victorian architecture and learn about the era’s history. Finally, spend your afternoon among the living history at Cold Spring Village. The 1800’s come to life on 30 acres of demonstrations including blacksmithing, printing, woodworking and more.
