Sometimes, the best kind of escape is just a short drive away. Living in New Jersey means being close to so many distinct destinations—beach towns that shimmer with nostalgia, historic harbors that slow your pace, and tucked-away hamlets where nature and quiet still reign. Whether I needed a breath of sea air, a dose of culture, or simply a change of scenery, each of these weekend getaways gave me something different...something lasting. These weren’t just places I visited—they were moments I lived in fully.
From the vibrant energy of Atlantic City to the timeless calm of Bernardsville, here are a few of my favorite weekend trips from the Garden State, all just a few hours away—but worlds apart.
Best Weekend Getaways From New Jersey
Classic Shore Fun in The Wildwood
There’s something unapologetically nostalgic about Wildwoods. The clatter of the boardwalk, the scent of salty fries in the air, and that Atlantic breeze sweeping across wide, free beaches—it all stirred something in me. It felt like summer the way it used to be: loud, bright, full of motion and memories. Even as I walked past neon-lit motels and heard the echoes of Doo-Wop tunes, it struck me—"This is joy without pretense." A place where sunscreen sticks, taffy pulls at your teeth, and you laugh harder than you expected.
What I Loved Most: Riding the Ferris wheel at dusk on Morey’s Piers, watching the sun melt into the sea as carnival lights blinked to life beneath us.
My highlights? Dinner at Dogtooth Bar & Grill, a laid-back spot locals love. I had the blackened mahi mahi tacos with citrus slaw and chipotle mayo—zesty, fresh, and perfect after a day on the sand. Paired with a cold local brew and beachy tunes in the background, it was a taste of summer on a plate.
Travel Tips:
- Drive Time from North Jersey: ~2.5–3 hours south
- Vibe: Retro, family-friendly, high-energy
- Highlights: Boardwalk rides, free beaches, waterparks, Doo-Wop architecture
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early fall for full boardwalk action
- Cost: Free beaches, paid parking, ride tickets extra
- Hours: Boardwalk open daily in season, most attractions open until late evening
- Address: Wildwoods Boardwalk, Wildwood, NJ 08260
Nautical Charm in Annapolis
Annapolis felt like stepping into a living postcard—sailboats bobbing in the harbor, brick streets leading to taverns older than the country itself, and flags fluttering against a crisp breeze. The air smelled like salt and history. I kept thinking, “This is the kind of place where time slows to let you breathe.” I wandered past 18th-century homes and watched midshipmen in uniform pass by. The whole town seemed to balance heritage and ease, like it knew exactly who it was.
What I Loved Most: Strolling along Ego Alley as the golden hour turned the water to honey, and watching boats glide in like it was a stage built just for them.
My highlights? A relaxed lunch at Iron Rooster—famous for its all-day breakfast and quirky Southern twists. I had the shrimp and grits: creamy, rich, and spiked with a little heat, topped with a perfectly poached egg. Sitting by the window with a view of downtown, it was Annapolis on a plate—classic, comforting, and just a bit playful.
Travel Tips:
- Drive Time from Central NJ: ~3 hours southwest
- Vibe: Historic, nautical, easygoing
- Highlights: U.S. Naval Academy, harborfront dining, sailing tours
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for crisp weather and fewer crowds
- Cost: Mostly walkable, parking fees downtown
- Hours: Shops open 10am–6pm, restaurants vary, Naval Academy open with ID
- Address: Historic Downtown Annapolis, MD 21401
Retro Revival in Asbury Park
Asbury Park buzzed with personality—graffiti art, crashing waves, and the sound of Springsteen still lingering like a hometown anthem. It felt gritty and glamorous all at once, with old-school soul in a modern outfit. I walked the boardwalk with a coffee in hand, taking in the vintage pinball arcade, rainbow flags, and that iconic carousel house. I remember thinking, “Places like this don’t just evolve—they reinvent themselves.” There was a contagious energy, like something was always about to happen.
What I Loved Most: Catching a local band at the legendary Stone Pony and dancing barefoot in the sand just outside the doors.
My highlights? Brunch at Toast, a cozy spot known for its big plates and chill vibes. I had the crab cake Benedict—two golden cakes stacked with poached eggs, silky hollandaise, and a side of crispy home fries. Sitting at a sunlit table, surrounded by laughter and beach breeze, it was the kind of meal that lingered long after the last bite.
Travel Tips:
- Drive Time from North Jersey: ~1–1.5 hours
- Vibe: Artsy, eclectic, proudly rebellious
- Highlights: Boardwalk, Stone Pony, art murals, vintage shopping
- Best Time to Visit: Summer for music festivals, fall for fewer crowds
- Cost: Metered street parking, boardwalk is free
- Hours: Most venues open late; beach hours dawn to dusk
- Address: Asbury Park Boardwalk, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
Electric Escape in Atlantic City
Atlantic City surprised me. I expected the glitz, the casinos, the boardwalk bustle—but what caught me off guard was the feeling of freedom. It felt like stepping into a space where anything could happen, where spontaneity was part of the plan. As lights blinked across the sky and waves crashed just out of view, I remember thinking, “This city doesn’t sleep—but it sure knows how to let go.” Between high-stakes tables and low-key beach moments, it was indulgent and real all at once.
What I Loved Most: Watching street performers on the boardwalk at dusk, their music weaving into the sound of the ocean like a pulse unique to this city.
My highlights? Dinner at Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar, tucked into the Tropicana. I had the classic ropa vieja—shredded beef simmered in tomatoes and peppers, served with sweet plantains and black beans. The flavors were bold and soulful, with mojitos flowing and Latin beats echoing through the room. It felt like a vacation within a vacation.
Travel Tips:
- Drive Time from North Jersey: ~2 hours south
- Vibe: Flashy, unpredictable, energetic
- Highlights: Casinos, boardwalk, beach bars, Steel Pier
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring through early fall
- Cost: Parking fees, casino options vary widely
- Hours: Boardwalk open 24/7, casinos all night
- Address: Atlantic City Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Coastal Calm in The Atlantic Highlands
The Atlantic Highlands felt like a breath in. Nestled between sea and sky, this quiet corner of the Jersey coast offered a softer kind of escape. I wandered the marina as the sun began its descent, boats rocking gently in rhythm. Everything was calm—deliberate, even. I thought to myself, “This is the quiet I didn’t know I was missing.” There was no rush, no schedule—just space to be still and present.
What I Loved Most: Hiking Mount Mitchill Scenic Overlook and looking out over Sandy Hook and the New York City skyline in the same glance—nature and city in one sweep.
My highlights? A leisurely lunch at On The Deck, right by the harbor. I ordered the lobster roll: buttery, generous chunks of meat in a toasted bun, with a side of hand-cut fries and sea breeze in my hair. Watching the boats come and go while sipping a crisp local cider—it felt effortlessly perfect.
Travel Tips:
- Drive Time from North Jersey: ~1 hour
- Vibe: Peaceful, nautical, understated
- Highlights: Marina, waterfront dining, hiking, ferry to NYC
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring through early fall
- Cost: Low-cost parking, ferry fees if traveling to/from NYC
- Hours: Parks open sunrise to sunset, ferry operates daily
- Address: 326 Shore Dr, Highlands, NJ 07732
Storybook Stillness in Bernardsville
Bernardsville felt like a secret—tucked in the rolling hills with storybook charm and historic echoes. Walking its quiet streets beneath leafy canopies, I felt transported. The town exuded grace and calm, the kind that comes from knowing its roots. I thought, “Some places don’t need to shout to leave a mark.” Every stone house and flower-filled porch felt like a quiet invitation to slow down and appreciate the details.
What I Loved Most: Visiting the historic Cross Estate Gardens, wandering through stone pathways and blooming arches with no one else in sight—it felt like a garden meant just for me.
My highlights? Dinner at The Bernards Inn, a refined yet warm restaurant steeped in local tradition. I had the pan-seared scallops over a corn purée with roasted heirloom tomatoes. It was elegant without being fussy, and the candlelit setting made it feel like the end to a very good day.
Travel Tips:
- Drive Time from North Jersey: ~1 hour
- Vibe: Refined, historic, tranquil
- Highlights: Cross Estate Gardens, upscale dining, scenic drives
- Best Time to Visit: Spring or fall for peak garden beauty
- Cost: Gardens are free; dining varies
- Hours: Gardens open dawn to dusk
- Address: 27 Hardscrabble Rd, Bernardsville, NJ 07924
Closing Thoughts
What I’ve come to love about weekend trips from New Jersey is how varied and accessible they are. Each town, each boardwalk, each hillside inn offered its own rhythm—and I found that matching my mood to the moment was part of the magic. Whether you’re chasing live music and late nights or quiet gardens and long meals, there’s a weekend waiting for you that feels tailor-made. You don’t have to go far to feel like you’ve gone somewhere special.
More to explore...
For Architecture Fans: Cape May
Location:
Cape May, New JerseyHighlights:
Consistently ranked as one of America’s best beach destinations, Cape May blends oceanfront beauty with Victorian charm. With historic architecture, lighthouse views, and boutique-lined streets, this National Historic Landmark is a seaside escape like no other.Recommended For:
Couples, history buffs, architecture lovers, and anyone seeking a romantic or nostalgic coastal getaway.What I Love: ♥
The entire town’s storybook setting, its impeccably preserved Victorian homes, whale-watching adventures, and sunset strolls along some of the country’s most picturesque beaches.- Unwind on one of the top beachfront stretches in the U.S., praised by the Travel Channel for its wide sandy shores and peaceful oceanfront ambiance.
- Admire the Victorian homes in the Cape May Historic District, where pastel-painted gingerbread cottages line quiet streets.
- Climb the historic Cape May Lighthouse for panoramic views or visit the WWII-era Lookout Tower for a glimpse into local military history.
- Tour the Emlen Physick Estate, an ornate 19th-century mansion offering Victorian-era insights, or explore Historic Cold Spring Village, a living history museum with colonial demonstrations.
- Stroll the boardwalk hand-in-hand or browse shops and dine alfresco at the charming Washington Street Mall.
- Set sail on a whale watching cruise, a year-round favorite for wildlife lovers and romantics alike.
Navigation:
View Cape May on Google MapsLocal Resource:
Cape May Historic District
For Antique Shoppers: Chester Borough
Location:
Chester Borough, New JerseyHighlights:
Named one of New Jersey’s most beautiful towns, Chester Borough in Morris County is a perfect mix of pastoral landscapes, historic architecture, and quaint downtown charm. Whether you're hiking scenic trails or shopping local boutiques, Chester feels like a storybook escape.Recommended For:
Nature lovers, history buffs, antique shoppers, and anyone seeking a peaceful day trip or weekend retreat.What I Love: ♥
Rolling countryside, preserved gristmills, colorful gardens, and a historic district full of charm—all wrapped in the warm welcome of small-town New Jersey.- Explore Hacklebarney State Park for hiking trails, waterfalls, and seasonal hunting surrounded by woodland beauty.
- Step back in time at Black River County Park and the Nathan Cooper Gristmill, where costumed interpreters bring the 19th century to life.
- Wander the serene paths of Willowwood Arboretum, a 131-acre gem of landscaped gardens and native trails.
- Admire the historic 1740 First Congregational Church and the borough’s colonial-era buildings that dot the charming downtown district.
- Shop at over 50 local boutiques, galleries, and antique shops, then relax with a bite at one of Chester’s many charming cafés or cozy restaurants.
Navigation:
View Chester Borough on Google MapsLocal Resource:
Visit Chester on VisitNJ.org
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