New Jersey Day Trips for Couples

Location:

Wall Township, NJ

Highlights:

Looking for a charming mix of nature and history? Allaire State Park is a perfect couples’ day trip—peaceful trails, riverside views, and a step back into the 19th century await.

We Recommend This For:

Couples who enjoy scenic strolls, historic villages, railways, and riverside picnics.

What we Love:

Allaire Village’s living history charm, Pine Creek Railroad rides, and relaxing by the Manasquan River.

• Tour the historic Allaire Village, a restored 19th-century ironworks town with preserved homes, a blacksmith shop, and more.
• Ride the Pine Creek Railroad—charming excursion trains run seasonally and add a nostalgic twist to your visit.
• Stroll or bike the scenic Edgar Felix Bikeway or fish along the peaceful banks of the Manasquan River.
• Explore nature trails and attend educational programs at the park’s Nature Interpretive Center.

Distance from NYC:

About 1 hour and 15 minutes by car, depending on traffic.

How to Get to Allaire State Park:

Take Garden State Parkway South to Exit 98 for NJ-34 South. Follow signs to Allaire State Park, located at 4265 Atlantic Ave, Wall Township, NJ 07727.

Location:

Atlantic City, NJ

Highlights:

If you and your partner want fun, glitz, and ocean breezes all in one place, Atlantic City brings the energy. From iconic boardwalk strolls to glamorous nights out, it’s got everything for a bold day trip or overnight stay.

We Recommend This For:

Couples who love beach vibes, casinos, live entertainment, and buzzing nightlife.

What we Love:

The historic boardwalk, thrilling Steel Pier rides, and endless options for food, drinks, and dancing.

• Stroll the historic Atlantic City Boardwalk—the first of its kind in the U.S., lined with four miles of attractions.
• Try your luck at iconic casinos like the Hard Rock, Golden Nugget, and Tropicana.
• Ride the towering observation wheel and other thrill rides at the Steel Pier amusement park.
• Catch a show or attend annual events like the legendary Miss America Pageant.

Distance from NYC:

Around 2 hours and 15 minutes by car, depending on traffic.

How to Get to Atlantic City:

Take Garden State Parkway South to Exit 38A for the Atlantic City Expressway. Follow it straight into town for direct access to the boardwalk and casinos.

Location:

Barnegat Light, NJ

Highlights:

Looking to soak in ocean views, a little history, and peaceful island charm? Barnegat Lighthouse State Park is a breezy, beautiful spot perfect for a couples’ escape along the Jersey Shore.

We Recommend This For:

Couples who love lighthouses, photography, coastal walks, and nature spotting.

What we Love:

Climbing the iconic lighthouse, birdwatching by the water, and catching salty air on scenic island strolls.

• Climb 217 steps to the top of the historic Barnegat Lighthouse for sweeping views of Barnegat Bay and the Atlantic.
• Relax on walking trails with opportunities for fishing, birdwatching, and enjoying sea breezes.
• Explore the interpretive center, featuring live panoramic feeds from atop the lighthouse for non-climbers.
• Learn about maritime navigation history and the lighthouse’s role guiding ships into New York Harbor.

Distance from NYC:

About 2 hours by car.

How to Get to Barnegat Lighthouse State Park:

Take Garden State Parkway South to Exit 63 for Route 72 East toward Long Beach Island. Follow Route 72 to Long Beach Blvd and continue north to Barnegat Light. The park is located at 208 Broadway.

Location:

Cape May, NJ

Highlights:

If you’re dreaming of ocean breezes, Victorian charm, and boutique strolls, Cape May is your go-to. It’s the kind of place where every corner feels like a postcard—and it’s just as romantic as it sounds.

We Recommend This For:

Couples who adore seaside towns, historic charm, boutique shopping, and sunset lighthouse views.

What we Love:

Whale watching tours, Victorian architecture, and the relaxed, elegant vibe of Washington Street Mall.

• Stroll through the charming Cape May Historic District—an entire National Historic Landmark full of colorful Victorian homes.
• Tour the Cape May Lighthouse and WWII Lookout Tower for stunning views and fascinating maritime history.
• Browse the Washington Street Mall for boutique finds, ice cream, and quaint cafés.
• Embark on a romantic dolphin or whale watching cruise, available most of the year.

Distance from NYC:

About 2 hours and 45 minutes by car.

How to Get to Cape May:

Take Garden State Parkway South to Exit 0. Follow signs for Lafayette Street and continue into the heart of Cape May.

Location:

Matawan, NJ

Highlights:

Craving a nature escape that feels worlds away but is just around the corner? Cheesequake State Park is a hidden gem with lakes, trails, and year-round beauty that’s perfect for couples who love the outdoors.

We Recommend This For:

Couples who enjoy hiking, lake days, wildlife watching, and winter adventures in the woods.

What we Love:

The surprising mix of saltwater marshes, cedar swamps, and forest trails—all in one peaceful spot.

• Hike or bike five scenic trails that wind through marshes, forests, and estuary views.
• Swim or paddle at Hooks Creek Lake in summer, with lifeguards and quiet beaches.
• Fish for catfish, trout, and bass, or bring a canoe and drift peacefully through the wetlands.
• Play in the snow during winter with cross-country skiing, sledding, and snowshoeing across the park's open spaces.

Distance from NYC:

Just under 1 hour by car.

How to Get to Cheesequake State Park:

Take Garden State Parkway to Exit 120 and follow signs to the park entrance at 300 Gordon Rd, Matawan.

Affordable New Jersey Day Trips for Couples:

Location:

Clinton, NJ

Highlights:

Want a cozy, walkable town with a little mystery and a lot of charm? Clinton is a riverside gem where scenic strolls meet historic haunts—perfect for couples who love exploring together.

We Recommend This For:

Couples into history, small-town vibes, local art, and a touch of spooky fun.

What we Love:

The iconic Red Mill by the river, creative exhibits at Hunterdon Art Museum, and charming downtown shops.

• Visit the Red Mill Museum Village, a 10-acre historic site with living history exhibits—and some haunted legends.
• Explore the Hunterdon Historical Museum and the Hunterdon Art Museum, both set in restored 19th-century stone buildings.
• Walk across the iron truss bridge for postcard views of the Red Mill and Raritan River.
• Stroll and shop in downtown Clinton’s boutiques, then grab a cozy meal at a riverside café.

Distance from NYC:

About 1 hour and 15 minutes by car.

How to Get to Clinton:

Take I-78 West to Exit 15 (NJ-173). Follow signs to Main Street and the heart of Clinton’s downtown historic district.

Location:

Columbia, NJ

Highlights:

If you’re in the mood for a quiet nature escape with river views and wildlife experiences, Columbia is a peaceful getaway. It’s perfect for couples looking to unplug and explore the outdoors together.

We Recommend This For:

Couples who love kayaking, wildlife, wine tasting, and scenic river towns with a laid-back vibe.

What we Love:

Wolf watching at Lakota Preserve, paddling the Delaware River, and sipping wine with a mountain view.

• Take a guided tour at Lakota Wolf Preserve, home to Arctic, tundra, and timber wolves in protected habitats.
• Paddle a canoe or kayak along the Delaware River or explore the serene Columbia Lakes.
• Stroll across the Portland-Columbia Pedestrian Bridge for beautiful river views and access to Pennsylvania’s trails.
• Visit Brook Hollow Winery for tastings, scenic views, and live music throughout the week.

Distance from NYC:

Around 1 hour and 30 minutes by car.

How to Get to Columbia:

Take I-80 West to Exit 4C for NJ-94. Follow signs through Knowlton Township to Columbia. The town is just east of the Delaware River.

Location:

Edgewater, NJ

Highlights:

If you’re after riverside views, quiet strolls, and a touch of Revolutionary history, Edgewater is the perfect low-key day trip. You’ll feel miles away from the city—even while gazing straight at Manhattan.

We Recommend This For:

Couples who love riverside walks, historic landmarks, and relaxing with a skyline view.

What we Love:

The peaceful River Walk, the historic Binghamton Ferry, and the town’s deep Revolutionary roots.

• Walk the 11-mile Edgewater River Walk for breathtaking views of the Hudson and Manhattan skyline.
• Visit the historic Binghamton Ferry—an iconic double-ended steam ferry permanently anchored since 1904.
• Stop by New Jersey’s last remaining Carnegie library, the charming Edgewater Free Library, for events or quiet time.
• Explore preserved sites like the 1904 Borough Hall, restored with care and rich with colonial history.

Distance from NYC:

Just 30 minutes by car or bus.

How to Get to Edgewater:

Take the George Washington Bridge or Lincoln Tunnel into New Jersey, then follow River Road south along the Hudson to reach Edgewater.

Location:

Hamilton Township, NJ

Highlights:

Want something whimsical, artistic, and totally unforgettable? Grounds for Sculpture is where nature and creativity meet—perfect for couples who want to wander, wonder, and snap some stunning photos.

We Recommend This For:

Couples into contemporary art, outdoor strolls, garden settings, and creative experiences.

What we Love:

The immersive sculpture gardens, changing art exhibits, and magical dining at Rat’s Restaurant.

• Wander through 42 acres of beautifully landscaped paths filled with over 270 sculptures from artists worldwide.
• Explore six indoor galleries showcasing rotating contemporary art and installations year-round.
• Spot iconic works like “Forever Marilyn” and “Unconditional Surrender” among lush gardens and reflective ponds.
• Dine at Rat’s Restaurant, a fairy tale-inspired gem with romantic views and French-inspired cuisine.

Distance from NYC:

About 1 hour and 20 minutes by car.

How to Get to Grounds for Sculpture:

Take I-295 South to Exit 65B for Sloan Avenue. Follow signs to 80 Sculptors Way in Hamilton Township.

Location:

Haddonfield, NJ

Highlights:

If your perfect day together includes boutique browsing, local eats, and charming streets, Haddonfield is a dream. It’s got that small-town charm with big flavor and unique finds around every corner.

We Recommend This For:

Couples who love shopping, art galleries, delicious dining, and walkable historic downtowns.

What we Love:

Over 200 independent shops, eclectic boutiques, and a dining scene that rivals Philly’s best.

• Browse one of the region’s best shopping districts with stores like Velvet Paws, Happy Hippo, and Benjamin Lovell Shoes.
• Stroll through charming streets lined with galleries, cafes, and historic brick facades.
• Dine at top-notch restaurants ranging from cozy bistros to upscale eateries with wine lists worth lingering over.
• Explore local history at the Historical Society of Haddonfield museum, right in the heart of town.

Distance from NYC:

About 1 hour and 45 minutes by car. Just 10 minutes from downtown Philadelphia.

How to Get to Haddonfield:

Take I-295 South or the NJ Turnpike to Exit 4. From Philadelphia, cross the Ben Franklin or Walt Whitman Bridge and follow signs to Haddonfield.