Blooming botanical gardens, sunny days at the beach, beautiful hiking trails—there’s a lot to love about spring in New Jersey. Make the most of the season with this quick bucket list of must-try experiences.
Go for a bike ride along a nearby trail.
Whether you rent a bike or bring your own, enjoy the pleasant spring weather and picture-worthy scenery from two wheels. Take in the shoreline views from the Sandy Hook Bike Path along the Sandy Hook Peninsula or opt for a forested ride alongside cranberry bogs on the Pine Barrens River Ramble. Find even more bike paths to enjoy this spring.
Fly a kite on the beach.
Take advantage of springtime’s windy weather and launch your colorful kite to fly along the shoreline. At Point Pleasant Beach, enjoy the pristine, family-beach. At Barnegat Lighthouse State Park, fly your kite along the quiet stretch of sand while taking in views of the historic Barnegat Lighthouse. On May 22 – 25, 2020, don’t miss the Wildwoods International Kite Festival in Wildwood; it’s the largest kite festival in North America and the perfect place to watch pros show off their kite skills. (Check closer to date to check event status).
Bring your lunch outdoors for a family picnic with views.
Dining with a view doesn't get much better when you're at one of the many spectacular picnic spots in New Jersey. At Palisades Interstate Park, unpack your lunch at the Alpine Picnic Area, a waterfront area with views of the Hudson River, picnic tables, grills, restrooms and access to the nearby trail system. Ringwood State Park in Ringwood offers picnic tables and food concessions at the 74-acre Shepherd Lake, where you can enjoy a picnic followed by a paddleboat, kayak or canoe ride.
Explore nature on a scenic hiking trail.
Take in breathtaking views from the highest elevation in New Jersey when you trek up Monument Trail at High Point State Park in Sussex, which follows part of the famous Appalachian Trail before continuing to the summit. For a little bit of history with your hike, follow the Watchung Reservation History Trail in Union County, which includes interesting sites like a copper mine, the 1920s Drake Farm House & Barn and more.
Explore one of the many botanical gardens in New Jersey.
Spring is known for its gorgeous displays of floral beauty, so take in the seasonal splendor at one of New Jersey’s parks and gardens. Stroll the manicured paths winding between rose bushes at Deep Cut Gardens in Middletown, see the blooming flowers at Cross Estate Gardens in Bernardsville or spend the day exploring the sprawling New Jersey Botanical Garden at Skylands in Ringwood.
Credit: visitnj.org/
