Are you looking for a local spot to head to this summer with your friends and family? South Jersey has many exciting lesser-known attractions. These hidden gems offer everything from history to nature to culinary delights. There is no better way to experience these spots than by taking a scenic road trip that lets you explore each unique destination at your own pace!
Cape May Point State Park
This is a 244-acre coastal sanctuary that offers stunning ocean views and nature trails winding through dunes and wetlands. It is home to the historic and iconic Cape May Lighthouse. Visitors can enjoy birdwatching, hiking, and exploring freshwater ponds, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers. This peaceful park also complements Cape May’s renowned Victorian allure. NJ.gov Website
Historic Smithville
This quaint village transports visitors back in time with its cobblestone walkways, charming shops, and scenic lake. Originally a one-room stagecoach stop, historic Smithville has evolved into a beloved destination featuring over 60 unique shops, restaurants, and attractions. The village also hosts seasonal festivities, making each visit a fresh and memorable experience! Smithville Website
Batsto Village
In Hammonton, Batsto Village is known for its rich industrial past dating back to the 19th century. Once a thriving ironworks and glassmaking center, the village now features over 30 preserved buildings, including a mansion, blacksmith shop, and general store. Visitors can explore its scenic trails, historical structures, and museum exhibits, offering a fascinating glimpse into early American industry and life. NJ.gov Website
Located in Margate and built in 1882, this whimsical six-story elephant shaped building is a fun spot to visit! Over the years, Lucy has served as a tavern, summer home, and tourist landmark, eventually earning recognition as a National Historical Landmark. Today, visitors can go on a guided tour through Lucy the Elephant! Official Website
Uptown Pitman
In the small town of Pitman, explore unique shops, indulge in delicious ice cream, and enjoy a meal at one of its inviting restaurants. You can also try pottery painting, a fun activity for both adults and kids, before catching an exciting show at the historic Broadway Theatre. Whether you’re visiting for a relaxing afternoon or a seasonal festive celebration, Uptown Pitman offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Pitman Website
Historic Cold Spring Village
Historic Cold Spring Village is an open-air living history museum in Cape May that brings the 1800s to life with restored buildings and interactive demonstrations. Visitors can explore blacksmithing, woodworking, basket weaving, and other traditional crafts all presented by historically clothed interpreters. They even have a restaurant and brewery! The 30- acre site offers a unique glimpse into the past, making it a charming and educational destination perfect for families and history bluffs alike. Cape May Website
Downtown Haddonfield
Downtown Haddonfield is a vibrant shopping and dining district known for its charming colonial architecture and tree-lined streets. It offers a winery, brewery, boutique shops, art galleries, and other fantastic eateries. Also, discover the town’s public art installation and sculptures to add a creative touch to your visit. Haddonfield hosts several seasonal events and festivals making it a lively destination year-round! Downtown Haddonfield Website
Edelman Fossil Park & Museum of Rowan University
Did you know South Jersey is a hotbed for dinosaur fossils? Be one of the first to visit the new Edelman Fossil Park & Museum this summer. The state-of-the-art complex has something for everyone, including a cafe, playground, hiking trails, museum, and you can even dig for and take home a real fossil! Museum Website
The Wetlands Institute
In Stone Harbor, NJ, is a nature center dedicated to promoting appreciation, understanding, and stewardship of coastal and wetland ecosystems. It offers interactive educational programs for all ages, allowing visitors to explore the salt marsh environment through guided walks, observation towers, and even kayaking. The institute is home to research and conservation efforts, focusing on species like diamondback terrapins, horseshoe crabs, and shorebirds. InstituteWebsite
Lizard Tail Swamp Preserve
This nature preserve offers a peaceful hiking experience with well-maintained trails winding through lush forests and wetlands. The preserve is home to diverse wildlife, including birds, amphibians, and unique plant species. The trail system spans about 3 miles, featuring two main trails—the Blue Trail and the Yellow Trail. The terrain is mostly flat, making it an easy and accessible hike for visitors. Along the way, you’ll find footbridges, picnic areas, and scenic spots to enjoy the natural beauty. Nature Conservancy Website
Jersey Shore Alpacas
A family-owned farm located in Green Creek, near historic Cape May, NJ. The farm specializes in agritourism, welcoming visitors to meet and interact with their friendly alpacas. Visitors can enjoy private mingling tours, where they can get up close with the alpacas and learn about their care. The farm also features a store offering soft alpaca clothing, cuddly toys, and yarn. Official Website
Amico Island Park
A 55-acre peninsula located in Delran, NJ, at the confluence of the Rancocas Creek and Delaware River. The park features diverse habitats, including upland forests, freshwater ponds, wetlands, and meadows, making it a great spot for hiking, biking, fishing, and picnicking. One of the highlights of visiting Amico Island Park is the scenic views of the Philadelphia skyline. From certain vantage points along the trails, visitors can see the cityscape across the Delaware River, offering a picturesque backdrop, especially at sunset. NJ Audubon Website
Marine Mammal Stranding Center
The center located in Brigantine, NJ, operates a Sea Life Museum, offering educational exhibits and hands-on learning experiences about marine conservation. Visitors can explore the rehabilitation facilities, learn about the stranding response process, and even support the center through donations or volunteering. Official Website
Tall Pines State Preserve
Once a popular golf course, this 110-acre nature preserve located in Gloucester County, NJ, was abandoned in 2006, allowing nature to reclaim the land before officially becoming a state park in 2016. The preserve features two marked trails—the Perimeter Trail (Green) and the Red Trail (Red)—offering visitors a chance to explore woodlands, wetlands, and open meadows. It’s a great spot for hiking, birdwatching, and enjoying peaceful scenery. NJ Gov Website
Saddler's Woods
This forest located in Haddon Township, features wetlands, young woodlands, and old-growth forest, making it a rare natural retreat in an urban setting. Visitors can explore diverse tree species, including Eastern Black Oak, White Oak, American Beech, and Tulip Poplar, some of which are over 300 years old. Each year, a group of goats is brought in to help clear invasive plants like English ivy, poison ivy, and Japanese knotweed. The goats are natural weed eaters, allowing the forest to be restored without the use of herbicides. Visitors can watch the goats in action, but there are a few rules—no feeding or petting, as they may be covered in poison ivy oils. The project has been running for several years and has become a community favorite. Official Website
Cape May Zoo
Open year-round, except on Christmas, this is a free-admission zoo located in Cape May Court House, NJ. Spanning 85 acres, it houses over 500 animals representing 200 different species. The zoo features a large African Savanna exhibit, a free-flight aviary, and a reptile collection. Founded in 1978, the zoo is part of a 220-acre park, which includes picnic areas, playgrounds, and walking trails. Visitors can enjoy educational programs and animal encounters. Official Website
Cedar Run
Located on the edge of the New Jersey Pinelands this center serves as a wildlife rehabilitation hospital, nature center, and conservation area, dedicated to preserving native wildlife and habitats through education, rehabilitation, and conservation efforts. The refuge includes the Woodford Nature Center, a Wildlife Housing Area with more than 50 native residents, and a Wildlife Rehabilitation Hospital that cares for over 7,000 wild animals each year. Visitors can explore hiking trails, observe bald eagles, owls, raccoons, and other rescued animals, and participate in educational programs. Official Website
Sunset Beach and the SS Atlantus
Located in Cape May, NJ, is a popular coastal destination known for its stunning sunsets, Cape May diamonds (smooth quartz pebbles), and historic landmarks. One of its most famous sights is the wreck of the SS Atlantus, an experimental concrete ship that ran aground during a storm in 1926. Cape May Website
Howling Woods Farms
A educational facility and rescue center located in Jackson, NJ that specializes in teaching visitors about wolves and wolfdogs, dispelling myths about their nature, and providing a safe haven for rescued wolfdog hybrids and northern breed canines. Visitors can participate in guided walking tours and interact with wolfdogs while learning about their behavior and conservation efforts. Tours are by appointment only, ensuring a personalized and immersive experience. Official Website
Ready to head to on your next adventure? Use our AAA TripTik® travel planner, maps, and digital TourBook® guides to make traveling easier! Get directions, learn about nearby attractions, find AAA rated hotels, and more.
AAA TripTik® travel planner, maps, and digital TourBook® guides
Iceland is a land where fire and ice shape the earth in real time, drawing travelers to its waterfalls, geothermal springs, volcanic landscapes, and the possibility of glowing skies. Find out more about our group AAA South Jersey Exclusive Vacation to Iceland.
