These Are the Most Underrated Tourist Spots in New Jersey, According to Local Redditors
Add adventure to your to-do list with a visit to these underrated tourist spots in New Jersey, which earn rave reviews from local Redditors.
Sometimes we know a secret so juicy that we struggle not to blurt it out. Then there are those secrets that we would never consider sharing. Hidden gems are kind of like that. We discover amazing hidden gems, and while we would love to show them off, we don’t want these underrated tourist spots in New Jersey to become overrun by enthusiastic visitors. Some local Redditors keep pretty tight-lipped when it comes to those beloved hidden gems but have shared a few that are worthy of a spot on every bucket list.
1. Grounds for Sculpture – Hamilton
Even if you’re not necessarily a fan of art, particularly sculptures, you might walk away with a new appreciation after exploring Grounds for Sculpture. The 42-acre gem features an outdoor sculpture garden, an arboretum, and an indoor museum with six galleries. Breathe in the fresh air and marvel at the natural beauty any time of the year as you stroll through the garden, brimming with wildflowers and butterflies in the warmer months and over a fairy-tale footbridge. The more than 300 sculptures, created by new and seasoned artists, are undeniably the garden's highlight. Spend the day exploring and then sit down to a delicious meal at Rat’s Restaurant. Grounds for Sculpture also hosts lectures, performances, and workshops. Timed tickets are required.
2. Duke Farms – Hillsborough Township
Discover a natural gem while reconnecting with nature at Duke Farms, a 2,700-acre nature preserve that’s home to more than 520 types of plants and nearly 250 bird species, including nesting bald eagles. Keep an eye on the sky, and you might see a few. Rent a bike or hike along a half dozen trails ranging from easy to moderate in difficulty. Save time for a bite at Farm Barn Café, or enjoy a picnic under a tree. Duke Farms also offers classes and workshops.
3. Hacklebarney State Park – Long Valley
Whether you feel like chasing waterfalls or casting a line for a quiet day of fishing, you’ll quickly discover why Hacklebarney State Park earns a nod as a gem that flies under the radar. Scenic trails wind through the 890-acre state park that passes the Black River, wetlands, and tiny waterfalls. Hiking and cross-country skiing, when conditions allow, are both popular. Biking is not permitted. Bring your binoculars to spot the wildlife – from deer and foxes to woodchucks and more than 100 bird species – that call the park home.
4. Franklin Parker Preserve – Chatsworth
While New Jersey is known for its bustling cities, its natural spaces make it easy to escape the busyness of daily life. Spanning more than 11,300 acres, some of which feature the Pine Barrens, Franklin Parker Preserve promises some of the most spectacular natural beauty in New Jersey. Explore acres of wetlands, pine oak forest, blueberry fields, and cranberry bogs on the more than a half dozen hiking trails ranging from easy to moderate. Hiking, biking, and horseback riding are popular in the preserve, where you might spot such wildlife as barred owls, bald eagles, and wood ducks. Enter the preserve through the Chatsworth Lake Entrance or the Speedwell Entrance.
5. Laurelwood Arboretum – Wayne
Wander through Laurelwood Arboretum, a 30-acre natural area designed to allow visitors to reconnect with nature and find inspiration in the storybook setting with gardens, winding paths, vibrant flowers, and two ponds. Enjoy a stroll or a rejuvenating run on the scenic 1.3-mile Laurelwood Arboretum Trail. Popular all year, the easy trail showcasing the arboretum’s natural beauty is kid-friendly and welcomes leashed pups. Carve out enough time during your visit to explore the Sensory Garden, South Rock Garden, Wetlands Garden, and Pollinator Garden. Admission to the arboretum is free, but donations are accepted.
Do you have a favorite underrated tourist attraction in New Jersey? We’d love to know about it. If you are willing to share, fill out a nomination form. Then, add these hidden gems in New Jersey to your bucket list.