8 Great New Jersey Day Trips
Newport offers endless activities and ways to spend your free time! From Newport Beach to Wang Chen Table Tennis Club, Newport has it all. However, sometimes you feel like it's time for a change of scenery- if only for a day!
Name the terrain, and the Garden State has it! Catch a wave as Asbury Park, or go ziplining through the forests of Sussex County. Read on to learn all about easy day trips that are roughly an hour from Newport!
1. Jersey Shore
The most popular summer choice, the Jersey Shore spans 141 miles and is peppered with beautiful towns and beaches to explore. Beaches that are closer to Newport include Sandy Hook and Asbury Park. Sandy Hook has multiple activities that don't include lounging in the sand. Enjoy a bike ride, or try your hand at fishing off the beach. Sandy Hook is also renowned for its bird-watching opportunities. Asbury Park is home to public beaches as well as the famous "Stone Pony", a rock venue that has hosted acts including The Ramones, The Smithereens, Bruce Springsteen, and Snoop Dogg. Check out their upcoming shows!
2. Grounds For Sculpture
The Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton is a day trip the whole family can enjoy! Discover over 270 sculptures across 42 acres from familiar artists as well as up and comers. Some pieces are based on famous paintings, including " On Poppied Hill" which is inspired by Monet's "Woman With A Parasol". There are multiple slots throughout the grounds to grab some food and beverages.
3. Turtle Back Zoo
Want to see some cool animals? Consider a trip to Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange. With over a dozen different exhibits, your family can see animals of all shapes and sizes like bison, otters, jaguars, and giraffes. But wait- there's more! Turtle Back Zoo is located at the South Mountain Recreation Complex which houses even more fun! Play a round of mini-golf, or take a paddleboat out on the Orange Reservoir. End your day with a delicious meal at McLoone's Boathouse Restaurant with beautiful views of the river.
4. Six Flags
If you're seeking thrills, Six Flags may be the day trip for you! Six Flags is about an hour and a half drive from Jersey City depending on traffic. Spend your entire day on all kinds of rides, for all levels of thrill-seekers. Take a ride on Kingda Ka, a rollercoaster that goes zero to 128 miles in 3.5 seconds, or a popular favorite, Skull Mountain, where portions of the ride are completely in the dark.
5. Mountain Creek
If the great outdoors are calling and you aren't a beach person, head to Mountain Creek. Offering skiing, snowboarding, and tubing in the winter, Mountain Creed turns into an outdoor activity haven in the summer months. Zipline past a mountain-top lake, take a ride down a mountain coaster, or golf on a gorgeous 9-hole course. There's something for every age and every interest!
6. Wolf Preserve
Believe it or not, after a short drive to Columbia, New Jersey, you can come face to face with a wild wolf. Visit the Lakota Wolf Preserve, the largest in the Northeastern United States. There can you see wolves, foxes, and bobcats up close and personal. Please note- these are dangerous creatures, and you must sign up for a guided tour for your protection, in order to see these beautiful animals in person.
7. Kip's Castle
If you're longing for something more artistic or historical, plan a trip to Kip's Castle. Head up north to Verona, New Jersey to see a 9,000 square foot mansion built in 1905. The castle and grounds are open for self-guided tours until the end of October. Its website boasts of amazing views of NYC, but let's be honest- nothing compares to Newport!
8. Iron Plow Vineyards
All the above trips are perfect for all ages. However, if the adults want to hit the road for a day, we suggest Iron Plow Vineyards. Located in Burlington County, they offer tastings of their many wines as well as small plates and snacks. Feel free to bring your pup! Iron Plow Vineyards is pet-friendly as long as your dog is leashed. Iron Plow is only open for select hours, so stop by between noon and five, except on Fridays when they remain open until 10:00 pm.