Garden State Parkway Map

Nj Garden State Parkway Exit Map Fasci Garden

The Garden State Parkway is a scenic highway in New Jersey that stretches 172.4 miles. It is a popular route for locals and tourists alike, offering breathtaking views of the state’s natural beauty and access to some of its top attractions. If you’re planning a trip to the Garden State Parkway, this comprehensive travel guide has got you covered.

Top Attractions

The Garden State Parkway is home to some of New Jersey’s top attractions. Among them are:

The Jersey Shore: With over 130 miles of coastline, the Jersey Shore is a must-see destination for beach lovers.
Cape May: A historic town known for its Victorian architecture and pristine beaches, Cape May is a popular spot for families and couples.
The Adventure Aquarium: Located in Camden, the Adventure Aquarium is home to over 8,500 aquatic species and is a favorite among kids.
The Liberty Science Center: This interactive museum in Jersey City is perfect for families with young children.
The Thomas Edison National Historical Park: Located in West Orange, this park is a tribute to the inventor and features his laboratory and home.

Hidden Gems

If you’re looking for off-the-beaten-path experiences, the Garden State Parkway has plenty of hidden gems to discover. Check out:

Allaire State Park: This park in Wall Township is a great spot for hiking and nature walks.
The Historic Village at Allaire: Located within Allaire State Park, this restored 19th-century village offers a glimpse into New Jersey’s past.
Red Bank: A charming town on the banks of the Navesink River, Red Bank is known for its boutique shops and restaurants.
The Stickley Museum: Located in Morris Plains, this museum showcases the work of famed furniture maker Gustav Stickley.
The Doo Wop Preservation League Museum: This museum in Wildwood celebrates the neon-lit architecture of the 1950s and 60s.

Food Scene

New Jersey is known for its diverse food scene, and the Garden State Parkway is no exception. Some of the top restaurants to try include:

Lucille’s Country Cooking: Located in Barnegat, this Southern-style restaurant is known for its fried chicken and biscuits.
White Manna Hamburgers: This legendary burger joint in Hackensack has been serving up sliders since 1946.
Donkey’s Place: A Camden institution, Donkey’s Place is famous for its cheesesteaks.
Jimmy’s Italian Restaurant: This family-owned restaurant in Asbury Park has been serving up classic Italian dishes since 1932.
Porta: Located in Asbury Park, Porta is a popular pizzeria and bar with a lively atmosphere.

Budget-Friendly Tips

Traveling on a budget? Here are some tips to help you save money on your Garden State Parkway trip:

Visit during the off-season: Summer is peak season at the Jersey Shore, so consider visiting in the fall or spring when prices are lower.
Pack a picnic: Instead of eating out every meal, pack a picnic and enjoy it at one of the state parks along the Parkway.
Use public transportation: If you’re staying in a city along the Parkway, consider using public transportation instead of renting a car.
Look for free activities: Many of New Jersey’s top attractions, such as the beaches and state parks, are free to visit.
Stay in a vacation rental: Renting a house or apartment can be more affordable than staying in a hotel, especially if you’re traveling with a group.

Outdoor Adventures

The Garden State Parkway is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Some of the top outdoor activities include:

Hiking: With over 50 state parks and forests, New Jersey offers plenty of opportunities for hiking and nature walks.
Biking: The Parkway has several bike-friendly trails, including the 14-mile Barnegat Branch Trail and the 8-mile Lakewood Bike Path.
Kayaking: Rent a kayak and explore the Navesink River or Barnegat Bay.
Fishing: New Jersey has some of the best fishing on the East Coast, with opportunities for freshwater and saltwater fishing.
Surfing: The Jersey Shore is known for its waves, making it a popular destination for surfers.

Historical Landmarks

New Jersey played a key role in American history, and the Garden State Parkway is home to several historical landmarks. Some of the top sites to visit include:

The Monmouth Battlefield State Park: This park in Manalapan was the site of a Revolutionary War battle.
The Old Barracks Museum: Located in Trenton, this museum offers a glimpse into life during the Revolutionary War.
The Morristown National Historical Park: This park in Morristown was the site of George Washington’s winter encampment during the Revolutionary War.
The Liberty Bell Center: Located in Philadelphia, just a short drive from the Parkway, the Liberty Bell is a symbol of American independence.
The Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration: Located in New York Harbor, this museum tells the story of the millions of immigrants who passed through Ellis Island.

Family-Friendly Activities

If you’re traveling with kids, there are plenty of family-friendly activities along the Garden State Parkway. Some of the top options include:

The Six Flags Great Adventure theme park: Located in Jackson, this theme park has over 100 rides and attractions.
The Jenkinson’s Boardwalk: This boardwalk in Point Pleasant Beach has amusement rides, games, and a mini golf course.
The Turtle Back Zoo: This zoo in West Orange is home to over 800 animals from around the world.
The Wildwood Boardwalk: This boardwalk in Wildwood has thrill rides, water parks, and an arcade.
The Adventure Aquarium: As mentioned earlier, this aquarium in Camden is a favorite among kids.

Natural Wonders

New Jersey is home to several natural wonders, from waterfalls to caves. Some of the top natural sites to visit include:

The Great Falls of Paterson: Located in Paterson, these waterfalls are the second-largest on the East Coast.
The Cape May Bird Observatory: Located in Cape May, this observatory is a prime spot for bird watching.
The Sterling Hill Mining Museum: Located in Ogdensburg, this museum offers tours of an old mine and features fluorescent rocks.
The Palisades: These cliffs along the Hudson River offer stunning views of the New York City skyline.
The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area: This park on the New Jersey-Pennsylvania border features waterfalls, hiking trails, and river activities.

Vibrant Nightlife

From beach bars to nightclubs, the Garden State Parkway has a vibrant nightlife scene. Some of the top spots to check out include:

The Stone Pony: This legendary club in Asbury Park has hosted acts like Bruce Springsteen and Bon Jovi.
The Wonder Bar: Also located in Asbury Park, the Wonder Bar is a popular spot for live music and drinks.
The Beachcomber Bar & Grill: Located in Seaside Heights, this beachfront bar has live music and a lively atmosphere.
Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City: This casino resort in Atlantic City has several bars and nightclubs, including the poolside Waterfront Nightclub.
The Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa: Another Atlantic City casino resort, the Borgata has several bars and nightclubs, including the chic Premier Nightclub.

Local Markets

If you’re a foodie or a fan of artisanal goods, the Garden State Parkway has several local markets to explore. Some of the top markets include:

The Asbury Park Boardwalk: This boardwalk has several food and craft vendors, as well as a weekend farmers market.
The Red Bank Farmers Market: This farmers market in Red Bank features local produce and artisanal goods.
The Atlantic City Farmers Market: This indoor market in Atlantic City is open year-round and features local produce, meats, and seafood.
The Cape May Farmer’s Market: This farmers market in Cape May is open on Tuesdays and features local produce, baked goods, and crafts.
The Collingswood Farmers Market: This farmers market in Collingswood is open on Saturdays and features local produce, meats, and cheeses.

Garden State Parkway Map