THE 10 BEST New Jersey Parks & Nature Attractions
Nature & Parks in New Jersey
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Nature & Parks
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Travelers' Choice Awards winners (including the "Best of the Best" title) are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, according to the reviews and opinions of travelers across the globe.
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- Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.
Recommended Outdoor Activities (43)
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Piers & Boardwalks • Beaches
State Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas
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Showing results 1-30 of 1,416
What travelers are saying
- Lauren CSan Francisco, CA6 contributionsThis is a pretty easy escape from NYC—NJ transit (Hamilton Station) to the 608 local bus, which drops you off right in front for the Grounds for Sculpture. Round trip from Penn Station, maybe 2 hours? We got the most beautiful fall day and the combination of leaves changing and outdoor sculpture was really enchanting. Every time we took a turn it felt like we were surprised with something that was simply gorgeous. Some of the pieces weren't exactly my personal style but I think there's such a variety, that mixed with the nature, you're gonna love something there. There are two restaurants on the grounds, although Rats was closed on a Monday, which looked like it was torn from a picture book. All-in-all, I think we walked around for about 4 hours, it really keeps giving. I'm surprised I had never heard of this before, it's really a fun day trip from the city. And we left feeling really inspired and wondering why this gem of a spot isn't more well known. I'd highly recommend.Written November 11, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- dese2Auburn, NY3,635 contributionsWe thoroughly enjoyed our stay in Cape May. Spent part of two days on the city beaches. One day we walked to the beach another we stopped when returning to town. We did have to pay to park along Beach Ave. Access to the beach is easy from the street. There were benches along the walkway, so we were able to change into our beach shoes.
The sand was very soft and clean. We watched the birds along the sand and in the air. Not too busy while we were there but the weather was still pleasant.
We took chairs and towels along.
Lots of shops and restaurants along Beach Ave. if you want that.Written October 30, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - susie w6 contributionsThe RV park is fine but it’s convenient location to ferry and subway make it a fabulous stay. And the Liberty State Park in general is fabulous: great biking!Written November 29, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Sally T1 contributionThis is a big, beautiful sandy beach. We set up 2 cool cabanas and did not disturb anyone around us, as there was plenty of room. We brought a cooler with food, but the kids ended up wanting to eat on the boardwalk, and they ended up spending less than $10 for lunch for the 2 kids. They explored the boardwalk, and we ended up going back that night. It is a great place to take a family, and you can determine how much you want to spend. It was one of our most memorable vacations, and one of the least expensive! We are going back next year!Written September 18, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- ayLone Tree, CO1 contributionThe couple really dedicate their lives to the preservation of wild wolves. Grateful to have the chance to support them.Written December 1, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- JeanieBeanieDDouglassville, PA54 contributionsIt's been years since we were last here and a GREAT little zoo is even better. The animals looked happy, the place was clean and bright and the layout was interesting, with different animals around each curve. My 7 year old liked the big cats and the bears okay, but she liked the free-range guinea fowl that wandered up close, the best. Strange kid. Oh, and she started hopping instead of walking after watching the kangaroos. We grownups especially liked the giraffes and zebras on the large field (like the Serengetti?) which you can view from a high walkway.
There are lots of lovely shady trees for when the sun is intense. The food prices aren't bad. The employees are lovely. And the cost is: Whatever you feel appropriate. Yes, free, donation only. Same with parking - donation only. Highly, highly recommend.Written October 10, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Lori4 contributionsNice aquarium, many areas for kids to do and interact with. Loved the hippos. We didn't have any kids this trip, so we bypassed those sections. But liked the Pirate theme throughout, and enjoyed the visit overall.Written August 10, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- javierMonmouth Junction, NJ11 contributionsBeautiful, clean , nice people . Beautiful place to see sunrisen. Wear a coat ,is cool in the morning. Is worthy to go and relax . Highly recommended.Written September 13, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Edward S1 contributionIt’s a great friendly nude beach. There are people there from all walks of life.
When the weather is good you need to get there early to pick a spot to enjoy yourself.Written July 30, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Tammy D10 contributionsNice beach to take a walk it’s a short distance to the water. Lots of benches to sit on to watch the sunset. There are 2 cute shops plus food and beverages.Written July 1, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Ken FHigh Point, NC191 contributionsFishing at the Manasquan / Point Pleasant inlet is always a good place to spend a day. There are so many spectacular boats to watch that even if fishing is slow you can enjoy the scenery. Did catch a bunch of flounder but they were all undersized and had to go back in and grow up!
Point Lobster Company took over a bar on Rte. 35 in town and is a good place to eat dinner. The beach requires passes and they are now 13.00 for the day. Kind of a ripoff.
If you have kids the pier is a good place to take them for mini-golf, rides, and games.
Still a fun place to visit.Written July 31, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Voices H13 contributionsI recommend coming here early, or during "off" hours to bypass the long lines. I came here with some friends, as the Zoo is my favorite, but we waited for like an hour or so in the line just to get in. It would be nice to put a cover over the line, so people aren't standing in the heat like that, or do something to better manage how long people are waiting to get into the zoo.
Admission: Budget-friendly
Parking: Easy - lots of parking!
Safety: Great. I've never felt uneasy coming here, and there are police nearby.
TBZ always has something fun going on, and for everyone to enjoy. They offer educational opportunities for all ages, activities for youth, and families, 21+ events, and more. There is also an adventure course/activity on their grounds, and Essex County puts out swan boats to paddle around the water (which is better quality than Branch Brook Park Lake).
You could spend a half-day here if you wanted to (or longer). You can go at your own pace enjoying the Zoo, stop into the cafe on-site for food/drinks, and go to the gift shop. When you're done, you can pop over to the adventure site which hosts paddle boats, a zip-line course, mini golf, and more.
TBZ has some of the best staff and volunteers/interns! The animals here are well cared for, which is vital. I get the impression that staff are empathetic towards the animals in a way that they put the animals first, over the people coming in to see them -- i.e. I saw someone reach over a fence to pet one of the goats, and a staff member respectfully ask they not do that, obviously for the safety of both; whereas other places I feel care less, or let you do things at your own risk.
Their membership program here is top-notch. Anyone who loves animals and appreciates their care and well-being, I encourage you to join as a member or become a donor! TBZ can't care for these animals alone, and need your support to help!Written May 26, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Swil11Abingdon, MD11 contributionsWent with friends, had 3 small children. Beach was clean and bath house was great. Perfect place for the kids to play in the sand and in the water (where the waves crash). We can't wait to go back!Written June 18, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Matt WAlpine, Texas, United States6 contributionsGreat solo trip to St. Louis! As a museum professional, I really wanted to check out the updated museum beneath the Gateway Arch - and it truly is World Class!!! And it was so easy to get to: I flew into Lambert Field, walked across the parking lot behind the Southwest Terminal, and caught the light rail (the MetroLink) into town. I got off at Laclede's Landing and walked the two blocks to my hotel, the Hyatt Regency. I had a great view of the Gateway Arch from my room window, and walked everywhere - to the Arch (where I also did the ride to the top! Awesome views!), to a riverboat cruise, some great restaurants (including a couple at the hotel itself), and even caught a Cardinals game. One of the best short vacation trips I've ever planned, and the return was just as easy. Got to love a town with such great scenery and history and easy public transportation to and from the airport.Written June 25, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- WendyPequannock, NJ106 contributionsDuke Farms is our favorite local park. The numerous trails and water features make for a great day of exploration. True, the Duke house is long gone, but much of the history remains. Over the years I have been somewhat disappointed with features that have been eliminated - tram tours and closed on Sundays and Mondays- or left to deteriorate - Orchid house. Fall and Winter Saturdays are a special treat with little to no crowds. The bike rentals are terrific!Written February 18, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
