Day Trips from the Jersey Shore
There are plenty of activities and attractions to keep visitors busy for weeks at the Jersey Shore. Still, it is always fun to include a day trip or two in your vacation agenda. Read on for some ideas about the best day trips from the Jersey Shore.
Wine Tasting
Some are surprised to learn that New Jersey has over 30 wineries in its borders. Those who enjoy fine wine should consider planning a day trip to visit some New Jersey vineyards. Sharrot Winery, located in Winslow, not only produces delicious wines, but cares for the environment at the same time by using sustainable practices whenever possible.
The Cedarville Winery, located in Logan Township, produces many types of fruit and grape wine. When you do a tasting here, there is a good chance that you will be able to meet the winemaker and learn firsthand about his process.
Natali Vineyards, located in Cape May Court House, is a winery that uses grapes grown in its own vineyards. Tour the lovely setting before tasting some of the wine created from European grapes.
Pamper Yourself
Vacations should be all about relaxing and recharging. What better way to do that than by spending a day (or two) in one of the many fabulous spas located nearby. There are many spas within a short drive offering a variety of services such as couples massages, steam rooms, facials, maternity options and much more.
Swim with the Sharks
It’s safe to say that most visitors to the Jersey Shore hope to avoid any sharks that might be swimming off the coast. Still, if you want a close up encounter with these large and beautiful creatures, you can have one in a safe and controlled environment.
Adventure Aquarium, located in Camden, offers the chance to swim with sharks, see seals up close or play with penguins. The aquarium is open every day, but the adventures are only available on select days. Reservations for adventures should be made well in advance of a visit.
Whale Watching
For those interested in seeing marine life up close, but in their natural environment, there is a day trip for you as well. Several operators offer whale watching cruises in New Jersey. Cape May Whale Watcher operates from March through December. The boat leaves from Miss Chris Marina in Cape May. Participants may spot whales, sea turtles and a variety of sea birds. Two or three hour cruises are available.
The Atlantic Star, which leaves from Wildwood Crest, offers both dolphin and whale watching adventures. As guests keep a lookout for marine life, guides point out historic sites and share a bit of the local history.
Rainy Day Options
Hopefully, it will not rain during your stay at the Jersey Shore. If it does, be ready with some fun day trip attractions to keep you – and the kids – busy until the sun shines again. There are many museums and attractions that were developed with children in mind, but that are still fun for adults.
Ripley’s Believe it or Not, located in Atlantic City, is a collection of the surprising and sometimes shocking items and artifacts from around the world.
Insectropolis, located in Tom’s River, will be an exciting stop for any child who enjoys creeping, flying and crawling creatures.
The Community Children’s Museum, located in Dover, provides dozens of hands-on activities to teach children about art, science and more.
The Liberty Science Center, located in Jersey City, features interactive exhibits for visitors of all ages. It is also home to the largest IMAX dome theater in the entire United States.
There are also a number of art museums, such as the New Jersey Center for Visual Arts in Summit, the Montclair Art Museum in Montclair and the African Art Museum in Tenafly.
A Bit of Culture
When you are just a two or three hour drive from some of the best theaters in the world, it only makes sense to make a day trip out of seeing a play or musical. Make a day of shopping and dining in New York City and then treat yourselves to a show. It will be an experience you will never forget.
There are also theater options in New Jersey such as the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark, the Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn, Williams Center for the Arts in Rutherford and several more.
No matter your interest, there are day trips from the Jersey Shore that will help to make your stay even more memorable. Add a day trip or two to your agenda or simply tuck a couple of ideas away in case of inclement weather during your stay.
Make the most of your time on the Jersey Shore by exploring all that the surrounding areas have to offer.