Top 10 Hidden Gems in New Jersey – 2024 List

Must-Visit NJ Hidden Gems 2024

As travelers, we know how nice it is to have something anti-mainstream on our itineraries. Sometimes, the most popular spots are too crowded with tourists, and if you’re looking for must-visit New Jersey hidden gems, here are some of our best picks.

Princeton Swinging Bridge

If you love nature and want to be physically active during your travel, visiting the Princeton Swinging Bridge is a must. The trails are beginner-friendly, the path is well-maintained, and you can expect to feel rewarded once you arrive.

The Swinging bridge (or the suspension bridge) is a much-loved destination for families, as kids love walking on the swinging bridge. It’s stunning during fall, and you can admire the foliage surrounding the bridge better. Although some might think it might be too hard to find the bridge, the trail is easy to follow. You can stroll to the bridge and enjoy the singing birds along your way.

Luna Parc

Luna Parc is one artsy and quirky destination you shouldn’t pass if you’re looking for hidden gems in New Jersey. As you step through Luna Parc’s gates, you’ll find a colorful house encrusted with vibrant glass, tile, metal, and concrete set abstractly. Like a house from a children’s fantasy book, it sits in the middle of the peaceful wood.

The main building isn’t the only amusement you can see; there are multiple displays and other buildings. The designer himself often takes visitors for tours, but Luna Parc is only open on specific dates, and the schedule will be posted on the website.

Gardner’s Basin

When someone mentions Atlantic City, many quickly think about the renowned Atlantic City casinos lining up on the boardwalk. However, not far from the boardwalk is a place full of history and entertainment.

The Gardner’s Basin is across the Coast Guard station and the state marina. You can enjoy fishing, boat rides for sunset watching, and end your day with a delectable meal in one of the dining spots. The Gardner’s Basin also has parasailing if you visit in summer. The primary offering is The Atlantic City Aquarium, which has many special events ready to welcome guests.

Valley Shepherd Creamery

Many of us are looking for a quiet place when we’re looking for secret spots in NJ. If that’s true for you, the Valley Shepherd Creamery will be perfect for your next destination.

The place is in Long Valley and offers a trip where you can meet their lambs and taste their dairy products. You can learn how they farm their sheep and see how they make their cheese, yogurt, and butter. You can also sample them or bring some dairy products home for your family and friends!

Van Slyke Castle Ruins

Princeton Swinging Bridge may require you to hike a little bit and sweat before you can see the reward. However, Van Slyke Castle Ruins will be more challenging to reach. If you love outdoor activities and would like to hike while searching for one of the unique places in New Jersey, you mustn’t skip the castle.

If you want to see the gorgeous tower and castle without breaking too much sweat, you can take your car around Ramapo Lake. You’ll find another trail that’s easier to hike. You can park in the upper parking lot and then head to the Ramapo Lake hiking trails.

Skylands Manor

Skylands Manor in the Ringwood State Park will awe you with its architectural style. The designer, John Russell Pope, also designed the National Gallery of Art and the National Archive. He uses the 1920s Tudor Revival and Gothic style to make the mansion look like it has been standing for centuries.

Not only is the building gorgeous, but you’ll find the mansion surrounded by gardens that serve a different look every time the season changes. If you’re lucky, you might find a tour on the ground floor on some Sundays, where you’ll learn about the manor’s history and architectural style.

White Manna

We haven’t discussed where to eat if you want a hidden gem in NJ. One of the best places to eat is White Manna, a burger restaurant that consistently won the title of America’s favorite burger. Not only will you satisfy your hunger there, but it’s a whole experience.

The first White Manna restaurant was opened in Hackensack in 1946, but now there’s one in Jersey City. Although both are equally as good, the Hackensack White Manna is the OG restaurant that retains its classic design with a constant long line apparent on its front door.

The King Spa

Are you looking for some unique things to do in NJ? The King Spa is one of the hidden gems that can offer an unforgettable experience. The Kings Spa offers a Korean spa experience with a Korean food restaurant, juice bars, and multiple types of spa rooms.

You can experience a dry sauna, get chilled in the ice room, bath and wet sauna, aroma lounge, and many more. The Kings Spa has multiple floors, all dedicated to giving you a healing experience for your body and mind. There’s also the 24k gold Egyptian pyramid sauna room for those feeling luxurious!

Grover’s Mill Coffee House

The Grover’s Mill Coffee House is one of the unique places to go in NJ that coffee drinkers will appreciate. It offers an experience of enjoying a cup of aromatic and delicious coffee surrounded by artworks that decorate the shop.

These artworks were creative depictions of the unforgettable event of the time when a radio show convinced many in New Jersey that aliens had decided to attack Grover’s Mill. They’re arts, so you may devise another creative scenario of what the aliens are about to do as you slowly enjoy Grover Mill’s classic cup of coffee.

Yankee Doodle Tap Room

If Grover’s Mill Coffee House is a coffee-lovers haven, the Yankee Doodle Tap Room is for you who love tasting beers. It’s also one of NJ hidden gems offering refreshments and a unique experience.

As the Yankee Doodle Tap Room is located inside the historic Nassau Inn, you’ll be able to enjoy an English pub-style architecture that has been maintained since 1756. The tavern serves 19 beers on tap and several food choices. One of the most iconic things about the Yankee Doodle Tap Room is the Norman Rockwell mural, standing 13 feet wide.