New Jersey Hidden Gems: Unforgettable Places To Visit

When most people think of New Jersey, they think of it as being the state that is next to New York. However, this state has so much more than meets the eye. It has the Appalachian Mountains, farmland, an oceanfront, and a bustling metropolitan area. You can travel a short distance in New Jersey and go from a place that looks like South Carolina to somewhere that looks like Vermont. It is definitely worth visiting, and if you look in the right places, you will surely come across some hidden gems. Here are New Jersey hidden gems in the most unforgettable places.

New Jersey’s Hidden Gems: Unforgettable Places To Visit

Jenkinson’s Boardwalk

https://t.co/iWh4a1fFMQ

— @jenksboardwalk (@JenksBoardwalk) August 2, 2023

The Atlantic City Boardwalk is famously recognized worldwide; however, there’s another boardwalk in New Jersey that many people don’t know about. The boardwalk we are talking about is, of course, Jenkinson’s Boardwalk, located in Point Pleasant Beach, north of Atlantic City. The Jenkinson’s Boardwalk has everything you would expect and want from the sandy beach and a range of amusements on the other. For those looking for a fun day out with the family, this Boardwalk is the perfect choice to enjoy the arcade, pizza joints, ice cream stands, and mini golf. 

When the sun is out, there is no better place than Jenkinson’s Boardwalk in New Jersey. There is a bustling atmosphere with people having a fantastic time by the sea. There is also an aquarium you can check out on your trip here, and if you want to try some amazing food, make sure to book a table at the Jenks Inlet Bar & Restaurant, another New Jersey hidden gem.

Gilchrist Downbeach

Up next on this list is a restaurant that offers some of the best pancakes in the state and perhaps the country. The Gilchrist Restaurant has four locations; however, the Tropicana and Gardner’s Basin are often very busy and difficult to get a table at. Many people don’t know about the Gilchrist Downbeach location, which is just 4 miles from the Atlantic City Boardwalk. Although this restaurant isn’t as well known as some of the other Gilchrist branches, you will recognize some street names as you travel from Atlantic City if you are a fan of the game Monopoly as the journey takes you past Marven Gardens and Ventnor Avenue. 

This branch of Gilchrist Restaurants is the perfect place to start your morning with a fantastic breakfast and perhaps some peace. There is an excellent range of options on the breakfast menu, but if you are a fan of blueberries, you should definitely try the blueberry pancakes, which is a New Jersey hidden gem in itself.

Of course, you can’t go wrong with the standard hotcakes, either. For those with an extra large appetite, there is the Hungry Man Combo, which consists of two hotcakes, a meat of your choice, and two eggs. This is the perfect place to set yourself up for the day and enjoy fantastic food.

High Point State Park

When most people think of New Jersey, they don’t really think of it as a place that has lots of mountains; however, if you travel to the north of the State, you will reach the Appalachian range. Here is where you will find the highest point in New Jersey, in the Kittatinny Mountains. This is also where you will find the High Point State Park, a vast area filled with amazing greenery and trails to explore. 

At the peak of the park, you will find the High Points Veterans Memorial, which offers 360-degree views of the park and is an excellent location for a picnic. The memorial is a sight to behold, standing 220 feet tall with the option to climb it if you feel you are up to the challenge. For those who are residents of New Jersey, the price of parking your car in the park is $10.

Those coming from outside the state will be charged $20; however, this is a fair price for the breathtaking views that you get for this New Jersey hidden gem.

Conclusion

So there we have it — those are some of the most unforgettable places to visit if you happen to be in New Jersey. It is a fantastic part of the country, with many things to do and see. There are lots of cultural and historic monuments to visit, along with a host of great restaurants and other social places to spend time in. So don’t pass up on the opportunity to go and see for yourself if you are given a chance — you certainly will not be disappointed.