11 Things to do in Jersey this Spring

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Take a mini-vacation without leaving the state

As the weather’s warming up and spring flowers start to bloom, the idea of staying inside is the last thing you want to do. There are great things to do close to home that’ll have you feeling like you took a mini vacation without even leaving the Garden State.  

If you’re like me, sitting in my office while the sun is shining and birds are chirping is getting increasingly difficult. What do they call it again? Spring fever! Yep, that unending voice inside you that debates every morning whether or not to play hooky.    

But if you know me at all, you know I’m not the type of girl to ditch my workload in favor of a mid-week excursion. I wish I was, but this chick is all about planning for the weekend. So when Friday finally does come around, I want to make sure I know what I’m doing on my days off, so that I have something to look forward to.

And how much better does it feel to make that deadline or close the books on a project when you know you can celebrate on Saturday and Sunday?! Um, so good!

So in an effort to make the most of my downtime this spring, I’ve started a list of places around the state that are sure to please any adventurer. I like to do a variety of activities that span from active to relaxing, so this list is a little bit of everything.

Without wasting another minute of sunshine, here we go…

Things to do in New Jersey this Spring

Grounds for Sculpture

This 42-acre indoor and outdoor art space is located in Trenton, NJ on the former site of the New Jersey Fairgrounds. Featuring an evolving collection of contemporary sculptures, indoor exhibits, seasonal events and several places to dine, this is great for day dates or for the entire family.

Laurita Winery

This central New Jersey gem located in New Egypt not only produces delicious estate wines, but also hosts a variety of fun events on its expansive property. You can visit and just sip a bottle on their terrace overlooking the vineyard or come out for one of their festivals or events. There’s always something new happening, so check their website for the latest and greatest. For more great NJ wineries, check out my post here.

Cape May Zoo

Cape May has so much to do year round, but the zoo is a great day trip in the spring. Open seven days a week and free to visit (although donations are greatly appreciated to keep the zoo running), there are lots of great animal exhibits, a zipline, train, carousel and rock wall.  

Kayaking on Delaware and Raritan Canal

I absolutely love kayaking, and this canal is an easy trip for a beginner. With great history and beautiful views, the D&R canal is a great day trip for the active weekender. There are also a few places to stop along the way for a nice picnic lunch.

Appalachian Trail

The Appalachian Trail is over 2,000 miles long from Georgia through Maine, with nearly 72 miles in New Jersey. The NJ section begins by the Delaware Water Gap and heads north east passing through two state parks – High Point and Stokes Forest. According to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, the New Jersey hike is easy to moderate and has some great views of nature and wildlife.  

Point Pleasant Boardwalk

I’m a little kid at heart and I still love to play the arcade and boardwalk games in Point Pleasant. In addition to the games, there is boardwalk food to enjoy, a tiki bar, an aquarium and an extensive walk to stretch the legs and work off that funnel cake.

Working Dog Winery

Working Dog is one of my favorite wineries in NJ! Located in Robbinsville, the winery has some exceptional wines that have already gained some national recognition. What’s great about this venue is that you can bring in your own snacks, buy a bottle or two and spend the afternoon relaxing by the vineyard.

Paterson Great Falls

This National Historic Park combines the beauty of nature with the great history of our state and country. This short, paved trail is great for photographers and historians alike.

New Jersey Botanical Gardens

The New Jersey Botanical Gardens at Ringwood State Park put the garden back in Garden State. Wander among 96 miles of specialty gardens surrounded by over 1,000 acres of woodlands. Explore the flora and fauna in the spring and summer months.

Sandy Hook Lighthouse

A New Jersey list would not be complete without a lighthouse! While there are many to choose from, Sandy Hook is part of Gateway National Recreation Area and is the oldest surviving lighthouse in the U.S. still in use today. Check out the great history and culture of this coastal park.

Flying Fish Brewing Co.

In an age when craft breweries seem to be popping up everywhere, Flying Fish was one of the first microbreweries in South Jersey. Located in Somerdale, it boasts a year-round collection of delectable beers and has an awesome tasting room open Wednesday through Sunday. Check out their one-offs and barrel-aged beers and don’t forget to take a tour of the brewery.

Final Thoughts

Jersey is a great state packed with lots of outdoor activities to enjoy year-round, but especially in spring and summer. Whether you like to stay active, relax in the sunshine, soak up some history or learn more about nature, there’s truly something for everyone. And when you work hard all week, there’s nothing better than getting out and enjoying the weekend.

This list is far from complete, but definitely gives a good taste of what the Garden State has to offer. What other sites do you like to visit in New Jersey? Drop me in a note in the comments below.