1. Say cheers in 50+ wineries
With more than 50 wineries nestled throughout New Jersey’s verdant valleys, there are plenty of opportunities for wine tasting and scenic strolls through seemingly endless rows of grapevines. Raise a glass and be wowed in every region of the state. Navigate our Northern Wine Trail. Swirl and sniff through our Central Wine Trail. Or sip and savor varietals in our Southern Wine Trail.
2. Travel 8 scenic byways
Exit the highway and cruise New Jersey with Scenic Byway Itineraries highlighting iconic routes noted for natural, recreational, cultural, historical and archaeological qualities. Traverse this showcase of roads less traveled, away from the hustle and bustle, to discover diverse landscapes and experience the heart and soul of The Garden State.
3. See why Exit 0 is #1 with birds
It’s true. National Geographic lists Cape May as a World’s Best destination for birding. The narrow peninsula in this beloved beach town acts as a bird funnel, bringing in songbirds during their spring and fall migrations. Check out Higbee Beach, the Cape May Bird Observatory and the hawk viewing platform at Cape May Point State Park. You can also visit the Cape May Lighthouse and NJ’s other lighthouses during the Lighthouse Challenge of New Jersey October 19 & 20, 2024.
4. Get extra-luxe In-SPA-ration
There’s nothing basic about spas in New Jersey. Our pampering paradises rank high across the board with singles, couples, everyone. Experience Roman baths at Qua Bath & Spa at Caesars in Atlantic City (Greater Atlantic City Region). Indulge in a HydraFacial at Alchemy Mind and Body in Princeton (Central Jersey Region). Or unwind in the Himalayan Salt Sauna at SoJo Spa Club in Edgewater (Gateway Region). Enjoy luxe fall beach getaways too. They never disappoint.
5. Go ahead, peep some leaves
Autumn means blazing colors of crimson, gold and orange washing across the mountainsides. Take in the striking foliage at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (Skylands Region), where you can hike part of the iconic Appalachian Trail. At High Point State Park in Sussex (Skylands Region), trek to the summit of the Kittatinny Ridge for sweeping views of the Poconos, Catskills and the Wallkill River Valley. Allamuchy Mountain State Park in Stanhope (Skylands Region) offers several waterways, so you can enjoy the reflections of dazzling fall colors in their glassy surfaces.
6. Say yes to a food fest
There’s no doubt about it: fall is food and drink season in Jersey. Dive into the Downbeach Seafood Fest at Ski Beach in Ventnor (Greater AC Region) on September 14 & 15. Take a bite out of NJ’s most iconic meat at the Annual Pork Roll Palooza in Phillipsburg (Skylands Region) on October 12, 2024. Or stop by the Pitman Food Truck Festival (Delaware River Region) on November 2, 2024. Search our events calendar to get your fill of more festivals. And get your statewide passport to great craft beers on the Jersey Brews Trail.
7. Two-wheel it for 42 miles or more
Behold Jersey’s natural beauty bucket list style – on a bike. The 42.6-mile Pine Barrens River Ramble (Shore, Delaware River, Greater AC Regions) meanders through forests, blueberry fields and cranberry bogs as well as along scenic rivers. For an oceanfront journey, pedal the Cape May Shoreline Ride (Southern Shore Region), a 46.4-mile loop beginning and ending at Cape May Lighthouse and passing by numerous other points of interest along the way, including Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary, Cape May Park & Zoo and The Wetlands Institute.
8. Be picky right down to the core
Ok, when it comes to fun fall activities, picking your own bushel of fresh apples is up there. Good thing NJ has soooooo many orchards to choose from including family-owned Battleview Orchards in Freehold (Shore Region) flavorful apple varieties from early September and throughout the season - Honey Crisp, Jonagold, Rome Beauty, Cameo, Fuji, you name it. Bake ‘em, peel ‘em, make applesauce and pies with ‘em, or just bite into ‘em and smile.
9. Kiss boring getaways goodbye
Couples - you’re gonna love this! Rekindle the flame this autumn with a weekend getaway to a New Jersey bed and breakfast, where you’ll find charming surroundings and oh-so-personalized service. Visit the Victorian-style Mathis House in Toms River (Shore Region) or the historic Inn at Millrace Pond in Hope (Skylands Region). For a seaside view, try one of these bed and breakfasts near the beach.
10. See 6,000 hand-carved pumpkins
Here in Jersey, we may get a little more pumped about pumpkin-y events than some other states do, but hey, we’re the Garden State! So, enjoy that pumpkin latte and head out for some big-time, major wow at Skylands Stadium’s Annual Jack O’ Lantern Experience. Take an approximately 45-minute walk and see six thousand carved pumpkins – yep, six thousand! There’s pumpkin picking, painting, and so much more. For some of the best pumpkin patches (and corn mazes) in NJ, click here.
11. Horse around at nearly 2 dozen stables
In New Jersey, we can be beaching it one minute, climbing mountains the next or galloping on a horse across acres of trails flanked with leaves in colors so vibrant, they take your breath away. If saddling up is on your bucket list, check out some of these places to go horseback riding in NJ. Don’t know how to ride? No worries. Most of these fascinating destinations offer lessons and guided rides too.
12. Shop one of America’s greatest main streets
Whether you want to stock up on cozy essentials or start checking things off your holiday shopping list, NJ has plenty of outlets for bargain finds, as well as high-end shopping malls for luxury labels. For even more unique finds, stroll down one of the many charming main streets in towns throughout the state for the best boutique shopping. Keep in mind Metuchen (Central Jersey Region) was one of the top three winners of the 2023 Great American Main Street Award (GAMSA).
13. Hit the jackpot
Feeling lucky? Hit Atlantic City for the thrilling action of table games, slots and more. Play and stay in upscale casino resorts – including Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Ocean Resort Casino and Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa – where restaurants, entertainment and nightlife abound. And be sure to check out all the casinos in New Jersey. There are nearly a dozen to choose from all ideally located for casino hopping, yes it’s a thing.
14. Admire zillions of artifacts
Have some actual and very factual fun in NJ! Head indoors to explore an array of exciting exhibits, collections, artifacts, fossils and more at Zimmerli Art Museum at Rutgers University (Central Region), WheatonArts in Millville (Southern Shore Region), New Jersey State Museum in Trenton (Central Region) and the Museum of NJ Maritime History in Beach Haven (Ocean Region). Or follow your passion to one of the many other museums in New Jersey including Edelman Fossil Park & Museum, opening soon in Glassboro (Delaware River Region.)
15. Soar to a new level of scary
Always good for a scream, Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson (Ocean Region) presents its always-popular Fright Fest, where terrifying scare zones and ghoulish live entertainment rival the fearsome rides and roller coasters. With less intense family-friendly options too, it’s spook-tacular!
16. Conquer your biggest corn maze ever
Let the kids loose – or play a little hide-and-seek – in the colossal corn mazes at Atlantic Farm Market in Manasquan (Ocean Region), Heaven Hill Farm in Vernon (Skylands Region), and Coombs Barnyard in Elmer (Delaware River Region), home to an 8-acre corn maze. These fresh fields also feature a frenzy of fall fun for your family. Be sure to check their websites for details and tickets.
17. Find out if you have what it takes to escape
Pirates, magicians and wizards are just some of the foes you can choose at Amazing Escape Room in Green Brook (Central Jersey Region). For an extra spooky challenge, opt for the Murder She Wrote challenge, held in the dark and recommended for ages 15 and older. Or experience the excitement of Escape May Escape Room in Cape May (Southern Shore Region), where challenges include saving London from an evil mastermind and escaping a medieval dungeon to find a magical sword.
18. Plan a day in the hay
Whether pulled by a horse or a tractor, a good ol’ fashioned hayride is the perfect way to celebrate fall while enjoying the crisp, clean air of the great outdoors. Take the little ones for a spin at Johnson’s Corner Farm in Medford (Delaware River Region) where the wagon ride is just one of the fun experiences in store as part of their Fall Festival Weekends. Von Thun Farms in Dayton (Central Jersey Region) hosts fall fun with hayrides and other sensational seasonal activities.
19. Test your fright factor
Feeling brave and enjoy a little scare in the air? Venture out to a nearby haunted attraction, where jump scares lurk around every corner. Visit Night of Terror in Mullica Hill (Delaware River Region), ranked as one of the Best Places in the Northeast to Celebrate the Halloween Season, behind only Salem, MA. Or head out to Farm of Horrors in Flemington (Central Jersey Region) to experience four horrifying attractions.
20. Greet NJ’s most notorious ghosts
Have a ghoulishly great time during Ghosts and Legends of the Downtown Tour of Asbury Park (Ocean Region). Down in Cape May (Southern Shore Region), a trolley can usher you around as your psychic guide introduces you to this historic Victorian town’s haunted past. In Woodbury (Delaware River Region), the haunted Gloucester County jail is just one stop along the town’s eerie ghost tour. And say hello to Emily, the seaside spirit who is believed to make her home at The Flanders Hotel in Ocean City (Southern Shore Region).
Before you set out to enjoy these bucket-list-worthy fun fall activities, visit official websites and social media pages for up-to-the-minute details. Download our free travel guide and sign-up for our e-newsletter for even more year-round trip inspiration. Want a closer look? Explore all of NJ’s remarkable regions here.
