Boardwalk Murals in Asbury Park
Known largely for its music scene, Asbury Park has learned to embrace its artsy side. Some of its most Instagrammable sites can be found along the boardwalk, where a collection of more than 30 eclectic murals plaster the side of the Sunset Pavilion building. Strike a pose by the one that speaks to you, then hit some of Asbury Park’s trendy restaurants or legendary music clubs, like The Stone Pony.
High Point State Park
For a change in perspective – and a swoon-worthy photo – head to the highest point in New Jersey, appropriately named High Point. Here at the summit of Kittatinny Ridge, you can climb the 291 steps to the top of the High Point Monument, where you’ll capture sweeping views of three surrounding states. At the park, you can also hike a portion of the Appalachian Trail, fish for trout, paddle around Sawmill Lake, or set up camp and spend the night in the great outdoors.
Holland Ridge Farms
The biggest U-Pick Flower Farm in the United States, Holland Ridge Farms in Cream Ridge, attracts people from all over the country with its spectacular flower fields. The place bursts with color and activity each April when 8 million tulips bloom and again in September when the farm reopens for the sunflower season. Fun for the whole family, the farm not only offers one of the most breathtaking backdrops you can find but also features hundreds of farm animals, delicious food vendors, and even pony rides.
Hoboken Waterfront
An essential stop for visitors of both New Jersey and New York City, the waterfront walkway in Hoboken’s Pier A Park offers a stunning view of the Manhattan skyline. Grab that iconic shot with the Hudson River flowing behind you and the skyscrapers towering beyond. Then wander the one square mile that makes up the town of Hoboken, stopping at notable spots like Carlo’s Bakery, Barsky Gallery, the Pilsener Haus & Biergarten, and, of course, the newly-added statue of Frank Sinatra (a proud Hoboken native).
Branch Brook Park Cherry Blossoms
If you’re traveling to New Jersey in the springtime, you can’t miss the annual Cherry Blossom Festival at Branch Brook Park in Newark. It’s the largest collection of cherry blossom trees in the nation (yes, even more than Washington, D.C.). And it makes for gorgeous photos. The 360-acre park is also home to playgrounds and ballfields, several lakes and ponds, and miles of winding trails, so photo ops abound even when the cherry blossoms aren’t in bloom.
Victorian Architecture in Cape May
The coastal town of Cape May is a picturesque seaside destination. You can gather the family and head to the beach for some fun in the sun and scenic photos by the shore. Or step back in time and explore the charming buildings the town has maintained since the late 1800s. Snap a few selfies on a guided trolley tour of the Historic District, where you’ll spot the colorful Victorian homes known as the Painted Ladies.
Grounds for Sculpture
It’s hard to put your camera down when you visit the Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton. The 42-acre park is peppered with more than 300 contemporary sculptures, many of which portray whimsical designs and larger-than-life creations you can’t see anywhere else. When you’ve taken pictures with all the quirky statues and aesthetic masterpieces, you can tour the property’s scenic gardens and catch the sunset over a meadow of wildflowers.
Barnegat Lighthouse State Park
Barnegat Lighthouse State Park is known for its picture-perfect coastal scenes, from the rocky dunes and reflective waters to the iconic lightkeeper statue and duo-toned lighthouse. Stroll along the inlet walkway, spotting boats coming into the bay, or try your hand at birdwatching along the short nature trail in one of New Jersey’s last remaining maritime forests.
Jersey City Street Art
Discover one of New Jersey’s largest outdoor art galleries. Vibrant murals cover buildings in nearly every neighborhood across Jersey City, thanks to a city-wide beautification initiative known as the Jersey City Mural Arts Program. As you navigate toward local attractions, like the Colgate Clock, Liberty Science Center, or Liberty State Park, keep an eye out to see how many of the city’s 200 murals you can photograph.
Duke Farms
With more than 1,000 acres to roam, Duke Farms in Hillsborough is a treasure trove of breathtaking landscapes and striking scenery just waiting to be photographed. Book a bike and hit the trails, stop at the tiered waterfall known as the Great Falls, and visit the estate’s elegant greenhouse and restored historic barns.
Check out even more attractions across the state of New Jersey.
