Have you ever dreamed of a relaxing road trip where the blue sea stretches endlessly and charming coastal towns appear around every bend? The New Jersey coastline, with its unspoiled natural beauty and vibrant resorts, is the ideal destination for a memorable driving experience. Join “Du lịch khắp thế gian” (Travel the World) to explore this wonderful coastal route, where you will not only admire the beautiful scenery but also fully experience the rhythm of life and unique culture of the American East Coast.
New Jersey Coastal Route: A Journey of Discovery
New Jersey is not only famous for the bustling urban area but also boasts a beautiful long coastline stretching from Sandy Hook to Cape May. The New Jersey coastal route is a perfect combination of unspoiled nature and attractive tourist destinations, offering you a diverse and exciting driving journey.
Starting your journey from the north, you can begin in the Delaware Water Gap area, where the gentle Delaware River cuts across the border between New Jersey and Pennsylvania. This area is known for its majestic natural beauty, once praised in 19th-century paintings. Although the Delaware Water Gap is not directly on the coast, it is a great starting point, allowing you to enjoy mountain scenery before heading towards the coast. From here, you can easily connect to routes leading to the New Jersey coastline.
As you move eastward, you will gradually feel the change in landscape, from green mountains and forests to long stretches of white sand beaches. The New Jersey coastal route offers many route options, from modern highways to small provincial roads, winding through charming coastal towns.
One of the highlights of this route is Sandy Hook, a long, narrow peninsula jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean. This place is not only an important nature conservation area but also an ideal location for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Continuing south, you will pass through famous seaside towns such as Asbury Park, Ocean Grove, and Point Pleasant Beach, each with its own unique beauty and charm.
Must-Visit Destinations on the New Jersey Coast Road
The New Jersey coast is not just a long stretch of coastline but also a collection of countless attractive destinations, each offering unique and memorable experiences.
Sandy Hook: This peninsula is part of the Gateway National Recreation Area, famous for its pristine beaches, the historic Sandy Hook Lighthouse, and Fort Hancock military fort. You can hike, bike, swim, or simply relax and enjoy the fresh sea air.
Asbury Park: This seaside town is famous for its beachfront entertainment district, lively music venues, and a rich cultural history. The Asbury Park Boardwalk is where you can stroll, enjoy local cuisine, and participate in exciting entertainment activities.
Ocean Grove: Located right next to Asbury Park, Ocean Grove has a more peaceful and ancient beauty. This town is famous for its graceful Victorian architecture, tree-lined streets, and relaxing atmosphere. The Ocean Grove Auditorium is an important historical architectural work, often hosting cultural and musical events.
Point Pleasant Beach: This destination attracts visitors with Jenkinson’s Boardwalk, a bustling entertainment area with games, shops, restaurants, and Jenkinson’s Aquarium. Point Pleasant Beach is also one of the most beautiful beaches in New Jersey, ideal for swimming and relaxing.
Long Beach Island: This long, narrow island is a resort paradise with fine white sand beaches, charming wooden houses, and ancient lighthouses. Barnegat Lighthouse, also known as “Old Barney,” is a symbol of Long Beach Island, offering stunning panoramic views of the area.
Cape May: Located at the southernmost point of New Jersey, Cape May is a national historic landmark, famous for its well-preserved Victorian architecture, charming streets, and antique hotels. Cape May Point State Park is an ideal destination for birdwatching and enjoying unspoiled natural beauty. The Cape May Lighthouse is also a must-see attraction, offering panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay.
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area at sunset viewed from Mount Tammany in New Jersey
New Jersey Coastal Cuisine: Distinctive Flavors
A road trip along the New Jersey coast would not be complete without the opportunity to enjoy local cuisine. Fresh seafood is a prominent specialty of this region, with countless beachfront restaurants and eateries serving delicacies from shrimp, crab, scallops, and fish.
Oysters and Clams: The New Jersey coast is famous for fresh and delicious oysters and clams. You can enjoy raw oysters at seafood restaurants or try clam dishes such as steamed clams or grilled clams with scallion oil.
Clam Chowder: Creamy soup with fresh clams, potatoes, and bacon is a signature dish of the US East Coast. Each restaurant may have its own recipe, but the rich and delicious flavor of clam chowder always satisfies diners.
Lobster Roll: This dish is a perfect combination of sweet fresh lobster and soft, fragrant bread. Lobster is mixed with mayonnaise or melted butter, then sandwiched in a roll and usually served with French fries or salad.
Fish and Chips: This familiar dish is also very popular in New Jersey coastal towns. Cod or haddock is battered and fried crispy, served with French fries and tartar sauce.
Saltwater Taffy: This sweet chewy candy is an indispensable specialty of the New Jersey coast. There are many different flavors for you to choose from, from mint, vanilla, to fruit and chocolate. Buying a box of saltwater taffy as a gift is also a great idea.
Tips for Driving Along the New Jersey Coast
For a smooth and memorable driving experience along the New Jersey coast, keep in mind the following tips:
Ideal Time to Visit: Summer (June to August) is the most popular time to visit the New Jersey coast, but it is also peak season, prices may be higher, and tourist spots are more crowded. Spring (April – May) and autumn (September – October) are better options if you want to avoid crowds and enjoy more pleasant weather.
Plan Your Route: Determine the destinations you want to visit and plan a detailed route. Consider travel time between destinations and the time you want to spend in each place.
Book in Advance: If you are traveling during peak season, book your hotel and other services in advance to ensure availability and good prices.
Prepare for the Weather: Coastal weather can change quickly. Bring a light jacket, sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses to cope with different weather conditions.
Pay Attention to Traffic: In the summer, traffic on coastal roads can become congested, especially on weekends. Be patient and drive carefully.
Enjoy the Journey: Don’t forget to relax and enjoy every moment of the journey. Stop at roadside rest stops, admire the sea view, and enjoy the fresh air of the New Jersey coast.
Conclusion
Driving along the New Jersey coast is a wonderful journey to explore the natural beauty, culture, and distinctive cuisine of the American East Coast. From long stretches of white sand beaches, charming coastal towns, to delicious fresh seafood, this route promises to bring you unforgettable memories. Plan your trip today and discover the endless beauty of the New Jersey coast!