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Ready to step into the sunny embrace of spring? Here’s how to enjoy the outdoors all over the Garden State.
NORTH JERSEY
Explore a Magical Fairy Trail
South Mountain Reservation Fairy Trail (Millburn)
Photo: Bryan Anselm
Just steps away from the bustle and charm of downtown Millburn lies an unexpected and magical world, where tiny houses, some decorated with shells or rocks, others covered in moss or acorns, dot a 1.5-mile path. Part of Essex County’s expansive, 2,000-plus-acre South Mountain Reservation, the South Mountain Reservation Fairy Trail is an especially enchanting place, inspiring squeals from visitors of all ages when they discover each tiny marvel. —Julie Gordon
Hike and Hang
Various locations in northwestern New Jersey
Illustration: John R. Holmes
An underrated aspect of hiking is stopping—or, more accurately, slowing down in a trail-adjacent spot that encourages less strenuous activities like strolling, taking in the sights or tossing a ball around. In the Garden State, there’s no better place for hikers seeking occasional respite than the Skylands area, the region that comprises much of northwestern New Jersey, and is home to Ringwood State Park and nearby Norvin Green State Forest. Each offers the opportunity to hit the trails and then press pause. —Leslie Garisto Pfaff
Visit an Oasis in the Meadowlands
Richard W. DeKorte Park (Lyndhurst)
In the heart of the industrial Meadowlands, within sight of the Turnpike and the Manhattan skyline, DeKorte Park is an unexpected oasis of marshlands and estuarial waters attracting hundreds of bird species, from herons to harriers. On the paths and boardwalks that undulate through the marsh, spring visitors can welcome back returning migrants like sandpipers and tree swallows. —Leslie Garisto Pfaff
Bask in the Cherry Blossoms
Branch Brook Park (Newark; Belleville)
Photo: Shutterstock/George Wirt
While many people think Washington, DC, has the largest collection of cherry blossom trees in the United States, it’s actually Branch Brook Park. Each April, more than 5,000 trees bloom, creating a spectacular sight—and landing the Cherry Blossom Festival a place in New Jersey Monthly‘s Book of Records. The 2025 festivities run from April 5-13 and feature a bike race (Saturday, April 5), 10K run (Sunday, April 6), a one-mile run and family day (Saturday, April 12) and Bloomfest (Sunday, April 13). —Julie Gordon
CENTRAL JERSEY
Visit a Beautiful Peony Farm
Peony’s Envy (Bernardsville)
Photo: Arron Andrews
Peony queen Kathleen Gagan’s bucolic Bernardsville farm, Peony’s Envy, is home to one of the most extensive peony collections in the country—700 varieties, to be exact! Guests can wander the peaceful, unmarked trails across her 7-acre property from the last Friday in April to the second Sunday in June ($10 per person). And from May 2 through June 6, Friday-night picnics invite guests to bring dinner and enjoy an evening among the blooms (5:30-7:30 pm; $20 per person). —Susan Brierly Bush
Experience Larger-Than-Life Art
Grounds for Sculpture (Hamilton Township)
Photo: Courtesy of Seward Johnson Atelier
Grounds for Sculpture is a glorious place to experience spring in Jersey, with 42 acres of parkland punctuated by massive sculptures from artists including founder Seward Johnson. Enjoy the art and then picnic, peek behind the scenes, or dine at the Grounds’ lovely, Monet-inspired Rat’s restaurant; just be sure to make a reservation. —JG
See NJ’s Biggest Tulip Display
Holland Ridge Farms (Cream Ridge)
Photo: Courtesy of Holland Ridge Farms
In mid-April, millions of tulips burst to life at Holland Ridge Farms. Stroll through fields of bright yellow, bubblegum pink and creamsicle orange. Have fun with photo props, and pick blooms to take home as temporary souvenirs from this 300-acre paradise. —Jacqueline Larcara
Take a Trip Back in Time
Renaissance Faire (Southampton Township)
Photo: Frank Burkhauser
Don period garb and head to the New Jersey Renaissance Faire for non-stop outdoor entertainment, happening May 17-18, May 24-25, May 31, June 1 and June 7-8. At this rain-or-shine affair in a wooded area, experience jousting, sword fighting, aerial acrobatics, music and so much more. —JL
SOUTH JERSEY
Visit a Historic Estate
Bordentown
Photo: Courtesy of the Art Institute of Chicago
Scenic grounds that belonged to Joseph Bonaparte—Napoleon’s older brother and the ex-king of Naples and Spain—opened in 2023 after almost two centuries. —Fred B. Adelson
Go ‘Ice Swimming’ in Batsto
Washington Township
Granted, the ponds in Batsto are no longer covered by ice, but they are still damn cold. Search out the Ice Women of South Jersey on social media and join them for their chilly minutes-long soaks in some of the cleanest freshwater in the region. They say it’s good for inflammation, the mind and the soul. —VF
Walk the Bridge
Ben Franklin Bridge Walkway (Camden)
The Benjamin Franklin Bridge Pedestrian Walkway offers a bird’s-eye view of the Delaware River and Camden and Philadelphia waterfronts. Bring binoculars to view ship traffic and river landmarks, including the Betsy Ross Bridge. A round-trip walk from Camden is nearly 3 miles and reaches an elevation of 165 feet. —Tom Wilk
Stay in a Cabin in the Pine Barrens
Bass River State Forest (Bass River Township)
For just $75 per night, you get a cozy 1930s-era cabin on the shore of Lake Absegami deep in the Pine Barrens, complete with a fireplace, full kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping for six. Mosquito haters will love the screened-in porch. Not exactly roughing it—and that’s perfectly OK with us. —VF
Hike the Batona Trail
Burlington County
Covering around 50 miles, the Batona Trail showcases the natural world of the Pinelands. The blazed trail is easy to follow and passes through the Wharton, Brendan T. Byrne and Bass River state forests. The trail can be hiked in segments and features relatively flat terrain. —TW
See a Flick Outside
Delsea Drive-In (Vineland)
Photo: Courtesy of the Delsea Drive-In
Travel back to the 1950s as you watch a double feature under the stars at the classic Delsea Drive-In Theatre in Vineland, open since 1949. It’s reopening for the 2025 season on Saturday, April 11. Trade in the couch for the car as you curl up with a bucket of popcorn on a lovely spring night. —JL
See Unusual Plants
Linwood Arboretum (Linwood)
This triangular acre of rare and uncommon flowers, woody shrubs and trees offers visitors the chance to see plants they likely won’t find elsewhere in New Jersey. Home gardeners will appreciate that curators make a point of encouraging visitors to try growing some of these unusual plants. A bike path runs alongside. —Barbara Leap
Go Birding by Boat
Stone Harbor; Cape May
Photo: Unsplash/Karo Kujanpaa
Shore birds like pelicans and herons are rarely seen up close except from small boats cruising salt marshes. Birding By Boat (starting Saturday, April 12) and Salt Marsh Safari (starting Tuesday, May 20) offer two-hour, narrated daytime and sunset eco-cruises providing such intimate encounters. —BL
MULTIPLE LOCATIONS
Catch a Trout
Trout is some of the tastiest freshwater fish in the United States, and fortunately, New Jersey is home to plenty. The season opens Saturday, April 5, and all you need to do is stick a line in the water. Well, and be patient. Some of the best angling can be found in the Round Valley and Merrill Creek reservoirs. —Victor Fiorillo
Hop on a Boozy Beer Trail
With more than 130 craft breweries—and additional ones bubbling up in New Jersey—thirsty patrons can enjoy beer trails running throughout the state. Don’t like beer? Jersey is also home to more than 50 wineries and a handful of distilleries with options for imbibing al fresco. —Gary Phillips
Stroll Through Private Gardens
Photo: Shutterstock/Maria Evseyeva
Every year, the Garden Conservancy invites private homeowners around the country to open their gardens to the public for a day or more during Open Days Gardens. The first New Jersey garden this year is open on Saturday, April 5 in a two-acre garden in Nutley. Next up are two gardens in Montclair on Saturday, April 26. There are five in Bergen County on Saturday, May 17. There are three in Essex County on Sunday, June 1, and two in Hunterdon County on Saturday, June 14. There’s one in Stockton on Sunday, June 22, and one in Boonton on Saturday, June 28. —MC
Catch a Minor League Game
Jersey doesn’t have a Major League Baseball team, but there are plenty of minor league clubs—and their prices are a lot cheaper! Fans of the Yankees can see prospects play for the Somerset Patriots, while Phillies fanatics can enjoy a similar experience at a Jersey Shore BlueClaws game. Then there’s the New Jersey Jackals, who now call historic Hinchliffe Stadium home. Jersey’s other MiLB teams include the Trenton Thunder and Sussex County Miners. —GP
Visit a Secret Garden
When you live in the Garden State, checking out a garden or two has to be on your spring to-do list. Some of our favorite out-of-the-way spots are Avis Campbell Gardens in Montclair, the Gables in Beach Haven, and Cross Estate Gardens in Bernardsville. —JG
Take Your Pooch to the Shore
Pre-Memorial Day is a great time to bring your dog to the Shore, as many beaches, including those in Asbury Park, Brigantine and Ocean City, allow leashed dogs in the off-season. Check with individual beaches before heading out; rules vary. —JG
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