One of the best seasons to experience the Garden State is during spring. New Jersey has many fun things to do, from chasing blooms to conquering hiking trails. Additionally, for those looking for a fun escape, there are many great spring break getaways near NJ that you and your loved ones can easily take a road trip to.
Even though the spring season begins at the end of March, most New Jersey residents don’t start to experience warmer weather until deeper into April. Regardless of the temperature, there are plenty of memorable things to do in and around New Jersey from late March through mid-June.
From doing a weekend road trip to see the cherry blossoms in Washington, D.C. to enjoying the hiking trails in the Hudson Valley, discover how there is something for everyone to enjoy in this article.
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Where to Enjoy a New Jersey Spring Break:
Before jumping into the best spring break getaways near NJ that you can take with friends, family, a significant other or by yourself, there are a lot of great places to enjoy a mini New Jersey vacation.
Below, check out the best local spring break getaways in New Jersey:
Admire the Cherry Blossoms at Branch Brook Park in Newark, NJ
Cherry blossoms bloom in New Jersey in early April, so one of the best places to enjoy a day trip during springtime is Branch Brook Park in Newark, which is in Essex County.
This beautiful park features over 5,300 Japanese cherry blossom trees, with 18 different varieties that all locals should witness during this time of year in New Jersey. In fact, this park holds the most varied collection of Japanese cherry blossoms in the USA!
This year, the Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival will occur from April 6 to 14, 2024. Not only can you admire the beautiful cherry blossoms, but you can also participate in a bike ride, a 10K run, and a 1-mile run/walk.
During this festival, you and your loved ones can also enjoy Bloomfest!, featuring live music, arts and crafts for children, Japanese cultural demonstrations and an audio tour to learn more about the blossoms.
See the Paterson Great Falls in Paterson, NJ
A short drive from Newark is Paterson Great Falls in Paterson, NJ, in Passaic County. The Great Falls of the Passaic River is a hidden gem in one of the Garden State’s most urban areas. It’s also a National Historical Park, part of the National Park Service. (Like seeing the cherry blossoms at Branch Brook Park, Paterson Great Falls is also free to visit.)
On a spring visit to Paterson Great Falls, you can do a guided tour with a park ranger. During this experience, you’ll learn about the city of Paterson, NJ, the natural and cultural diversity of the area and how it helped fuel the economic and social growth of the United States.
Overall, Paterson Great Falls is one of the most fascinating historical sites in New Jersey and you won’t be disappointed when you visit. A great place to go for food and drinks afterward is The Barrow House in Clifton.
Hike at Apshawa Preserve in West Milford, NJ
Spring is officially hiking season! One of the best outdoor activities with beautiful views is hiking Apshawa Preserve in West Milford, which is in Passaic County.
Not only does Apshawa Preserve offer excellent hiking opportunities in the heart of New Jersey’s Highlands, but it’s a 576-acre preserve that is home to diverse habitats. During a spring hike, you can enjoy bird watching and notice beautiful lily pads floating along the Butler Reservoir. It’s one of the most beautiful hikes in North Jersey.
An excellent place to go for food and drinks after your hike is blu alehouse in Riverdale.
Go Tulip Picking at Holland Ridge Farms in Cream Ridge, NJ
What’s nice about being in New Jersey during spring is that you don’t have to travel all the way to Holland to see the tulip fields. You can see them at Holland Ridge Farms in Cream Ridge, NJ, which is in Monmouth County. It’s one of the best flower farms in New Jersey!
Holland Ridge Farms in Central Jersey offers the most beautiful Dutch tulip fields from mid-April through early May. It’s the perfect place to walk through, take many photos and pick your own flowers. There are also New Jersey food trucks to enjoy!
It costs $15 USD to visit during a weekday and $17 USD to visit on a weekend for anyone ages three and older. When you first arrive, you can take a basket and pick your own tulips. It’s $1 USD per stem.
Enjoy the Great Outdoors at Duke Farms in Hillsborough, NJ
One of the best things to do during spring in New Jersey is visit Duke Farms in Hillsborough, which is in Somerset County. There are spring activities for the whole family to enjoy at this 2,700-acre environmental center and it’s one of the best things to do in NJ for free.
What’s great about Duke Farms is it’s an accessible sanctuary where people can spot over 247 bird species, enjoy 18 miles of walking paths and 12 miles of bike trails, and attend free workshops to learn about climate change and wildlife conservation. Please note that adults aged 18 and over can rent bikes for $8 USD and $5 USD for kids.
While you’re at Duke Farms, check out the Orchid Range, Hay Barn and the artificial Great Falls. There’s also a farm-to-table eatery called Farm Barn Café.
A fun place to go after spending time at Duke Farms is Flounder Brewing Co. in Hillsborough.
Wine Taste at Terhune Orchards in Princeton, NJ
Another fun place to have a fabulous time during the spring season in NJ is at Terhune Orchards & Winery. Located in Princeton, NJ, in Mercer County, Terhune Orchards has spring flowers ranging from daffodils to grape hyacinths.
Since spring is also gardening season, you can get plenty of flowering annuals and vegetable plants from Terhune Orchards. During springtime, you can also pick your own apples, asparagus, organic herbs, lettuce, peas, radishes, spinach, strawberries and Swiss chard. There is also a petting zoo and a Bunny Trail Spring Festival during Easter weekend.
Terhune Winery offers tastings, fun events and live music.
Take a Mountain Bike Lesson at Mountain Creek in Vernon, NJ
As the weather gets warmer, it’s a great time to leave your comfort zone and do something you’ve always wanted to try. One of the best things to do during a New Jersey spring break in 2024 is try mountain biking!
Mountain Creek Bike Park is a world-class mountain biking destination located at Mountain Creek in Vernon, NJ, in Sussex County. It’s rated one of the “Best Bike Parks” in North America, with over 50 beginner, intermediate and expert trails to enjoy.
At Mountain Creek Bike Park, you can take a lesson and learn the basic technical skills of mountain biking while riding down one of the beginner trails. Afterwards, celebrate at the onsite Biergarten.
Spring Break Getaways Near NJ: 10 Road Trips from New Jersey
Suppose you are from New Jersey, or the Tri-State area in general, and cannot fly anywhere far for spring break in the USA this year. Lucky for you, there are plenty of local spring break destinations within driving distance.
There’s nothing like taking a road trip when there’s warmer weather. Discover the best spring break destinations and getaways near NJ below:
Romantic Spring Break Getaways Near NJ
North Fork, New York:
If you and your significant other are looking for a low-key spring break getaway that isn’t far from New Jersey, look no further than the North Fork on Long Island, New York. It’s recognized for its charming downtowns, award-winning wineries and vineyards, renowned restaurants and beautiful beaches along the Long Island Sound.
Whether in the North Fork for a long weekend or an overnight stay, the best place for a romantic getaway is The Harvest Inn in Peconic, New York. It’s a luxury boutique bed and breakfast where you can enjoy healthy and daily homemade breakfasts, cozy lounge areas and a lovely wrap-around porch.
While on the North Fork during your spring break getaway from NJ, you must visit Greenport Harbor Brewing in Greenport, NY. It’s located next to the old Greenport Jail and offers craft beers ranging from lagers to IPAs. The best restaurant in downtown Greenport is The Frisky Oyster, which offers an imaginative menu filled with delicious meals and local ingredients.
The Wine Trail makes the North Fork one of the best spring break getaways near NJ. When staying at The Harvest Inn, you can easily walk to the different wineries or bike to the vineyards. The two closest wineries to the Inn are Lenz Winery and Raphael.
At the end of spring, starting in mid-June, check out the lavender fields at Lavender by the Bay. There are two locations: East Marion at 7540 Main Rd. and Calverton at 47 Manor Rd. At these lavender farms, you can pick your own French lavender, walk through the fields and purchase different bath and home products.
During a warm spring day, head over to a North Fork beach to relax in the sun, or even get a swim in. The best beaches to visit are Goldsmith’s Inlet in Peconic, McCabe’s Beach in Southold and Nassau Point Causeway Beach in Cutchogue.
Berkshires, Massachusetts:
Another one of the top romantic spring break getaways near NJ is the Berkshires in Massachusetts. This mountainous area of Western Massachusetts features charming villages and towns, plenty of activities, outstanding museums and incredible eateries.
The best hotel to stay at during a couples’ spring break escape to the Berkshires is Hotel on North in Pittsfield, MA. It’s a 45-room luxury boutique hotel located in the heart of downtown Pittsfield. At Hotel on North, you can enjoy cozy rooms, each boasting a different character, an American bistro and taproom, and convenient access to great stores and restaurants in town.
Awesome places to eat and drink in the Berkshires are Dottie’s Coffee Lounge, District Kitchen & Bar and Methuselah Bar and Lounge.
There’s nothing that screams spring break fun than going wine tasting. Balderdash Cellars in Richmond, MA is a scenic winery and vineyard where you can do a wine production tour, enjoy live music, play yard games and make endless memories with your loved one.
A spring, fall or summer trip to the Berkshires is incomplete without doing a hike. If you and your significant other are more leisure hikers, then you must do the Hickey and Peeskawso Peak Loop Trail at Monument Mountain in Stockbridge. For couples who want more of a challenge, conquer Massachusetts’ highest mountain – Mount Greylock in North Adams.
Other fun things to do in the Berkshires during a spring break getaway are to see the Ice Glen in Stockbridge, catch a performance at Barrington Stage, tour the Edith Wharton House in Lenox, go shopping in Great Barrington and visit the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art in North Adams.
Portland, Maine:
New England is another of the top weekend spring break ideas for couples. In fact, Portland, Maine is the perfect destination for a road trip getaway from NJ. It’s a charming coastal city along the Casco Bay in Southern Maine.
The best place to stay during a romantic escape to Portland is the Blind Tiger. It’s a luxury boutique hotel in the West End, near many great restaurants and shops. At this lovely hotel, you can enjoy a wonderful breakfast every morning, peaceful lounge areas, a Peloton studio and a billiards room.
With close access to the Atlantic Ocean, Portland, Maine has some of the best seafood restaurants in the country. You must eat at Gilbert’s Chowder House, Eventide, The Holy Donut and The Lobster Shack at Two Lights.
A trip to Portland, Maine is incomplete without seeing the picturesque lighthouses in the surrounding area. Two beautiful lighthouses you can’t miss are Spring Point Ledge Light in South Portland and Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth’s Fort Williams Park.
Other great things to do during a spring break trip to Portland are strolling the beautiful Eastern Promenade in the city, doing a Casco Bay cruise, visiting the nearby beach towns like Kennebunkport and enjoying a beer at Shipyard Brewing Company.
Family Spring Break Getaways Near NJ
Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee:
The Smokies in Eastern Tennessee make for one of the top spring break getaways for those with kids. Even though it’s a far drive from New Jersey, you and your family won’t be disappointed with this area.
From conquering the plethora of hiking trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park to enjoying all the fun activities in Gatlinburg, and making memories at all the amusem*nt park rides at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, you won’t go wrong with choosing this destination for a long weekend vacation.
The best place to stay with kids in the Great Smoky Mountains is Yourcation Awaits cabin rental in Pigeon Forge. It’s a four-bedroom cabin with views of the mountains, a hot tub, a game room and more. This fantastic rental property is also located behind Dollywood.
Excellent family-friendly restaurants in the Smoky Mountains are Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen in Pigeon Forge, Five Oaks Farm Kitchen in Sevierville and Loco Burro Fresh Mex Cantina in Gatlinburg.
It’s no secret that one of the top things to do in this area of Tennessee is to hike through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. What’s cool about this National Park is that the Appalachian Trail runs through a good portion of it. There are numerous easy, moderate and challenging hikes, scenic overlooks and photo spots.
In addition to outdoor adventures, you and your family must appreciate all the fun festivities in downtown Gatlinburg during your spring vacation. This fun mountain town is filled with moonshine distilleries, wine-tasting rooms, breweries and cideries for adults, as well as arcades, museums, adventure parks, mini golf and shows for the kids.
Dollywood amusem*nt park is another reason the Smokies are an excellent destination for family vacations. Owned by Dolly Parton, Dollywood has over 40 different rides for all ages, numerous entertainment venues, award-winning dining options and fun characters.
Annapolis, Maryland:
A spring break escape to Annapolis, Maryland is a must for history buffs! It’s also one of the best spring break getaways near NJ for those wanting an educational but fun experience for their kids.
Annapolis, the capital of Maryland, is a charming city on the Chesapeake Bay. It’s a historic destination that played a massive role throughout American history.
The best place to stay in the capital city is at the Annapolis Waterfront Hotel, part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection. Chick & Ruth’s Delly and Cantler’s Riverside Inn are great restaurants to eat as a family.
Touring the US Naval Academy, Annapolis Maritime Museum and the Maryland State House are great educational things for a family in Annapolis. During a beautiful spring day, you and your family must also stroll down Ego Alley, where you can admire the expensive boats and yachts in the marina, enjoy a coffee or ice cream and go shopping.
From April through August, you and your family can also experience the Wednesday Night Sailboat Races with the Schooner Woodwind. On the sailboat, you will be put to work as you race with other vessels along the Chesapeake.
New York City:
The perfect spring break day trip from New Jersey is to New York City. Even though the Big Apple is a year-round destination, springtime is when outdoor venues begin to reopen, blossoms fill the parks and NYC starts to feel alive again.
If you plan to stay overnight in NYC, a great family-friendly hotel centrally located in Midtown is Margaritaville Resort Times Square. Excellent eateries to dine in the city as a family are Cafeteria in Chelsea, The Smith in the East Village and Black Tap in SoHo.
You can chase cherry blossoms when you and your family visit NYC in late March to early April! There are a lot of beautiful locations to spot these gorgeous pink flowers. Some of the best places are Central Park, Roosevelt Island, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Prospect Park, Union Square and Washington Square Park.
Other fun things to do as a family in NYC are to see a Broadway show like The Lion King, Aladdin and Harry Potter & The Cursed Child; enjoy incredible views at Summit One Vanderbilt; walk through The Museum of Natural History; see your favorite celebrities at Madame Tussaud’s; soar over New York on a 4D ride at RiseNY; sip frozen hot chocolate at Serendipity 3; stroll the Highline and stop at Little Island; see a Yankees or Mets baseball game and visit the Bronx Zoo.
Fun Places to Visit for Spring Break on a Girl’s Trip
Washington D.C.:
Known as the best place to see cherry blossoms in the United States, Washington D.C. is one of the top spring break getaways near NJ for a girl’s trip.
The best hotel to stay at in Washington D.C. during a girl’s trip is the Omni Shoreham. It’s near the Tidal Basin, where the capital city’s cherry blossoms are situated, and the hotel also features timeless spaces, manicured lawns, beautiful fountains and gardens and a pool that opens in May. This historic luxury hotel has also attracted U.S. Presidents, celebrities and professional athletes.
What makes Washington D.C. an excellent destination for a girl’s trip are its eateries and bars. You must visit Fiola Mare for a lovely seafood lunch on the Potomac River, El Centro for great Mexican food and drinks, Founding Farmers for brunch and Georgetown Cupcake for a sweet treat.
D.C. holds the National Cherry Blossom Festival at the Tidal Basin every spring. Millions of people from all over the world travel to the capital city during this time of year to see the 3,000 cherry blossom trees gifted to the USA by Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo. During the festival, you can enjoy numerous photo opportunities, tasty bites, Japanese-inspired art and music, fireworks and more.
In addition to the cherry blossoms, Washington D.C. is also famous for its museums and galleries. Some of the best ones to visit are the Smithsonian Museums and Zoo, Hirschhorn Museum and Renwick Gallery. You cannot visit Washington D.C. in the spring and not walk around the National Mall, see The White House and explore the U.S. National Arboretum.
Hudson Valley, New York:
The Hudson Valley is an underrated area of New York State that is close to New Jersey and makes for great day trips and weekend getaways during the spring. This beautiful area borders New Jersey and is known for its excellent hiking trails, renowned wineries and charming downtowns.
The best hotel in the Hudson Valley is Hotel Nyack by Joie de Vivre by Hyatt in Nyack, New York. It’s a short walk from downtown Nyack, with clothing boutiques, great restaurants and fitness studios. This awesome hotel is also close to the Mario M. Cuomo Bridge (formerly the Tappan Zee Bridge), which has a great walking trail to Westchester.
Hotel Nyack has a pool to enjoy on a warm day in later spring, a great restaurant with an indoor and outdoor bar with live music on certain nights, a fitness center, and more. During your stay here, you must visit Art Café for delicious Israeli food, take an aerial yoga class at Soul Flyte and walk through the Nyack Farmer’s Market.
If you and your friends are into hiking and outdoor activities, don’t miss out on Breakneck Ridge in Cold Spring. It’s a challenging but rewarding hike with challenging rock scrambles and spectacular views! Other fun hikes include conquering the Mount Beacon Fire Tower, Giant Stairs in Palisades Interstate Park and Anthony’s Nose in Bear Mountain State Park.
What’s nice about visiting the Hudson Valley during springtime is that there are a lot of incredible wineries and vineyards to enjoy, like Warwick Valley Winery in Warwick, Brotherhood Winery in Washingtonville, Benmarl Winery in Marlboro and Torne Valley Vineyards in Hillburn.
Wilmington, North Carolina:
Like the Great Smoky Mountains, Wilmington, North Carolina is a bit of a drive from New Jersey, but it’s still doable and makes for a great spring break escape with girlfriends! Spring is the perfect time to visit Wilmington and its nearby island beaches because the weather is already warm and it will make you feel like you’re on a tropical escape.
The best hotel in Wilmington is Aloft Wilmington at Coastline Center by Marriott Bonvoy. It’s connected to the famous Wilmington Riverwalk and offers modern amenities like a fitness center and rooftop bar.
What makes Wilmington a great girl’s trip destination from NJ are its restaurants and bars. You must have lunch at Oceanic Restaurant, which is located on the pier in Wrightsville Beach; grab drinks and watch the sunset at Sauce’d, which is located on the Riverwalk; savor an incredible dinner at Seabird, which is located in downtown Wilmington and enjoy a lovely meal at Stoked, which is on Carolina Beach Marina.
A spring break vacation is incomplete without enjoying a beautiful beach day at Wrightsville Beach. It’s a gorgeous white-sand beach with crystal blue waters that you’d see in the Caribbean. Additionally, don’t forget to visit Carolina Beach State Park to enjoy water sports like kayaking!
Other fun things to do during a long weekend in Wilmington, NC are to tour the Battleship North Carolina, do a thrilling ghost tour, wander through Airlie Gardens and walk the boardwalk at Carolina Beach.
Discover more fun things to do in and around New Jersey:
10 Fun Things to Do in Hoboken and Jersey City, NJ
20 Things to Do in New Jersey in the Summer
11 Winter Weekend Getaways from NJ
I hope you all enjoyed discovering the best spring break getaways near NJ. If you have any questions, please email me at info@browneyedflowerchild.com.
Basic Facts of the United States:
Currency: United States Dollar, Capital: Washington D.C., NJ State Capital: Trenton, Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time
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