The Garden State may be home to some stunning landscapes, but it is also home to a surprising array of charming roadside attractions that you are definitely going to want to see. So, let’s take a quick drive through some of the best right now.
1. Lucy the Elephant, Margate City
First stop for your Teterboro Airport limo car service, Margate City, where you’ll meet Lucy the Elephant. No, it’s not a real elephant, but a six-story building that is shaped pretty much exactly like one down to the smallest detail. Built in 1881, Lucy is older than the Statue of Liberty and arguably just as photogenic. Climb up to the howdah (that’s fancy talk for a carriage on top of an elephant) and enjoy panoramic views of the Atlantic shore.
2. The Muffler Men, Various Locations
Keep your eyes peeled for the Muffler Men, towering fiberglass statues that originally advertised auto parts in the 1960s. These big guys have been repurposed to hold everything from mufflers to hot dogs and axes, and they pop up all over the state. Each one is a surprise find, like playing a very slow game of “Where’s Waldo” but with giant statues.
3. Hindenburg Crash Site, Lakehurst
If history is kind of your thing, then you will most definitely want to take the time to swing by the Hindenburg Crash Site in Lakehurst. It’s basically exactly what it sounds like—the location of the infamous 1937 Hindenburg disaster. While there’s not much to see, the visitor center offers photographs and artifacts, and there’s a solemn memorial.
4. Dinosaurs on the Parkway, Secaucus
Just off the Turnpike in Secaucus, you’ll find Field Station: Dinosaurs, a prehistoric playground that features more than 30 life-sized, animatronic dinosaurs. It’s like Jurassic Park, but the only danger is having too much fun. Ideal for families or anyone who hasn’t outgrown their dinosaur phase (who ever really does?). It’s also, as you can imagine, a great place to take a selfie or five to document your car trip.
5. The World’s Largest Model Railroad, Flemington
Train enthusiasts, unite! The world’s largest model railroad awaits at Northlandz in Flemington. This isn’t just a train set in someone’s basement; it’s a massive, detailed world that includes hundreds of trains, over eight miles of track, and intricate scenes that could captivate you for hours. It’s proof that in New Jersey, even the miniature attractions are big.
6. Holmdel Giant PTC Chair, Holmdel
Want to feel like a kid again? Check out the Holmdel Giant PTC Chair. It’s exactly what it sounds like—a giant chair that makes everyone look like they’ve shrunk. Great for a quirky photo op and to momentarily believe you’re in a giant’s world. Just try not to think about how you’d climb into bed if everything were that size.
7. Blueberry Capital of the World, Hammonton
And finally, no tour of New Jersey roadside attractions would be complete without paying homage to Hammonton, the Blueberry Capital of the World. Drop by during blueberry season for festivals and farm visits. It’s a sweet spot, literally, and you can stock up on fresh blueberries to snack on for the rest of your road trip.
Driving through New Jersey is a delightful way to discover more about the place, so what are you waitin’ for?