South Jersey offers a massive array of remarkable vacation destinations, making it an ideal place to start when you want to plan exciting day trips near both Philadelphia and Atlantic City. Yes, New Jersey is small, but it’s packed in quite a lot of history and tradition in the past 300 years.
Whether you’re seeking natural beauty, historical landmarks, or family-friendly attractions, South Jersey has something for everyone. Some even say this is the “garden part” of the Garden State. Take a look at the five best day trips in the area, where you can leave your townhome in Williamstown early, enjoy a day out, and be back home for supper.
Cape May, located at the southern tip of New Jersey, is a beautiful seaside village renowned for its stunning Victorian architecture (which inspired Walt Disney World’s Boardwalk hotel.) Spend the day exploring picturesque streets lined with colorful homes, indulge in the burgeoning food scene around town, or take a stroll to the tip of New Jersey.
You can also hunt for Cape May Diamonds (they’re not really diamonds) on the beach, check out and old shipwreck that’s lingering just offshore, taste some wine, stay overnight in an historic B&B if you like, and get back home in about an hour.
Just a short distance from Williamstown, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania offers almost too many historic locations to count. Take the Ben Franklin or Walt Whitman bridge into the city, park, and walk in the footsteps of the Founding Fathers as you explore Independence National Historical Park, home to the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. Tour the Philadelphia Museum of Art, home of the iconic “Rocky Steps.” Visit South Street. Grab a cheeseteak, and get back home in about half an hour.
For nature enthusiasts, a visit to the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge is a must. Situated along the Atlantic Flyway, this location is a haven for migratory birds and other wildlife. Can take the scenic route along the Wildlife Drive, hike the nature trails, and grab amazing pictures of the landscape and this diverse ecosystem.
Birdwatchers will also be amazed by the opportunity to spot a wide variety of species. You could spend all day out here and get back home in around 30 minutes.
Located just south of Atlantic City, Ocean City, NJ offers a classic beach town experience that’s billed as America’s Greatest Family Resort. As a dry town that’s managed to keep the seagulls at bay, you can walk the boardwalk for hours, enjoy two massive pier-style amusement parks, try the water park, duck into the city for dinner, and enjoy a drive over the bridge back to the mainland with the windows down. Yes, Ocean City is perfect for the kids, but it’s also a wonderful getaway for adults who want to sip Ocean City Coffee Company brews, try new foods, grab an ice cream, and relax.
Step aboard the Battleship New Jersey, docked on the Delaware River in Camden and delve into the rich history of the United States Navy. You can explore thi massive warship, learn about its role in historic conflicts, and imagine life at sea with the help of a tour guide. There are also interactive exhibits, you can climb inside a real aircraft cockpit, or you can linger on the deck to get some stunning views of the Philadelphia skyline.
South Jersey provides an abundance of day trip opportunities near Philadelphia and Atlantic City, catering to diverse interests. You can start that journey with a tour of The Retreat @ 385, a townhome community nestled perfectly between Philadelphia and Atlantic City on the famous Jersey Shore.