New Jersey Travel Guide - New Jersey 2025 Official Travel Guide

NJ earned the license plate nickname thanks to fertile lands cultivated since colonial times.

Horticulturally speaking, what’s in a name? Officially, arboretums are botanical gardens specializing in trees, shrubs and woody plants. This, of course, begs the definition of a botanical garden, which is a science-forward category for the study of plants. For strictly aesthetic purposes, there are rose gardens and myriad other collections of prodigious seasonal blooms. In fact, the NJ Department of Agriculture cites more than five dozen “Gardens and Arboretums” across the state—many of which defy simple classification by incorporating a spectrum of eye-pleasing components among cultivated attractions. Many of the destinations woven across the landscape of the Garden State are open year-round and offer free admission, further enhancing the appeal of nature.

Connect with nature through lavish horticultural displays at Laurelwood Arboretum in Wayne, from The Sensory Garden to a Sculpture Trail.

Fans of wildflowers to Italianate gardens find plenty to admire at Ringwood’s New Jersey Botanical Garden, surrounded by 1,000 woodland acres.

Feel immersed in the harmonious melding of nature and grand architecture among the gardens and pathways of Greenwood Gardens in Short Hills.

Catch the vibrant peak of favorite flora at Van Vleck House & Gardens, near downtown Montclair, with a weekly “What’s Blooming” website preview.

Famed for dramatic rock gardens, the wooded stream valley trails of Leonard J. Buck Garden in Far Hills are bedecked with ferns and flowers.

Rutgers Gardens, a horticultural hotspot in North Brunswick, combines woodlands with hugely varied garden displays.

Gorgeous trees and flowers abound at Bernardsville’s Cross Estate Gardens, which features a stunning wisteria-covered pergola.

The Big Tree Tour, Rose Walk and Nature Trail count among the serene amenities at The Frelinghuysen Arboretum in Morristown.

Sights at Deep Cut Gardens in Middletown include a rockery, greenhouse, rose parterre and Japanese-themed garden for home gardening inspo.

Fields of Plenty

Agritourism sparks a dynamic interaction between growers and consumers. Farm markets, interactive experiences and sociable events strengthen connection and community throughout peak growing seasons and beyond—from family farms and local orchards to nationally acclaimed vineyards.

NJ’s oldest pick-your-own, Battleview Orchards in Freehold, boasts fresh-pressed cider, a country store and tempting bakery.

Four generations of family farmers can be found at Beneduce Vineyards in Pittstown, specializing in smallbatch, estate-grown wines, tastings and Sunday picnics.

Check the online calendar of 40 seasonal produce peaks to pick-your-own fruits and veggies at Hallocks U-Pick Farm & Greenhouse in New Egypt.

Oasis Family Farm in Robbinsville focuses on “agri-tainment’ for the whole family, including pumpkin-picking, a living bee hive, egg hunts and a farm market stocked with healthy treats.

A tranquil vibe permeates Field & Flock Lavender Farm in Woodstown where fragrant handmade products, adorable farm animals and lavender tastings await.

Daily tastings of hard apple cider and award-winning wines distinguish Hawk Haven Vineyards, located on a sprawling 100+ acres with perfect growing conditions in Cape May Wine Country.

Heaven Hill Farm in Vernon pairs a vast garden center with a farm market of just-picked produce, locally raised meats, cheese, honey and bakery goods.

Find a kid’s paradise of activities with farm animals, u-pick summer produce or Harvest Moon hayrides in the fall at Alstede Farms in Chester.

Terhune Orchards Vineyard & Winery in Princeton rounds up wine tastings, fresh-made apple cider donuts, plus produceand sunflower-picking.

Discover fields of blooms, shop soothing essential oils or take an alpaca for a walk at Hidden Spring Lavender & Alpaca Farm in Skillman.

Happy Harvest

Did you know New Jersey is home to more than 9,900 farms covering 750,000 acres of farmland? With numbers like that, and a strong growing environment for crops to flourish, the Garden State remains among the nation’s leaders in agricultural production—with farmers producing more than 100 different kinds of fruits and vegetables. Nationally, NJ ranks in the top 10 producers of cranberries, peaches, tomatoes, bell peppers, eggplant, cucumbers, apples, squash and spinach. Oh, and don’t be surprised to hear that Hammonton is known as the “Blueberry Capital of the World.”

Blooming Seasons

EXPLORE MORE GARDEN STATE GARDENS

Befitting of the Garden State nickname, NJ blossoms with acres upon acres of fragrant fields of flowers, offering a variety of blooms year-round, while fresh fruits and vegetables show up in strong demand from spring through fall. Our state size may be small, but our natural bounty is robust, which means you can gather a seasonal supply of bouquets, herbs and produce just about anywhere here.

Fall

Sunflowers

Squash

Apples

Pumpkin

Cauliflower

Cranberries

Winter

Witch Hazel

Snowdrop

Hellebore

Violets

Blue Speedwell

Winter Jasmine

Holly

Spring

Tulips

Cherry Blossoms

Daffodils

Lavender

Mint & Parsley

Asparagus

Spinach

Strawberries

Summer

Zinnia

Dahlias

Wildflowers

Honey (20,000 bee colonies)

Blueberries & Blackberries

Basil, Rosemary & Thyme

Tomatoes

Peppers

Sweet Corn

Watermelon

Pears, Plums & Peaches

Eggplant

Cucumbers