Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Chatham, NJ to Jersey City, NJ

Driving from Chatham, NJ to Jersey City, NJ offers stunning views of the Garden State Parkway and the New Jersey Turnpike. The trip will take approximately 45 minutes, depending on traffic. This route takes drivers through a variety of towns and cities, each offering distinct attractions and surprises. Of course, one would expect the journey to be a straight shot with nothing exciting to offer. But think again! Here are five unexpected places to take a pit-stop on your drive from Chatham, NJ to Jersey City, NJ.

Halfway Point: Elizabeth, NJ

Before diving into different unexpected stops on this trip, let's take a look at the halfway break of this journey. Elizabeth, NJ is a city of nearly 129,000 residents situated in Union County. It's also the fourth largest city in New Jersey and the home of Newark Liberty International Airport. Its strategic location as it's nestled between Newark and Staten Island makes this city a pivotal hub. As the halfway point of your Chatham-Jersey City tour, Elizabeth city offers ample options for refreshment and entertainment. Visitors can check out the plethora of ethnic eateries and parks. It's a great place to stretch your legs and enjoy the surrounding skyline.

1. Cranford, NJ: The Home of Beautiful Architecture

Cranford, NJ, is often overlooked when it comes to travel destinations, and it's a shame. This charming town has often been titled as "Alice's Wonderland." The houses in Cranford are constructed in such an eye-pleasing manner that every street looks straight out of a classic picture book. The town's center is bustling with life, and the people are incredibly warm. You must visit the beautiful Union County College campus, which is also home to the Neva W. Jacobs Theatre. Drifting along the hypnotizing cityscape of cranford, you must visit Track 5 Coffee. It's a coffee shop that stands out for its inviting ambiance.

Must-Try Food: White Chocolate Mocha

2. Bayonne, NJ: The Battlefields of Henry Hudson

Bayonne, NJ, is a peninsula that sits south of Jersey City, as well as west of Staten Island. Bayonne is a suburban oasis that offers a fascinating historical narrative. The city's name is derived from Bayonne, France. One of the best places to visit in Bayonne is Henry Hudson Park, which offers a panoramic view of the lower Manhattan skyline and the statue of Liberty. The city is also home to the Bayonne Bridge, a modern marvel of engineering that connects Bayonne and Staten Island.

Must-Try Food: Johnny's Pizza

3. Kearny, NJ: Witness The Power Of Nature

Kearny, NJ, is situated at the western endpoint of the Lincoln Tunnel. Good things come in small packages, and that's evident with Kearny. It's one of the best-kept secrets of New Jersey. Since the city is surrounded by sea and the Hackensack river, Kearny becomes an important breeding ground for various marsh birds. For nature enthusiasts, it's a city that offers an escape from bustling city life. There is also a giant landfill that serves as a park where you can explore the remnants of the past lives of Kearny's jazz age.

Must-Try Food: Deli King of Clark Sandwiches

4. The Jewish Museum of New Jersey

The Jewish Museum of New Jersey is another hidden gem that is quite worth a visit. It's situated in the former Ahavas Sholem Synagogue in Newark, NJ, and gives a comprehensive insight into Jewish culture. The museum operates from an idea to preserve Jewish art, artifacts, and documents, telling stories of the Jewish community's struggles and triumphs. The museum's shelves are filled with objects that describe the history of the Jewish community with Newark; a once-thriving Jewish community that has slowly shrunk.

Must-Try Food: Falafel Hut

5. The Places to be seen in Jersey City: Liberty State Park

No guide to a route from Chatham, NJ to Jersey City, NJ, would be complete without mentioning the quintessential tourist attraction of Liberty State Park. This green haven is 1212 acres of state park situated on Upper New York Bay in Jersey City. The State Park features more than 200 species of native plants, a six-acre restoration of Liberty Island, a 1,600-foot walkway out to the historic Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal, a science museum, and playgrounds. It's the ultimate family-friendly location to spend the day, if not more.

Must-Try Food: Milk Sugar Love (Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream)

Conclusion

If there's one thing for sure, it's how every frequent traveler knows that a long drive can be monotonous, but that's not to say that impromptu discoveries aren't possible. These five stops appear as oases, full of surprises, in a desert of convenience stores, gas stops, and fast-food restaurants. Elizabeth is a natural point for a quick stopover. From Cranford to Liberty State Park, this journey is marked by unexpected and unique destinations. Whether it's a slice of pizza or a stroll through a park, there's something for everyone in this travel itinerary.