For a generation that came of age when the desire to hit the open road and see what was just over the horizon was at its peak, the classic road trip just keeps on rolling. If you believe the world is best viewed through a windshield, let’s look at a few popular Atlantic Coast road trips from Philadelphia to Jersey City, along with other East Coast road trip routes, including points of interest and helpful stops along the way.
The 501 at Mattison Estate Is Your Perfect Pit Stop Between Journeys
If you dream of loading up your car with snacks and a lengthy list of roadside attractions, The 501 at Mattison Estate is the perfect place to plot your next adventure. While you’re away, we’ll take care of all the maintenance, so you can explore knowing everything back home is safe and sound. Who knows, you might even discover a few fellow travelers among your new neighbors.
River Road: From Bristol to Easton
There might be faster ways to cover the miles between Bristol and Eaton, but taking this scenic route along the Delaware River makes it one of the best Pennsylvania road trips. Here are some key destinations.
Bristol: Enjoy a walk around Bristol’s charming downtown and be sure to check out their riverfront park, which has information about the Delaware Canal’s history.
Margaret R. Grundy Memorial Museum: Located along the Delaware River in Bristol, this 1884 home of the Grundy family is preserved in the Gilded Age of the Victorian era.
Pennsbury Manor: Between Bristol and Trenton, New Jersey, this reproduction of William Penn’s 1683 country estate, with its adjacent museum, provides a glimpse into the world of Pennsylvania’s founder.
New Hope: Just before you reach the midway point of your journey is the town of New Hope. Get out and stretch your legs by checking out Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve, New Hope Railroad, the Perry Mansion Museum or one of the local restaurants.
Ringing Rocks Park near Upper Black Eddy: At the end of the park’s hiking trail is a field of boulders that resonate like bells when they’re struck with a hammer.
Easton: You’ve reached your destination. (Although in this case, the journey is the destination.) While you’re here, go to the Easton Farmers’ Market, walk the Karl Stirner Arts Trail, tour the National Canal Museum or get a feel for the community while treating your taste buds at the Easton Public Market.
Historic bridges: This drive features a lot of historic bridges connecting towns in Pennsylvania to their New Jersey counterparts. Two bridges of note are the pedestrian-only suspension bridge between Lumberville and Raven Rock, built in 1947, and the suspension bridge at Riegelsville, which dates to 1904.
Philly to Jersey City
Nature walks and bargain hunting await you on this trip from Philadelphia to the outskirts of Manhattan, New York.
Terhune Orchards: This popular farm and winery is located just outside of Princeton, New Jersey. You can pick apples and pumpkins, play with farm animals, and shop for their famous apple pies, fresh produce, plants, flowers, cider and gourmet specialties in the Farm Store.
Gateway National Recreation Area – Staten Island Unit: This destination offers an array of outdoor activities with picturesque hiking trails and pristine beaches like Sandy Hook Beach and Great Kills Park. The park also features Snug Harbor, a historic district with charming 19th-century architecture.
The Mills at Jersey Gardens: This popular shopping outlet mall offers a wide range of well-known brands, including Saks OFF 5TH and Neiman Marcus Last Call.
Explore the Jersey Shore
Some of the best road trip destinations on the East Coast can be found between Jersey City and Atlantic City. If you want to stroll beaches and boardwalks, this route offers plenty of both with a few other roadside attractions you may have heard of.
The Statue of Liberty: Visitors can take guided tours and explore the museum on Liberty Island while taking in the beautiful harbor and city views. Ferries run regularly from Battery Park and Liberty State Park.
Twin Lights State Historic Site: The site features a lighthouse tower with panoramic ocean and harbor views and a museum with interesting historical exhibits. Visitors can explore the historic buildings and climb to the top of the lighthouse.
Asbury Park Boardwalk: Asbury Park Boardwalk is a revitalized 19th-century oceanfront promenade adorned with vibrant modern murals, craft beer pubs and seafood restaurants. The boardwalk also offers a selection of food stalls, bars and shops.
Ocean Grove Beach: Wade in Ocean Grove Beach’s wide, shallow waters or walk along its lengthy boardwalk, taking in the majestic ocean views. There’s also a sand court set up for beach tennis between Main and Middle Beach.
Belmar Beach: The town boasts a vibrant downtown area and marina for those interested in fishing or sailing along with a 1.3-mile stretch of coastline.
Jenkinson’s Boardwalk: A renowned oceanside attraction, it has been offering a wide range of amusement park rides, arcade games and mini golf since 1915. It also features numerous casual dining options.
Casino Pier & Breakwater Beach: This vibrant amusement center and water park is located on a classic Jersey Shore pier and features an array of rides, games and attractions.
Atlantic City: Walk along the classic boardwalk for unique entertainment options, try your luck at the casinos, explore the Steel Pier amusement park, or visit the Absecon Lighthouse.
Lucy the Elephant: Located in Margate City, this 65-foot-tall structure has welcomed visitors to the Jersey Shore since 1881 and is America’s oldest surviving roadside attraction.
Your Next Chapter Starts (and Rests) at The 501
Whether you’re retracing coastal highways, chasing new adventures or simply savoring the ride, there’s nothing quite like the freedom of the open road. And when you return, The 501 at Mattison Estate is ready to welcome you home. Here, you don’t have to choose between a lock-and-leave lifestyle and a strong sense of community; you can have both. With exceptional services, warm neighbors and maintenance-free living, you can keep your bags packed and your engine running. Because at The 501, your next journey is always just around the bend. To learn more, contact us here.
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