The 10 best scenic places in New Jersey

We asked people in the Garden State where it is they thought the best place to appreciate our little corner of the Earth.

We tend to stay in our own little corner of our state most of the time, outside an occasional trip to the shore, if you don't live there. Outside of that, many of us travel great distances to go on vacation or enjoy amazing vistas. New Jersey offers more than you might think.

Hacklebarney (NJ.gov)

HACKLEBARNEY STATE PARK

(Morris County) Babbling brooks and scenic waterfalls. Directions

Dennis Malloy photo

SOUTH JETTY AT BARNEGAT LIGHT

(Ocean County) Old Barney Lighthouse, great walkway along the inlet, picnic area and nature trails. Directions

Dennis Malloy photo

OYSTER CREEK INN

(Galloway, Atlantic County) Great views on the back dock of the salt marshes leading to Great Bay. Directions

New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection

WASHINGTON ROCK

(Greenbrook, Somerset County) - State park atop the first Watchung Mountain. Famous as a lookout for George Washington during the Revolutionary War. Directions

Sunset Beach, Cape May Point (Bud McCormick)

SUNSET BEACH

(Cape May) One of the only places in New Jersey to offer a view of sunset totally over water. Watch the sunrise over Cape May in the AM and take a 15-minute ride to the opposite side of Cape May Point to catch the sun setting at the end of the day. Directions

Photo from Jim Murdoch

HOLLAND RIDGE FARM

(Cream Ridge, Monmouth County) Tons of tulips in bloom this time of year for their annual Tulip Festival. Directions

Island Beach State Park (NJ DEP)

ISLAND BEACH STATE PARK

(Ocean County) Skip past the public beaches and find one of the small parking lots toward the end. The trails leading to the bay are like the Jersey Shore was only Indian tribes inhabited our state. Directions

Hopewell Township Overlook (Google Maps)

HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP OVERLOOK

(Mercer County) It's not on any map. It's not an official attraction. Drive north on Route 31 above Pennington. Just past Mine Road is a beautiful view downhill of a horse farm and meadows. Perfect view that looks like Kentucky.