A warm summer day is the perfect reason to enjoy a picnic in New Jersey. With peaceful open fields and scenic waterfront views, picnicking lets you relax, soak up the sun, and savor your favorite snacks outdoors. Pack a blanket, grab your Wawa subs, and get ready for a day surrounded by nature. We put together 17 of the best picnic spots in New Jersey.
Palisades Interstate Park — Alpine, NJ
Palisades Interstate Park stretches along the Hudson River and is a great spot for anyone who loves nature and scenic views. Open daily from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., this 12-mile park lets you set up a picnic just about anywhere with a beautiful river backdrop. If you’re planning to grill, there are four riverfront areas with picnic tables where grilling is allowed. Keep in mind, there is a small entrance fee. For more details on picnicking and park rules, visit their official website.
Ross Dock Picnic Area — Fort Lee, NJ
Ross Dock in Fort Lee is one of those picnic spots that just hits different. It comes with an unbeatable view of the Hudson and the George Washington Bridge. There’s plenty of space to hang by the water, with picnic tables, grills, and room to spread out. You can bring your own grill or use the ones already set up. Some people come to fish, others to relax and watch the boats cruise by. The park is open every day, with a small parking fee during the warmer months.
Branch Brook Park — Newark, NJ
Branch Brook Park is seriously one of the best spots to grab a picnic. With 360 acres of open fields, quiet ponds, and shady trees, you will have no trouble finding a chill spot to spread out and enjoy your food. The cherry blossoms are a huge draw, but the real win is the calm, wide open space that makes hanging out outdoors feel easy and relaxing. Plus, it has some cool history. It was the first county park in the U.S. open to the public and is on both the New Jersey and National Registers of Historic Places. It’s open every day and free to visit.
Cheesequake State Park — Matawan, NJ
Cheesequake State Park is one of those New Jersey spots that feels like a hidden treasure. You’ll find open fields, marshes, swamps, and dense forests all packed into this small but beautiful park. It’s a great place to picnic, with plenty of tables and grills available. Planning a bigger get-together? There are three reservable picnic areas—Fairy Point, Spring Hill, and New Landing. Just a heads up: groups larger than 20 need to book at least five days in advance. The park is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and entry costs $5 on weekdays for NJ residents and $10 on weekends.
Parvin State Park — Pittsgrove, NJ
Parvin State Park is a quiet spot bursting with wildlife and greenery. Just about 40 miles south of Philly, it’s got a peaceful lake where you can swim, plus plenty of hiking trails and campsites to explore. You can pretty much picnic wherever you want, but there are also designated spots with tables and grills if you prefer. Like Cheesequake, groups bigger than 20 need to reserve their picnic area at least five days ahead. Best part? Entry is only $2.
Hacklebarney State Park — Long Valley, NJ
For a picnic that’s all about peace and nature, Hacklebarney State Park is hard to beat. The Black River rushes through a rocky gorge lined with towering hemlocks, creating a calming soundtrack as you relax and eat. The river, joined by two smaller streams, Rinehart and Trout Brooks, winds through a peaceful glacial valley that feels like a true escape from everyday life. This spot used to be an iron ore mining site back in the 1800s, but now it’s a go-to for anyone wanting a quiet picnic surrounded by nature’s beauty. The park is open sunrise to sunset with no entry fee.
Liberty State Park — Jersey City, NJ
Liberty State Park offers unbeatable views of the Manhattan skyline, Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island right from Jersey City’s waterfront. This green space features wide-open fields, picnic areas, and a two-mile promenade along the Hudson River. The park is free to enter and open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Cooper River Park — Pennsauken Township, NJ
Cooper River Park runs through a few South Jersey towns and has plenty of space to spread out and relax. It’s a local favorite for everything from morning walks to afternoon picnics, with rowers gliding down the river as the backdrop. You can bring your own setup or head to Wallenberg Gazebo or Armitage Pavilion if you want a designated spot. The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset.
South Mountain Reservation — West Orange, NJ
South Mountain Reservation has everything you need for a solid picnic. There are wooded trails, waterfalls, open space, and even a scenic overlook if you want a view. You can head to Washington Rock or find a quiet spot near Turtle Back Zoo to lay out your blanket and eat. It feels like a quick escape without having to go far.
Sayen House and Gardens — Hamilton, NJ
Sayen House and Gardens in Hamilton Square is a beautiful spot to lay out a blanket and enjoy some time outside. The gardens are filled with flowers from all over the world, plus there are trails, streams, and ponds to explore while you’re there. You might even catch a few birds or other wildlife hanging around as you eat. It’s open every day from dawn to dusk and free to get in. It’s such a lovely place that people even hold weddings and parties here.
Lewis Morris County Park — Morris Township, NJ
Lewis Morris County Park in Morris is a great spot to bring a picnic and relax. The park has plenty of trails through forests, fields, and streams, plus Sunrise Lake where you can swim and boat. You’ll find lots of picnic areas with tables, benches, and grills all over the park. If you want to reserve a spot for grilling or a large group, you can do that online. Just keep in mind that the cost depends on which area you choose.
Paterson Great Falls — Paterson, NJ
Paterson Great Falls is a memorable picnic spot with a view you won’t forget. The waterfall takes center stage, surrounded by rocky cliffs and old industrial ruins. Nearby, a large brick building built into the cliff still runs on water power, just like it did when Paterson became America’s first planned industrial city. There’s plenty of grassy space to spread out your blanket, enjoy your food, and soak it all in. The park is open daily and free to visit.
Cape May Point State Park — Cape May, NJ
Cape May Point State Park sits at the southern tip of New Jersey and offers a peaceful spot for a picnic surrounded by nature. The park covers more than 200 acres, including ponds, meadows, dunes, forests and beaches. It’s a popular destination for bird watchers who come to see migratory birds passing through. The park is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Admission is free. Visitors can picnic anywhere in the park, but groups larger than 20 must reserve picnic areas at least five days in advance.
Grounds for Sculpture — Hamilton Township, NJ
If you’re looking for a picnic that’s a little more special, Grounds for Sculpture in Princeton is where you want to be. Imagine eating outside surrounded by cool sculptures and gorgeous gardens. They offer a picnic package for $70 from Rat’s Restaurant that includes good food, a bottle of wine, and everything you need to make it easy. Just remember to buy your tickets online before you go.
Princeton Battlefield State Park — Princeton, NJ
If history is your thing, Princeton Battlefield State Park makes for a unique picnic spot. Sitting in these fields, you’re surrounded by the stories of the Revolutionary War, where George Washington led his troops to victory over the British back in January 1777. While you enjoy your meal, the peaceful setting and rich history combine to create a special experience. The park is open until sunset and there’s no charge to visit.
Frelinghuysen Arboretum — Morristown, NJ
Frelinghuysen Arboretum is a spot you need to check out. With trails, gardens, and lots of open space, it’s easy to find a great place to relax and spread out. You’ll definitely want to take some photos while you’re there because the scenery is amazing. The big lawn is perfect for hanging with friends or family, and the vibe is super peaceful. It’s open year round and free.
Hedden County Park — Randolph, NJ
Hedden Park is a chill spot to enjoy a picnic outdoors. The park is open every day and free to visit. There’s lots of open space, shady trees, and paths to wander, so you can easily find a peaceful spot to lay down your blanket and chill. If sitting on the ground isn’t your thing, there’s plenty of picnic tables, grills, and benches scattered around. The views are nice, and the overall vibe is calm and relaxing.
Alondra Cabrera is the Editorial Assistant at New Jersey Digest. She recently graduated from Montclair State University with a degree in Communication and Media Studies. During her time at school, she discovered her passion for journalism and content creation. In her free time, she loves to create and edit videos for her corgis, Rafi and Toffe, and indulge in culinary adventures with her friends. Alondra also enjoys traveling, cooking, and working out. She is excited to embark on her professional journey in media and looks forward to contributing her skill and creativity to her role here at New Jersey Digest.
