50+ Spots to Take Photos in New Jersey
I’m always on the hunt for a cute photo spot in New Jersey! Not only do these 50+ places I’m sharing in this article make for great photo-ops, but they are beautiful to simply walk around! I love finding new places in New Jersey to explore, and when they are aesthetic, that’s a huge bonus! These spots are great for personal photos, and if you are looking to do commercial photography at any of these locations, make sure to check their guidelines first.
There are definitely hundreds if not thousands of beautiful locations throughout New Jersey to take your next photo. I will remain on the lookout for more spots to add to my radar. Here is my list of the best instagrammable photo spots in New Jersey I’ve found!
Photo Spots in North Jersey
1. Hoboken, NJ
There are numerous photo spots within Hoboken along the waterfront including Pier A Park, Pier C Park, and Pier 13. Washington Street is also a nice spot for a downtown street style vibe.
2. Liberty State Park (Jersey City, NJ)
Beautiful views of the Statue of Liberty, NYC skyline and river.
3. Willowwood Arboretum (Morristown, NJ)
Best to visit in the spring/summer when the flowers are in full bloom.
4. Frelinghuysen Arboretum (Morristown, NJ)
Another Morris County arboretum for a floral, nature-y backdrop.
5. Downtown Montclair, NJ
Basically any street in the heart of downtown Montclair makes for a great street-style photo. Look out for random alley ways with painted artwork as well.
6. Van Saun County Park (Paramus, NJ)
A great nature backdrop for pictures. I’ve taken photos here during all four seasons, and it never disappoints.
7. Ross Dock Park/Picnic Area (Fort Lee, NJ)
A great photo spot with a NYC backdrop and view of the George Washington Bridge.
8. Waterford Gardens (Saddle River, NJ)
A local pond and garden shop with some cute photo opportunities.
9. Interstate 80 East Scenic Lookout (Allamuchy, NJ)
A pitstop worth checking out off of Route 80 east with a beautiful view of greenery.
10. Pyramid Mountain (Boonton, NJ)
A hike with a beautiful view point. Check out my article on hikes to try in North Jersey here!
11. Thielke Arboretum (Glen Rock, NJ)
A pretty arboretum that is great to visit in the spring and summer when flowers are in full bloom.
12. Campgaw Mountain Reservation in the Off Season (Mahwah, NJ)
Campgaw is a peaceful place to walk around during the off-season, and there is a nice photo-op at the top of the mountain where the ski lift is.
13. Three Silos Farms (Newton, NJ)
An aesthetic farm with flower fields that makes a great photo-op in the on-season for their sunflower and zinnia blooms.
14. Branch Brook Park (Newark, NJ)
An iconic park lined with cherry blossom trees that are in full bloom during the spring season.
15. Stairway to Heaven Appalachian Trail (Vernon, NJ)
A moderate hike with a picturesque view point at the top for that nature/adventure vibe.
16. Delaware Water Gap – Mount Tammany (Hardwick, NJ)
There are many photo-spots within the Delaware Water Gap. I love the view from Mount Tammany.
17. Hudson River Waterfront Walkway (West New York, NJ)
Another great spot for an NYC skyline backdrop.
Photo Spots in Central Jersey
1. Deep Cut Gardens (Middletown, NJ)
Deep Cut Gardens offers 54 acres of gardens and walkways through nature. A great spot to visit in the warmer months when flowers are in full bloom.
2. Holland Ridge Farms (Cream Ridge, NJ)
Visit in the spring for tulips season, and the early fall for sunflower season. This is a great photo spot if you are into a floral aesthetic.
3. Happy Day Farm (Manalapan, NJ)
Visit Happy Day Farm during the summer and fall to snap some shots in a flower field (lavender, zinnias, sunflowers…), pick-your-own raspberries and blueberries, and other seasonal activities. I spent a lovely afternoon here a few months ago and shared my experience in this article.
4. Cookman Ave (Asbury Park, NJ)
A cute downtown photo-op with shops, restaurants and some plant life in the background.
5. Prospect House & Garden at Princeton University (Princeton, NJ)
Basically the entire campus of Princeton is a great photo-op, but the Prospect House & Garden is a beautiful floral spot if you are into the floral/nature aesthetic.
6. Dorbrook Park (Colts Neck, NJ)
A local park in Monmouth County that I love to grab some simple photos at. Grab some pics along the trails and with the greenery.
7. Duke Farms (Hillsborough Township, NJ)
A stunning and massive estate property with many photo-ops throughout including the iconic red footbridge.
8. Lake Ave (Asbury Park, NJ)
Grab a picture on Lake Ave with Wesley Lake in the background. You can get a beautiful sunset shot here as well!
9. Thompson Park & Cross Farms Park (Lincroft & Holmdel, NJ)
Two more local Monmouth County parks that connect with each other. You can get great photos with trail ways, wooded areas, and a bridge. I’ve taken some great photos here for my casual outdoorsy aesthetic. These parks are featured in my blog post 12 Spots In Central or South Jersey To Take A Hike or Walk.
10. Terhune Orchards (Princeton, NJ)
If you are into the farm vibe, this spot is perfect. They have seasonal offerings such as an apple orchard, PYO berries, pumpkins and more. They also have a winery section which can make for a fun photo. Check out their website for more info on when to visit.
11. Pier Village (Long Branch, NJ)
Take a stroll along the boardwalk/beach, and grab some pics with the shoreline as the backdrop. Pier Village is optimal to visit in the warmer months, but still looks great year round.
12. Red Bank Waterfront (Red Bank, NJ)
Snap a few shots with a quaint waterfront backdrop and the marina, or with park.
13. Lambertville – New Hope Bridge (Lambertville, NJ)
Not only is exploring both Lambertville and New Hope a great day trip, but there are many photo-ops including one on the bridge between the two towns (and states)!
14. Grounds for Sculpture (Hamilton, NJ)
The Grounds for Sculpture is a massive park with numerous scultpures throughout, making for a unique photo spot in NJ.
15. Cheesequake State Park (Matawan, NJ)
Cheesequake State Park is another hiking/outdoorsy vibe.
16. Outside The Seafarer Bar (Atlantic Highlands, NJ)
A cute outdoor bar where you can grab a quick shot along the water. Optimal to visit in the summer time around sunset.
17. Cross Estate Gardens (Bernardsville, NJ)
This garden and property provides a cozy and casual outdoor vibe for photos.
18. Sayen Park Botanical Garden (Hamilton, NJ)
A beautiful botanical garden with photo-ops throughout.
19. The Swinging Footbridge at Institute Woods (Princeton, NJ)
The University town of Princeton is beautiful for photos, and the swinging footbridge is a unique photo spot just a few minutes drive from there; it’s great for that outdoorsy/adventure vibe!
20. Gateway National Recreation Area Sandy Hook (Highlands, NJ)
Great for some coastal photos along the water.
Photo Spots in South Jersey
1. Congress Hall (Cape May, NJ)
Cape May is beautiful year-round, and Congress Hall always makes for a great photo backdrop! Whether it’s the holiday season, or a sunny summer day, I recommend adding this spot to your radar.
2. Island Beach State Park (Berkeley Township, NJ)
Island Beach State Park is great for that beach photo aesthetic.
3. Cattus Island County Park (Toms River, NJ)
Take a nice stroll through Cattus Island Park and grab some pics along the boardwalk/trails, or by the water. This spot offers a serene, nature-y backdrop.
4. Palmyra Nature Cove (Palmyra, NJ)
You can grab some pics along this 250-acre riverfront park for a casual outdoorsy aesthetic.
5. Smithville Mansion & Park (Easthampton, NJ)
A large park to walk around with some nice points throughout for a photo.
6. Barnegat Lighthouse State Park (Barnegat Light, NJ)
A classic coastal aesthetic with some trailways and the famous Barnget Lighthouse.
7. Stone Harbor, NJ
Stone Harbor is a quaint NJ beach town where you can grab some photos along the beach, or in the downtown with local shops in the backdrop. Sunrise pics on the beach are always so stunning!
8. Beach Plum Farm (West Cape May, NJ)
A highly aesthetic and cozy farm vibe in West Cape May. They also have delicious farm fresh food here.
9. Beach Haven, Long Beach Island, NJ
Another classic shore area with beautiful ocean views, colorful waterfront homes, dune grass, plus a downtown with shops. There are so many spots to grab a pic in LBI, and Beach Haven is one them!
10. Lake Lenape Park (Mays Landing, NJ)
Another south Jersey spot for some outdoorsy photos. Learn more about what Lake Lenape has to offer here.
11. Tall Pines State Preserve (Sewell, NJ)
An old golf course that is now a state park in Gloucester County. Great for a leisurely stroll and some casual outdoor photos with wooded areas, streams, ponds, footbridges, and more.
12. Dalton Farms (Swedesboro, NJ)
Dalton Farms is a seasonal farm in New Jersey that is great for floral backdrop photos. Visit during spring for tulip season through the fall for sunflower season.
13. Barclay Farmstead Museum (Cherry Hill, NJ)
A beautiful property with trails, a garden and footbridge. Learn more about it here.
14. Franklin Parker Preserve (Chatsworth, NJ)
Great for some hiking and an outdoor photo-op, especially with the suspension bridge. Read more about it here.
Final Thoughts
There are many instagrammable photo spots in New Jersey worth checking out! This definitely isn’t all of them, and I look forward to discovering and sharing more.
