The Perfect Road Trip: Brick Township to Rutherford

If you're planning a trip from Brick Township to Rutherford, NJ, you're in luck because there are a few different routes you can take. Before hitting the road, however, it's essential to consider what kind of scenery and stops you want to incorporate. Below are the most popular routes and their estimated travel time:

The Shortest Route: Garden State Parkway

This route is the shortest and quickest, running just 50 miles on the Garden State Parkway North. However, it's a bit of a shame for those seeking a scenic drive, as you'll miss many charming towns and countryside attractions. Approximately, it will take 1 hour to get to Rutherford, but with traffic, it can take longer.

The Cozier Route: The Shore Line

Drive east on Route 70 to Route 35 along the Shore Line. If you have extra time to spare, take a 20-30 minute detour to Ocean Grove, about a half-hour south of Asbury Park, and stroll the boardwalk. At Asbury Park, North End beach offers views of the Asbury Park Casino and Convention Hall across the street. Continue heading north on Route 35, and you'll pass through quaint Shore towns. After Sea Bright, you'll drive Route 36 South to take you over the bridge into Highlands, nestled along the Gateway National Recreation Area's doorstep. Before leaving Highlands, stop by Bagel Station for some breakfast, and don't miss Huddy Park, which boasts stunning views of Sandy Hook Bay. Continue on Route 36 North, and you'll see an extensive selection of local seafood at Moby's Lobster Deck at Keyport Harbor. You may have to contend with more traffic on this route during the warmer months, but honestly, who can resist?

The Scenic Route: Route 9

This the longest route, but it's worth it, adding an additional 10 miles, which comes out to about 1 hour and thirty minutes, with no stops. As opposed to the Shore Line, Route 9 passes west from Brick Township (through Freehold, Marlboro, and Manalapan, where you can stop by some antique shops if interested). Continue heading north on Route 9, and you'll drive through Freehold twice, through the towns of Colts Neck, Rawley, and Pond Bank. Once you reach Sayreville, you can take Route 9 North to Walter Ave, which takes you to the NJ Turnpike North, which barely adds an additional 10 miles to the drive.

Driving Tips

We recommend you carry a refillable water bottle and some snacks during your commute. These routes offer many possibilities to try a delicious breakfast, lunch or dinner along the way, so don't hesitate to stop and indulge yourself. Jersey City is the perfect place to take a break, have a snack, check out the large-scale Colgate clock (1982), and enjoy the views of Manhattan nearby.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, each route has its highlights and perks, and it depends on how much time you have for the trip. However, we recommend taking either the Shore Line or Route 9 for those who want to take their time and explore some new and exciting places along the way. So go ahead, get in your car, turn on the radio, and have a blast driving from Brick Township to Rutherford.