The Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Atlantic City, NJ to Plainsboro Township, NJ

Atlantic City, New Jersey is known for its beach, casinos and boardwalk. But a few hours west of the city lies Plainsboro Township, which is a quiet suburban town with a rich history and culture. So how does one go from the hustle and bustle of Atlantic City to the laidback Plainsboro Township? By taking a road trip, of course! And this article will outline the best things one can do on this meandering trip. The journey covers close to 120 miles and takes about two hours, but the drive itself is pretty scenic, and Glendora, NJ, is the midpoint of this drive.

Batsto Village – Step Back in Time

A visit to Batsto Village is like stepping back in time. The village, located on Route 542 in (Wharton State Forest) Hammonton, was built around 1766, and encompasses a post office, sawmill, general store, and a church, all preserved in their original state. Visitors can take a 45-minute guided tour of the village and learn about the structures and people who lived in them. A walking tour is also available for those who want to explore the village at their own pace. And visitors are welcome to hike or bike the many trails in and around Wharton State Forest.

Interesting Fact: Batsto Village was used for scenes in the movie, "The Weight of Water," a film based off a true crime novel.

Adventure Aquarium – Explore the Depths of the Sea

Located in Camden, NJ, Adventure Aquarium is a great place to visit for the whole family. The aquarium boasts more than 8,500 animals of 500 species in habitats designed to replicate the natural environment of the fish and sea creatures. There are plenty of exhibits to explore, including a 40-foot suspended Shark Tunnel and an indoor Shark Bridge, where visitors can walk above various shark species. Adventure Aquarium also has an interactive zone where visitors can touch rays, starfish, and other creatures.

Interesting Fact: Adventure Aquarium was initially opened as the New Jersey State Aquarium in 1992 and was later taken over by the Herschend Family Entertainment in 2005.

Grounds for Sculpture – Art in the Park

Located in Hamilton Township, NJ, Grounds for Sculpture is a sculpture park and museum that exhibits a collection of contemporary works of art. The 42-acre park has over 270 sculptures, some of which are interactive, and visitors can touch and feel the metal or stone creations. Though many of the artworks are created by American artists, there are a few international artworks on display as well. The park is surrounded by beautiful gardens, pools, and fountains, and visitors are welcome to pack a picnic and enjoy the scenery.

Interesting Fact: Grounds for Sculpture was founded in 1992 by sculptor J. Seward Johnson Jr., and his intention was to create a place to promote contemporary sculpture.

Liberty Science Center – Science for All Ages

Located in Jersey City, NJ, the Liberty Science Center is the perfect place for anyone interested in science and technology. With its interactive exhibits, the center encourages visitors to get hands-on with learning about science, which makes it an ideal destination for families with children. One of the most popular exhibits in the center is the Infinity Climber, which is a two-story steel sculpture that visitors can climb using various paths. Other exhibits include the Skyscraper exhibit, where visitors can lean over the edge of the building and take a look down, and the Touch Tunnel, where visitors can experience what it's like to be blind.

Interesting Fact: Liberty Science Center was the first museum in the world that had a Hoberman Sphere.

Princeton University – Ivy League Charm

Located in Princeton, NJ, Princeton University is a prestigious Ivy League institution that dates back to 1746. The university has a distinguished profile and is known for its excellent academic and research programs. The campus itself is sprawling and features eye-catching Gothic architecture, including the Nassau Hall, which is the oldest building on campus. Visitors can take a walking tour of the campus and learn about the university's history, walk through the art museum or stop by the Princeton Cemetery, final resting place of several historical figures, including Founding Father, Aaron Burr Jr.

Interesting Fact: Princeton University was the first Ivy League school to accept women as undergraduates in 1969.

The journey from Atlantic City to Plainsboro Township takes approximately two hours, but there’s enough to see and do along the way to make the ride feel short. The scenic route to Plainsboro Township is dotted with little gems that are worth exploring. From Batsto Village, a village that’s an ode to the past, to the Liberty Science Center that's representative of the future. And all this in two hours.

Overall, this road trip offers a great way to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and explore something new.