Road Tripping from Bayonne to Middlesex

Are you ready to hit the road for an exciting trip from Bayonne, NJ to Middlesex, NJ? This trip will take you on a journey of historical landmarks, museums, and parks — all in one go!

An interesting fact about this trip is that back in 1931, the Bayonne Bridge was opened as one of the longest steel arch bridges in the world. It spans from Bayonne, NJ to Staten Island, NY, making it a great halfway point to stop and admire the historic landmark.

The total distance of this road trip is roughly 40 miles, which will take you about an hour to complete. While it may not seem that long, there are plenty of attractions to make it worth your while.

Top Five Places to Visit

1. Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden - Located in Staten Island, NY, the Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden offers visitors a chance to explore various historic buildings, art exhibitions, and picturesque gardens. The gardens span across 83 acres and feature four main gardens, each with its own unique theme and design. Stop by the Chinese Scholar's Garden, a favorite of visitors, for a tranquil escape.

⁕ Point of interest: Don't miss the Alice Austen House Museum nearby, which is the former home of a pioneering female photographer and now displays her work.

2. Liberty State Park - This park boasts awe-inspiring views of the Manhattan skyline and Lady Liberty from its over 1,200 acres. Take a stroll along the waterfront, see amazing views of Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, and visit the Liberty Science Center for hands-on exhibits that educate and entertain.

⁕ Point of interest: The Empty Sky 9/11 Memorial, located in the park, is a breathtaking tribute to the victims of the September 11 attacks.

3. Thomas Edison Center at Menlo Park - As the birthplace of the electrical age and the site of many of Thomas Edison's most notable inventions, the Thomas Edison Center at Menlo Park is a must-see. You'll learn about Edison's impact on society and innovation through interactive exhibits and tours of his former lab.

⁕ Point of interest: The nearby Edison State Park offers visitors a chance to picnic and relax in a serene setting.

4. Duke Farms - Nestled within over 2,000 acres of stunning landscape, Duke Farms is one of the largest privately-owned public parks in the United States. Visitors can explore a variety of hiking and biking trails, as well as access lake and river areas for fishing, kayaking, and birdwatching. The property also contains various historic buildings and a beautiful greenhouse filled with exotic plants.

⁕ Point of interest: Check out the farm-to-table café, the Farm Barn Café, which uses fresh ingredients from the property's own sustainable farms.

5. Rutgers Gardens - Rutgers Gardens provides a tranquil setting that is ideal for the avid gardens enthusiasts and anybody who desires a picturesque spot for their special event. The ever-changing collection of horticultural displays, including an array of specific garden settings are designed to impart depth and balance to educational programming and help visitors gain an appreciation for the beauty and complexities of gardening.

⁕ Point of interest: The award-winning restaurant, The Frog and The Peach, is conveniently located nearby and serves contemporary American cuisine sourced locally.

Overall, this road trip is about more than just reaching your destination. It's about experiencing some of the best attractions that New Jersey and New York have to offer along the way. So, pack a picnic basket, hop in the car and enjoy this fun-filled adventure.