Rainy day got you down? Not to worry! NJspots has you covered with some of the best places that are worth visiting around New Jersey during those rainy or overcast days. Whether it’s spring showers, summer thunderstorms, or storm season, we have some spots you’ll still want to visit. Before you start exploring during the rain, make sure to have a few items on hand to be prepared during the day.
What To Bring In Rainy Weather:
- Raincoat/poncho
- Change of clothes
- Towel
- Rain cover for your
camera - Proper footwear/rain boots
-
Umbrella (or umbrella
hat for hands-free fun!)
Now that you are prepared, here are some of our favorite spots around New Jersey to visit on those rainy days!
Mt. Tammany – Delaware Water Gap
Skip the crowded trails and the abundance of summit selfies by scaling the Delaware Water Gap during a light rainy day or overcast day. If it is raining, we suggest ensuring you have the proper footwear and even consider having a hiking pole to assist you. Climbing to the top of the Mount Tammany summit on a cloudy day can have an eerie feel, and you can feel above the clouds.
Suggested Reading: 4 Tips for Hiking Mt. Tammany in New Jersey
George Washington Bridge Fort Lee
This most-traveled bridge in North America is great any time of day and weather, but seeing it on an overcast or rainy day is something so tranquil. The grey color and massive presence of the George Washington Bridge crossing the Hudson River from Fort Lee is easily accessible during rainy day on the weekends. It’s a perfect spot also to explore the rest of the Palisade Cliffs, like at Peanut Falls. If this bridge is too far for you, you can also check our NJspots Bridges Map for other bridges to visit on rainy days.
Suggested Reading: Exploring Fort Lee Historic Park
Seaside Heights Jersey Shore
When storms start rolling in, the waves get mean, and the shore becomes a center display of the power of nature. If you are near the shore, Seaside Heights is a great location to catch some crazy waves to capture and even some crazy surfers hitting the storm surges. Also, the boardwalk attractions and chairlift add some fun colored subjects to focus on. Be careful when going to the beach on stormy days, and pay attention to local flood and storm warnings.
Want to visit another beach? 6 Must-See Cape May Spots
Princeton University
This college campus is plagued with inspiring architecture, but throw in some overcast or rainy skies, and you can see a completely different tone in this spot. During the school year, you can capture some opportunities for great reflective puddles or lone-umbrella-bearing students crossing campus. You can visit many historic buildings and spots in this area, and it’s a great spot to explore in the rain. If you’re up for a muddy hike, visiting the Suspension Bridge in Princeton would be worth visiting.
Suggested Guide: Exploring the History & Outdoors of Princeton
Barnegat Lighthouse (or Any Lighthouse in New Jersey)
We have plenty of lighthouses to visit throughout New Jersey, but something about that crimson red of Ol’ Barney stands out against a grey sky. Barnegat Lighthouse is typically crowded during sunny summer days, but if you visit on a rainy day, you may have the whole place to yourself. Discover the great silhouette and colors of the tall lighthouse against a cloudy sky.
Suggested Map for Spots: NJ Lighthouses & Bridges Spots
Grounds for Sculpture Hamilton, NJ
As suggested by Instagram user @fotophanatic2017, this is a great place to walk through massive sculptures and life-like statues among beautiful gardens. Be sure to check out our guide on Grounds for Sculpture in New Jersey.
*Huge thanks to Debb for providing her great shot of Princeton for the featured photo.
