Looking for a road trip with a twist? New Jersey has more than just beaches and boardwalks—it’s also home to some of the strangest, quirkiest, and most unforgettable roadside attractions in the country. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, these 11 weird roadside stops will show you a side of the Garden State you’ve probably never seen.
1. Lucy the Elephant – Margate
This massive, six-story elephant-shaped building is one of New Jersey’s most iconic oddities. A National Historic Landmark, Lucy has been a hotel, a tavern, and now a popular tourist destination. It’s often ranked among the best roadside attractions in America—and for good reason.
2. The Jersey Devil’s Pine Barrens
Deep in South Jersey’s forested Pine Barrens lies the alleged home of the Jersey Devil, one of America’s most famous urban legends. With its eerie silence and mysterious aura, this region attracts folklore fans and paranormal enthusiasts from all over.
3. Clinton Road – West Milford
Known as the most haunted road in New Jersey, Clinton Road is the stuff of local legend. Ghost sightings, phantom vehicles, and strange creatures are just a few of the unexplained phenomena reported here. A must-visit for thrill seekers.
4. The Stone Living Room – South Mountain Reservation
Hidden in the woods of the reservation is a peculiar “living room” made of stone, complete with chairs and a fireplace. No one knows exactly who built it or why, which only adds to its mystery.
5. The Giant Lightbulb – Edison
A tribute to one of America’s greatest inventors, this giant lightbulb sits atop the Thomas Edison Center at Menlo Park. It’s the largest lightbulb in the world, and it marks the site where Edison changed history.
6. Berlin Mart Dinosaurs – Berlin
These playful, cartoonish dinosaurs tower over visitors at the Berlin Farmers Market. Perfect for quirky photo ops and fun for the whole family, they’re a surprise dose of prehistoric kitsch.
7. Forked River ‘Muffler Man’
Standing tall along the roadside, this classic Muffler Man statue is a nostalgic nod to mid-century Americana. Originally used to advertise auto shops, these giants have become rare finds—and this one’s in great shape.
8. The Pirate House – Somerville
You won’t find this on many maps, but The Pirate House is a private home decked out with pirate flags, skulls, treasure chests, and all things swashbuckling. It’s roadside eccentricity at its finest.
9. Teterboro Plane Crash Memorial – Teterboro
This somber roadside memorial marks the site of a historic aviation tragedy. A reminder of New Jersey’s history and the lives lost, it’s a quiet and powerful spot for reflection.
10. Painted Fish Head Rock – Route 46
Easy to miss but fun to find, this rock painted like a fish head along the Pequest River is one of New Jersey’s more whimsical roadside oddities. It’s weird, it’s random—and it’s pure Jersey charm.
11. Hubcap Pyramid & the Giant Raisin – South Jersey
Quirky roadside art at its finest, this combo features a pyramid built entirely of hubcaps alongside a massive sculpture of a giant raisin. They may not make much sense, but they’ll definitely make you stop and stare.
These offbeat attractions are perfect for road trippers, curiosity seekers, and anyone looking to explore New Jersey’s most bizarre and beloved hidden gems. From oversized animals to haunted roads and DIY art installations, there’s no shortage of weird and wonderful in the Garden State.
SOURCES
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Roadside_attractions_in_New_Jersey)
(https://943thepoint.com/best-road-side-attraction-new-jersey/)
(https://new-jersey-injury-lawyers.com/blog/new-jersey-landmarks-and-roadside-attractions/)(https://nj1015.com/cool-roadside-attraction-in-nj-youll-miss-if-youre-too-quick/)(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYvH4FXq6RU)
