South Jersey covers four counties — Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, and Salem — each with its own personality. The region packs a lot into a small stretch of the Garden State: historic museums, centuries-old landmarks, and family-fun adventures that keep the whole crew entertained.
Looking for things to do in South Jersey? Spend a day in the great outdoors with a scenic hike or a paddle through winding rivers and lakes. Want to make a day of it? Tee off at one of the region’s golf courses, or treat yourself to some distinctive shopping in one of South Jersey’s historic downtowns.
South Jersey is also a hub for arts and entertainment, sporting events, and historical tours, and with Camden sitting just across the Delaware River from Philadelphia, it’s an easy add-on to any trip through the city.
Use the filters below to find your pick by county, category, or features like Kid Friendly, Pet Friendly, and Handicap Accessible.
Where to Start in Each County
South Jersey covers four counties, and each leans a different way.
Burlington County
Burlington stretches from the Delaware River east into the Pine Barrens. Batsto Village sits inside Wharton State Forest, Whitesbog Village tells the cranberry and blueberry story, and Paulsdale in Mount Laurel was home to suffragist Alice Paul.
Camden County
Camden County runs from the Delaware River waterfront inland, where Adventure Aquarium and the Battleship New Jersey sit side by side on the water. The Indian King Tavern in Haddonfield dates back to the colonial period, and at Diggerland in West Berlin, you can climb behind the wheel of real construction machinery.
Gloucester County
Gloucester is where the wineries cluster. Cedarvale, Coda Rossa, and DiBella are all here, pouring the fruits of the Outer Coastal Plain. Red Bank Battlefield in National Park holds Fort Mercer and the 1748 Whitall House, both tied to the American Revolution, and Glassboro adds Hollybush Mansion to the mix.
Salem County
Salem is the county for slowing down, and that’s exactly the point. The Hancock House in Hancock’s Bridge was built in 1734 and still shows off its patterned brickwork. Finn’s Point sits nearby, and farm stands and back roads fill in the rest of the day.
Things to Do in South Jersey for Adults
Plenty of days here are built for a grown-up pace. Historic downtowns like Haddonfield, Collingswood and Mullica Hill are built for slow shopping, with antique dealers and independent stores along the main streets. Arts centers and theaters run cultural programming year-round, and the Camden waterfront brings big touring acts to the river. For a longer getaway, add a round at one of the region’s golf courses and finish with a good meal at a local restaurant.
Where to Go Without a Ticket
County parks and trails are open to everyone, no ticket required. Walk the riverfront in Camden, hike the sand roads in Wharton State Forest, or pick up a biking trail in the county parks. Farmers markets and roadside farm stands are open to walk through, where the fruits and vegetables will tempt your taste buds. Admission policies at historic sites vary, so its worth a quick look at each listing before you go.
Indoor Options for Cold or Rainy Days
When the weather doesn’t cooperate, we’ve still got you covered. Adventure Aquarium runs indoors year-round, with touch tanks and a shark tunnel. The Battleship New Jersey takes you below deck into World War II crew quarters. The Funplex in Mount Laurel packs rides, arcade games, and indoor attractions under one roof. Museums across all four counties stay open through winter, but hours shift, so it’s worth a call ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is South Jersey from Philadelphia?
Camden sits directly across the Delaware River from Center City Philadelphia, linked by the Benjamin Franklin Bridge and the PATCO line. Gloucester and Burlington counties are a little further out, and Salem County, the furthest of the four, is well worth the extra time on the road.
Do you need a car to get around South Jersey?
Yes, a car gives you the most freedom to explore. PATCO connects Philadelphia to Camden, Collingswood, Haddonfield, and points east, and NJ Transit runs the River Line up to Trenton. Outside those corridors, the parks, farms, and historic sites are spread out enough that driving is the easiest way to see it all.
When is the best time of year to visit South Jersey?
Late spring through fall covers the most ground. Farm stands and u-pick fields run from June into October, and outdoor events fill the calendar. Winter has its own charm too, with museums, theaters, and indoor attractions keeping their doors open, though it’s worth calling ahead since some historic sites shift to a lighter schedule starting in January.
Is South Jersey better as a day trip or an overnight stay?
Both work. A single county fits into a day trip without much rushing. If you want to cover more than one, or pair your trip with wineries and downtowns, book a night. Hotels, bed and breakfasts, and campgrounds are all available for your overnight stay in South Jersey.
What is there to do in South Jersey with kids?
Farms across Gloucester and Burlington counties run hayrides, corn mazes, and u-pick fruit through the fall. County parks have playgrounds and easy trails, and several museums run hands-on programs for younger visitors. Filter the Category by “Adventure & Family Fun” or Features by “Kid Friendly” to see everything at once.
Are there pet-friendly attractions in South Jersey?
Some, yes. County parks and trails are your best bet for a day out with your pup. The directory’s Pet Friendly filter under Features narrows things down even further. Indoor attractions and museums are typically pet-free, so it’s worth checking each listing before you bring your four-legged friend along.
Where can you find out what events are on this week?
The events calendar lists festivals, live music, markets, and family programming across all four counties, and it updates as organizers submit new listings. Fun things turn up there that never make it into a static directory, so it is worth a look before you set your plans.
Planning Your Visit
There are more things to do in South Jersey than one trip holds. Start with the county you can reach easiest, pick one anchor attraction, and build the day around it. Order the Visitors Guide if you would rather plan on paper.