Rest stops are a part of life in New Jersey. They dot our Turnpike, Parkway, and several other highways. With all of our traveling and traffic, they’re a necessity, but we often take them for granted. They’re places we NEED to go but not places we WANT to go. Though, I think that idea might be worth reconsidering. A reporter from out-of-state (Kristen Hampton) recently visited New Jersey and was in awe of our rest stops! You can see the adorable video below and can take a minute to appreciate how convenient they are.

Not sold on rest stops yet? We’ve got a few standouts that you might actually want to visit. Check them out below!

Molly Pitcher Service Area, Address: NJ Turnpike, Cranbury, NJ, 08512

Google

Traci Capiello/Google

Te-Sheng/Lin This has to be the BEST service area in the Garden State. You’ll find a Starbucks food truck, massage chairs, futuristic frozen yogurt machines, an old-fashioned candy shop, and an abundance of healthy dining options. There are also staples like Roy Rogers, Nathans, Quiznos, Cinnabon, Auntie Anne’s, and Arthur Treachers. Did I mention the EV charging ports and free Wi-Fi?

Richard Stockton Service Area, Address: New Jersey Turnpike, Post 58.7 South, Trenton, NJ, 08620

BriBri/Google

Ivan Yeo/Google

George Garris/Google This looks like a standard service area from the outside but you’ll notice something a little different inside. There’s a Parisian theme here, with murals, wall art, and even a bicycle filled with baguettes to give you that French feeling. When it comes to dining, there’s a Burger King, Quiznos, Pizza Hut Express, Nathan’s, Starbucks, and Hershey’s Ice Cream. There’s also a small shopping area with snacks and souvenirs.

State Line Lookout, Address: Palisades Interstate Parkway, Opposite median U-Turn for Exit 3, northbound, Alpine, NJ, 07620

snappyviv/TripAdvisor

Thomas S./Tripadvisor State Line Lookout isn’t a 24-hour operation like those you’ll find on the Turnpike but it’s a great place to stop and rest along the Palisades Interstate Parkway. You’ll find a cafe, souvenir and book shop, and a cozy fireplace. Open daily from 9:30 -5, you’ll want to head here for amazing views of the Hudson River, New York City, and the Palisades Cliffs.

What’s your favorite rest stop in New Jersey? To learn more about the food and views at State Line Lookout, click here.

Google

Traci Capiello/Google

Te-Sheng/Lin

This has to be the BEST service area in the Garden State. You’ll find a Starbucks food truck, massage chairs, futuristic frozen yogurt machines, an old-fashioned candy shop, and an abundance of healthy dining options. There are also staples like Roy Rogers, Nathans, Quiznos, Cinnabon, Auntie Anne’s, and Arthur Treachers. Did I mention the EV charging ports and free Wi-Fi?

BriBri/Google

Ivan Yeo/Google

George Garris/Google

This looks like a standard service area from the outside but you’ll notice something a little different inside. There’s a Parisian theme here, with murals, wall art, and even a bicycle filled with baguettes to give you that French feeling. When it comes to dining, there’s a Burger King, Quiznos, Pizza Hut Express, Nathan’s, Starbucks, and Hershey’s Ice Cream. There’s also a small shopping area with snacks and souvenirs.

snappyviv/TripAdvisor

Thomas S./Tripadvisor

State Line Lookout isn’t a 24-hour operation like those you’ll find on the Turnpike but it’s a great place to stop and rest along the Palisades Interstate Parkway. You’ll find a cafe, souvenir and book shop, and a cozy fireplace. Open daily from 9:30 -5, you’ll want to head here for amazing views of the Hudson River, New York City, and the Palisades Cliffs.

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