Bayshore Heritage Scenic Byway

Story of the Byway

Visitors have the opportunity to take a trip downs a large portion of the pristine Delaware Bay and through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the entire state of New Jersey. Along the way, visitors can also stop by historic villages and towns such as Salem City, Newport, Dennisville, and Cape May. There are a total of 11 historical districts throughout the road, most of which are villages, that help tell the story of the area and the people that helped build this beautiful region. Other than the history and the scenic views, this Byway also has plenty of recreational activities for visitors to participate in and enjoy.

The beauty of this area that the Bayshore Heritage Byway runs through is second to none, and visitors can experience that firsthand with opportunities to see it all. There are a variety so different landscapes as well along this Byway, including sand dunes, coastal marshes, lush forests, and rolling farmland. One of the unique characteristics of this area as well is how well preserved and untouched much of the land is. Geological formations, fossils, landforms, water bodies, are just some of the many features that are still in this area that predate human population in the area. The Delaware Bay is a major location for bird migration as well, having been designated as a “Wetlands of International Significance” because of its key role in bird’s migration patterns. Visitors can also view some of the beautiful wildlife when they pass through the Pinelands National Reserve along the Byway. Here there is an opportunity to walk one of the many trails, stop in a park, and just enjoy the beautiful scenery that has been preserved for decades.

The Bayshore Heritage Byway takes visitors on a route less traveled, as the roads go through some of the most preserved and remote areas in this area of New Jersey. With this comes a lot of rich history and important culture within some of the local villages and towns. There is a plethora of different cultures that can be experienced within this Byway, including Native American, European, and African American culture. Visitors can learn this culture at sites located along the Byway such as the Cumberland County Prehistoric Museum that contains a large collection of Native American artifacts. In addition to the cultural history, the local towns embody the region’s maritime history with many ports and other ocean-based architecture. You can enjoy the freshest of seafood at restaurants along the way in one of the many different towns that the Byway passes through.

This Byway is full of so many different opportunities along its 122 miles of road. With so many different points of interest that cover recreational activity, historical information, and of course delicious food, this Byway can prove to be a perfect trip for the entire family. The beauty of the Delaware Bay and the scenery of the area will keep visitors captivated throughout the entire journey no matter where they are located along the road.