Look, if you’re just passing through South Jersey on your way to Atlantic City, you probably think Williamstown is just a blur of traffic lights and Wawas along Route 42. I get it. Honestly, for a long time, even people living in Philly saw it as just "the sticks" or a spot to grab cheap gas.
But things have changed.
If you actually pull over, you’ll find that the list of things to do in Williamstown NJ isn't just a list of chain restaurants. It’s a weird, charming mix of world-class wineries, dinosaur bones, and a golf course built in an old sand quarry. Seriously. Whether you're a local who’s bored on a Tuesday or a visitor trying to figure out if there's more to life than the Deptford Mall, this town has some layers you probably didn't expect.
The Quarry Vibe: Scotland Run and Fossil Hunting
You can’t talk about this town without mentioning the dirt. Or, more specifically, the sand. Williamstown sits on a massive deposit of Cohansey Sand, which sounds boring until you realize what people have done with it.
First, there’s Scotland Run Golf Club. Most golf courses are just flat grass. This one is built inside an old sand quarry. It’s got these massive waste areas and cliffs that make it look like something out of a desert movie, not a suburb in Gloucester County. Even if you aren't a golfer, the clubhouse at Highland Tavern is a solid spot for a burger while you watch people lose their balls in the sand traps.
But the real "dirt" news is the Edelman Fossil Park & Museum.
Technically, it’s just over the border in Mantua, but it’s the definitive weekend move for anyone in the Williamstown area. We’re talking about an active research site where you can literally dig for 66-million-year-old fossils. They found a 55-foot Mosasaur there! It’s one of the few places on Earth where you can touch the layer of earth from the day the dinosaurs went extinct.
- Pro Tip: The museum is massive and has those "Monstrous Seas" galleries, but the real fun is the Quarry Dig Experience. Wear shoes you don't mind getting muddy.
- Timing: The quarry dig reopens in Spring 2026, so check the calendar before you drive out there with a shovel.
Why the Wine Here is Actually Good
South Jersey wine used to get a bad rap. People thought it was all syrupy sweet stuff made from Concord grapes. That’s just not true anymore. The soil here—that same sandy stuff—is actually pretty similar to the Bordeaux region in France.
Autumn Lake Winery is the heavy hitter.
It’s tucked away on a lake (obviously), and honestly, sitting on their patio with a glass of Albarino feels like you’re nowhere near Jersey. It’s quiet. It’s peaceful. They started back in 2012 and have basically turned into the town's living room.
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Then you’ve got Blue Cork Winery and Vineyard.
It’s family-owned, Greek and Italian roots, and they do it right. It’s less about the "corporate" tasting experience and more about hanging out. They do a lot of live music and food trucks. If you’re looking for things to do in Williamstown NJ on a Friday night that doesn't involve a loud bar, this is it.
The Local Food Scene (Beyond the Chains)
If you’re hungry, you’re probably going to be tempted by the big signs on the Black Horse Pike. Resist.
DiPaolo’s Italian Ristorante is a local legend.
It’s been ranked as one of the best restaurants in the state, not just the town. It’s the kind of place where you get white-tablecloth service but the portions are still "Jersey big." Their Sunday gravy is legit.
If you want something faster, the Williamstown Farmers Market is the spot.
It’s an Amish market, so you already know the baked goods are dangerous. The soft pretzels are warm, the deli meats are fresh, and if you leave without a box of donuts, you’ve failed the mission. It’s only open Thursday through Saturday, so don't show up on a Monday expecting a miracle.
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For the sushi fans, Sakura Japanese Steakhouse does the whole hibachi show. It’s loud, there’s fire, and they throw shrimp at you. It’s a classic for a reason.
Outdoor Breaks and "Squankum" History
Did you know Williamstown used to be called Squankum?
The Lenni-Lenape tribe called it that, which basically meant "place where evil spirits dwell." Don't worry, it was mostly just a reference to the insane amount of mosquitoes in the swamps back in the 1700s. They changed the name to Williamstown in 1842 because there was another Squankum up north and the post office got confused.
To see what the area looked like before the strip malls, head to Scotland Run Park.
It’s over 1,300 acres. You can rent a kayak and go out on Wilson Lake, or just hit the nature trails. It’s the largest county park in the area, and it’s surprisingly easy to get lost in the woods there (in a good way). The Nature Center has live animals native to South Jersey, which is cool for kids who think wildlife is just squirrels and pigeons.
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High-Octane Stuff
If hiking is too slow for you, Williamstown has a weirdly high concentration of "extreme" stuff.
- Skydive Cross Keys: You’ve probably seen the planes circling. This is one of the premier skydiving spots in the Northeast. People come from Philly and New York just to jump out of a plane over the pine forests.
- AC Paintball: It’s technically one of the top-rated woodsball fields in the region. If you want to run through the brush and pelt your friends with paint, this is the place.
- Grand Theatre: Home of the Road Company. If your version of "high-octane" is a live musical, this historic theater in the middle of downtown is surprisingly high-quality. They do everything from Broadway classics to newer plays.
Actionable Next Steps
If you're planning a day out, don't try to do it all. The town is spread out. Start your morning at the Williamstown Farmers Market (if it's a Fri/Sat) to grab breakfast and snacks. Spend the afternoon either digging for fossils at Edelman Fossil Park or walking the trails at Scotland Run Park.
Finish the day at Autumn Lake Winery for a sunset glass of wine. If you're still hungry, hit DiPaolo’s for a heavy Italian dinner. Just make sure to check the hours for the Amish market—they close earlier than you'd think, and missing those pretzels is a genuine tragedy.