There's a world of experiences to explore in New Jersey, from the vibrant Jersey Shore to the breathtaking mountain views and enchanting inland towns. National Geographic Magazine dubs New Jersey as 'America in Miniature,' a tribute to its rich diversity—from bustling cities to peaceful beaches and idyllic country settings.
Nestled in the heart of the East Coast, New Jersey boasts a diverse array of destinations that cater to every traveler's preference.
Think about the iconic boardwalks of Jersey Shore or the majestic peaks of the Kittatinny Mountains. They are part of the myriad diversities that make New Jersey a microcosm of the U.S. In the following sections, we will highlight the unique allure of North, Central, and South Jersey.
Explore top attractions in New Jersey, where a whole array of stunning locations await you. From our rolling farmlands to the glitzy destinations, there's a lot to see and enjoy!
Whether you seek world-class entertainment, cultural experiences, or simply a relaxing getaway, New Jersey has it all.
Come with us on this journey to experience what each region has distinctively to offer.
Clinton
A picturesque, widely photographed small town with a tree lined downtown filled with shops and restaurants and an attractive river with an old grist mill and 200 foot wide waterfall winding through it. This Scenic town and vicinity is popular with visitors looking for a day trip or weekend getaway.
Hoboken
Hoboken is a vibrant city with a rich history and a wide range of attractions and culinary treats for visitors to enjoy. From its picturesque waterfront to its lively arts scene, there is something for everyone in this charming city. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the Hudson River and enjoy breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline.
Jersey City
Jersey City is a vibrant destination that offers a wide range of visitor attractions. Whether you're a history buff, nature lover, or food enthusiast, there's something for everyone to enjoy in this bustling city. Attractions include museums, a science learning center, awesome harbor views overlooking the New York City Skyline, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island.
Montclair
Montclair is a vibrant, charming hillside community with many old homes and a large variety of cultural attractions drawing artists and writers to its many art galleries, museums, boutique shops, and restaurants. It's rich in history dating back to the Revolutionary War with high vantage points for tracking the routes taken by the British to the east.
Morristown
Morristown is rich with Revolutionary War history, cultural heritage, parks, recreation, and a culinary delight for foodies.
Popular attractions include Washington's Headquarters, The Morris Museum,. Mayo Center for the Performing Arts, Fosterfields Living Historical Farm , and more.
Newark
Newark is just five miles and a seventeen minute train ride away to New York City's major attractions, offering NYC visitors less expensive lodging. Newark's downtown center with easy access to hotels, world class entertaiment venues, restaurants, churches, museums, parking, and public transportation.
Asbury Park
Asbury Park is a vibrant and exciting destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you're a beach lover, a music enthusiast, or a foodie, Asbury Park has it all.
From live concerts to local gigs, there's always something happening in Asbury Park for music lovers. Food enthusiasts will also find plenty to indulge with a diverse culinary scene, offering everything from fresh seafood to international cuisine.
Freehold
Whether you're a history buff, nature enthusiast, or simply looking for a relaxing getaway,
Freehold is more than just Bruce Springsteen's home town that became popularized when he introduced Freehold to America by his song “My Hometown.” Its one of the nation's oldest cities,with numerous monuments and landmarks familiar to people all over the country. It enjoys a colorful American Revolution History.
Lambertville
Lambertville, nestled along the Delaware River, is a charming destination that seamlessly blends history with modern attractions. Tourism thrives in this picturesque town, drawing visitors with its quaint streets lined with boutique shops, art galleries, and cozy cafes. Beyond its artistic appeal, Lambertville offers a plethora of outdoor activities for nature lovers. The scenic Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park provides opportunities for hiking, biking, and picnicking along its picturesque trails.
Long Branch
Nestled along the Jersey Shore, Long Branch is a vibrant coastal town that offers a plethora of activities for visitors. One of the main attractions is Pier Village, a premier shopping and dining destination right on the waterfront.
With a diverse culinary scene, visitors can indulge in fresh seafood, international cuisine, or classic American fare at its many restaurants. For those looking to enjoy the sun and sand, Long Branch boasts a beautiful beach, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or taking a leisurely walk along the shore.
New Brunswick
Home of Rutgrers University, it offers a diverse range of attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy. Explore the rich heritage of the city through its well-preserved architecture and museums.
Whether you're a history buff, nature enthusiast, theatergoer, or foodie, this vibrant city has something for everyone.
Ocean Grove
A charming Jersey Shore town listed on the National Register of Historic Places, just a short walk to Asbury Park, is known for its pristine beaches and rich history. This family seashore resort offers a variety of attractions for visitors to enjoy, from quaint shops and restaurants to historic sites.
One of the unique aspects of Ocean Grove is its strong connection to the Methodist community, with its "dry town" liquor law and many historic Methodist buildings still standing today.
Point Pleasant Beach
Point Pleasant Beach is the ultimate Jersey Shore family destination, offering exciting activities for a day trip, a week end, or as a summer vacation destination. This small town on the Jersey shore is a popular vacation spot for North New Jersey and NYC visitors for family oriented entertainment as well as for young adults enjoying late night dance clubs. The Boardwalk, one of the nicest in the state, stretches for a mile and has a first class aquarium, family amusements, rides, games of chance, arcades, food, live entertainment, and a one-of-a-kind Victorian-style ice cream parlor. During the summer they also have fireworks and laser light shows.
Princeton
Princeton, home of the prestigious Ivy League University, offers much more than the typical “College Town.”
It has a picturesque, vibrant downtown, with upscale shops, restaurants, businesses, theatres, and places of historical interest.
Located midway between Philadelphia and New York, Princeton draws visitors from both cities, and throughout New Jersey, who come to Princeton for its charm, educational facilities, historical interest, and entertainment.
Red Bank
Red Bank is more than just a picturesque town along the Jersey Shore. It stands out as a vibrant cultural destination that attracts visitors from near and far. This charming waterfront town boasts of many gourmet shops, coffeehouses, cafes, specialty shops, restaurants, and a lively nightlife. The entire down town is walkable.
Spring Lake
Spring Lake, NJ a.k.a. the "Irish Riviera," offers a unique blend of history and natural beauty for visitors to enjoy.
When exploring this charming beach resort town, take advantage of the various attractions and activities available. From the grand Victorian houses to the picturesque parks, there is no shortage of things to see and do.For those looking to relax by the water, the well-maintained beach is the perfect spot to soak up the sun and enjoy the ocean breeze.
Atlantic City
The Crown Jewel of the Jersey Shore, Atlantic City is a fun-filled destination, with ritzy casinos. world-class entertainment, a world-class boardwalk, a good variety of activities, good restaurants, shopping, relaxing on the beach, and more.
While casino gambling continues to be the main Atlantic City attraction, this Jersey Shore resort destination has become increasingly popular as a multi-night, getaway for visitors looking for a weekend getaway, or a vacation.
For overnight visitors, there is a wide variety of accommodations from the pricey glitzy, high-end casinos on the boardwalk, to the less pricey B&Bs and motels scattered blocks from the beach and as far as twenty minutes away
Cape May
Cape May is not just a summer resort, the fall season is very popular with many theme weekends and the water is still warm enough to visit the beach. Not a beach enthusiast? There are many activities that are in full swing right up until New Years Day.
It's charm lies in it's tree-lined, gas lamp streets, it's quaint shops, authentic Victorian homes and Bed and Breakfasts. One of it's claims is that it possesses the largest collection of authentic Victorian homes in the nation.
Cape May is also the home of one of the largest commercial fishing ports in the United States, and as a result you will find a good variety of seafood restaurants that serve up locally caught fresh sea food.
If relaxing on the beach is not your thing, there are plenty of other activities that can occupy your day time leisure hours.
Long Beach Island
Long Beach Island (LBI) is a majestic barrier island cherished for its breathtaking summer charm.
Visitors are drawn to the island's prominent offering - an 18-mile-long pristine coastline that presents a host of ocean and bay attractions like fishing, boating, para sailing. A range of exquisite restaurants add to the richness.
Notably different from other popular Jersey Shore hotspots, LBI doesn't feature a boardwalk or honky-tonk attractions.
However, a casual drive from one end to the other, depending on the season, ranges from 20 to 40 minutes.
Ocean City
Ocean City, a beach resort on the Jersey Shore, maintains its reputation as "America's Greatest Family Resort".
The resort fervently upholds its deep-rooted Christian heritage, underlining the absence of bars and nightclubs. It further emphasizes its family-friendly atmosphere, by authoritatively managing boardwalk attractions to ensure safety and wholesome fun.
Ocean City is host to a multitude of enticing attractions, notably in the off-peak seasons.
From spectacular fall colors that grace the city's remarkable landscapes to the exciting winter festivities, the town is a trove of unparalleled experiences all year round.
Even in quieter times, Ocean City never loses its charm, maintaining a vibrant atmosphere that captivates both first-time visitors and regulars.
Wildwoods
The Wildwood, a favored beach spot in South Jersey, provides families with a cost-effective and activity-filled summer retreat.
Its known for its fantastic beaches that are second to none on the east coast. The beaches are pristine, soft, and wide. Plus, they are free - a unique feature amongst New Jersey beaches.
And then there's the awesome boardwalk. The marquee feature at this family destination is its world-class boardwalk. Get ready to experience an array of rides, a number so vast that it outnumbers even Disneyland's repertoire.
When you want a family vacation that's light on the wallet but heavy on the fun, the Wildwoods stand out.
With its array of moderately priced hotels and eateries, it not only fits your budget but also offers a wealth of activities for everyone.
From its distinguishing Doo Wop cultural influence on the vibrant beach life, the Wildwoods ensure an memorable summer through fall vacation experience for families.