New Jersey Travel Guide: Best Places to Visit & Top Attractions
Nicknamed the Garden State, New Jersey is packed with beachfront boardwalks, lush parks, historic landmarks, and vibrant cities. Whether you're looking to relax along the Jersey Shore, explore Revolutionary War history, or hike in the Highlands, this guide highlights the best places to visit in New Jersey.
Where is New Jersey?
📍 Location: Northeastern United States, Mid-Atlantic region
🌆 Major Cities: Newark, Jersey City, Atlantic City, Princeton, Trenton
🏖️ Bordering States: New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware
🔗 Visit New Jersey Tourism
🌆 Major Cities: Newark, Jersey City, Atlantic City, Princeton, Trenton
🏖️ Bordering States: New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware
🔗 Visit New Jersey Tourism
Best Time to Visit New Jersey
🌸 Spring (March-May): Great for garden blooms, city strolls, and outdoor festivals.
☀️ Summer (June-August): Peak season for beach trips, boardwalk fun, and coastal getaways.
🍂 Fall (September-November): Ideal for leaf-peeping, vineyard visits, and scenic drives.
❄️ Winter (December-February): Best for holiday shopping, ski trips, and cozy stays.
☀️ Summer (June-August): Peak season for beach trips, boardwalk fun, and coastal getaways.
🍂 Fall (September-November): Ideal for leaf-peeping, vineyard visits, and scenic drives.
❄️ Winter (December-February): Best for holiday shopping, ski trips, and cozy stays.
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Top Attractions & Destinations in New Jersey
1. Atlantic City – The East Coast’s Entertainment Hub
Atlantic City blends beachside fun with casinos, shopping, and nightlife.
🎲 Best Things to Do in Atlantic City:
- Walk the Boardwalk – One of the oldest and most iconic in the U.S.
- Try Your Luck at Casinos – Visit Resorts, Tropicana, or Borgata.
- Explore Steel Pier – A classic amusement park on the oceanfront.
📍 Location: Southern New Jersey
🔗 Visit Atlantic City
🔗 Visit Atlantic City
2. Cape May – A Victorian Coastal Retreat
Cape May is a charming beach town with Victorian architecture and historic charm.
🏖️ Top Attractions in Cape May:
- Cape May Lighthouse – Climb for panoramic views of the coast.
- Washington Street Mall – A pedestrian shopping and dining area.
- Whale Watching Cruises – Set sail to see dolphins and migrating whales.
📍 Location: Southern tip of New Jersey
🔗 Visit Cape May
🔗 Visit Cape May
3. Princeton – A Blend of History and Academia
Famous for Princeton University, this town offers cultural attractions and green spaces.
🎓 Best Things to Do in Princeton:
- Tour Princeton University – One of the most prestigious Ivy League campuses.
- Visit the Princeton University Art Museum – Free and home to global art collections.
- Stroll Through Palmer Square – A quaint area filled with shops and cafes.
📍 Location: Central New Jersey
🔗 Visit Princeton
🔗 Visit Princeton
4. The Delaware Water Gap – Outdoor Playground
This region offers hiking, kayaking, waterfalls, and forested beauty.
🌄 Top Activities at the Delaware Water Gap:
- Hike Mount Tammany – Enjoy stunning views of the river valley.
- Paddle the Delaware River – Canoe through calm waters and scenic cliffs.
- Visit Buttermilk Falls – One of New Jersey’s tallest waterfalls.
📍 Location: Northwestern New Jersey
🔗 Visit Delaware Water Gap
🔗 Visit Delaware Water Gap
5. Hoboken – A Trendy Hudson River Town
Located across the river from NYC, Hoboken is filled with waterfront parks, dining, and music history.
🌆 Best Things to Do in Hoboken:
- Visit Frank Sinatra’s Birthplace – A tribute to the legendary singer.
- Walk the Hoboken Waterfront Walkway – Offers skyline views of Manhattan.
- Dine in Washington Street Restaurants – Known for eclectic eateries and bakeries.
📍 Location: Northeastern New Jersey
🔗 Visit Hoboken
🔗 Visit Hoboken
Best Outdoor Adventures in New Jersey
🚴 Biking the Henry Hudson Trail – A multi-use trail through forests and towns.
🚣 Canoeing in the Pine Barrens – Explore serene rivers and rare ecosystems.
🏞️ Hiking in High Point State Park – See views from New Jersey’s highest elevation.
🎣 Fishing at Round Valley Reservoir – Known for trout, bass, and clear waters.
🚣 Canoeing in the Pine Barrens – Explore serene rivers and rare ecosystems.
🏞️ Hiking in High Point State Park – See views from New Jersey’s highest elevation.
🎣 Fishing at Round Valley Reservoir – Known for trout, bass, and clear waters.
Where to Stay in New Jersey
🏨 Luxury Hotels & Unique Stays:
- Congress Hall (Cape May) – A historic oceanfront resort.
- W Hoboken – A modern hotel with Manhattan skyline views.
🏕️ Best Cabins & Campgrounds:
- Wharton State Forest Camping – A wilderness escape in the Pine Barrens.
- Stokes State Forest Cabins – Great for forest hiking and stargazing.
Tips for Visiting New Jersey
✅ Visit in Shoulder Seasons – May-June and September-October offer fewer crowds.
✅ Use NJ Transit for Easy Travel – Great for connecting to NYC and Philly.
✅ Don’t Miss the Local Eats – Try Taylor ham, saltwater taffy, and boardwalk pizza.
✅ Pack for Varied Weather – Conditions can change quickly, especially near the coast.
✅ Use NJ Transit for Easy Travel – Great for connecting to NYC and Philly.
✅ Don’t Miss the Local Eats – Try Taylor ham, saltwater taffy, and boardwalk pizza.
✅ Pack for Varied Weather – Conditions can change quickly, especially near the coast.
Nearby Travel Destinations
If you’re visiting New Jersey, consider exploring these neighboring areas:
- New York – Take a day trip to NYC’s Central Park, Times Square, and museums (20-60 minutes from North Jersey).
- Pennsylvania – Visit Philadelphia’s historic sites or the Pocono Mountains (1–2 hours from Central/South Jersey).
- Delaware – Explore Rehoboth Beach and Wilmington’s gardens and museums (2 hours from Cape May).
Final Thoughts
From sandy beaches and quaint coastal towns to mountain hikes and vibrant cities, New Jersey offers something for every type of traveler. Whether you're walking the Atlantic City Boardwalk, climbing Mount Tammany, or exploring Princeton’s historic campus, the Garden State is full of hidden gems and iconic experiences.
For more East Coast travel ideas, check out our New York Travel Guide and Pennsylvania Travel Guide.