Perched simply off the Hudson River, New Jersey is a state that’s generally bypassed in lieu of visiting its large sister; New York. That being stated, there’s a heap of the very best issues to do in New Jersey that you just actually ought to discover.
From historic boardwalks, iconic college cities to windswept shores – New Jersey has a bit one thing for everybody! Plus, it’s a fantastic state to go to as you head additional south on a roadtrip round the very best spots on the east coast.
We had the very best time visiting New Jersey and the one factor that basically irks me is that we didn’t give it sufficient time earlier than heading over. There’s a lot to see in New Jersey and it’s one thing of a gem to discover.
So, that can assist you get essentially the most out of your time, I wished to share some completely attractive spots you may’t miss.
Have a look, beneath, at the very best issues to do in New Jersey. Have a tremendous time exploring the US.
1.) Princeton
In all probability finest identified for its college, Princeton is a good little spot to discover while visiting New Jersey. Not solely that, it’s very easy to cease for a day journey while driving between Newark and Trenton.
As soon as right here, make sure to take a gander contained in the Princeton College Artwork Museum. It homes a set that dates again centuries. Though comparatively small, it packs a heavy punch on all of the artefacts and items to see.
Afterwards, head over to identify the previous house of Albert Einstein. For round 20 years, he lived at 112 Mercer Road and it may nonetheless be seen to this present day. Simply keep in mind, that is non-public property so make sure that to be respectful when passing.
Additionally, in the event you’ve acquired time, go to Princeton Battlefield State Park. It’s the positioning of the Battle of Princeton in 1777 and just a few minutes stroll from the centre of Princeton itself.
Learn extra: Greatest locations on the East Coast to go to
2.) Jersey Metropolis
Simply throughout the river from the hustle and bustle of Manhattan, exploring Jersey Metropolis is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in New Jersey for a half-day journey.
Now, for me, one epic spot you may’t miss is Liberty State Park. Masking, round 1,200 acres of land alongside the waterside, it’s acquired some fairly spectacular views of New York and properly price a stroll round.
Proper from the shoreline, you’ll get some beautiful views of Liberty Island, Higher New York Bay, and the Liberty Statue. Which, is completely lovely at dawn.
Afterwards, head throughout to the long-lasting Liberty Science Heart that has hundreds of displays inside. It’s the type of spot the place you may spend days studying and even take a gander within the planetarium (that’s one of the vital superior within the west). Plus, you may entry the displays, resembling Eat and be Eaten, An infection Connection, and masses extra.
Additionally, close by, you’ve acquired the long-lasting Jersey Metropolis Terminal that dates all the way in which again to the 1800s. It’s fairly spectacular to see and properly price a gander as you stroll the shoreline of Jersey Metropolis.
Lastly, for a tasty chew, seize a desk at Taqueria Downtown. It’s a very informal and chilled eatery that’s acquired a number of the finest tacos in New Jersey. An ideal spot for an off-the-cuff lunch.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Manhattan
3.) Trenton
Being the capital of New Jersey, Trenton has loads going for it. This makes a go to to the town among the best issues to do in New Jersey for its historical past and compact downtown space.
As soon as right here, make sure that to discover the Previous Barracks Museum which is now the one surviving colonial barracks in all of New Jersey. It’s a very fascinating discover, particularly in the event you’re within the American Revolution.
Don’t overlook to go to the New Jersey State Museum, too. It’s acquired every part from dinosaurs to tremendous artwork. An ideal spot for any historical past buffs to discover.
For those who’ve acquired time, head over to the township of Hamilton (subsequent to Trenton) and go to the Grounds for Sculpture. Masking over 40 acres, It’s a museum and a sculpture park that homes iconic arts which might be completely mind-blowing. I
The park alongside the museum has six indoor galleries which imply it may take hours to totally see. So, make sure to plan your day forward and don’t skimp on seeing all of the displays.
4.) Camden
Nestled proper on the shores of the Delaware River, Camden is a good spot to go to in New Jersey to discover a bit historical past.
You see, located inside the river is Battleship New Jersey, a historic battleship that’s completely huge. At the moment, there’s no concern of any battles being fought and you’ll simply hop on board to wander across the US Navy’s most embellished vessel.
These days, it’s now a Navy Museum the place you may discover heaps of artefacts from the ship’s involvement in previous battles, particularly WWII. Plus, you’ll even get to see the large 16-inch gun turrets, too.
If that’s not your factor, head over to go to Walt Whitman’s House which’s proper within the downtown space of Camden itself. House to the long-lasting poet, it’s like stepping again right into a preserved previous.
Lastly, we received’t inform the remainder of New Jersey however you may simply head throughout Benjamin Franklin Bridge and discover Philadelphia in Pennsylvania, too. It’s a fantastic metropolis to discover and properly price basing your self right here for a number of days journey.
Learn extra: Greatest locations on the East Coast to go to
5.) Edison
Does the identify sound acquainted? Yup, it was renamed again within the Nineteen Fifties to commemorate certainly one of its most well-known residents; Thomas Edison who ran his workspace out of Menlo Park.
Now, when you arrive, your first cease needs to be the Thomas Edison Nationwide Historic Park. It’s a must-see web site for you in case you are fascinated about historical past, invention, or science and expertise. Plus, you’ll get an entire lowdown on the legendary scientist Thomas Edison’s house and laboratory.
The excursions provide you with a peek on the authentic artefacts inside the labs, and be taught a lot extra in regards to the man himself! Plus, you’ll additionally get the possibility to go to Edison’s Glenmont Property and the laboratory complicated. You possibly can simply spend hours right here.
Afterwards, head over to the Edison Tower that’s so epic to see.
Fancy a stroll? Head on over to Eagle Rock Reservation which’s stuffed with a great deal of mountain climbing trails. Plus, it’s acquired among the best views of the New York skyline within the distance.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Brooklyn
6.) Atlantic Metropolis
Round a 2-hour drive from Manhattan, Atlantic Metropolis is an old-school seaside resort that homes the primary established Boardwalk in all the US; the Atlantic Metropolis Boardwalk.
Spanning a whopping 8-miles of New Jersey’s shoreline, it’s the proper place to walk, seize a chew to eat and cease off for a bit dip on a pleasant sunny day.
Additionally, make sure to cease off at Metal Pier and hop on the Ferris wheel and classic rides which might be a lot enjoyable. Plus, you may simply head over to Absecon Lighthouse which’s properly price visiting for the views from the highest.
For those who’re searching for a quieter seashore space, you may simply drive over to close by Brigantine Seashore. Though there aren’t any providers or amenities, it’s a a lot quieter space for a ramble alongside the shoreline. Simply be further cautious in the event you intend on taking a dip, there aren’t any lifeguards right here.
Getting hungry? Head on over to Dock’s Oyster Home. Their calamari and oysters are each so yummy.
In a variety of methods, folks appear to both love or detest the Atlantic Metropolis Boardwalk. Some discover it cheesy, others discover it completely nostalgic and a enjoyable day trip. No matter your leanings, make sure to slap on that sunblock and put on some comfortable sneakers – you’ll be in your toes all day!
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in New York State
7.) Seashore Haven
Nestled on Lengthy Seashore Island, Seashore Haven is round an hours drive from Atlantic Metropolis and completely pretty to discover.
In fact, your first cease needs to be Fantasy Island, Amusement Park. Right here, you’ll get to trip the huge Ferris Wheel (which is a staple in New Jersey) and it’s by no means too crowded (which is nice).
Afterwards, spend a while on the beachfront and revel in this beautiful shoreline that makes Lengthy Seashore Island so particular.
Lastly, to refill, cease by Tuckers Tavern. Their craft beers and fish tacos are so tasty; you’ll depart stuffed!
8.) Delaware Water Hole Nationwide Recreation Space
Located on the border with Pennsylvania, the Delaware Water Hole Nationwide Recreation Space is a beautiful place to discover.
Masking over 70,000 acres, it’s the type of place that’s stuffed with trails, waterfalls and lakes which might be beautiful to go to.
Now, the New Jersey Sections of the Delaware Water Hole has two guests’ centres, the Millbrook Village and the Kittatinny Level Customer Heart. Each have magnificent views and variety of displays that’s properly price checking into when driving into the realm. Plus, they’ve acquired the consultants readily available that can assist you discover a number of the finest trails that’ll fit your potential (and native climate situations finest).
Close by, you’ve additionally acquired the long-lasting Buttermilk Falls which’s properly price a gander.
Don’t overlook about visiting Worthington State Forest, too. Oh, and heading up the Red Dot Trail up Mount Tammany. The views are beautiful and properly definitely worth the hike (even when it’s steep in locations).
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Lengthy Island
9.) Ocean Metropolis
Round a 30-minute drive from Atlantic Metropolis, Ocean Metropolis is one other seaside gem you received’t need to miss. With miles of seashores and shoreline, Ocean metropolis is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in New Jersey for a fantastic day on the seashore!
You see, the Boardwalk is about 2.5 miles, and it homes heaps of retro arcades and amusements, together with the Music and wonderland Pier and the Gillian’s Island Golf & Water Park. It’s a family-fun place that’s a complete throwback to occasions passed by. It nearly has a nostalgic really feel about all of it.
Oh, and also you kinda must cease off at Manco & Manco Pizza that’s proper on the boardwalk, too. It’s been round for the reason that Nineteen Fifties and has the very best Sicilian pizzas ever.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do within the Hamptons
10.) Cape Might
Overlooking the shoreline of Delaware, Cape Might is a good spot to go to earlier than taking the ferry over to Lewes.
There’s a lot to do and see throughout the Cape Might area and it’s properly price anchoring your self for a number of days right here. First up, make sure to cease off at Morey’s Piers.
Stuffed with Water Parks and retro Amusement, it covers a complete of six blocks simply reverse the shore of Cape Might. It’s the type of place the place you may head on the bumper automobiles, get soaked within the water park and get a sugar excessive with all that sweet floss and saltwater taffy.
It’s additionally acquired a whopper of a Ferris Wheel at over 150 toes excessive!
After these thrills and spills head over to Cape Might Level State Park. It’s a lot extra chilled and a very unspoilt space to relax out (particularly while strolling the Blue Path).
Lastly, for some seashore vibes, head on over to Cape Might Seashore. It’s so attractive and completely idyllic. Plus, close by, you’ve additionally acquired the Cape May Peanut Butter Co. store that’s good to fill any peanut butter craving.
11.) Asbury park
Round a 45-minute drive from Edison, Asbury Park is a good spot to go to in the event you’re staying inside the northern elements of New Jersey. You see, right here, it has one of the vital attractive boardwalks which might be properly price visiting round dawn or sundown.
Plus, Asbury Park Seashore is simply so pretty. Oh, and close by you’ve acquired the Silverball Retro Arcade that homes classic pinball machines and video games relationship again nearly 100 years! It’s so kitsch and might’t be missed.
Oh, and examine what’s on on the Stone Pony, too. It’s an iconic music spot for some nice reside bands!
12.) Island Seashore State Park
For me, what makes a go to to Island Seashore State Park is nature! It’s among the best issues to do in New Jersey in the event you really need a while away from the cities and cities and actually simply benefit from the surf and shoreline itself.
It’s completely lovely and the seashore is only a sandy paradise that’s a lot quieter than Seaside Heights that’s perched north of the park.
There’s loads of parking and many walkways from Shore Highway to the shoreline itself.
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