Adventurers and nature lovers, you’ve come to the right place. New Jersey, the Garden State, is a travel destination brimming with cities, beaches, mountains, forests, and more. Whether you’re looking for the perfect beach vacation or an outdoor escape, the Ultimate New Jersey Travel Guide is your source of inspiration for exploring all that the Garden has to offer.
Home to mile-long boardwalks, historical landmarks, secret natural getaways, and vibrant cultural scenes, New Jersey is like no other place you’ve visited before. Journey through all the major must-sees and explore the hidden gems in the Ultimate New Jersey Travel Guide. Pack your bags because the Garden State awaits your arrival.
Best Places to Visit in New Jersey
New Jersey is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. It is known for its boardwalks and beaches, plentiful amusement parks, iconic historical sites and more. From rock climbing to hiking, beautiful parks to charming small towns, New Jersey is the perfect place for an unforgettable getaway. Here is the ultimate list of the best places to visit in New Jersey.
Cape May
Cape May is located at the southernmost tip of New Jersey and is one of the most popular beach towns in the state. It is known for its beautiful architecture, exquisite beaches, and memorable boardwalk. With its lively atmosphere, family-friendly beach activities and numerous restaurants, Cape May is an ideal spot to visit for an enjoyable getaway.
Ocean City
Ocean City is another iconic beach town in New Jersey that is known for its 2.5-mile boardwalk, amusement rides,and thrilling attractions. There are plenty of activities to do in Ocean City, such as sunbathing, surfing, swimming, kayaking, and more. Enjoy a long walk while taking in the beauty of the beach, or enjoy some good food at one of the many restaurants. This is the perfect spot for a relaxing and fun-filled day.
Highlands
Highlands is a small fishing town located at the tip of the New Jersey coastline. For those with a taste for adventure, Highland offers magnificent rock climbing and hiking opportunities. Boasting spectacular waterfront views, the beauty of the area will take your breath away. With its numerous art galleries, eateries, and boutique shops, Highlands is an excellent destination for people looking for a peaceful and memorable getaway.
Liberty State Park
Located in Jersey City, Liberty State Park is one of the most visited parks in the state. There are numerous activities to do here including the Freedom Trail, which is a 2.2-mile path that passes by many historic sites. Check out the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island from here, or take in the beautiful views of the Manhattan skyline. Enjoy outdoor activities such as kayaking, biking, kite flying, and more.
Princeton
Princeton is a charming small town located in Central New Jersey makes it one of the most renowned places to visit in the state. This town is home to one of the most affluent universities in the country, Princeton University. There are numerous things to do here such as stroll around the Princeton University campus, explore the shops and eateries of Nassau Street and visit historic sites like the Princeton Battle Monument.
Wildwood
Wildwood is a beach town located on a five-mile white sandy beach in Cape May County. This is the ideal spot for family-friendly activities and memorable beach experiences. Enjoy water sports, roller-skating, amusement rides, and so much more.Wildwood also offers excellent nightlife with numerous bars, clubs, and restaurants that cater to all kinds of people. This destination is the perfect spot for some fun in the sun.
Atlantic City
Atlantic City is one of the most well-known destinations in New Jersey. It is home to a number of casinos as well as world-class entertainment venues. Enjoy a wide variety of high-class restaurants, lively clubs, world-class shows, and of course, the world-famous Boardwalk. Atlantic City is sure to give you an experience you will never forget.
Six Flags Great Adventure
Six Flags Great Adventure is a theme park located in Jackson, New Jersey. This park is filled with thrilling rides, shows, restaurants, shops, and more. From roller coasters to water rides, this park has it all. Spend a day having fun, watching shows, and enjoying all the attractions this park has to offer.
Where to Stay in New Jersey
When planning a trip to New Jersey, you’re going to need somewhere to stay. Whether you’re looking for a chic hotel in the city or a quaint bed and breakfast in the countryside, there are plenty of accommodations to choose from. To help make your search easier, here are some of the top places to stay in the Garden State.
If you want to stay in one of the state’s big cities, you’ll have plenty of hotels to choose from. You can try staying at one of New Jersey’s iconic beachfront spots like Atlantic City or Long Beach Island. Oceanfront resorts offer an array of amenities such as a pool, gym, spa, and restaurants. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, there are plenty of chain hotels in the larger cities.
For a quieter atmosphere, venture outside the bigger cities and you’ll find a variety of Bed & Breakfasts. Enjoy a peaceful weekend in the countryside and taste local delicacies at one of the many charming inns throughout the state. Many of these B&Bs offer amenities like an outdoor pool, hot tub, and gourmet meals.
Here is a list of great places to stay in New Jersey:
- The Madison Hotel – Morristown
- Tuckerton Seaport Lodge – Tuckerton
- The Inn at Millrace Pond – Hope
- Grand Cascades Lodge – Hamburg
- The Carriage House Hotel – Ocean Grove
- Hotel LBI – Long Beach Island
- The Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa – Atlantic City
- The Breakers Hotel & Suites – Spring Lake
- The Flanders Hotel – Ocean City
- Hoboken Legends Hotel – Hoboken
No matter where you decide to stay in New Jersey, you’re sure to find something that fits your style. Enjoy your stay in the Garden State!
Must-Try Restaurants and Cuisine in the Garden State
Whether you’re a local or just visiting, you need to explore the amazing culinary landscape that New Jersey has to offer. From gourmet restaurants to street food, there are plenty of must-try restaurants and cuisine in the Garden State. Here is your ultimate guide to our favorite food destinations:
- Arthur’s Tavern: Located in Metuchen, Arthur’s Tavern is the perfect spot for indulging in some delicious American-style cuisine. Stop by and savor their Angus burgers and beer-battered-cod.
- LuNello: Tucked away in Cedar Grove, LuNello is a home-style Italian eatery. Enjoy a cozy, intimate dinner and try classic dishes like their Chicken Scarpariello or Eggplant Rollettini.
- Marhaba: Satisfy your cravings for classic Middle Eastern dishes at Marhaba in Clifton. Stop in for a bite and savor dishes like Kofta Kabab, Dijaj Meshwi (Barbecued Chicken) and Laham Hommos (Beef Kabab).
- Mad Batter: Looking for something different? Mad Batter in Cape May serves some of the best seafood dishes around. Choose from items like Lobster Mac and Cheese, Fish Tacos and Roasted Cod.
From eclectic to classic, the Garden State has something for every appetite. No matter what kind of food you crave, you’re sure to find a place to satisfy your hunger in the Garden State.
Things to Do While Exploring New Jersey
What could be better than experiencing the beauty of the great Garden State? With vast landscapes, a great variety of outdoor experiences, delicious eats, and a charming coast-side allures, there is no shortage of exciting things to do in New Jersey. Every traveler should make some time to explore the Garden State! Here are a few suggestions of what to do while exploring New Jersey.
- Visit the Jersey Shore – A must for any coastal destination. Enjoy sunbathing on gorgeous beaches, experience the mix of busy boardwalks and calming waves, take a dip in the refreshing Atlantic Ocean, try some delicious seafood delicacies, and much more. The Jersey Shore has something to offer for everybody!
- Go to the Meadowlands – The Meadowlands is known for its wetlands, the beautiful Hackensack River, and an enormous sports complex. Whether you are looking to explore nature or watch a game, this can be a great place to spend the day.
- Visit the Many Historical Sites – Being one of the 13 original colonies, New Jersey has plenty of historical sites to explore. Take a trip to Princeton, visit the Dey Mansion, explore Fort Mott and Old Borough Park, or maybe take a drive down the historic speedway in Trenton. There are plenty of places offering insights into New Jersey’s past.
- Experience Local Cuisine – Trying out the local cuisine is something that should not be missed on your visit to New Jersey. Whether its seafood, Mexican food, Italian delis, or barbecue, you can be sure to find fresh and delicious eats in this state. Don’t forget about the famous Jersey-styled hot dogs and salt water taffy!
- Take a Day Trip to a Nearby City– If you’re looking for a change of scenery, day trips to nearby cities can be a great idea. Take a drive to Philadelphia, head up to New York City, explore the wineries of Long Island, or maybe take a day off from exploring and relax in the peaceful Atlantic City.
From top-rated sightseeing spots to charming towns and delicious food, exploring New Jersey can be a wonderful experience. Get out and explore the great Garden State, and don’t forget to enjoy every moment of it!
End your Trip with a Bang
New Jersey is full of amazing sights and sounds, with something for everyone to explore. Whether you’re looking for lush and vibrant gardens, modern cities, or spectacular coastlines, The Ultimate New Jersey Travel Guide has something for you. Make sure to take time to plan and experience the beauty New Jersey has to offer.
With this guide, you have all the information you need to explore the Garden State. Get your camera ready and hit the road for an unforgettable trip! Once you’ve experienced all the things New Jersey has to offer, you’ll want to come back for more.
