Things to do in New Jersey
-
The Boardwalk
Atlantic City's famous Boardwalk was the first in the world, built in 1870 by local business owners who wanted to cut down on sand being tracked into hotel lobbies by guests returning from the beach. Alexander Boardman came up with the idea, and the long stretch of planks became known as Boardman's Walk - later shortened to 'Boardwalk'.
The Boardwalk is still the lifeline of the city and the path that leads to all doors. It runs along an 8mi (13km) stretch of beach where visitors sunbathe, picnic and swim.
If you're interested in losing some serious currency or just want to check out the grand gambling halls, there are several along the the Boardwalk. Showboat Casino Hote…
reviewed
-
Stone Pony
Asbury Park experienced passing prominence in the 1970s when Bruce Springsteen 'arrived' at the Stone Pony nightclub, which is still offering live music. After that, the town went through a major decline, followed by a still-in-progress comeback - led by wealthy gay men from NYC who snapped up blocks of forgotten Victorian homes and storefronts to refurbish. Though the place still has an unfinished quality to it (and rough pockets that should be avoided), there's still plenty to enjoy (especially if you're a gay man).
reviewed
-
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
The Delaware River meanders in a tight S-curve through the ridge of NJ's Kittatinny Mountains, and its beauteous image turned this region into a resort area beginning in the 19th century. The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, which comprises land in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania, was established as a protected area in 1965, and today it's still an unspoiled place to swim, boat, fish, camp, hike and see wildlife − just 70 miles east of New York City.
reviewed
-
A
Lucy the Margate Elephant
Lucy the Margate Elephant, a 65ft-high wooden pachyderm constructed in 1881 as a developer's truly weird scheme to attract land buyers to the area. It was variously used as a hotel, beach cottage, private mansion and last, a tavern, but rowdy patrons almost destroyed her. Now recognized on the National Register of Historic Places, Lucy is open for tours during summer, starting every half-hour, weather permitting.
reviewed
-
B
Ventura’s Greenhouse Restaurant
Ventura's Greenhouse Grill, found down the shore from Atlantic City in Margate City, is a great spot to lounge around when the sun is out. They do great pizza, pasta and a cheese steak that will strain your belt. The terrace area contains a 'raw' bar, not the haunt of lurking naturists but rather fresh seafood on ice. Grab some oysters and a beer then relax.
reviewed
-
C
Trump Taj Mahal
Like a breathless schoolboy, the Trump Taj Mahal loves to tell visitors how much of everything it has. Seven stone elephants! 70 minarets! Four and a half times more steel than the Eiffel Tower! A 30m (100ft) long lobby desk! Go see it all, but be prepared for it to keep trying, room after room, to be the biggest and bestest ever in the whole world.
reviewed
-
D
Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum
Ripley's Believe It Or Not! Atlantic City is housed in a 'crazy' building that looks as if it's being demolished by a wrecking ball. That ought to excite the kids, as should the exhibits of shrunken heads. The exhibits are changed from time to time, but if you're lucky the roulette table made from jellybeans will still be on display.
reviewed
-
Liberty State Park
- New Jersey, USA
- Sights › Other
The strong>Liberty State Park hosts outdoor concerts with the Manhattan skyline as a backdrop and has a great bike trail, and also operates ferries to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. Also in the park is the expansive and modern Liberty Science Center, which is especially great for kids.
reviewed
-
E
Steel Pier
This amusement pier, directly in front of the Taj Mahal casino, is a part of Donald Trump's empire and was the site of the famous high-diving horse that plunged into the Atlantic before crowds of spectators. Today it's a collection of amusement rides, games of chance, candy stands and 'the biggest Go-Kart track in South Jersey!'.
reviewed
-
F
Comedy Stop
This is Atlantic City's most popular comedy club and the perfect place to laugh off those gambling losses. After the show's over, you can check out the Tropicana Hotel & Casino, close to where the club is housed - it's one of the biggest places in town, with 1020 hotel rooms and its own indoor theme park, Tivoli Pier.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
G
Angelo's Fairmount Tavern
Angelo's is the sort of family-run Italian restaurant that New Jersey does so well. Its many rooms hum with the sounds of locals slurping down traditional fare such as linguini with clam sauce and chicken cacciatore, plus local treats like shrimp jammers and mozzarella sticks. Bring your appetite and some friends.
reviewed
-
H
Atlantic City Convention Hall
Built in 1929 and recently refurbished as part of a multi-million dollar project, this magnificent hall is, among other things, the former site of the Miss America Pageant. Take a look at the superb interior of the main hall, and the 33,112-pipe organ, which is the largest of its kind in the world.
reviewed
-
I
Absecon Lighthouse
The Absecon Lighthouse dates from 1857 and, at 171ft high, ranks as the tallest in New Jersey and the third tallest in the country. It’s been restored to its original specifications (including the Frensel lens) and you can climb the 228 steps to the top for phenomenal views.
reviewed
-
Mexico Lindo
For a relaxed, casual atmosphere and solid, honest, home-style Mexican food, head to Mexico Lindo, a couple of blocks inland from the beach. It's a favourite with the Mexican community living in Atlantic City, which is a good sign.
reviewed
-
Kittatinny Valley State Park
- New Jersey, USA
- Sights › Other
The 3348-acre Kittatinny Valley State Park is home to lakes with boat launches, lime outcroppings and campsites, plus former railroads that have been converted into hiking and cycling trails.
reviewed
-
High Point State Park
- New Jersey, USA
- Sights › Other
High Point State Parkis a great place for camping and hiking, has a monument which, at 1803ft above sea level, affords wonderful views of surrounding lakes, hills and farmland.
reviewed
-
Historic Village at Allaire
Historic Village at Allaire remains of what was a thriving 19th- century village called Howell Works. You can still visit various 'shops, ' all run by folks in period costume.
reviewed
-
Point Pleasant
- New Jersey, USA
- Sights › Other
Kids will love nearby Point Pleasant, home to Jenkinson's Boardwalk with an aquarium, rides, arcade games, funhouse, miniature golf and dining options.
reviewed
-
Pier Village
- New Jersey, USA
- Sights › Other
Though its elegance is gone, a mall-like food-and-shopping complex by the ocean called Pier Village packs 'em in for everything from Greek dinners to swimwear shopping.
reviewed
-
Trenton
- New Jersey, USA
- Sights › Other
New Jersey's capital, Trenton has several historic sites worth stopping in on - especially if you can pair it up with a trip to Philly or Atlantic City.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
Caesars
Head to Caesars for the best all-you-can-eat buffets ($19 to $24). Good (and more affordable) food can be found in the 'real' part of downtown, too.
reviewed
-
Hoboken Historical Museum
- New Jersey, USA
- Sights › Other
The Hoboken Historical Museum gives a great overview of the town which has some lovely residential streets and a leafy, revitalized waterfront.
reviewed
-
New Jersey Performing Arts Center
The New Jersey Performing Arts Center is the city's crowning jewel, hosting national orchestras, operas, dance, jazz and other performances.
reviewed
-
Prudential Center
- New Jersey, USA
- Sights › Other
The Prudential Center has become the focal point for sports, home to the New Jersey Devils hockey team, plus basketball games and concerts.
reviewed
-
Moonstruck
Moonstruck, housed in a striking Victorian building, does eclectic Italian fare. The boardwalk is a lovely place for an afternoon stroll.
reviewed
