New Jersey

Everything you've seen on TV, from the McMansions of Real Housewives of New Jersey to the thick accents of The Sopranos, is at least partially true. But Jersey (natives lose the 'New') is at least as well defined by its high-tech and banking headquarters, and a quarter of it is lush farmland (hence the Garden State nickname) and pine forests. And on the 127 miles of beautiful beaches, you'll find, yes, the guidos and guidettes of Jersey Shore, but also many other oceanfront towns, each with a distinct character.

Best Time to Visit

Best Things to Do

Attractions

Must-see attractions

Institute Woods
Northern New Jersey
With about two million acres of forests in New Jersey, there’s no shortage of wooded pathways to explore. But some just happen to be in wonderfully…
Island Beach State Park
Jersey Shore
Just a 10-mile drive south of the lively Seaside Heights boardwalk—yes, the one made famous by that TV show—you’ll find an entirely different Jersey Shore…
Liberty State Park
Northern New Jersey
Turns out the best spot to enjoy the Manhattan skyline is across state lines in New Jersey. A top viewing point that’s free and open to the public is…
Princeton University Art Museum
Northern New Jersey
This wide-ranging collection is particularly strong on antiquities, Asian art and photography.
Sandy Hook Gateway National Recreation Area
Jersey Shore
Here you’ll find the nation’s oldest lighthouse; excellent birding in a holly forest; outstanding views of Manhattan’s skyline on clear days; beautiful…
Newark Museum
Northern New Jersey
This brick-and-limestone mansion, a legacy of the Ballantine beer family, is now part of an impressive museum with the biggest Tibetan art collection in…
Cape May Point State Park
Jersey Shore
The 190-acre Cape May Point State Park, just off Lighthouse Ave, has 2 miles of trails, plus the famous 1859 Cape May Lighthouse. You can climb the 199…
Historic Pipe Organ
Jersey Shore
A nonprofit institute runs tours, recitals and silent films to maintain the Boardwalk Hall's two historic – and impressive – pipe organs: the 'sonic Mount…

View more attractions

Attractions

Top picks from our travel experts

15 unmissable things to do in New Jersey

Curated by Stefanie Waldek

Lucy the Elephant
Jersey Shore
This six-story wooden pachyderm was constructed in 1881 as a land developer's weird scheme to attract customers. It's in Margate (just south of AC), and…
Liberty Science Center
Northern New Jersey
Expansive and modern science museum in Liberty State Park, including a planetarium.
Cape May Lighthouse
Jersey Shore
In the lush wetlands of Cape May Point State Park, this 1859 lighthouse gives a fine view. The 157ft structure underwent a $2-million restoration in the…
Adventure Aquarium
New Jersey
Home to over 8500 aquatic creatures from sea turtles to zebra sharks, this is one of the largest aquariums in the US. As well as myriad fish you can also…
Princeton University
Northern New Jersey
Built in the mid-1700s, this institution soon became one of the largest structures in the early colonies. Now it's in the top-tier Ivy League. You can…
Newark Museum
Northern New Jersey
This brick-and-limestone mansion, a legacy of the Ballantine beer family, is now part of an impressive museum with the biggest Tibetan art collection in…
Battleship New Jersey
New Jersey
Take a self-guided tour of the most decorated battleship in the US. Nicknamed the 'Black Dragon,' the battleship's guns were able to shoot 23 miles. On…
Liberty State Park
Northern New Jersey
Turns out the best spot to enjoy the Manhattan skyline is across state lines in New Jersey. A top viewing point that’s free and open to the public is…

Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Free Things to Do

From a record-setting waterfall to a whimsical wooded trail touched by a bit of magic, here are 15 of the best things to do in New Jersey without paying a cent.

Read article

Best Road Trips

The most refreshing, quirky and interesting sights in the Garden State aren't off I-95.

Read article