New Jersey Vacation Planner

2024 New Jersey Visitors Guide

White sandy shorelines, clanging slot machines, boardwalks crammed with character, flowering gardens, and historic landmarks mingle together in the state of New Jersey. Newark is New Jersey’s largest city and features the famous Newark Museum, featuring an extensive collection of fine art. Also in the Newark Gateway area is Jersey City—a worthwhile diversion here is Liberty State Park, home to the Liberty Science Center in addition to hiking and biking trails. Amble among the many amusement piers of the Jersey Shore, or enjoy the serenity of the shoreline such as at Sunset Beach at Cape May. The city of Asbury Park is known for its arts scene as well as being the hometown of rock legend Bruce Springsteen. Take in a star-studded show or try your hand at gambling in Atlantic City. In Southwest New Jersey visit the state capital of Trenton, where George Washington tasted his first victory. Ski on the Skylands or hike in the well-visited Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.

New Jersey Shore Visitors Guide

Lap up the sights and sounds of the Atlantic Ocean anywhere on the 127 miles of sandy beach that compose the New Jersey Shore area. Or perhaps, hit the waters on a surfboard, a cruise vessel, or a fishing boat. The New Jersey Shore has a plethora of activities as well as restful nooks for visitors. Cape May, home to Sunset Beach, the only beach on the shore that sees the sunset, offers beautiful, Victorian accommodations and shops. Surf, scuba dive, or sail at one of Long Beach Island’s premier spots. Raise your hair on one of the seven roller coasters at Morey’s Pier in Wildwood.

New Jersey Northwest Skylands Visitors Guide

In the northeastern corner of the state of New Jersey lies the New Jersey Northwest Skylands. This area encompasses 60,000 acres of state parkland, making it a great area for recreation and enjoying the great outdoors. Lakota Wolf Preserve is a unique attraction located in Columbia. Visitors can watch timber, tundra, and arctic wolves wander this mountain preserve. Morristown, New Jersey, is home to the Morristown National Historic Park, which served as a camp for George Washington during the US Revolutionary War. The New Jersey Botanical Garden is in the Ringwood State Park system. This variety of formal and naturalized gardens is listed on both the State and National Registers of Historic Places.

Southwest New Jersey Visitors Guide

Trenton, the capital of New Jersey, is located in Southwest New Jersey. While here, see the New Jersey State House or, in June, the annual Trenton Jazz Festival. North of Trenton, visitors may tour the prestigious Princeton University.

South of Trenton, directly across the Delaware River from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, visitors can tour the city of Camden. The New Jersey State Aquarium, the U.S.S. New Jersey Naval Museum & Veterans Memorial, and Walt Whitman House are a few local attractions.

In February each year, the Winter Raptor Festival celebrates an influx of migrating eagles, which join the resident bald eagle population. Festivities are centered in Mauricetown, south of Millville.

Newark Visitors Guide

Newark is most often recognized for its proximity to New York City, however the “Gateway to New Jersey” has much to offer in itself. The Newark Museum is considered one of the most extensive fine arts museums in the United States—its Tibetan collection, which includes a Buddhist Altar that was consecrated by the 14th Dalai Lama, is of particular interest. The New Jersey Performing Arts Center hosts a variety of events throughout the year including choirs, orchestras, dance performances, and more. In April, the annual Cherry Blossom Festival in Branch Brook Park boasts the largest cherry blossom display in the United States. The Ironbound neighborhood is also of interest to visitors. This well-preserved area is home to the 1933 Pennsylvania Train Station, as well as several historic churches, parks, and buildings.

Atlantic City Visitors Guide

Those visiting the East Coast need not dream of Las Vegas, at least not as long as Atlantic City retains its place on the New Jersey Shore. As with Las Vegas, Atlantic City hosts the glitz and glamor of luxury casinos, complete with gambling, spectacular live performances, and world-class shopping. The biggest difference between this city and its Nevada cousin is its location on the Atlantic Ocean. A playground for water sports enthusiasts, Atlantic City offers deep-sea fishing charters and ocean cruises, as well as opportunities for simply taking in the sun on the beach, the Boardwalk, or one of the four piers. Next to the Trump Plaza Hotel & Casino on the Boardwalk is the historic Boardwalk Hall, a special events arena that hosts concerts, sporting events, and other live performances. Located between the Atlantic City Convention Center and the casinos on the Boardwalk, Atlantic City Outlets – The Walk is home to over 50 outlet stores, restaurants, and clubs.

Cape May, NJ Visitors Guide

Cape May, on the southern tip of the New Jersey coast, is the oldest seashore town in the United States. The entire town is a National Historic Landmark with beautifully landscaped gardens, tree-lined streets, and more than 600 Victorian buildings, as well as the Historic Cold Spring Village, a living history attraction. While the scenery in Cape May is enjoyable in itself, the town also offers numerous sportfishing charters, including Caveman Sport Fishing and Serenity Now Sport Fishing, just two of the many local charters. The area’s beaches are also worth visiting, in addition to sauntering through the many antique shops and watching whales and birds along the coastline. Cape May Point State Park is an ideal place to enjoy the local flora and fauna. Cape May Miniature Golf is a good family activity and is open seven days a week. Visitors in October are treated to the annual Pumpkin Festival, featuring crafts, food, and more.

Asbury Park Visitors Guide

Featured on the cover of singer Bruce Springsteen’s first album, Asbury Park is roughly 25 miles south of New York City and 45 miles east of Philadelphia. Comprehensive transit facilities connect Asbury Park with these cities, as well as the rest of the region. There is an assortment of activities and attractions in the area for visitors to enjoy, including the Black Box, a multi-use venue for arts and culture in Asbury Park. For dining, Asbury Park offers a vast selection of cuisine to choose from, such as Rizzo’s Pizza, a local favorite. The city also has a vibrant arts scene with several galleries, such as Sulli Studios and El Lobo Negro, that showcase the work of local artists. The Stone Pony nightclub is perhaps one of the most well-known watering holes in the city and features live music most nights of the week. If shopping is on the itinerary, check out the clothing at Allan & Suzi, a respected designer that operates a local boutique.

Trenton Visitors Guide

Bordering Pennsylvania on the Delaware River is Trenton, which has been New Jersey’s capital since 1790. There is plenty here for all visitors, especially those interested in history. Trenton features several museums including the New Jersey State Museum and the Old Barracks Museum. The State House and Mill Hill Historic Districts have preserved many colonial buildings and sites. The William Trent House—considered the city’s oldest house—is open for touring and features many period furnishings. Trenton visitors can also enjoy Cadawalder and Washington State Parks, which both host a number of interesting historic features and recreational activities.