New Jersey

View of the beach and Steel Pier in Atlantic City

Overlooking the beach and Steel Pier in Atlantic City

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Exploring art and nature at the Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton Township

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View from the gazebo at Barnegat Lighthouse State Park

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Colorful Victorian homes in Cape May

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The mighty cascades of Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park

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One of the best views of New York City, seen from Liberty State Park in Jersey City

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Strolling along the Asbury Park Boardwalk

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A waterfall along the Buttermilk Falls Trail in Delaware Gap National Recreation Area

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Beachgoers enjoying the sun and sand in Cape May

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An autumn day at Princeton University

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Major Airports:

Newark Liberty (EWR)

Philadelphia (PHL)
Nickname:

Garden State

Appealing attractions in every direction

Known for its proximity to New York and Philadelphia, New Jersey also has a diverse landscape that feels far from city life. The famous Jersey Shore is lined with sandy beaches and quiet towns, plus the not-so-quiet Atlantic City, where you’ll find busy casinos and nightlife. But don’t forget: New Jersey is called the Garden State. The Meadowlands District near New York hosts more than 265 species of birds, and at Princeton University, you’ll be surrounded by a lush, green landscape. For an education of your own, visit Morristown National Historical Park, home to George Washington’s Revolutionary War headquarters.

Travel New Jersey Destinations in 90 Seconds

From serene to bustling, New Jersey has a range of beach experiences. Island Beach State Park, flanked by the Atlantic Ocean and Barnegat Bay, is one of the few remaining undeveloped barrier beaches. The 1,214-hectare park offers educational programs, trails, swimming and vantage points for watching birds, especially ospreys.

Year-round resort towns such as Seaside Heights and Cape May are famous for their boardwalks, fishing piers and activities and events like the Polar Bear Plunge, St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and seafood and barbecue festivals.

Nightlife doesn’t get better than in Atlantic City, where the famous beachfront boardwalk guides visitors to casinos, shops and hotels. Spend time in Newark and Jersey City for dining, shopping and culture. Combine a love of art and history at attractions such as the Newark Museum, the Morris Museum in Morristown, the New Jersey State Museum and Planetarium in Trenton and smaller venues throughout the state. In East Rutherford, you could spend days exploring the shopping and entertainment mega-complex known as American Dream. It boasts retail shops, dining and major attractions such as the Nickelodeon Universe theme park and DreamWorks water park. An added bonus for all your New Jersey shopping: There is no tax on clothing and shoes in the state.

The Garden State offers activities in all four seasons, from beach vacations to winter skiing on the slopes at Campgaw Mountain in Mahwah and Mountain Creek in Vernon. Opportunities abound for golfing, riding horses, hiking, parasailing, and fishing in the ocean, bays and lakes.

Travel New Jersey Destinations in 90 Seconds

Fun Fact

New Jersey is known as the “diner capital of the world” for its many low-key, cozy restaurants serving up nostalgia and comfort foods.

A costumed reenactor at the Old Barracks Museum in Trenton, New Jersey

Nearly 300 American Revolutionary War battles and skirmishes took place in New Jersey. This history is honored throughout the 5,581-square-kilometer Crossroads of the American Revolution National Heritage Area.

View of Atlantic City’s beach and boardwalk in New Jersey

Atlantic City lays claim to the world’s first boardwalk, and New Jersey’s longest. It was opened in 1870.

Must see places

Liberty State Park

Liberty State Park is one of the state's most dramatic thanks to its spectacular view of the Manhattan, New York City, skyline. From this Jersey City locale, take a ferry to Ellis Island, where 12 million immigrants to the USA passed through between 1892 and 1954, and to the nearby Statue of Liberty, an iconic symbol of freedom.

Victorian houses in Cape May, New Jersey

Cape May Historic District

This entire seaside resort town is a National Historic Landmark District. Discover why when you ride a trolley to admire 600 colorful buildings showcasing Victorian architecture. While there, stay in a splendid inn, eat fresh seafood and go on a winery tour.

Atlantic City Boardwalk

Stroll the world’s first boardwalk (opened in 1870) and New Jersey’s longest, and unwind at the Steel Pier amusement park and on the beach. Atlantic City is also one of the most popular destinations for gaming and entertainment on the USA’s East Coast. Step inside for dazzling casinos, live shows, dining and nightlife.

Leucantha by Philip Grausman, Grounds For Sculpture, Gift of The Seward Johnson Atelier

Grounds for Sculpture

View and interact with 300 contemporary sculptures placed throughout this world-renowned, 17-hectare park, museum and arboretum in Hamilton. Be enchanted by the art and nature, snap a photo of peacocks wandering outside, and head into six galleries for more exhibits.

The Stone Pony

This legendary Asbury Park nightclub just off the bustling beachfront Asbury Park Boardwalk has long been a launchpad for New Jersey natives and rock stars, such as Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi. Both popular and up-and-coming bands continue to perform there and build on its legacy, so be sure to catch a show.

Crossroads of the American Revolution National Heritage Area

Delve into the Crossroads of the American Revolution National Heritage Area, encompassing 5,581 square kilometers of New Jersey’s American Revolution battlefields and pivotal historic sites. Significant stops along the trail include Trenton, Princeton, Monmouth and Morristown.

Anthony Bourdain Food Trail

Discover the culinary roots of Anthony Bourdain, celebrity chef, author and globe-trotting documentarian. This experience spotlights 10 restaurants from an episode of “Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown,” paying tribute to his childhood growing up in New Jersey.

A vineyard in South New Jersey along the Wine & Ale Trail

Wine & Ale Trail of South Jersey

New Jersey boasts dozens of wineries and breweries, and you’ll find many of them in the state’s southern region. Embark on this experience to sample and savor everything from internationally recognized wine to local, artisan-brewed beer.

Appalachian Trail

The famous Appalachian National Scenic Trail is the world’s longest hiking-only footpath, stretching 3,524 kilometers from Georgia to Maine. Access New Jersey’s 116-kilometer section from mountain- and river-laced Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, as well as several state parks.

“Harriet Tubman – The Journey to Freedom” sculpture by Wesley Wofford at the Harriet Tubman Museum in Cape May, New Jersey

Tim Hawk/Harriet Tubman Museum

Black Heritage Trail

The Black experience in the USA has long been shaping New Jersey’s story. Follow along on several itineraries that cover the entire state and showcase landmarks spanning the Harriet Tubman Museum, Underground Railroad sites, art and heritage museums, historic towns, cultural and performance venues and more.