Often overlooked in favor of its famous neighbor New York, the tiny state of New Jersey is actually loaded with amazing things to see and do. The Garden State is home to the world’s longest boardwalk, the world’s first seaside resort, and many world-class museums, historical sites, parks, casinos, and resorts.
Visitors can enjoy a myriad of activities in the state’s Shore Region, River Region, and Skylands. On you’re next vacation, visit New Jersey to see these beautiful places and so much more!
- 1. Atlantic City
- 2. Jenkinson’s Boardwalk
- 3. Liberty State Park
- 4. Ellis Island
- 5. Cape May Historic District
- 6. Adventure Aquarium
- 7. Barnegat Lighthouse State Park
- 8. Grounds for Sculpture
- 9. Morey’s Piers & Beachfront Water Parks
- 10. Seaside Heights
- 11. Allaire State Park
- 12. Rutgers Gardens
- 13. Hoboken
- 14. Brooksbrae Brick Factory
- 15. Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
- 16. Trenton Punk Flea Market
- 17. Patterson Great Falls
- 18. Hacklebarney State Park
- 19. Sterling Hill Mine, Ogdensburg, New Jersey
- 20. Holsten’s Brookdale Confectionary
Top Reasons to Visit New Jersey
By Jenn Lloyd a local author born in New Jersey.
Whether you enjoy hiking, fishing, sunbathing, swimming, dining, or gambling, New Jersey has it, and it is amazing! Need proof? Just check out these 20 reasons to visit the great state of New Jersey, brought to you by a real New Jersey native.
1. Atlantic City
Home of the most famous New Jersey boardwalk, top-notch casinos, and iconic Steel Pier, Atlantic City is New Jersey’s number one attraction. Steel Pier is a carnival-style amusement park with rides for all ages, including a giant observation wheel with climate-controlled gondolas that gives visitors an incredible view of this historic city and the Atlantic Ocean.
Enjoy some gambling at the Borgata Hotel and casino, check out the Absecon Lighthouse, frolic on the beach, and pay tribute to AC history by checking out the Entrance to the Stars, a landmark featuring handprints of various celebrities like NJ native, Frank Sinatra. You can rent a resort room from a timeshare owner in Atlantic City to save money in a town that typically has expensive hotel rates.
2. Jenkinson’s Boardwalk
While you’re in Atlantic City, hop on over to this fun-packed amusement area directly next door in Point Pleasant, NJ. Jenkinson’s features amusement rides, a gaming arcade, sweet shop, magical funhouse, ropes course, mini-golf area, and tons of great shopping.
Address: 300 Ocean Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742.
Looking for beautiful destinations to visit in the United States, which combine nature and beach activities? You might like to read these related posts about:
* St. Mary’s County
* San Francisco Bay Area
* Orange Beach & Gulf Shores
* North Carolina
3. Liberty State Park
This iconic park offers stunning views of the New York City Skyline, Ellis Island, and the Statue of Liberty. The 1,200-acre park is situated near the Empty Sky 9/11 Memorial which commemorates the 700 lives lost during the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center. The park is also home to the Liberty Science Center, an interactive museum complete with a planetarium, animal encounters, and 3D theater.
Address: 200 Morris Pesin Drive Jersey City, NJ 07305 Liberty Science Center: 222 Jersey City Boulevard, Jersey City, NJ 07305.
4. Ellis Island
This tiny postage stamp size island is an important slice of history. Ellis Island National Immigration Museum offers a glimpse into what it was like for the more than 12 million immigrants who passed through these doors in search of their American dream. The Family History Center allows guests to search through the Ellis Island archives and retrace their family’s journey to the United States.
If you can’t make it to Ellis Island in person, you can also search their extensive archives online through the American Family Immigration History Center.
To get to Ellis Island visitors must purchase tickets from Statue Cruises. Do not purchase tickets from street vendors. Statue Cruises operates ferries from both Liberty State Park in NJ and Battery Park in Manhattan.
Please note, The Statue of Liberty is not on Ellis Island. It’s on nearby Liberty Island, which is technically part of New York state. And if you’d really like to get technical, as of a 1998 Supreme Court ruling, only 83% of Ellis Island is part of New Jersey. The remaining 17% belongs to New York. Fortunately, your entrance fee gets you admission to both.
* Important note for guests with mobility impairments
The ferries and the grounds of both Liberty and Ellis Island are wheelchair accessible. However, guests wishing to climb to the crown or the torch of the Statue of Liberty must be able-bodied and capable of climbing 162 very narrow and tight steps. There is no elevator service past the statue’s pedestal.
5. Cape May Historic District
A must-see on any East Coast road trip, Cape May NJ is famous for being America’s first seaside resort. The Cape May Historic District is an area of over 600 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
This quaint resort town is made up of numerous 19th-century buildings and filled with Victorian charm. Many of these homes also operate as bed and breakfasts offering visitors the opportunity to spend the weekend in this historic seaside town.
6. Adventure Aquarium
A stone’s throw from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, this NJ attraction is one of the world’s top aquariums. Camden’s Adventure Aquarium features the largest collection of sharks in the northeast US, an African penguin colony, and 120 red-bellied piranhas. It’s also the only aquarium in the world to exhibit hippopotamuses.
Address: 1 Riverside Drive Camden, NJ 08103
7. Barnegat Lighthouse State Park
Located on the tip of Long Beach Island where Barnegat Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, Barnegat State Park is an ideal place to picnic, fish, and observe nature. There is a short 2 mile walking loop trail around the park. The lighthouse, Old Barney, is open to the public for a small fee. Visitors are able to climb the lighthouse’s 217 steps and take in breathtaking beach views.
Address: 208 Broadway, Barnegat Light, NJ 08006.
8. Grounds for Sculpture
A quirky mash-up of art and nature, this incredible mix of gardens, 300 sculptures, and arboretum sits on 42 landscaped acres in Central New Jersey. The sculptures are a mix of works by both famed sculptors and emerging artists. The Grounds also hosts seasonal exhibits, educational opportunities, hands-on workshops, tours, and concerts.
Address: 80 Sculptors Way, Hamilton Township, NJ 08619.
9. Morey’s Piers & Beachfront Water Parks
If you have a hankering for thrill rides, attractions, and non-stop action, head to this series of interconnected boardwalks in Wildwood Beach. Morey’s six blocks of piers contain three amusement parks, two water parks, and tons of restaurants, snack stands, and games.
Enjoy the tilt-a-whirl, bumper cars, go-kart track, water slides, lazy river, 156-foot Ferris wheel, and more! There’s also a large selection of rides and games for smaller children. As you can see, there are tons of things to do in Wildwood.
Address: 3501 Boardwalk, Wildwood, NJ 08260.
10. Seaside Heights
If you’re still looking for miles of sandy beaches and action-packed NJ boardwalks, look no further than Seaside Heights Beach. Famous for being prominently featured on MTV’s Jersey Shore, Seaside Heights Boardwalk is so much more than just a boozy club hangout and T-shirt store.
Enjoy games for all ages, boardwalk entertainment, tons of casual dining options, and miles of beautiful beaches. And if you can’t make it to Seaside heights in person, check out the Seaside Heights webcam.
Address: 715 Boardwalk Seaside Heights, NJ 08751
11. Allaire State Park
Located along the Manasquan River, Allaire is the perfect spot to hike, canoe, bird watch, bike, and horseback ride. Allaire also offers pet-friendly camping, and handicap-accessible parking, picnicking, restrooms. Visitors can also check out the Allaire State Park Museum which details the area’s history as a 19th century iron-making town.
Address: 4265 Atlantic Avenue, Wall Township, NJ 07727.
12. Rutgers Gardens
If you’re looking for something to do in North Jersey, check out the botanical garden of Rutgers University. This free-to-visit garden is a living museum filled with a wide variety of plant life, a babbling brook, beautiful flowers, and a productive farm and market. Visitors can also enjoy picnicking in the Rutgers Gardens.
Address: 112 Log Cabin Road, North Brunswick Township, NJ 08902.
13. Hoboken
A short PATH train ride across the Hudson River from Manhattan, Hoboken is a storied city and center of NJ dining, culture, and nightlife. It’s the birthplace of Eli Manning, Frank Sinatra, and baseball. Enjoy shopping, live music, top notch-eateries, and a stroll through Pier A Park.
Located at 100 Sinatra Drive Hoboken, NJ 07030.
While you’re there try some of the best pizza in the tri-state area at Benny Tudino’s, “Home of the Largest Slice.” This Hoboken institution offers up slices big enough to require two plates, and tasty enough to make you leave Manhattan.
Address: 622 Washington Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030.
14. Brooksbrae Brick Factory
For a cool and quirky NJ site, check out Monmouth County’s Brooksbrae Brick Factory. Nestled deep in South Jersey’s famous Pine Barrens, Brooksbrae is a mecca for urban art. The old brick factory closed in 1908 and later burned down. But after years of sitting abandoned, graffiti artists took over.
These huge brick slabs are now adorned by street artists and sit surrounded by forest. NOTE: The brick factory is deep in the pine barrens and cell service is spotty in this area. Visiting requires walking through the woods on uneven paths.
Address: Pasadena, Woodmanse Road, Manchester Township, NJ 08759.
15. Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Straddling the border of Pennsylvania and New Jersey, The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is 70,000 acres of pure outdoor paradise. The Delaware Water Gap sprawls along 40 miles of the Delaware River and offers 100 miles of hiking trails, magnificent views, and ample access to swimming, boating, river rafting, fishing, snowshoeing, mountain climbing, and other adventurous outdoor activities. In warmer months, check out Edge of The Woods Outfitters for super fun Delaware River rafting excursions.
If you want to explore more of the Delaware Water Gap, hop across the River on Interstate 80 to the Pennsylvania side and visit the Delaware Water Gap Park Headquarters in Bushkill, PA.
16. Trenton Punk Flea Market
Probably the best reason to visit New Jersey’s capital city. This DIY punk rock craft fair and cultural celebration occurs 5 times a year.
The Trenton Punk Flea Market is filled with a fantastic assortment of the best NJ food trucks and more than 500 vendors offering eclectic vintage records, clothes, comic books, collectibles, antiques, art, games, handmade jewelry, and more. It’s been named “One of the Best Flea Markets in America” by Huffington Post. The flea market is a safe, family-friendly shopping environment that’s open to everyone… even dogs!
Address: 675 S. Clinton Avenue, Trenton, NJ 08611.
17. Patterson Great Falls
This massive waterfall in Northern NJ is second in volume only to Niagara Falls when it comes to waterfalls east of the Mississippi. The Patterson Great Falls measure 260 feet wide, 77 feet high, and sit smack dab in the middle of a bustling urban environment. The town of Patterson was actually developed around these majestic falls by Alexander Hamilton, yes, that Alexander Hamilton, as the first planned industrial city in the United States.
Address: 72 McBride Avenue Paterson, NJ 07501.
18. Hacklebarney State Park
This picturesque state park in Morris County, NJ provides an awesome area for hikers and anglers. Once an iron ore mine site, the park is now a relaxing recreation area where you can appreciate multiple waterfalls, rocky ravines, and a sprawling oak forest.
For an extra treat, visit the nearby Hacklebarney Farm Cider Mill, which is open Saturdays and Sundays. Hackelbarney Farm Cider Mill sells farm-fresh produce and delicious homemade apple cider. Cider pressing demonstrations happen every weekend in October. You won’t find a more delicious cup of cider.
Address: 119 Hackelbarney Road Long Valley, NJ 07853.
19. Sterling Hill Mine, Ogdensburg, New Jersey
This historic zinc mine in northern NJ is lit up by hundreds of glow-in-the-dark fluorescent rocks. Sterling Hill Mine is the largest publicly displayed collection of fluorescent rocks in the world. It’s also one of the oldest mines in the United States, having opened operations back in 1739. Sterling Hill has produced over 11 million tons of zinc ore since its opening.
To see these magical rocks in person you must sign up for a mine tour. Visitors will not be allowed inside without a guide. Make sure you book in advance as tours frequently sell out.
Address: 30 Plant Street Ogdensburg, NJ 07439.
20. Holsten’s Brookdale Confectionary
Rounding out this best of NJ list is one of the most famous eateries in New Jersey. This old-fashioned candy shop, ice cream parlor, and diner is so much more than a step back in time to the soda fountains of yesteryear.
Holsten’s holds a top spot in pop culture history, having served as the shooting location for one of America’s favorite television series, The Sopranos. Holsten’s is prominently featured in the final episode of the series as the place the family gathers before that infamous fade to black.
Originally opened as Strubbe’s Ice Cream Parlor in 1939, this Jersey institution is celebrated for keeping everything old-fashioned, including their ice cream which is churned fresh daily. Fans of the show can take photos at the famous booth, marked “Reserved for the Soprano family.”
Address: 1063 Broad Street Bloomfield, NJ 07003.
New Jersey is home to many beautiful beaches, boardwalks, mountains, lakes, waterfalls, museums, and historic areas. While there are clearly many reasons to visit The Garden State, hopefully, these 20 will have you eager to book that New Jersey vacation!
Useful Info on How to Visit New Jersey
To visit New Jersey it’s best to use Newark Liberty International Airport. EWR is located a short 9-mile drive from Manhattan. Olympia Trails offers regular daily shuttle service between the airport and Manhattan from 5:30 am to 10:50 pm for those wishing to combine a New York and New Jersey trip.
Newark Liberty International Airport Station is also served by New Jersey Transit’s rail system and Amtrak’s Northeast Regional trains. This makes it possible for visitors to easily get to any stop in the Northeast Corridor and New Jersey coast.
New Jersey Transit buses offer service from EWR to Newark Penn Station where connections are available to all NJ Transit rail lines. For more information, check out the New Jersey Transit website for rail and bus routes, pricing, and schedules.
Rental cars, private limousines, car services, and taxis are also available to and from the airport.
Jenn Lloyd is a blogger and television comedy writer originally from Hopatcong, New Jersey. Her television writing credits include Shake It Up, KC Undercover, The Thundermans, and The Barbarian and The Troll.
Jenn lives with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, and even though she’s tied to her medical team back home, she’s made it her life’s goal to see as much of the world as possible, spread information about accessible travel, and inspire other disabled travelers to explore new places. See what she’s up to on Sick Girl Travels where wanderlust and disability meet!
Beautiful Places to Visit in America
Imagine a road trip that takes in the Great Smoky Mountains, the Piedmont hills, Blue Ridge Mountains, Outer Banks and the Crystal Coast. These are just some of the beautiful places to visit on a North Carolina itinerary.
The ultimate Utah road trip itinerary to visit the best sites in Southern Utah.
An adventure through National Parks, exploring canyons and rock formations, natural landmarks which create one of the most unique settings in the world.
Riverside walks, nature trails and kayaking are some of the rural attractions that St. Mary’s County is known for.
Continue along the white sand beaches and islands off the Eastern Shore, and nearby Assateague where wild ponies run free.
If you’re going to San Francisco, take time to explore the whole Bay Area!
See the city and then explore beyond the Golden Gate. Visit vineyards, trail the parks, discover the coast, enjoy California as the locals do.
Orange Beach & Gulf Shores (Alabama)
The top things to do in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores – discover the white beaches, nature trails and fresh seafoods of Alabama Gulf Coast.
It’s a beautiful destination in America’s deep south.
A nature lover’s 7 day itinerary for Alaska.
Discover why you should visit Alaska once in a lifetime, where to see nature and wildlife, how to get around, where to stay and best times of year to go.
Discover the World with
the blog with a focus on independent travel
