destination
New Jersey
With an incredible number of activities and attractions to enjoy in New Jersey – from the mountains of the northwest, to the white beaches of the Jersey Shore, to all the museums and historical sites between – there is something for everyone in New Jersey.
Any visitor to New Jersey would be remiss to pass up the world famous (and incredibly entertaining) Jersey Shore. Stretched along 127 miles of Atlantic coastline, the Jersey Shore is a treasure trove of attractions and events. Atlantic City – the inspiration for the classic board game, “Monopoly” – is a must-see. With its many casinos, nightclubs, and famed boardwalk, there’s always something interesting around the corner. For visitors inclined to get away from it all, the Jersey Shore is also home to pristine and wild places. Sandy Hook, Island Beach, and Cape May Point all offer coastal wildernesses for the adventurer to explore, and plenty of comfort afterward: enjoy a relaxing, turn-of-the-century experience at a Victorian-style bed & breakfast along the shore!
History has a home in New Jersey, and rightfully so: the state was a key player in major American events, from the Revolutionary War, onward. As such, New Jersey has Revolutionary War reenactments throughout the year, usually taking place at the historic battlefield sites, themselves. But New Jersey history isn’t solely a history of conflict. From historic Smithville to Allaire State Park to Tuckerton Seaport, the state is ripe with restored, historic villages that put an interactive history of the state on display. See early iron working sites, visit Thomas Edison’s laboratory (where he performed the mainstay of the work that resulted in the invention of the light bulb), or visit Sandy Hook to see the oldest operating lighthouse in the nation, built in 1764.
The traveling diner will be pleased with the bounty of offerings in New Jersey. The state’s long coastline allows for some of the world’s freshest and tastiest fare to come out of the Atlantic Ocean, including flounder, butterfish, and – of course – lobster. A night out in Newark will reward the diner who visits the Ironbound district, featuring authentic Portuguese, Spanish, and Brazilian cuisine. And for anyone looking for a slice of definitive, Jersey culture, dive into any of 500 classic diners, located throughout the state! But don’t forget to bring a taste for wine. With over 30, regional wineries that annually produce exquisite and award-winning wines, the Garden State has something for even the most discerning taste. Take a tour along one of the many New Jersey Wine Trails and indulge the taste buds!
New Jersey is also rich in cultural experiences and activities. From the Newark Museum – hosting the largest collection of Tibetan artwork in the world – to the Liberty Science Center and more, New Jersey museums can satisfy even the most voracious consumer of knowledge. Planetariums, theaters, and music venues are also state staples, whether its catching a classic play at the Princeton Rep Company & Shakespeare Festival or enjoying local music at the world famous Stone Pony in Asbury Park, where New Jersey legends like Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi performed in their early years.
Parks, both national and state, are popular destinations in New Jersey. Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty are among the most visited national monuments in the country and incredible places to learn about the early migrants that built the nation. For those interested in wilder fare, the New Jersey Pinelands National Reserve and the Appalachian National Scenic Trail are requisite stops on a New Jersey vacation. And many state and national parks in New Jersey offer camping accommodations, be it for RV’s or tenting. Don’t forget to rent a canoe or kayak and take to the waterways for an unparalleled experience! Of course, golfers can take a swing under the open, New Jersey skies too. With over 140 beautiful, public courses, the state is rich with opportunities to get on the green.
So whether the traveler is hitting the links, trekking through wild places, diving into the state’s historical abundance, or enjoying the luxuries and excitement of New Jersey’s modern entertainment, there’s always something to do and see in the Garden State.
