It’s easy to write New Jersey off in favor of the two major cities that frame it: New York and Philadelphia. However, despite its modest size, the Garden State is filled with activities not only for first-time travelers to the area but also for weekend trippers from the aforementioned cities.
Even if you’re a native New Jerseyan, you still may not have uncovered all the best sights in your home state. Here’s a comprehensive list of the best things to do in New Jersey, whether you’re looking to explore the beaches of the Jersey Shore, dive into American history, or savor some of the finest diners in the country.
Step Back in Time in Cape May
Interestingly enough, despite what you might’ve seen on an infamous reality show, the Jersey Shore is primarily a relaxed vacation destination, filled with nature preserves, historic lighthouses, and traditional seaside activities like mini-golf and ice cream parlors.
One of the most beautiful shore towns in the state is Cape May, located at the southernmost tip. Here, Victorian-era architecture flourishes, with many colorful gingerbread-style houses now converted to charming B&Bs.
Stroll the Washington Street Mall, a pedestrian-only main street filled with shopping and dining options, check out the historic Cape May Lighthouse, or sample a flight at one of the town’s local breweries or wineries.
Create Memories at Thomas Edison’s Mansion
From 1886 to 1931, legendary American inventor Thomas Alva Edison lived and worked in West Orange, New Jersey. It was here where he developed some of his most significant inventions, including the alkaline storage battery and the motion picture camera.
Edison’s historic mansion, Glenmont, along with his laboratories, are preserved as a national park site, featuring the third-largest museum collection in the National Park Service, housing approximately 300,000 items and over 5 million historical documents.
For those craving more Edison history, you can also explore the Thomas Edison Center at Menlo Park, dedicated to showcasing the inventor’s early laboratory at Menlo Park.
Discover the Great Outdoors at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
New Jersey may have the highest population density (aside from Washington, D.C.), but it still boasts numerous sprawling natural areas — it is dubbed “The Garden State,” after all!
For some of the best hiking opportunities in New Jersey, head to the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, a stunning 70,000-acre park managed by the National Park Service, featuring over 150 miles of trails (including a segment of the Appalachian Trail), breathtaking waterfalls, and three river beaches. It is situated in Northwest New Jersey, positioned between New York and Scranton, Pennsylvania.
Stroll Grounds for Sculpture
Wander through 42 acres of outdoor art installations, indoor exhibitions, and meticulously curated gardens at Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton Township. Since its opening in 1992, this non-profit sculpture park and museum has built a permanent collection featuring works by over 150 artists, with more than 700 artists exhibiting here in the past three decades.
The grounds are open year-round, with each season offering different experiences — make sure to visit multiple times.
Enjoy Classic Jersey Diner Food
Jersey locals will passionately argue that their hometown diner is the best in the state. However, it’s difficult to reach a clear consensus on which one holds the title. Ultimately, it doesn’t really matter — each of the more than 600 diners in New Jersey is delightful in its own right, whether through an extensive menu or retro decor.
There are two must-try items at any diner. First is disco fries, which is a Jersey twist on poutine: french fries drenched in gravy and topped with melted cheese. Next, there’s the most famous dish in the state, a salty breakfast meat typically served fried in a breakfast sandwich. There’s a reason it is not named directly; food preferences here have sparked a long-lasting debate. In South Jersey, it’s termed “pork roll,” the generic name. Up North, it’s referred to as “Taylor Ham,” a brand name that has become part of the local jargon, much like Band-Aid for adhesive bandages. Regardless of what you call it, it’s absolutely scrumptious.
Experience Stunning Views of the NYC Skyline at Liberty State Park
For the most breathtaking views of New York’s skyline, visit Liberty State Park in Jersey City, New Jersey. This expansive 1,212-acre site is home to several attractions, including a two-mile waterfront promenade, a historic train terminal, a nature reserve, and the Liberty Science Center.
Beyond those attractions, the park is often recognized as the departure point for ferries to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, both of which technically exist in Jersey waters. Yet, can New Jersey claim these historic landmarks as its own? Well, not quite.
Liberty Island, home to the iconic green lady, is an enclave of New York State, as is the part of Ellis Island that houses the main museum dedicated to immigration. However, the remaining side of Ellis Island — the section with the abandoned hospital featuring installations by street artist JR — is indeed part of New Jersey.
This darker, more mysterious section of the island is generally not accessible to the public; nevertheless, special hard-hat tours are available through Save Ellis Island throughout the year, providing an opportunity to experience an entirely different side of Ellis Island.
Savoring Funnel Cake at Wildwood Boardwalk
The quintessential American shop-and-amusements-lined boardwalk as we know it originated in New Jersey, specifically in Atlantic City in 1870. Since then, New Jersey has constructed numerous vibrant boardwalks along its coastline, in towns such as Point Pleasant Beach, Seaside Heights, and Ocean City.
However, the most popular boardwalk, in our opinion, is in Wildwood (this is often debated among Jersey folks). The two-mile-long stretch of boards offers all the classic boardwalk features, from funnel cake stands to frozen custard shops to souvenir shops, as well as the amusement park Morey’s Piers, which spans three piers.
As you walk, keep an ear out for the tram cars — you’ll hear them announce, “watch the tram car, please,” which has become a signature tagline for the boardwalk.
Visit Camden’s Aquarium and Battleship
Camden, situated across the Delaware River from Philadelphia, may not be on every traveler’s radar, but two of its attractions rank among New Jersey’s best. First is the Adventure Aquarium, home to more than 15,000 animals, including hippos (Button and Genny), African penguins, and the largest collection of sharks in the northeastern United States.
Additionally, there’s the Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial, housed on the ship of the same name, which is the most decorated battleship in U.S. Navy history.
Chase the Jersey Devil in Pine Barrens
Thanks to The Sopranos, the Pine Barrens has garnered a notable reputation for nefarious dealings. It is also the mythological home of the Jersey Devil, featured in an episode of The X-Files. Therefore, if you are interested in true crime and eerie folklore, this 1.1-million-acre region in South Jersey is the perfect spot!
Nevertheless, contrary to popular belief, the Pine Barrens is not solely a creepy tale; it represents an essential ecosystem in New Jersey. In fact, it’s the largest area of Atlantic Coastal pine barrens left in the country. Furthermore, it serves as a scenic haven for hiking, biking, kayaking, and camping.
Returning to its more sinister side, the Pine Barrens is home to several ghost towns that the public can visit today.
Ride the World’s Tallest Coaster at Six Flags Great Adventure
If you spent your summers in New Jersey, the experience would be incomplete without a trip to Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson Township. This theme park hosts the tallest roller coaster globally and the fastest in North America, Kingda Ka, standing at 418 feet and reaching speeds of 128 miles per hour. (Remarkably, that first record is set to fall in a few years when the 525-foot-tall Falcon’s Flight opens at Six Flags Qiddiya.)
Additional ride highlights include the wooden work of art, El Toro, and the steel giant, Nitro. Also located within the Great Adventure complex is a Hurricane Harbor water park and a drive-through safari experience.
Enjoy a Weekend in Asbury Park
Over the last decade or so, Asbury Park has transformed from a dilapidated beach town filled with remnants of its former glory to one of the hottest destinations on the Jersey Shore. Each weekend, trains from New York City transport visitors keen to explore the trendy boutique hotels, enjoy drinks at the Asbury Festhalle & Biergarten, visit the Silverball Museum of pinball machines, and catch a live show at the iconic Stone Pony music venue. And, of course, the beach is always a major attraction.
Explore Newark Museum’s Tibetan Collection
Another hidden gem in Newark — remember, don’t just think about the airport! — is the Newark Museum of Art, which is the largest museum in New Jersey. Its collection includes works by notable American artists such as Edward Hopper, Georgia O’Keeffe, John Singer Sargent, Mary Cassatt, and Joseph Stella, in addition to a highly regarded Tibetan collection featuring an altar blessed by the Dalai Lama.
This museum also emphasizes science (including a planetarium) and the decorative arts (make sure to visit the historic Ballantine House to view period furniture from the late 19th century).
Taste Ivy League Life at Princeton
Visit Princeton, New Jersey, to experience the Ivy League university named after the town — its picturesque campus boasts classic Collegiate Gothic architecture, alongside the Princeton University Art Museum.
Additionally, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the charming downtown; visit Drumthwacket, the governor’s residence; the Albert Einstein House, where the scientist lived for the final 20 years of his life; the historic Morven Museum and Garden, and Princeton Battlefield State Park, among other impressive sites.
Who is Lucy the Elephant?
One of New Jersey’s more unique attractions is Lucy the Elephant, located in Margate. This six-story structure resembles a pachyderm and was constructed in 1881 — even before the Statue of Liberty — by inventor James L. Lafferty, aimed at luring potential investors to the area.
After acting as a giant billboard for some time, Lucy was transformed into a tavern, and at one point in 2020, even served as overnight lodging.
Dine on International Cuisine in Ironbound
Most travelers recognize Newark as one of the most-disliked airports in the country, but the city of Newark holds a plethora of surprises. Foremost is the Ironbound, a neighborhood renowned as a hub for various immigrant groups throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, ranking as one of the state’s best culinary destinations.
With over 170 restaurants within the four-square-mile area, diners can explore a plethora of culinary options, from Portuguese (like Sol Mar Marisqueira & Restaurant) to Ecuadorian (Ecua Cafe) to Chinese (Cheung Hing). With convenient public transportation access from New York City, it serves as an ideal day trip destination.
