New Jersey Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do, places to visit, local culture, and travel tips for exploring New Jersey in the United States.


New Jersey, located in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States, is a state rich in history, culture, and outdoor adventure. As “The Garden State,” it is known for its stunning beaches, vast forests, and charming small towns. In this comprehensive guide, we will take you through the best things to do, places to visit, and local culture to help you plan your trip to New Jersey.

Introduction to New Jersey

New Jersey is bordered by New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and the Atlantic Ocean. With a population of 9 million people, it is the fourth smallest state in the United States. The state’s economy is diverse and ranges from agriculture and fishing to manufacturing and finance.

List of Places to Visit in New Jersey

Whether you are interested in history, culture, or outdoor adventures, New Jersey has something to offer everyone. Here are some must-visit places to add to your itinerary:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Liberty State Park in Jersey City offers stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and is home to the Liberty Science Center, the Empty Sky Memorial, and the Liberty Landing Marina.
  • The Thomas Edison National Historical Park in West Orange is where the famous inventor Thomas Edison lived and worked. Visitors can tour his laboratory and home.
  • The Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton is a 42-acre sculpture park that features over 270 contemporary sculptures and beautiful gardens.
  • The Newark Museum of Art is the largest museum in New Jersey and features an extensive collection of American art, decorative art, and contemporary art.

Natural Attractions of New Jersey: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is a 70,000-acre park that spans two states and offers hiking, fishing, kayaking, and camping.
  • Cape May is a historic beach town that offers beautiful beaches, bird watching, and world-class dining.
  • The Pine Barrens in southern New Jersey is a massive forest that offers hiking, camping, and cranberry bog tours.
  • The Appalachian Trail runs through northern New Jersey and offers incredible views of the Kittatinny Mountains and the Delaware River.

Hiking/Biking Routes of New Jersey

New Jersey is known for its beautiful hiking and biking trails, and here are some of the most popular:

  • The Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park Trail is a 70-mile trail that runs from Frenchtown to New Brunswick and offers scenic views of the Delaware River.
  • High Point State Park is home to the highest point in New Jersey and offers hiking and biking trails with incredible views of the surrounding mountains.
  • The Sandy Hook Multi-Use Pathway is a 7-mile trail that runs along the coastline and offers beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean.
  • The Pinelands Reserve Multi-Use Trail is a 50-mile trail that runs through southern New Jersey’s Pine Barrens and offers stunning views of New Jersey’s unique ecosystem.

Best Things to Do in New Jersey: Activities and Tours

There are plenty of activities and tours to keep you busy in New Jersey. Here are some of the best:

  • Take a scenic hot air balloon ride over the New Jersey countryside with Balloons Aloft Inc.
  • Visit the Atlantic City Boardwalk for world-class dining, shopping, and entertainment.
  • Attend a live show at the Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank.
  • Take a day trip to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

Week-Long Itinerary for New Jersey

Here is a week-long itinerary for exploring the best of New Jersey:

Day Activity
1 Visit Liberty State Park and the Liberty Science Center
2 Explore the Thomas Edison National Historical Park
3 Spend the day at Cape May and enjoy the beaches and local cuisine
4 Hike the Appalachian Trail and visit the Kittatinny Mountains
5 Visit the Newark Museum of Art
6 Spend the day in Atlantic City, enjoying the boardwalk and casinos
7 Take a scenic hot air balloon ride over the New Jersey countryside

Food and Drink Scene of New Jersey

New Jersey is known for its diverse cuisine, and here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Pork Roll - a breakfast meat that is unique to New Jersey.
  • Saltwater Taffy - a chewy candy that originated in Atlantic City.
  • Tomato Pie - a pizza-like dish that is popular in Trenton.

Local Beverages

  • Applejack - a type of brandy that is made from apples and distilled in New Jersey.
  • Cranberry Juice - New Jersey is the third-largest producer of cranberries in the United States.
  • Cape May Brewing Company - a craft brewery that offers a variety of beers.

Where to Stay in New Jersey: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

New Jersey offers accommodation options for every budget. Here are some of the best places to stay:

  • The Asbury Hotel in Asbury Park offers a beachfront location, chic decor, and a rooftop bar.
  • The Belmar Inn in Belmar offers affordable accommodations close to the beach.
  • The Nassau Inn in Princeton offers a historic location, comfortable rooms, and an on-site restaurant.

What to Buy in New Jersey: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

New Jersey is home to many unique products that make for great souvenirs. Here are some of the best:

  • Jersey Fresh Produce- New Jersey’s agricultural products are grown locally and make for great gifts and souvenirs.
  • Princeton University Merchandise- The University Store in Princeton, NJ offers unique Princeton merchandise including hoodies, sweatshirts, caps, and T-shirts.
  • Salt Water Taffy- Taffy, a chewy candy popular in Atlantic City, makes for a great sweet souvenir.

Local Culture and Customs of New Jersey

New Jersey has a culturally diverse population with influences ranging from Italian to Irish to African American. Here are some customs to keep in mind:

  • Tipping is expected in New Jersey, with a 15-20% tip for waitresses, hairstylists, and taxi drivers being common.
  • Smoking is banned in most indoor public places, including bars and restaurants.
  • The legal drinking age is 21.

Best Time to Visit New Jersey

The best time to visit New Jersey is during the spring and fall months when the weather is mild, and the foliage is beautiful. Additionally, the summer months are perfect for spending time at the beach, while the winter months are great for skiing and winter sports.

Do’s and Don’ts of New Jersey

Do:

  • Try the local cuisine and craft beer
  • Go hiking in the Pine Barrens or on the Appalachian Trail
  • Visit the historic small towns and boardwalks

Don’t:

  • Be rude to locals
  • Ignore parking signs; parking laws and regulations are strictly enforced in New Jersey.
  • Smoke in indoor public spaces

Safety and Health

Safety in New Jersey

New Jersey is generally a safe state, but it is always good to take precautions when traveling. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:

  • Avoid walking alone at night in urban areas.
  • Keep valuables out of sight when parking your car.
  • Follow all traffic laws and regulations when driving.

Health in New Jersey

New Jersey has excellent health care facilities, and most medical services are covered by health insurance. It is recommended to purchase travel insurance when traveling to cover any unforeseen medical expenses.

Getting to New Jersey: Transportation Options and Logistics

New Jersey is easily accessible by car, bus, train, and air. Here are some transportation options:

Airports Near New Jersey

  • Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
  • Atlantic City International Airport (ACY)
  • Trenton-Mercer Airport (TTN)

Bus Stations Near New Jersey

  • Port Authority Bus Terminal in New York City
  • Greyhound and Peter Pan Bus Lines offer services throughout the state and neighboring areas.

Other Options

  • Amtrak offers train services to and from New Jersey from other states along the East Coast.
  • The New Jersey Turnpike and Garden State Parkway are the two main highways that run through New Jersey and offer easy access to surrounding areas.

How to Get Around in New Jersey

New Jersey has an extensive public transportation system, including trains, buses, and ferries. Renting a car is also an option for exploring the state. Many towns and cities also offer bike-sharing programs.

Where to Go Next from New Jersey: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

New Jersey is situated in an ideal location to explore nearby areas. Here are some potential excursions:

  • New York City: The most iconic city in the world is situated just across the Hudson River.
  • Philadelphia: Just across the Delaware River lies the City of Brotherly Love.
  • Washington DC: Only 3 hours away, Washington DC is the nation’s capital and offers a wealth of historic sites and museums.

Conclusion

New Jersey is a state full of history, culture, and stunning scenery. From the famous landmarks to the hidden gems, there is something for everyone in the Garden State. Plan your trip to New Jersey and discover all that it has to offer.

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    Delaware River Region
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    Jersey Shore
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