New Jersey

Beachgoers enjoying the sun and surf at the beach in Atlantic City

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A sunset beach walk near bustling Seaside Heights

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Colorful Victorian homes in Cape May

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The boardwalk at Seaside Heights

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The Erie Lackawanna Terminal and Clock Tower in Hoboken

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Enjoying a slice of pizza on the Ocean City boardwalk

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A narrow wooden footbridge in Schooly's Mountain Park in Morris County

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Families enjoying an evening stroll on the Atlantic City Boardwalk

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Major Airports:

Newark Liberty (EWR)

Atlantic City (AIY)
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.

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.

Must see places

Liberty State Park

See Ellis Island, where 12 million immigrated to the USA passed through between 1892 to 1954, then visit the nearby Statute of Liberty, France’s gift to the U.S., via ferry tours leaving from Liberty State Park.

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Ellis Island Foundation

Six Flags Greatest Adventure and Wild Safari

The adventurous can take a wild ride on a roller coaster, then watch talented entertainers or see exotic animals up-close during a drive-through safari. End the day at a festive block party.

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Amusement Parks in New Jersey

Stone Pony

This Asbury Park nightclub can boast that New Jersey natives and rock stars Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi have performed there. Both up-and-coming and popular bands continue to perform here.

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Asbury Park Boardwalk

Cape May

This entire resort town is a National Historic District. See why when you ride a trolley to admire 600 buildings with Victorian architecture. While there, eat fresh seafood and go on a winery tour.

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Historic Houses of Cape May

Grounds for Sculpture

See 300 contemporary sculptures in the 17-hectare park in Hamilton. Snap a photo of one of the tame peacocks wandering the grounds, then stroll inside to view rotating exhibits.