New Jersey is the fourth-smallest state in the US, and it has a lot to offer, making a trip to the Garden State well worth a visit. New Jersey packs a lot into its 14,000 square miles, including beaches, national parks, museums, and historical sites. The state is conveniently located between New York City and Philadelphia, so it’s easy to get to if you’re planning a trip from either of those cities. Whether you take in the hustle and bustle of Ocean City’s famous boardwalk or enjoy the rides at Casino Pier, there’s something for everyone in this state. Keep reading to learn about all the top tourist attractions in New Jersey.
Atlantic City
If you’ve ever played monopoly, you’re already familiar with the world-famous Atlantic City Boardwalk. A trip to New Jersey isn’t complete without spending time in Atlantic City, where there always seems to be something to do. During the day you can enjoy shopping and the coastline, including surfing and fishing in some areas. Be sure to check out Steel Pier, the 1,000-foot-long amusement park that features gondolas with amazing city views.
At night, you can check out Atlantic City’s Las Vegas of the East Coast. You can find many of the world’s top casinos along the boardwalk with slots, table games, and more. In addition to brick-and-mortar casinos, as online casinos become more popular, many people may prefer to play casino games on their computers or mobile devices. There are multiple casinos to choose from, including some of the best NJ online casinos in 2022. Whether you prefer online or land-based casinos, you’ll find them in New Jersey.
Jersey City
Jersey City is almost a part of neighboring New York City and is often called the “sixth borough.” The city is a popular starting point for people planning to visit the Big Apple because it’s located just across the Hudson River from lower Manhattan. There’s a lot to see in Jersey City, including charming brownstones, lots of greenery, and many cultural attractions. Be sure to stop by Liberty State Park
Liberty State Park
With views of Ellis Island, Liberty Island, and Upper New York Bay, this is a must-see destination while visiting New Jersey. The park boasts 1,212 coastal acres, and its 36-acre tidal marsh holds the nature preserve designation.
There are also several memorials and monuments scattered throughout the park that are worth visiting, including Liberation and Empty Sky. If you enjoy water activities, the park offers fishing and kayaking. Plus, there are several paths for walking and cycling, and excellent facilities for a picnic lunch.
Cape May
You’ll find Cape May at the southern tip of New Jersey, where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean. Given the natural beauty of New Jersey and Cape May, you’ll want to minimize your carbon footprint by making your travel as sustainable as possible. While New Jersey has miles of beaches, few are as pristine as you’ll find at Cape May. Sunset Beach and the Cove are both highly recommended. The town is the oldest seaside resort in the US, and walking through the streets filled with colorful19th-century Victorian buildings is a real treat.
When you’re not cooling off at the beach, other sites worth visiting include the historic Cape May Lighthouse and the Emlen Physick Estate. When you need a break from sightseeing, Washington Street is the place to go to enjoy an outdoor shopping center with restaurants, boutiques, and art galleries.
Paterson Great Falls
Whether you’re a nature lover or a history buff, you’ll want to visit the stunning waterfall at Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park. You can visit the beautiful waterfall at any time of the year and download the park’s app to learn about the falls and their amazing history. The falls are nestled in the US’ first planned industrial city, which Alexander Hamilton established in 1792. There’s a lot to explore, including the mills that helped fuel America’s growth.
