17 Best Places to Visit in New Jersey (By a Local)

As a New Jersey girl of over 30 years, I’ve explored some of the most amazing places around my home state. You’ll find historical sites, relaxing beaches, beautiful parks, and more – we in the Garden State have a lot to offer.

This list of places to visit in New Jersey includes my top picks that are worth exploring. I’m sure that after visiting these places, you too will agree that the Garden State is a beautiful place!

If you’re still planning your Jersey vacation, be sure to bookmark my posts on where to stay in New Jersey and the best activities to do in New Jersey.

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17 Best Places to Visit in New Jersey

Cape May

📍 Google Maps | Best Areas to Stay in Cape May | 👉 Browse Cape May Hotels on Booking

Cape May is a beach town in Southern New Jersey that gives you that exclusive resort feel. Resident New Jerseyans come here to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy the slow, relaxed pace Cape May is known for. 

Take in the sea breezes from the Atlantic Ocean, or enjoy a meal at one of Cape May’s oceanfront seafood restaurants. This is the perfect place for a summer getaway in New Jersey for couples and even families.  

There are tons of fun things to do in Cape May. In particular, if you’re up for a bit of adventure, book this popular whale and dolphin watching tour that leaves from Cape May!

👉 Pro Tip: Even though you can visit Cape May any time of the year, Spring and Summer are the best times to visit. Coming then allows you to take advantage of all the amazing things Cape May has to offer.

Wildwoods

📍 Google Maps | Wildwoods Website | 👉 Browse Wildwoods Hotels on Booking

Wildwoods is a subsection of Cape May, located on its far east coast. It’s best known for being one of those New Jersey summer destinations offering a little something for everyone. 

Lounge on white-sand beaches as you watch the waves, or take advantage of the fun-filled boardwalk with games and rides. Wildwoods’ eclectic restaurants feature cuisine from all over (their specialty being fresh-caught seafood).

With pools, festivals, and great nightlife, Wildwoods is an all-around great vacation destination in New Jersey for the entire family.

Long Beach Island

📍 Google Maps | Long Beach Island Website | 👉 Browse Long Beach Island Hotels on Booking

Long Beach Island (LBI) is another highly popular New Jersey destination where many tourists flock every summer. You can always tell who’s been here by the LBI bumper stickers you’ll see on the back of cars all over New Jersey! 

Families are a big part of the crowd, and many people even own vacation homes here. Like Cape May, LBI offers something for everyone.

Areas like Surf City and Loveladies cater to a more relaxed pace. Beach Haven and Ship Bottom, two of the most popular areas, are where you’ll find a majority of activities such as water parks, and even a miniature golf course. 

The Barnegat Lighthouse State Park, another popular New Jersey destination, is also part of Long Beach Island.

👉 Pro Tip: LBI is a very popular destination, especially in the summer, so it can get pretty crowded. Getting to the beach early is key to getting a good spot. Alternatively, if you visit at the very beginning, or very end of the beach-going season, the crowds aren’t at their peak and you’ll find it less congested. 

Point Pleasant Beach

📍 Google Maps | Point Pleasant Beach Website | 👉 Browse Point Pleasant Beach Hotels on Booking

Point Pleasant Beach holds a very special place in my heart. My friends and I were taken to this beach frequently as children – and boy did we look forward to it! The most popular area is Jenkinson’s Boardwalk. It features arcade games, great beach fare, and even an aquarium!

Point Pleasant Beach is one of the most popular New Jersey beaches. It can get crowded in the summer so try to visit at different times of the day. I suggest later in the afternoon when the crowds start to thin out. If you can’t get to Point Pleasant Beach early, then I recommend later in the afternoon. Stay for a while – the sunsets here are beautiful!

👉 Pro Tip: Before you go, check out what activities may be going on in the area. Their annual Festival of the Sea is a great event. Vendors from all over would serve up some of the most delicious seafood you’ve ever tasted! I once had the most amazing scallop skewer, seasoned to perfection. As a foodie, this was a dream come true!

Seaside Heights

📍 Google Maps | Seaside Heights Website | 👉 Browse Seaside Heights Hotels on Booking

Seaside Heights is another popular destination on the New Jersey shore but is more catered to a younger crowd. In addition to the beach, they also have sections entitled Casino Pier and Funtown Pier, where you can find rides and typical boardwalk foods. 

Seaside Heights is a great place for young adults and teenagers. If you want a more relaxed pace, go during the fall and winter. You’ll still get great views of the beach and can enjoy restaurants – without the bustling crowds.

👉 Pro Tip: Seaside Heights is often confused and interchanged with Seaside Park. But make no mistake about it, these are two different locales. While you can get to one from the other, they vary in what they offer. Seaside Heights is for a younger, more energetic crowd, Seaside Park is quieter and more family-oriented.

Atlantic City

📍 Google Maps | Atlantic City Website | 👉 Browse Atlantic City Hotels on Booking

Atlantic City is one of the best places to visit in New Jersey. It features the famous Atlantic City boardwalk that’s also featured in the Monopoly game! 

When it comes to things to do, Atlantic City offers a lot. By day you can enjoy shopping, as well as a great day at the beach with activities such as surfing and even fishing in certain areas. At night, the city lights up and you can enjoy the buzzing nightlife. Catch a show at The Borgata, or get a drink at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

Get started on your Atlantic City vacation with my guide to the best places to stay in Atlantic City.

Delaware Water Gap at The Worthington State Forest

📍 Google Maps | Delaware Water Gap Recreation Area Website

The Delaware Water Gap is a must-visit for nature lovers in New Jersey. The Delaware Water Gap is a portion of the Delaware River that runs through New Jersey and Pennsylvania. It’s flanked by beautiful lush greenery and various hiking trails. 

While it runs through a good portion of Southern New Jersey, some of the best views come from the Worthington State Forest Campsite. You can either camp for the night, or just do a hiking trail for the day.

👉 Pro Tip: Before you start on your journey hiking through the forest, make sure to stop at the Park Office before heading on your journey. There you can find out what areas are best for hiking, and even get maps of the area. 

Paterson Great Falls

📍 Google Maps | Paterson Great Falls Website | 👉 Browse Paterson Hotels on Booking

My favorite views always involve stunning bodies of water. If you too love the feeling a majestic body of water evokes, then you’ll love the Paterson Great Falls. This beautiful waterfall is available to marvel at year-round.

In addition to the falls, you can download the Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park app. With this app, you can do a self-guided tour so that you can learn more about the falls and its awesome history. It’s a great tour for history buffs and a fun way to learn about one of New Jersey’s best parks.

If you love chasing waterfalls, check out my guide to the best waterfalls in New Jersey.

👉 Love chasing waterfalls? Check out my guide to the best waterfalls in New Jersey!

Liberty State Park 

📍 Google Maps | Liberty State Park Website | 👉 Best Places to Stay in Jersey City

Liberty State Park is a scenic spot that’s great for taking photos. It’s located in Jersey City. You’ll be greeted with stunning views of the New York City skyline and Ellis Island.

Look across the Hudson River to see New York City as it glitters at night. Here, you can also find seasonal Hudson River cruises, as well as ferries to Ellis Island. 

In warmer weather, head to the Flag Plaza section. Bring a blanket and pack a lunch to have a picnic on the lawn as you watch the boats sail across the Hudson. There are even playgrounds for the little ones to run around. 

👉 Want to pay Ellis Island a visit? Check out these tours to Ellis Island, leaving right from Liberty State Park!

Six Flags Great Adventure

📍 Google Maps | Six Flags Great Adventure Website | Note: Park Closes Seasonally for Winter | 👉 Browse Jackson Hotels on Booking

Six Flags Great Adventure, located in Jackson, NJ, is the most popular amusement park in New Jersey – and for good reason! They have some of the most thrilling rides. If you’re into rollercoasters, you’re in the right place.

Six Flags also has two partner parks – the Wild Safari as well as the water park, Hurricane Harbor. They often offer three-park specials where you can enjoy all three for a discounted fare. I recommend starting the day at Hurricane Harbor, then the Wild Safari, and finishing up at Six Flags. 

Around July 4th you can expect to see some of the best fireworks spectaculars after dark.

👉 Pro Tip: Buy your tickets online before you go. This saves you time and money on admission, as well as parking. You can get even get meals added on to save you money at the park.

Monmouth Battlefield State Park 

📍 Google Maps | Monmouth Battlefield State Park Website | 👉 Browse Monmouth Hotels on Booking

History buffs, you’ll want to add Monmouth Battlefield State Park to your list of places to check out in New Jersey.

This park is where an important battle of the American Revolutionary War took place in June of 1778. Every year, on the third weekend in June, there’s even a live reenactment of this pivotal battle!

While you’re at the park, you can also go hiking, or have a picnic.

Liberty Science Center 

📍 Google Maps | Liberty Science Center Website | 👉 Best Places to Stay in Jersey City

The Liberty Science Center helps you and your children explore the world around you. Visiting is an all-around good time for kids and adults alike!

A majority of the exhibits are interactive, which encourages you and your children to be immersed in the learning experience. They even have a mini-zoo where you can learn about different wildlife and how to keep their environment safe.

New Jersey State Museum 

📍 Google Maps | New Jersey State Museum Website | 👉 Browse Trenton Hotels on Booking

Pay a visit to the New Jersey State Museum if you’re into arts and artifacts. This museum is located in the capital of New Jersey, Trenton. Exhibits include a Fine Art Gallery, a Paleo Lab where you learn about fossils, as well as a Planetarium.

They have a nice array of exhibits, including one dedicated to Sharks and gaining a better understanding of them. If you happen to be visiting the capital or nearby areas, the New Jersey State Museum is a great stop to make.  

Thomas Edison National Historical Park

📍 Google Maps | Thomas Edison National Historical Park Website | 👉 Browse West Orange Hotels on Booking

⚠️ Closure Note: The park closes to the public between January and mid-March.

Thomas Edison Historical Park is located in West Orange, NJ. History buffs will love exploring this historic site. You’ll get to take a look at Thomas Edison’s home and laboratory as it was back in his time. 

You’ll get to see classic photos taken from this time period, as well as Edison’s talking doll recordings. The Glenmont mansion and grounds are popular with visitors. They even offer virtual tours.

👉 Pro Tip: In the winter months some facilities are temporarily closed to the public. Depending on when you visit New Jersey, they may or may not be open. Reach out to them or visit their website before you plan your visit.

Watchung Reservation 

📍 Google Maps | Watchung Reservation Website | 👉 Browse Mountainside Hotels on Expedia

Watchung Reservation is another place that nature lovers and outdoor adventurers will love. The Reservation runs mainly through Mountainside, NJ, and features hiking trails, picnic areas, and camping areas. There are even beautiful waterfalls along some of the trails.

The Trailside Nature and Science Center is where you can learn about the many four-legged and feathered residents of the reservation. In the spring and summer months, there are even activities for children both online and in-person. 

South Mountain Reservation

📍 Google Maps | South Mountain Reservation Website | 👉 Browse West Orange Hotels on Booking

South Mountain Reservation runs through South Orange, West Orange, Maplewood, and Millburn. I’ve spent a lot of time on the South Mountain Reservation, particularly in the regions of West Orange. 

My favorite part of this reservation is the beautiful picnic areas. There were many summers that I’ve had picnics here. You may get a deer or two passing through during those picnics, but they pass through just as quickly as they come. 

There are great spots for hiking and waterfalls to enjoy along the way. This reservation is one of my personal favorites. Check out the maps ahead of time to see what you’d like to do.

👉 Pro Tip: If you’re planning a larger event or picnic, you can contact the Essex County Park System and get a permit so that the picnic area of your choice is all yours for your event.  

Hoboken

📍 Google Maps | Hoboken, NJ Website | What to Do in Hoboken | 👉 Best Places to Stay in Hoboken

Hoboken, located in Hudson County, is like New Jersey’s version of New York City. The waterfront offers great views of the Manhattan skyline, especially at night. It’s also one of the top places to live in New Jersey.

Not only are the views gorgeous, but the cuisine is exquisite! Hoboken boasts a lot of great restaurants with classic New Jersey foods and cuisine from almost every part of the world. Arthur’s is a personal favorite, with the best French Onion soup and burgers I’ve ever had! 

If you want to take a trip to New York, it’s a quick train ride from the Hoboken Train Station.

👉 Pro Tip: Parking in Hoboken is terrible. This is one place in New Jersey I wouldn’t recommend driving to. Use a rideshare services like Uber or Lyft instead. In addition, there aren’t many hotels in Hoboken, so nearby Jersey City is your best bet if you’re looking for lodging. Check out my guide to areas and hotels in Jersey City for more info.

FAQs About Places to Go in New Jersey

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Enjoy these New Jersey destinations! To keep planning your New Jersey adventure, be sure to bookmark my guide on the best towns in New Jersey.