FABLED BEACH TOWNS
The Wildwoods, in southern New Jersey, is renowned for its days and nights of fun and celebration for people of every age and interest. In addition to the expansive (free) beach, there are 38 blocks of exciting boardwalk attractions, restaurants and shopping, including multiple amusement piers with more than 100 rides and attractions. Add in water parks, aquatic sports, fishing, concerts, special events and more – there’s no shortage of things to do in this cherished Jersey Shore town.
Other Jersey Shore towns that bring visitors back year after year: Seaside Heights, with its bustling boardwalk, water park and nightlife; charming, Victorian Cape May; family-centered Point Pleasant Beach; and peaceful Ocean Grove and Spring Lake.
LADY LIBERTY, ELLIS ISLAND AND MORE
Some cities are known for their landmark attractions, action-packed nightlife and unique array of culture and community – and Jersey City is one of them. But amidst all the action is a serene, green oasis: Liberty State Park. With the Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island as a spectacular backdrop, the park features the historic Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal (CRRNJ), a grand setting for much of the state’s transportation history. The park is also home to Empty Sky, a 9/11 memorial, as well as Liberty Walk, which links a picnic area, the Interpretive Center and the CRRNJ Terminal while presenting visitors with a sweeping view of the Hudson River. Families will love the outdoor performance area and state-of-the-art Liberty Science Center.
SPECTACULAR OUTDOOR RECREATION
For great outdoor fun year-round, visit Mountain Creek in Vernon for skiing and snowboarding, mountain biking and a water park. Nearby in Hamburg is Crystal Springs Resort, which offers fabulous accommodations, a world-class spa, dining, six golf courses and an 18-hole putting course – all nestled amongst some of the state’s most scenic landscapes.
And dotting every corner of New Jersey are more than 100 parks, forests and nature spots that provide the setting for fresh-air activities as boundless as your imagination.
ON-THE-WATER WONDERS
With 130 miles of coastline, the Atlantic Ocean looms large – but it’s not the only body of water in New Jersey playing host to good times.
Paddle along the Batsto and Mullica Rivers in a kayak or canoe with Pinelands Adventures in Shamong. Find out what’s SUP on Monksville Reservoir, Atsion Lake, Bass River, Spruce Run Reservoir or Shepherd Lake when you rent a paddleboard from Flatwater Paddle Co. in Ringwood. And try your hand at practically every type of watersport under the sun at Lakeview Marina in Lake Hopatcong.
New Jersey also has plenty of opportunities for cruising through life too – including Barnegat Bay Sailboat Charters in Bayville, Pirate Adventures Jersey Shore in Brick (a favorite of small swashbucklers), paddle wheel trips aboard the River Lady in Toms River, Spirit of New Jersey Cruises in Weehawken and more.
FUN FOR FOODIES
The New Jersey Food Tour Trail concept was whipped up by passionate tour operators who encourage visitors to “eat their way” through the Garden State – from Morristown to Cape May. Or focus your culinary journey on a certain celebrity chef’s favorites by following the Anthony Bourdain Food Trail.
Prefer to chart your own course? We’ve compiled a list of nearly 150 restaurants around the state – you can even search for your eatery by region.
THRILLS FOR THE FAMILY
Rollercoasters and rides of all sizes abound in sprawling outdoor amusement parks across New Jersey – including Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, Storybook Land in Egg Harbor Township, Diggerland USA in West Berlin and Land of Make Believe in Hope.
On rainy days, families can take the fun indoors at iPlay America in Freehold, Nickelodeon Universe and DreamWorks Water Park at American Dream in East Rutherford, Big Kahuna’s Water Park in West Berlin, ClimbZone in Howell, locations of The Funplex in East Hanover and Mt. Laurel, and Urban Air Adventure Park locations in South Hackensack and Milltown.
THE ROAR OF THE TRACK
Start your engines at the New Jersey Motorsports Park (NJMP) in Millville. Situated on more than 500 acres, NJMP offers an incredible amount of diverse and dynamic motorsports attractions. This state-of-the-art track features two world-class road courses, one of the top outdoor karting complexes in the US, an on-site pub and luxurious clubhouse, plus fun events and group experiences like axe throwing, go-karting and more.
Rather be a spectator to the checkered flag action? Check out this trio of tracks around the Garden State: New Egypt Speedway, Old Bridge Township Raceway Park and Bridgeport Motorsports Park.
The possibilities for pursuing your interests are almost endless in New Jersey. To help plan your outing, download our free travel guide and subscribe to our e-newsletter for a monthly dose of inspiration. And always follow our top traveler tip by checking the official website or social media account of your intended stops to get all the latest visitation information.
