Beach Early
Our famed 130-mile coastline beckons a flock of sun-and-sand lovers every summer. But you can beat the crowds with a luxe beach getaway or with a jolly journey to any of our popular seaside destinations…
Set your GPS for Point Pleasant Beach to enjoy a week of Easter events. Or plan for a later (and warmer) spring arrival. You can plan to meet some truly fishy characters at Jenkinson’s Aquarium and drift into sweet dreams in your overnight accommodations.
Make your way to The Wildwoods and bike the full length of its 38-block boardwalk. Or immerse yourself in mid-century pop culture at the Doo Wop Experience Museum (open Friday and Saturday evenings in spring). It’s a whole groovy vibe that carries over into many of Wildwood’s neon-lit motels.
As the “Nation’s Oldest Seashore Resort,” Cape May delivers the quintessential beach vacation. Climb to the tippy-top of Cape May Lighthouse for stellar views. Or join a trolley or walking tour with Cape May MAC for an insider’s perspective on this beloved beach town. Check into a Victorian B&B or inn to make the trip complete.
Dream Bigger
Imagine an amusement park, water park, surfing spot, high ropes course, ski resort, ice skating rink, multiple mini golf courses, eclectic dining and luxury shopping all under one roof. Actually, you don’t have to use your imagination because this place really exists in New Jersey. Welcome to American Dream in East Rutherford!
Pack your bags (along with some empty ones for all of your new purchases!) for a truly dreamy getaway. To plot out your itinerary, start with American Dream Must-Dos. Since this is a destination unto itself, you might not even have time to explore other things to do in the area (but don’t let us stop you!) At the end of each whirlwind day, you’re going to be tired – luckily, you have options on where to lay your head and get some much-needed shuteye.
Live The Resort Life
With 365 things to do (literally something new for every day of the year!), you’ll never get bored at Crystal Springs Resort in Sussex County. Spend your days playing golf, touring farms, hitting the trails – even throwing axes and doing yoga with goats.
Of course, if relaxation is more your speed, you can indulge in some serious pampering at the spa. Or find the perfect lounge chair beside an indoor pool to settle in with that book you’ve been meaning to read. Reserve your guest room in the resort’s Minerals Hotel or Grand Cascades Lodge and live the life!
Scream Aaaaaaaaaaaa-dventure
Coaster connoisseurs from all over the world come to Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson to put their hands in the air on some of the globe’s tallest, fastest, scariest rides. But there’s plenty for the little ones – really, the whole family – to do too!
Be sure to consult our Top Things to Do page to make your ultimate day-by-day checklist. As the sun sets on your amusement park adventure, you can embark on an outdoor adventure by sleeping at a nearby campground.
Get “Centered”
Many people (even celebrities!) have debated over its existence. But there is, in fact, a Central Jersey. And we’re proud to present it to you as a premier travel destination. It’s not only the geographic heart of the state – it’s also a crossroads of agritourism, history, arts and culture.
Must-see attractions include Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton Township, New Jersey State Museum and Old Barracks Museum in Trenton, McCarter Theatre Center for the Performing Arts in Princeton, State Theatre in New Brunswick, Duke Farms in Hillsborough, Hidden Spring Lavender & Alpaca Farm in Skillman and Ironbound Farm & Ciderhouse in Asbury – plus a complete roundup of breweries, wineries and distilleries where you can raise a glass to the Garden State’s adult beverages.
We recommend reserving overnight accommodations in Princeton or Lambertville. Both are warm and welcoming explore-on-foot charmers, placing you at the center of it all.
Roll Along the Riverside
Wow your mini marine biologist, historian or artist with a trip to Camden, nestled on the East bank of the Delaware River. It’s where Adventure Aquarium makes a big splash. Several stops on one of our Black Heritage Itineraries have important stories to share. And Rutgers-Camden Center For The Arts delivers a stroke of creative genius.
Spend the night in your choice of accommodations nearby, then venture out to neighboring Downtown Collingswood the next day. This charming small town is a haven for shopping, dining and performing arts. Enjoy a little lunch before browsing the boutiques and catching a show at Scottish Rite Auditorium.
Before packing your bags, check with your destinations for the latest visitation information. For even more trip inspiration, download our free NJ travel guide and sign up for our e-newsletter too. Happy journeying!
