Walking Tours: Step Lively with One-of-a-Kind Sightseeing Tours
Princeton Tour Company
The top-rated tour company in Princeton (Central Jersey) offers everything from ghost tours to holiday trolley tours. However, their most popular – the Princeton Five Star Shameless Name Dropping Tour – is one you can’t miss. Learn all about the university’s history and visit the homes and favorite spots of the most famous Princeton residents – from Albert Einstein to Brooke Shields – over a three-mile stretch of this tony town
AC Walking Tours Series
As another brilliant offering, Stockton University hosts a collection of walking tours throughout various neighborhoods of Atlantic City and various “Downbeach” communities across the Greater Atlantic City and Southern Shore Regions. Curated by a respected local historian, each tour ventures out two to three miles from distinctive starting points in the area. Watch for offerings that include an inside visit to the Absecon Lighthouse, Lucy the Elephant and Noyes Arts Garage.
Jersey Shore Tours
Whether you want to see the sights of Ocean City, learn about LGBTQ history in Atlantic City, or explore the 50s-era Doo Wop architecture of Wildwood, Jersey Shore Tours has a tour for you (and these are just a few of the options!). Choose from their specialized tour offerings – all guided by a local public historian – or give them a call to set up a tour that’s tailored to your interests.
Ride-Along Guided Tours: All aboard these Trolleys and Trains
Cape May Trolley Tours
Sit back and relax as a professional guide takes you on a tour of the must-see spots in America’s first seaside resort, Cape May (Southern Region). You can check out the Victorian-style cottages in the historic district, hear local ghost stories and strange histories or opt for a kid-friendly 30-minute tour that includes a fun “show and tell.” Of course, that’s just a small taste of the trolley tours offered.
Delaware River Railroad Excursions
Ride along the beautiful Delaware River in historic 1950s-era passenger coaches as you make your way to an exciting excursion. Adults will appreciate the train ride to Villa Milagro Vineyards, where you’ll sip some tasty wine and learn about the farming process. For families and kids, check out trips to the seasonal Corn Maze adventure or the Ol' Susquehanna Mine to pan for gemstones. Check out their website for even more tours departing from Phillipsburg (Skylands Region), which vary by season.
Aquatic Adventures: Embark on Exciting Boat and Kayak Tours
Cape May Whale Watcher
If you’re visiting the Shore anytime from March through December, the Cape May Whale Watcher tours are a must. With their “Marine Mammal Sighting” guarantee, you are sure to spot a dolphin, porpoise or whale from the deck of this 110-foot boat. You can also head out for a sunset lighthouse cruise or wine-tasting cruise featuring varietals from a local vineyard.
Pinelands Adventures
The 1.1 million-acre Pinelands National Reserve in South Jersey is renowned for its natural beauty, outdoor adventure, mystery and myth – surely, you’ve heard of the Jersey Devil! You can count on the highly-rated Pineland Adventures in Shamong (Delaware River Region) to show you around this wild wonderland. So, Paddle the Pines with an expert guide. You’ll navigate the area’s waterways in a kayak or canoe as you learn about the Pinelands’ history, ecology, plants and animals.
Silver Bullet Tours
If you feel the need for speed, look no further than the Silver Bullet Speedboat docked in Wildwood (Southern Shore Region). Billed as “legally insane fun,” these tours invite passengers ages 3 to 103+ to take in unlimited 360-degree views of the local dolphins and Doo Wop architecture. On the tour, a guide narrates points of interest and historical sites while pointing out marine and bird life. Top tip: You might want to wear a swimsuit because you will get wet!
Food Tours: Get your Fill of Local Fare, Flair and Flavor
Beyond the Plate Food Tours
With tours in Somerville (Central Jersey Region), Red Bank (Shore Region) and Jersey City (Gateway Region), Beyond the Plate Food Tours make it easy to discover the local food scene across the Garden State. Get exclusive access to some of the most popular restaurants as you experience four to five tastings. Both private and public tours are available and last about three hours. All delicious fun for foodies and wanna-bes.
On The Town Food Tours
Taste your way across the Delaware River and Greater Atlantic City Regions! Mount Holy, Haddonfield, Collingswood, Bordentown, Hammonton, Atlantic City, Burlington City and Medford – you’ll discover each of these culinary destinations brings unique culture and cuisine to the table. Join a public tour or gather your team, friends or family for a private event..
Cycling Tours: Get in the Saddle and Take in the Sights from a Bike
NJ Bike Tours
Explore the scenic landscapes and hidden gems of New Jersey on a European-inspired BYOB (bring your own bike) tour. Choose from the farm-to-table or vineyards tours in Hopewell (Central Jersey Region) or beaches & cream tour in Atlantic Highlands (Shore Region). The journeys range from three to four hours with plenty of treat-eating, wine-sipping, picture-taking, storytelling and yes-let’s-rest stops along the way.
Pedalcycle
If you’re up for a party in Beach Haven consider Pedalcycle’s “party bike” tours. Gather a group of 15 for a private 21-and-up bar crawl. Don’t worry if you don’t have 14 friends available – your smaller party can be paired up with others! Either way, you’ll pedal-power your way through town with our guide as your driver, stopping at local watering holes and trendy bars. Expect two hours of music, laughter and delicious drinks.
Extraordinary Excursions: Get Immersed in the State’s Artistic, Historical and Pop Culture Scenes
Self-Guided Tour of Jersey City Murals
The Jersey City Mural Arts Program (JCMAP) is a beautification initiative that has led to the creation of 200 murals from local, national and international artists. You can tour this city-wide outdoor art gallery and learn about each of the artists and murals using the interactive map on the JCMAP website. Take in the free art displays as you wander the streets of Jersey City in the Gateway Region. And don’t forget to capture a few mural selfies for Instagram.
New Jersey State House Tour
The New Jersey State House in Trenton (Central Jersey Region), built in 1792, stakes its claim as the state’s most historic building. Reservations are required for the 60-minute weekday tour, where you’ll learn about the building’s storied history, architecture and artwork.
WheatonArts and Cultural Center
When you go on a self-guided tour of the internationally-acclaimed arts community known as WheatonArts (Millville, Southern Shore Region), you’ll hit the Museum of American Glass, the Folklife Center and Artist Studios, where you can watch pottery and glassblowing demonstrations. The ever-rotating exhibits and workshops always offer something unique and interesting for craft lovers.
Discover even more to do in New Jersey based on your interests, and never miss a thing by downloading a free travel guide or signing up for our e-newsletter. And as always, check the websites or social media channels before heading out to ensure you have all the need-to-know info.
