New Jersey

Travel Guide
Empty Sky Memorial showing a monument as well as a large group of people
Revolutionary history, fun-filled family attractions, charming towns and a dramatic, windswept coastline all meet in the scenic Garden State of New Jersey.

New Jersey is famed for its enthralling attractions, world-renowned universities and its Jersey Shore, the long stretch of coastline that features quaint towns and lively cities. The most densely populated state in the nation crams in numerous museums, monuments and outdoor destinations within a compact space. Visit coastal casinos, stunning galleries and historic sights all within welcoming New Jersey.

The state was at the center of the War of Independence, due to its crucial location between the two major cities of Philadelphia and New York. Explore sites such as Monmouth Battlefield State Park and Trenton Battle Monument to learn about the state’s involvement in the conflict.

Wander around the leafy campus of Princeton University, one of the leading educational establishments in the nation. The historic grounds host the Princeton University Art Museum, which features an impressive array of paintings, sculptures and antiquities from around the world.

Indulge in the pleasures of Atlantic City, famed for its casino-lined boardwalks and luxury hotels. Shop for clothes created by some of the biggest brands in fashion, feast on mouthwatering seafood and relax in full-service spas.

Escape to New Jersey’s beautiful coast, known for charming waterfront towns. Stroll around Cape May, which maintains a winsome 19th-century atmosphere. Visit the Cape May Lighthouse, one of the oldest working beacons in the country. Spring Lake offers a serene oceanfront retreat near the southernmost tip of the state in a charming, scenic town.

Bring your family to New Jersey to experience all of its numerous attractions. Plummet down the roller coasters of Six Flags Great Adventure and experience the interactive exhibits of the Liberty Science Center. The Adventure Aquarium features live displays of penguins, sharks and even porcupines, while Storybook Land transports children to a world of fairy tales.

New Jersey is served by regular transportation links to New York City, which is right on the edge of the state. Visit New Jersey in summer for the best weather on the beaches but try to come midweek to avoid the crowds.

Where to stay in New Jersey

Ocean City featuring a house

North End

4.5/5(267 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in North End, Ocean City Boardwalk and OC Waterpark are top sights worth seeing.

North End
Diamond Beach

Diamond Beach

4.5/5(37 area reviews)

Visitors highly recommend Diamond Beach for its beaches, and you can make a stop by Five Mile Beach while you're in town.

Diamond Beach
Atlantic City showing a sandy beach and general coastal views as well as a large group of people

Ship Bottom

4/5(145 area reviews)

You'll enjoy the beaches and museums in Ship Bottom. You might want to make time for a stop at Long Beach or Hartland Miniature Golf & Arcade.

Ship Bottom
Long Beach Island, NJ

Surf City

4.5/5(7 area reviews)

Borough on Long Beach Island, Surf City offers yacht races at its Yacht Club and easy access to Philadelphia, New York City, and Trenton. Enjoy free LBI Shuttle service along Long Beach Boulevard.

Surf City
Downtown Jersey City featuring outdoor art

Downtown Jersey City

4.5/5(602 area reviews)

Downtown Jersey City is beloved for its popular shops. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Jersey City City Hall and Goldman Sachs Tower.

Downtown Jersey City
Jersey City showing signage

The Waterfront

4/5(12 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in The Waterfront, Newport Centre and Holland Tunnel are top sights worth seeing.

The Waterfront
Harrah's Resort Atlantic City
Harrah's Resort Atlantic City
4 out of 5
777 Harrah's Blvd., Atlantic City, NJ
The price is $112 per night from Aug 19 to Aug 20
$112
includes taxes & fees
$91 per night
Aug 19 - Aug 20
Stay at this 4-star spa resort in Atlantic City. Enjoy a full-service spa, 9 restaurants, and a casino. Our guests praise the comfy rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
7/10 Good! (5,377 reviews)
"N/a"

Reviewed on Jul 26, 2024

Harrah's Resort Atlantic City
Tropicana Atlantic City
Tropicana Atlantic City
3.5 out of 5
2831 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ
The price is $124 per night from Aug 21 to Aug 22
$124
includes taxes & fees
$102 per night
Aug 21 - Aug 22
Stay at this 3.5-star beach resort in Atlantic City. Enjoy an outdoor pool, a full-service spa, and 13 restaurants. Popular attractions Tropicana Casino and ...
6.8/10 (12,388 reviews)
"We stayed in the Havana tower. It was clean and seemed recently renovated. The room was spacious and the bathroom was wonderful. Check in was contactless on a kiosk- paid $15 for early check in. Was fairly easy. Only issue with rooms was you hear EVERYTHING. The traffic outside (I was on 55th floor) ..."

Reviewed on Jul 26, 2024

Tropicana Atlantic City
Bally's Atlantic City Hotel & Casino
Bally's Atlantic City Hotel & Casino
3.5 out of 5
1900 Pacific Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ
The price is $94 per night from Aug 26 to Aug 27
$94
includes taxes & fees
$76 per night
Aug 26 - Aug 27
Book a stay at this beach resort in Atlantic City. Enjoy free WiFi, 5 restaurants, and a casino. Our guests praise the comfy rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
7/10 Good! (5,603 reviews)
"Cleanliness"

Reviewed on Jul 25, 2024

Bally's Atlantic City Hotel & Casino
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Boardwalk Resorts - Flagship
Boardwalk Resorts - Flagship
3.5 out of 5
60 N Maine Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ
Book a stay at this business-friendly condo in Atlantic City. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Hard ...
7.6/10 Good! (3,478 reviews)
"Great location, nice view, elevator wait is a little too long. Overall good stay."

Reviewed on Jul 25, 2024

Boardwalk Resorts - Flagship
Legacy Vacation Resorts Brigantine Beach
Legacy Vacation Resorts Brigantine Beach
3 out of 5
1400 Ocean Avenue, Brigantine, NJ
Stay at this 3-star beach aparthotel in Brigantine. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,547 reviews)
"Everything was great, from the moment we checked in to checking out. Front desk, valet and housekeeping was great. Thank you!"

Reviewed on Jul 24, 2024

Legacy Vacation Resorts Brigantine Beach
Marriott's Fairway Villas
Marriott's Fairway Villas
3 out of 5
500 East Fairway Lane, Absecon, NJ
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified vacation home in Absecon. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (662 reviews)
"I love the property, we go here once or twice a year."

Reviewed on Jul 21, 2024

Marriott's Fairway Villas
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Cities near New Jersey