Best vacation in new jersey
Tourism is high on the priority list of many people and a wide range of tourists search for traveling options (that) can provide fun, adventure, excitement, and relaxation in new jersey. Hence, the tourism industry in new jersey is flourishing day by day with immense number of tourists being attracted to visit the new jersey state.
You’re sitting at your desk, thinking about your next vacation. You’re looking up at the clock. One more hour before you can leave work, and it’s going by so slowly. To get you through the day we’ve assembled a list of the best vacation spots in New Jersey for you to visit while on your next trip away.
Vacations are awesome, until they’re not. We all spend a good deal of time and money making sure our vacations are planned out with everything we could need. This is followed by a frantic email, text or phone call when something doesn’t work right. Here are some pointers to make sure your vacation in New Jersey goes smoothly – no matter what it’s for.
If you’re looking for a vacation that’s both fun and relaxing, New Jersey has got you covered.
New Jersey is home to many of the best beaches in the country. You can go snorkeling with sea turtles, swim with dolphins, or just take a walk on the beach—but no matter what you choose to do, we guarantee you’ll have an amazing time.
New Jersey also has some great museums and historical sites. Our state parks are among the most beautiful in all of America, and they offer everything from hiking trails to birdwatching opportunities. And if you want to learn more about our nation’s history, there are plenty of museums that will capture your interest!
The best vacation in New Jersey is a trip to the shore.
Whether you’re looking for a quiet getaway, a fun-filled adventure, or something in between, New Jersey has something for everyone. If you love the beach, we have plenty of beaches to choose from. From the oceanfront towns of Long Branch and Asbury Park to the secluded coves of Cape May and Brigantine, there’s something for every type of beachgoer.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, consider one of our state parks. We have over 400 parks throughout New Jersey, so you can explore whatever catches your eye—maybe it’s a waterfall at Wawayanda State Park or hiking trails through Brendan T. Byrne State Forest.
But if all this still sounds too busy for you, we also offer quiet retreats like Monmouth Battlefield State Park and Sandy Hook Lighthouse State Park just waiting for you to explore them!
Cape May
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Located in Southern New Jersey, Cape May is a beach town that also gives you that exclusive resort feels. 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 their oceanfront seafood restaurants. This is the perfect place for a summer getaway 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
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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, and festivals, and great nightlife, Wildwoods is an all-around great vacation destination in New Jersey for the entire family.
Long Beach Island
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Long Beach Island is another highly popular New Jersey attraction 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
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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. So 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 time to visit this NJ destination. 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
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Seaside Heights is another popular destination on the New Jersey shore but is more catered to the 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 fare.
It’s one of the best places to visit in New Jersey for young adults and teenagers. If you want to see Seaside Heights at its 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. While Seaside Heights is for the younger, more energetic crowd, Seaside Park is quieter and more family-oriented.
Atlantic City
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Atlantic City is one of the best places to visit in New Jersey. It features the famous Atlantic City boardwalk that’s also featured on the Monopoly game!
When it comes to things to do, Atlantic City offers a lot. That is one reason it’s one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Garden State. 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 take in the beauty of the nightlife. Catch a show at The Borgata, or get a drink at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. There’s so much to do here, so check out their website, and get started on your Atlantic City vacation with my guide to the best places to stay in Atlantic City.
Delaware Water Gap @The Worthington State Forest
Google Maps | Delaware Water Gap Recreation Area Website
For all the nature lovers out there, the Delaware Water Gap is a stop you don’t want to miss on your list of places to visit 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
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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 also 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 their awesome history. It’s a great tour for history buffs and a great place for nature lovers.
Liberty State Park
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Located in Jersey City, Liberty State Park is very scenic and one of the best places to visit in New Jersey for taking photos. You’ll be greeted with stunning views of the New York City skyline and Ellis Island. Look across the Hudson River and see the 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
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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 their 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
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History buffs, you’ll definitely want to add Monmouth Battlefield State Park to their list of places to visit 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.
Read Next: My List of Favorite Things to Do in New Jersey
Liberty Science Center
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An all-around good time for kids and adults alike! The Liberty Science Center helps you and your children explore the world around you.
A majority of their 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.