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New Jersey may be small, but there is no shortage of things to do in this state. There are plenty of outdoor activities such as beaches and parks to enjoy in The Garden State. From family-friendly museums to Jersey Shore boardwalks and Atlantic City casinos, there is something for everyone to enjoy here. New Jersey is also home to a rich history and one of the most prestigious universities in the country. If you’re planning a trip to New Jersey, continue reading for the top ten things to do during your visit.
1. Atlantic City
Arguably the most popular destination in New Jersey, Atlantic City is the east coast’s version of Las Vegas. Visit the casinos, relax on the beach, and walk down the famous Boardwalk.
2. The Jersey Shore
The Jersey Shore, known to locals simply as “The Shore,” is the region that runs along the state’s Atlantic coast. It spans approximately 140 miles and has dozens of towns. Boardwalks and amusement parks are abundant, so you will have plenty of things to do when visiting The Shore!
3. High Point State Park
High Point State Park includes over 50 miles of hiking trails. It consists of a section of the Appalachian Trail, which leads to the highest point in New Jersey at 1,803 feet. You can also hike to High Point Memorial, a tribute to war veterans overlooking the Pocono Mountains, the Catskill Mountains, and the Wallkill River Valley. You can also go boating, swimming, fishing, and hunt in the park.
Address: 1480 Route 23, Sussex, NJ 07461
Contact: 973-875-4800
Price: $5-20 per vehicle (Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day)
Website: https://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/highpoint.html
4. Cheesequake State Park
This park offers a Nature Center to visitors as well as a series of five trails for hiking and mountain biking. Camping and picnic areas are available, as well as swimming, boating, and fishing. If you are in New Jersey during winter time, you can still enjoy this state park with cross-country skiing, sledding, and snowshoeing!
Address: 300 Gordon Road, Matawan, NJ 07747
Contact: 732-566-2161
Price: $5-20 per vehicle (Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day)
Website: https://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/cheesequake.html
5. Adventure Aquarium
The Adventure Aquarium on the riverfront in Camden is fun for the whole family! According to their website, they feature “one-of-a-kind exhibits with more than 8,500 aquatic species throughout two million gallons of water,” and “the Aquarium is home to the largest collection of sharks on the East Coast!” They also have The Marketplace, which offers eco-friendly cafeteria-style dining.
Address: 1 Riverside Drive, Camden, NJ 08103
Contact: 844-474-3474
Price: Adults $29.99, Children 2-12 $21.99
Website: https://www.adventureaquarium.com/
6. Liberty Science Center
The Liberty Science Center in Jersey City is full of fun, interactive, hands-on science exhibitions. Kids can dig for fossils in Dino Dig, crawl and climb through Infinity Climber, a suspended play space, and build their towers and bridges in Block Party. There are plenty of adult-friendly exhibits as well! The Planetarium shows classic galaxy-related planetarium shows as well as various films and laser shows. Café Skylines offers lunch and snack options to keep you fueled for a full day at the museum.
Address: 222 Jersey City Boulevard, Jersey City, NJ 07305
Contact: 201-200-1000
Price: General Admission children 2-12 $18.75, adults $22.75, seniors 62+ $19.75
Website: https://lsc.org/
7. Battleship New Jersey
The Battleship New Jersey is America’s most decorated battleship and is now on display as a historical museum on the New Jersey-Canadian waterfront. The museum offers self-guided tours, audio tours, and guided tours. Remember to wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes and be prepared to climb stairs.
Address: 62 Battleship Place, Camden, NJ 08103
Contact: 856-966-1652
Price: $17.00-$25.95 (Children 4 and under free!)
Website: www.battleshipnewjersey.org/
8. Princeton University Art Museum
The Princeton University Art Museum boasts 100,000 various works of art spanning across the world and centuries. It is considered one of the best collections of art in the nation.
Address: Princeton University, Princeton, NJ
Contact: 609-258-3788
Price: Free
Website: http://artmuseum.princeton.edu/
9. Dock’s Oyster House
Dock’s has been open since 1897 and is an institution in Atlantic City and is currently owned and operated by the fourth generation of Dougherty’s. According to their website, at Dock’s they “blend the classic oyster bar feel with the upscale dining and maritime touches that Dock’s fans have enjoyed over the years.” Besides oysters, you can enjoy lobster, crab au gratin, classic seafood fry and more!
Address: 2405 Atlantic Ave. | Atlantic City, NJ
Contact: 609-345-0092
Price: $20+
Website: http://www.docksoysterhouse.com/
10. Jersey Shore Alpacas
It turns out you do not have to travel to Peru to see alpacas! Visitors can meet and feed the animals for free on “Open Farm Days” (see website for schedule) or group, and private tours can be scheduled starting at $25.
Address: 521 Route 47 South, Cape May, NJ 08204
Contact: 609-889-4957
Price: Free ($25+ for private tours)
Website: https://www.jerseyshorealpacas.com/
Now that you know the top ten things to do in New Jersey, you are ready to explore this beautiful state! With a wide variety of things to do for the whole family, we know you will love New Jersey just as much as we do. What is your favorite thing to do when visiting the Garden State? Tell us in the comments!
You missed the cape may county zoo. We have visited some of the country’s biggest zoos. Philadelphia, Washington DC, Buffalo, Ohio, etc. The cape may county zoo beats them all and it is free. Just a goodwill donation. We go to the cape may county zoo several times a month throughout the year. Just awesome and constantly growing. Its huge.