New Jersey is often overlooked, but the Garden State is packed with surprises. It has 130 miles of Atlantic beaches, historic towns, forests, mountains and some of the best views of the New York City skyline. Whether you live nearby or are planning a trip to the East Coast, there are plenty of things to do in New Jersey USA for every type of traveler.
This guide covers the best things to do in New Jersey USA, from boardwalks and beaches to cities, parks and food.
Beach Things to Do in New Jersey USA
Cape May
Cape May is one of the oldest seaside resorts in America, known for colorful Victorian houses, quiet beaches and lighthouse views. Climb the Cape May Lighthouse, watch dolphins on a boat tour and see the sunset at Sunset Beach.
Atlantic City
Atlantic City’s famous boardwalk is lined with casinos, shops and restaurants. Walk the boardwalk, relax on the beach and catch a show.
Wildwood
Wildwood has wide, free beaches and a lively boardwalk with amusement piers and arcades. It is one of the most fun things to do in New Jersey USA with kids.
Asbury Park
Asbury Park is famous for its music history, including the Stone Pony, as well as a revived boardwalk, art and food.
Long Beach Island
LBI offers quiet beaches, the Barnegat Lighthouse and a relaxed small-town vibe.
Ocean City
A family-friendly beach town with a classic boardwalk and plenty of mini golf.
City Things to Do in New Jersey USA
Jersey City and Hoboken
These riverfront cities offer some of the best views of the Manhattan skyline. Walk Liberty State Park, take the ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, and enjoy the restaurants in Hoboken.
Princeton
Princeton is home to the famous university, beautiful campus architecture and a charming downtown. Visit the Princeton University Art Museum, which is free.
Newark
Newark has the Newark Museum of Art, the Ironbound district’s Portuguese and Brazilian restaurants and the beautiful Branch Brook Park, famous for cherry blossoms.
Morristown
A historic town with Revolutionary War sites, including Morristown National Historical Park.
Nature Things to Do in New Jersey USA
Delaware Water Gap
Hike to Mount Tammany for views over the Delaware River, paddle a canoe or swim in the river at designated areas. The Appalachian Trail passes through here.
Pine Barrens
The Pinelands cover over a million acres of forest, cranberry bogs and sandy trails. Kayak cedar-colored streams and explore Batsto Village.
High Point State Park
Climb to the highest point in New Jersey for views across three states.
Island Beach State Park
One of the last undeveloped barrier islands on the Jersey Shore, with dunes, wildlife and peaceful beaches.
Food Things to Do in New Jersey USA
- Try a classic diner meal. New Jersey is called the diner capital of the world.
- Eat a pork roll sandwich, a local breakfast favorite.
- Grab a slice of Jersey-style pizza, including the tomato pie in Trenton.
- Visit farm stands in summer for Jersey tomatoes, corn and blueberries.
- Explore the Ironbound in Newark for Portuguese food.
Family Things to Do in New Jersey USA
Families will find many things to do in New Jersey USA. Visit Six Flags Great Adventure, the Adventure Aquarium in Camden, Liberty Science Center in Jersey City and the beaches of Ocean City and Wildwood. Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange is affordable and fun for young kids. Many of the best things to do in New Jersey USA with children are outdoors and free.
Free Things to Do in New Jersey USA
- Walk the boardwalks in Atlantic City, Wildwood and Asbury Park.
- See the Manhattan skyline from Liberty State Park.
- Hike at the Delaware Water Gap and High Point State Park.
- Visit the Princeton University Art Museum.
- Explore historic Cape May on foot.
Free things to do in New Jersey USA make it easy to enjoy the state on a budget.
Best Time for Things to Do in New Jersey USA
Summer is beach season, from Memorial Day to Labor Day. September is a hidden gem, with warm water and fewer crowds. Fall brings colorful leaves in the northwest hills and harvest festivals. Spring is great for hiking and cherry blossoms in Newark. Winter is quiet but good for city museums and holiday events in Cape May.
Getting Around for Things to Do in New Jersey USA
New Jersey Transit trains and buses connect many towns with New York City and Philadelphia. A car is best for the Shore, the Pine Barrens and state parks. Expect toll roads on the Garden State Parkway and New Jersey Turnpike.
Sample Weekend of Things to Do in New Jersey USA
- Saturday: morning at Liberty State Park, ferry to the Statue of Liberty, dinner in Hoboken.
- Sunday: drive to Asbury Park for the beach and boardwalk, then a diner dinner on the way home.
This weekend covers some of the most popular things to do in New Jersey USA.
Seasonal Things to Do in New Jersey USA
Each season brings new things to do in New Jersey USA. In spring, see the cherry blossoms at Branch Brook Park. In summer, enjoy the beaches, boardwalks and outdoor concerts at the Shore. In fall, pick apples and pumpkins at farms in Hunterdon County and hike among colorful leaves at the Delaware Water Gap. In winter, the holiday lights in Cape May and ice skating in Morristown are favorite things to do in New Jersey USA.
Day Trips From New Jersey
New Jersey’s location makes day trips easy. New York City and Philadelphia are both short train rides away, and Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains are close to the northwest corner of the state.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top things to do in New Jersey USA?
Visit the Jersey Shore, Atlantic City, Cape May, Liberty State Park, Princeton and the Delaware Water Gap.
When is the best time to visit New Jersey?
Summer for beaches and fall for hiking and foliage.
Is New Jersey good for families?
Yes, with beaches, boardwalks, zoos and science centers.
Do I need a car?
A car helps for the Shore and parks, but trains connect many towns.
Final Thoughts
From boardwalk fun and quiet beaches to skyline views and forest trails, there are endless things to do in New Jersey USA. Plan a weekend or a week, and you will discover why the Garden State deserves a spot on your travel list.