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Large detailed tourist map of New Jersey with cities and towns

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30 Best Things to Do in New Jersey, the Garden State

Home | Travel | North America | United States | New Jersey | 30 Best Things to Do in New Jersey, the Garden State

There are plenty of  things to do in New Jersey  tucked away in natural areas. Nicknamed the “Garden State”, its location in the Mid-Atlantic U.S. makes it easy to get to major metropolitan cities such as New York or Philadelphia, where I live.

This is why I have been spending many weekends for the last four years in the state, trying to visit as many landmarks in New Jersey as I can and enjoying its natural landscapes and wild beaches. This is the fourth-smallest state by area, but the 11th most populous. However, you can still find some natural wonders to get away from the crowds.

From north to south, there are countless  activities to do in New Jersey , as you will find out below. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised to see what kinds of tourist spots and recreational areas you can find here! New Jersey doesn’t always get a good rap, but it’s just because people don’t know where to go.

Now, let’s jump into the 30 top-rated New Jersey attractions  you shouldn’t miss. At the end of the article, you will also find a map to help you plan your perfect trip or weekend getaway.

1. Cape May, one of the best beaches in New Jersey

There are lots of  places in NJ  where you can spend a vacation, but  Cape May is always considered one of the best beaches in New Jersey and in the country. It’s also one of the oldest resort areas in the U.S.

Cape May is at the southern tip of the state and one of the most  famous places in New Jersey , thanks to its Victorian buildings and historic landmarks. As you walk the streets of this beachside town, you’ll notice many homes with gingerbread-style architecture and pastel color palettes.

Some of these are rental homes, while others belong to residents of the city. The  Emlen Physick Estate  is one of those properties. The former home of Dr. Emlen Physick, Jr., this 18-room mansion was built in 1879 and is now a museum.

Also check out the  Historic Cold Spring Village , a living-history museum that recreates the old rural New Jersey lifestyle.

I also recommend visiting  Cape May Point State Park  for hiking, nature walks, swimming, and other outdoor activities. Here you’ll also find the  Cape May Lighthouse , a 157-foot-tall tower first lit in 1859.

Of course, you can’t visit Cape May without visiting the beaches! Enjoy the sandy shores, where you might stumble across Cape May “diamonds” (clear quartz pebbles). There, you can take a  dolphin-watching tour , such as this  2-hour sunset cruise, although here you can check out the article we have written with the best whale and dolphin watching tours in Cape May.

While there are plenty of  things to do in this New Jersey  town, you could also take the  Cape May-Lewes Ferry  into Delaware for a fun day trip.

2. The Wildwoods, an area with more things to do in New Jersey

You might consider  The Wildwoods  to be Cape May’s rowdier younger sibling. Visiting this area is one of the most popular  things to do in South Jersey  during the summer. This family resort is about 30 minutes north of Cape May and offers free beaches. It’s famous for its 1.8-mile boardwalk and Doo-Wop-style hotels.

Something you’ll notice about Wildwood is the wide distance between the boardwalk and the ocean. The wide beaches are often venues for many events throughout the year, such as concerts, movie nights, and monster truck rallies.

2. The Wildwoods, a fun place to go in New Jersey

From the beach, you’ll have a nice view of  Morey’s Piers , the three amusement piers that extend from the boardwalk. Spend the night enjoying the rides, which range from kid-friendly to extreme, as well as arcade games and classic boardwalk foods. Morey’s Piers also features two large waterparks and artBOX, repurposed shipping containers that feature local artists’ works.

Take some time to step away from the boardwalk and explore the other  New Jersey attractions  in Wildwood. The  Naval Air Station Wildwoods Aviation Museum  has over 20 aircraft on display, mostly vintage models from World War II.

Another little-known attraction is the  Hereford Inlet Light  in North Wildwood. This 50-foot lighthouse started operating in 1874 and offers pleasant views of the beach. Both these sites are fun  things to do in New Jersey with kids , although adults will love them, too.

3. Atlantic City, a place to enjoy the nightlife in New Jersey

Atlantic City  is one of the most famous  attractions in NJ , mostly for its busy boardwalk and casinos. This place is a hotspot for entertainment and nightlife. However, even if there are beaches and oceanfront bars, Atlantic City isn’t one of my favorite beaches in New Jersey.

A  historical place in New Jersey , Atlantic City was incorporated in 1854 and was the inspiration for the board game  Monopoly . Its boardwalk opened in 1870 and continues to be a focal point for dining, entertainment, amusements, and gambling.

There are several  casinos  along the boardwalk, a few of which Trump Entertainment Resorts owned. Besides the slot machines and table games, the casinos are luxurious venues for concerts and stage productions, as well as fine dining.

3. Visit Atlantic City, the best thing to do in NJ at night

Another  thing to do in New Jersey ‘s Atlantic City is to visit  Steel Pier . Opened in 1898, the amusement pier is one of the state’s most famous landmarks. Along with rides, games, and food stalls, it’s a takeoff spot for helicopter tours over the Atlantic Ocean.

If a helicopter ride is too scary, an alternative could be a pleasant dolphin watching tour.

As you can see, Atlantic City has something for all ages and interests, so be sure to stop by as you make your way along the NJ coastline.

4. The Pine Barrens, one of the top free things to do in New Jersey

Also called  the Pinelands  or the Pines, this forest is the largest remaining area of the Atlantic coastal pine barrens ecosystem. The Pines stretch across much of New Jersey and provide great opportunities for hiking and camping. It’s also one of the  most beautiful places in New Jersey and the perfect place to get some time in nature.

The Pine Barrens consists of temperate forests filled with coniferous trees. You can find pockets of the Pinelands from just about anywhere in the state.

Exploring the NJ Pinelands is a wonderful  free thing to do in New Jersey . Here, I’ll share some of the best areas in the Pine Barrens that I recommend.

4. The Pine Barrens, a free place to go in New Jersey

Batsto Village  in the Wharton State Forest is one of the top spots in the Pines. Dating back to the 1760s, today it’s a restored ironworks village and sits by the gorgeous Batsto River and Lake, perfect for canoeing and kayaking.

Double Trouble State Forest  is home to another historic village, this one an old cranberry farm. Check out the campground and hiking trails, several of which pass by Cedar Creek, one of the most pleasant nearby areas.

East Plains at Warren Grove  is a good place to see pygmy pines, and the  Brendan T. Byrne State Forest  is where you’ll find wetlands, waterways, and reservoirs, including Pakim Pond.

5. Princeton, NJ, another city to visit in New Jersey

This city is probably best known for Princeton University, but there is more to this college town than its school.  Princeton  was founded before the Revolutionary War, so it’s one of the oldest cities in the country. With its small-town feel and community-centered attractions, it’s a  nice place in New Jersey  to pass through.

Since the University is one of the top  landmarks in this New Jersey  town, I recommend checking it out. The campus is quite beautiful, with green spaces, a lake, and buildings in the collegiate gothic style of architecture. You should also visit the  Princeton University Art Museum , which is open to the public for free. The museum has a large collection of Greek and Roman work, although its exhibits span all of art history.

5. Go to Princeton, another thing to do in New Jersey

The  Morven Museum & Garden  is another landmark in the city. This 1700s mansion was the home of Richard Stockton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Today, it’s a museum that focuses on the area’s cultural history. The outdoor grounds include lovely gardens, orchards, and terraces.

The  Princeton Battlefield State Park  is another historical site. American and British troops fought here during the Revolutionary War in 1777. Here, you’ll find the  Clarke House Museum , an old Quaker property housing military exhibits.

Another great thing about Princeton is that it’s just between Philadelphia and New York City, so it’s a convenient pitstop for travelers. Before you leave, stop by the  Dutch Farmer’s Market  and the  Palmer Square  downtown area, where you can find restaurants, galleries, shops, and other  fun things to do in NJ .

6. Island Beach State Park, a lovely area to visit in New Jersey

Island Beach State Park  is my favorite  place to visit in New Jersey . It’s in central NJ at the southern end of Island Beach (barrier island), nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Barnegat Bay.

What I love about this place is that it is as it was hundreds of years ago. There are no buildings throughout this 10-mile stretch of wild beaches, just thousands of white dunes, wetlands, coastal forest, and tidal marshes.

Here you can find some of the best beaches in New Jersey, which also serve as habitats to maritime plants and diverse wildlife including foxes, terrapins, blue crabs, dolphins, and even horseshoe crabs. However, the thing that makes Island Beach one of the most popular attractions in NJ is that it’s home to the state’s largest osprey colony.

Although most visitors prefer the southern area, which is accessible with a beach buggy permit, I love the northern area, which is more secluded.

Renting a kayak to explore the Barnegat Bay from here is also one of the best  things to do in New Jersey in the summer . If you do so, check out the  Sedge Islands Marine Conservation Zone .

Island Beach State Park is pretty popular, so in summer try to be at the entrance very early since it has a limited capacity. If not, you will have to enter on foot or by bike or spend your day at the crowded beach of Seaside Heights , a family resort with a boardwalk and amusement pier.

7. Explore Long Beach Island, one of the best things to do in New Jersey in summer

Long Beach Island is another top-rated place to visit in New Jersey at the Barnegat peninsula just below Island Beach. This is a more upscale beach community and has a more laid-back vibe than places like the Wildwoods or Atlantic City. However, don’t be fooled; you can’t escape the crowds here either!

Still, it’s a family-oriented vacation spot, where the main activities are boating, fishing, parasailing, swimming, and mini-golf rather than amusements and beach bars. It’s the perfect place if you are looking for relaxing things to do in New Jersey , particularly during the summer months.

7. Long Beach Island, the best place to go in NJ for families

Moreover, LBI is close to Beach Haven , which has an amusement pier and a variety of restaurants and shops in case you’re seeking something a bit more exciting. During the high season, you can attend outdoor concerts, flea markets, and parades, as well as enjoy some time at the oceanfront waterpark.

Other beautiful places in New Jersey are Surf City, another great holiday destination north of Long Beach Island, and at the northern tip of the Barnegat peninsula. Here you will find the Barnegat Lighthouse State Park overlooking Island Beach.

8. USS New Jersey, another attraction to visit in New Jersey

The USS New Jersey , also known as the Battleship New Jersey, is a museum ship docked in Camden, and a top tourist attraction in New Jersey among history buffs.

This battleship was first launched in 1942 on the first anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. Along with its participation in World War II, the ship was also involved in raids during the Korean and Vietnam Wars.

The USS New Jersey is especially commendable because it has earned more battle stars for combat than any ship in its class. It’s the largest Navy battleship and was also the only U.S. ship to provide gunfire support during the Vietnam War.

8. USS New Jersey, a top landmark in NJ

It docked for good in 2000 when it arrived at the Camden Waterfront across the river from Philadelphia. The Waterfront is a hub for cultural things to do in New Jersey, and the battleship is one of the most popular attractions.

The museum exhibits feature anti-aircraft weapons, missiles, and other Navy-related relics. Visitors can take a tour of the ship’s mess hall, communications room, gun turret, and more.

Even if you have a short visit to the USS New Jersey, the Waterfront offers other attractions including the BB&T Pavilion, Camden Children’s Garden, the marina, and the Benjamin Franklin Bridge that crosses over to Philadelphia.

9. Liberty State Park at Jersey City, a spectacular place to see in New Jersey

There are awesome things to do in North Jersey , too. I recommend visiting Liberty State Park in Jersey City , an interesting place to go with family or friends.

The park provides lovely views of the Hudson River with New York’s Ellis Island and Statue of Liberty on the other side. The Liberty Walkway is a scenic promenade that also contains a bridge to Ellis Island. From the Walkway, you can access the Statue of Liberty overlook as well as picnic and play areas.

9. Liberty State Park, one of the best places to go in New Jersey

On the opposite end of the park, be sure to check out the Liberty Science Center . It was the first science museum in the state, and it currently has New Jersey’s largest planetarium. If you’re looking for what to do in New Jersey with kids or on a rainy day, this museum is a great option.

I also think that Liberty Park is a nice place in New Jersey to learn more about the nation’s history. There are several meaningful monuments and areas where you can reflect and have some quiet time. Stop by the U.S. Flag Plaza, Empty Sky 9/11 Memorial, and the Liberation monument dedicated to Holocaust victims.

10. Delaware Water Gap, the best place to hike in New Jersey

Don’t let the name confuse you. The Delaware Water Gap is an area where the Delaware River flows through the border between New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Here, there is a large ridge that cuts through the Appalachian Mountains, and this is the Delaware Water Gap Recreation Area, one of the most scenic places in NJ .

Covering 7,000 acres, this recreational spot is the perfect place in New Jersey to enjoy some outdoor fun. There are several lauded hiking trails in the region, as well as areas for camping, kayaking, and rock climbing.

Some of the popular hiking paths in the Delaware Water Gap include the Red Dot Trail and the Dunfield Creek Trail , which merges with the Appalachian Trail. The Red Dot Trail is a 3-mile loop that takes you to Mount Tammany , the southernmost peak of the Kittatinny Mountains. The Dunfield Creek Trail is longer, but less strenuous and ends at Sunfish Pond , a large glacial lake. This area is part of Worthington State Forest in northern New Jersey.

10. Delaware Water Gap, a beautiful place to go in New Jersey

Another landmark in the Delaware Water Gap is Buttermilk Falls, something you must see in New Jersey . At 200 feet, it’s the tallest waterfall in the state. Since it doesn’t require any hiking to see the falls, they can get quite crowded.

If you want a challenge, you can climb the steps next to the waterfall and take that trail to Crater Lake and Hemlock Pond . Or hike a quarter-mile north up Mountain Road and follow the eastern trail to see the hidden Silver Spray Falls .

11. Paterson Great Falls, something you can’t miss in New Jersey

Northern NJ has other impressive waterfalls, such as the Paterson Great Falls on the Passaic River. Towering 77 feet high and 260 feet wide, the falls are part of the Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park . This NJ attraction is also a National Natural Landmark.

You can watch the falls cascade over the basalt cliffs from Haines Overlook Park or Mary Ellen Kramer Park . Alternatively, you can cross the footbridge over the falls’ gorge for spectacular views of these falls formed during the last ice age.

11. Paterson Great Falls, another attraction in New Jersey

Nearby is the Garret Mountain Reservation , a major recreational hub for jogging, running, basketball, fishing, birdwatching, and horseback riding. It’s a cool place to go in NJ for all ages, and it offers respite from the more industrial areas of northern New Jersey.

I suggest stopping by Lambert Castle while you’re here. Constructed in 1892, the castle was the home of a silk mill owner named Catholina Lambert. The medieval-style building is now a museum complete with an art gallery and a 70-foot observation tower.

If you’re in this part of the state, you should spend a few hours exploring Garret Mountain and visiting the Paterson Great Falls. Also, if you’d like more time in nature, Rifle Camp Park isn’t far away and offers hiking trails, an observatory, and birdwatching areas.

12. Ringwood State Park, another hike to do in New Jersey

Close to the NJ-NY border, you’ll find Ringwood State Park . The park is part of the Ramapo Mountains and consists of 4,400 acres, including the New Jersey Botanical Gardens, Skylands and Ringwood Manors, and the Shepherd Lake Recreation Area .

Ringwood State Park is one of the many beautiful places in New Jersey ‘s northern region. The hiking trails in the park range from moderate to difficult and weave through the dense oak forests of the Ramapo Mountains.

The entrance to the botanical gardens sits conveniently across from the Ringwood State Park entrance. The free gardens are open year-round and cover 96 acres. There are different sections to explore, including lilac, rhododendron, wildflower, peony, and Italian gardens. There are also children’s areas and self-guided or volunteer-led tours available.

12. Visit Ringwood State Park, a fun thing to do in New Jersey

The gardens are part of the Skylands estate, where you’ll see the gorgeous Skylands Manor . Visiting this whimsical castle is one of the most romantic things to do in New Jersey , and the property happens to be a popular wedding venue. I also suggest touring Ringwood Manor, a National Historic Home boasting Federal, Italianate, Neo-Greco, architecture, and artistic collections.

Next to Ringwood State Park is the Ramapo Valley County Reservation , where you can hike, raft, or kayak. There are several waterways and a pretty waterfall, too. Another weekend activity in NJ is to visit the Highlands Natural Pool , a stream-fed swimming pool not far from there.

13. Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, one of the nicest views over New Jersey

The Edwin B. Forsythe Wildlife Refuge is a little-known attraction in South Jersey . This wetland area is a beautiful sanctuary for migrating birds. Its location along the Atlantic Flyway means that you have better chances of seeing rarer species like the piping plover and a variety of woodcocks and songbirds.

Founded in 1984, the refuge is dedicated to preserving tens of thousands of acres of New Jersey’s wetlands and coastal habitats. While the refuge is primarily focused on migratory birds, it is accessible year-round, so you may see different species of ducks, turtles, and butterflies depending on when you visit it.

If you’re a bird photographer, I highly recommend driving the Wildlife Drive for the best photo opportunities.

The refuge is another cool place in NJ to hike, particularly along the deCamp Wildlife Trail or the Cedar Bonnet Island Trail . The former is a 2.5-mile backwoods path sprinkled with wildflowers. The latter is shorter but offers nice views of Manahawkin Bay and Long Beach Island. A word to the wise is to hike during the autumn or spring to avoid swarms of horse flies.

The Edwin B. Forsythe Wildlife Refuge and the surrounding area is a good place to spend a couple of hours outdoors. If you are looking for things to do near New Jersey ‘s southern coast, check out this region.

14. Duke Farms, the most romantic thing to do in New Jersey

Duke Farms is a pleasant attraction in NJ that’s less than 45 minutes from Princeton. The farm was once the estate of James Duke, an American entrepreneur. After James Duke’s death, his environmentalist daughter inherited the estate. Today, Duke Farms is a stunning property focused on environmental stewardship and ecological sustainability.

About half of the property (1,000 acres) is open to the public for free. Spending a few hours here is a great thing to do in New Jersey with kids . There are several charming areas to explore, including the Hay Barn , the Tropical Orchid Garden , and the Coach Barn and clock tower.

14. Duke Farms, a romantic thing to do in New Jersey

Another gorgeous part of the farm is the Great Falls , a tiered waterfall near the Duke Reservoir . The waterfall and reservoir are manmade and fed from the nearby Raritan River. The falls are set to go off at certain times during the day, so ask the visitors center when the scheduled times are.

Among the farm’s 45 buildings and 7 manmade lakes, there are 18 miles of hiking and walking trails. This area is also perfect for birdwatching and wildlife photography. During the winter, visitors can go snowshoeing along the paths.

Be sure to stop by the educational center to hear more about the environmental mission of Duke Farms. Visiting this rural attraction is a fun thing to do in New Jersey for free , and you’ll probably learn something new, too.

15. Go to Six Flags Great Adventure, the best thing to do in New Jersey with kids

Six Flags Great Adventure is one of the top attractions in New Jersey . The amusement park is the 2nd largest theme park in the U.S., after Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and it’s the perfect day trip for families.

The amusement park has attractions for everyone, from gentle family rides to thrilling rollercoasters and extreme rides. There is also a kiddie area and several superhero-themed rides, like The Dark Knight Coaster.

Throughout the park’s themed sections, you can find other amusements such as concerts, entertainment shows, games, and interactive exhibits. Besides the amusement park, Six Flags has a waterpark, Hurricane Harbor , with 12 attractions including waterslides, a lazy river, a children’s play area, and a 1 million-gallon wave pool.

15. Six Flags Great Adventure, the best place to go in NJ with kids

The park is also a cool place to go in NJ during Halloween and Christmas. In October, the park hosts Fright Fest with live shows, walk-through haunted attractions, and trick-or-treating for kids. Holiday in the Park takes place in November and December and includes Christmas-themed festivities and a light show.

No matter what your thrill level, you’ll find fun things to do in NJ ‘s Six Flags theme park. It’s not the cheapest place, but you’ll spend all day there, so I think it’s worth it.

16. Ocean City, another popular beach in New Jersey

Ocean City , NJ is one of the most popular beaches in South Jersey, thanks to its family-friendly activities and atmosphere. Founded over 140 years ago, it’s a community full of tradition that has a welcoming small-town feel.

There are 8 miles of beaches where you can swim, surf, parasail, or lounge in the sun, and a 2.5-mile  boardwalk  full of classic Jersey shore fun, including food, games, amusements, and other activities. Its amusement pier is a big  attraction in NJ  with a variety of rides and one of the tallest  Ferris wheels  on the East Coast (141 ft). You can also visit the  OC Waterpark  or go for a round of minigolf, one of the most popular activities on the boardwalk.

16. Go to Ocean City, something to do in New Jersey in the summer

Nearly 40% of the land in Ocean City goes towards parks and recreational areas. Along with the beaches, there is  Stainton’s Wildlife Refuge, Corson’s Inlet State Park,  and  The Bayside Center,  a sort of rec center and educational facility where visitors can learn about the shore environment.

About 20 minutes north of Ocean City is the town of Margate. While not nearly as exciting, it has one of the oldest  New Jersey landmarks , a 65-foot roadside attraction named  Lucy the Elephant . She’s quite a legend, so I think a visit to her is worth the drive.

17. High Point State Park, the most stunning lookout in New Jersey

High Point State Park  is at the very tip of New Jersey and, as the name suggests, it’s the highest point in the state (1,800 ft). The park is part of the Kittatinny Mountains, which extend from the Appalachian Mountains. As you might expect, the park is one of the most  scenic places in NJ for hiking, backpacking, and camping.

The entire park covers over 15,000 acres, so there is plenty to explore. If you want to camp, I recommend the Sawmill Campground , which is surrounded by a gorgeous blue lake.

For an outdoorsy day trip, the  Cedar Swamp Trail  is a relaxing 1.5-mile loop around the  Dryden Kuser Natural Area , a boggy path known for its great birdwatching opportunities. Or you can hike a section of the Appalachian Trail that winds through High Point State Park for 18 miles.

17. High Point State Park, another free thing to do in NJ

At the park’s summit, you’ll find the  High Point Monument , a 220-foot-tall obelisk dedicated to war veterans. You can climb the 292 steps to the viewing platform, where you’ll be able to see the Catskills and Pocono Mountains.

There are other  things to do in North Jersey  that are near the park. The  Mountain Creek Resort  is just 5 minutes away. Its waterpark is open during the summer months, and in winter, it’s a fun ski resort. If you’re traveling during the summer, you should also check out the  Sussex County Sunflower Maze , which is just 15 minutes from there.

18. Reeves-Reed Arboretum, and other beautiful arboretums to visit in New Jersey

Reeves-Reed Arboretum is one of the most beautiful free places to visit in New Jersey . It’s open year-round, but depending on when you go, it might be hosting a summer or holiday event, or its annual fall celebration.

The grounds contain several specialty gardens, all decked out in a 20th-century Italianate style: ornate and symmetrical. A visit to the arboretum is one of the most  romantic things to do in New Jersey , and it’s no wonder this place is a popular wedding venue!

The  Historical Gardens  feature the classic rose and azaleas, as well as a rock garden with a pond and waterfall. There is also a  Contemporary Garden , a  Lilac Garden , the  Daffodil Bowl , and an  Herb Garden . As you walk around the landscaped grounds, you’ll pass by the Daylily Border and the Wildflower Trail.

18. Reeves-Reed Arboretum, a lovely attraction in New Jersey

Speaking of trails, I recommend taking a stroll along the arboretum’s  Woodlands Trails  for some easy hiking. Enjoy the exercise and the pleasant shade provided by a canopy of oak, maple, birch, ash, and hickory trees.

A stroll through a beautiful, manicured garden is an underrated  thing to do in New Jersey in the summer . If you’re craving more lovely gardens, there are three arboretums within 40 minutes of Reeves-Reed. The  Frelinghuysen Arboretum  is full of ornamental plants,  Willowwood  contains wild forests and tree collections, and  Laurelwood  features unique native plants among intriguing art installations.

19. Presby Memorial Iris Gardens, the best thing to do in New Jersey for couples

The  Presby Memorial Iris Gardens  is another  must-see in New Jersey ‘s northern region. The non-profit attraction not only specializes in irises but also history and environmental conservation.

The grounds are often called “The Rainbow on the Hill” for the splendid blooms that burst forth throughout the season. It’s one of the  most beautiful places in New Jersey , and it’s open to the public for free. Nearly 100 years old, they were named after a local horticulturist and founding member of the American Iris Society and are now maintained by volunteers.

Here, you’ll find over 14,000 irises of 3,000 or so varieties. The flowers create a stunning display of springtime blooms, about 100,000 in total. Even though the gardens make up just 6.5 acres, the colorful arrangement when they’re in bloom is gorgeous.

19. Presby Memorial Iris Gardens, the best thing in New Jersey for couples

Besides the irises, the gardens also serve as a living museum. The nearby  Walther House  was the former home of Fred and Barbara Walther, who helped to establish the gardens. The Victorian-style house is also open to the public and offers an inside look at the ground’s horticultural history.

The newest addition to the place is the PresBee Sanctuary, which supports 10 active beehives and over 100,000 honeybees.

The lovely iris gardens, with the magnificent Victorian house in the distance, is one of the most  scenic places in NJ.  I suggest stopping here if you’re in the area and have a couple of hours to spare.

20. Asbury Park, another interesting attraction in New Jersey

Asbury Park  is one of the most unique  New Jersey points of interest . In this coastal town, you will find a beach and boardwalk, but Asbury Park offers lots more, including arts, culture, dining, sports, and entertainment.

It’s a huge music community and has ties to several famous bands, including The Ramones, the E Street Band, and Bon Jovi. The town was also the home of the  New Jersey Music Hall of Fame  until 2018, when it moved to Rutherford, about an hour north.

Still, Asbury Park has plenty of live music venues such as The Wonder Bar, Paramount Theatre, The Saint, The Stone Pony, and  Springwood Park , an outdoor venue. I suggest stopping by  Asbury Lanes , a vintage bowling alley and bar, a hotspot for musical performances.

20. Asbury Park, an interesting place to go in New Jersey

Being a coastal town, Asbury Park has a beach and boardwalk, one of the most popular in the state. The boardwalk is known for its eclectic mix of flavors, from classic Jersey shore fare to contemporary-fusion cuisine. There is also the  Silver Ball Museum Arcade  and the  Asbury Splash Park , two popular  NJ attractions .

If you visit it at the start of the month, check out the  First Saturday  event. During this time, the downtown restaurants, shops, galleries, and boutiques stay open late, and you’ll find street entertainment and vendors. During the rest of the month, visitors are always welcome to explore the  Asbury Park Museum , the  Paranormal Museum , or the many breweries and cafes.

21. Red Mill Museum, a unique place to go in New Jersey

The  Red Mill Museum  is a cool  historical place in New Jersey . Situated in Northern NJ, the Red Mill was constructed around 1810 and operated primarily as a wool mill until 1834 when it was refitted to be a grist mill. It eventually became a graphite mill and then a talc mill until it was retired in 1928.

It’s quite a history, and the Red Mill is a relic of the local economy and milling industry. Today, it’s a multi-storied museum with over 40,000 agricultural and industrial artifacts. Most of the core exhibits relate to the history of the mill and the families who took charge of it.

21. Red Mill Museum, another interesting thing to do in New Jersey

Besides the Red Mill, there are other historic buildings and facilities on the grounds. Visitors can walk through the dynamite shed, stone crusher, blacksmith shop, lime kilns, and spring house to get a feel for how life was like back then. There is also a tenant house, a schoolhouse, a carriage shed, an herb garden, and a log cabin on the premises.

The Red Mill Museum also hosts concerts and seasonal events throughout the year, such as the Winter Village, workshops, and lectures. Its interactive children’s programs are a big hit with families, too. The staff and volunteers recently held a successful campaign to rally for community support and restore the mill’s old waterwheel. It’s safe to say the Red Mill will be a wonderful  New Jersey landmark  for years to come.

22. Manasquan Reservoir Visitor Center, the calmest place to go in New Jersey

The interesting name of Manasquan originates from the Lenape word for “place to gather grass or reeds”. While the city is industrialized now, it still holds on to some of its natural areas, including the  Manasquan Reservoir , a  beautiful place in NJ  for hiking and wildlife viewing.

This 1,200-acre park in central NJ is open year-round from dawn to dusk and includes a section of wetland where you can rent a kayak or canoe. Surrounding the waterway is a 5-mile walking/jogging trail that is quite easy and suitable for mountain bikes.

The Cove Trail is a scenic 1-mile nature walk around the  Environmental Center , where you’ll find interactive displays and exhibits about wildlife conservation and wetlands ecology. The free facility is oriented towards kids, so if you’re traveling with family, it’s the perfect stop.

22. Manasquan Reservoir, a calm place to go in New Jersey

The  Visitors Center  is where you’ll find the boat rentals, as well as restrooms, sitting areas, and a second-floor observation deck. The center is also the departure point for seasonal boat tours. These 45-minute reservoir tours include a guided narration by Park System naturalists. Most people end up seeing turtles, egrets, herons, and ospreys during their tours. In some instances, you may spot a bald eagle.

If you visit during the winter, you can ice skate or ice-boat in the reservoir. The Environmental and Visitors Centers will also be open. It’s a great  Jersey thing to do  in the winter, especially with children.

23. Visit Thomas Edison National Historic Park, something to do in New Jersey if it rains

Thomas Edison National Historic Park is one of the  coolest places to go in NJ  for a bad weather day.

The park is actually two separate sites: the  Edison Laboratories complex  and  Edison’s former home in Llewellyn Park , just a half-mile away. Both are well worth a visit!

Thomas Edison built the lab in 1887 to support his research. It’s part of a larger complex of a dozen buildings including a library, chemistry, metallurgy, and physics labs, a photo studio, a machine shop, and Edison’s office. It was Thomas Edison’s largest lab complex, so it’s an  attraction in NJ  you don’t want to miss!

23. Thomas Edison National Historic Park, a place to go in New Jersey if it rains

You can also visit the Glenmont Estate  in Llewellyn Park, a Queen Anne style home built in the 1880s and the former home of Thomas Edison. The mansion has 29 rooms and amenities that we now consider modern, like indoor flush toilets, a water heater system, and electrical wiring. The residential grounds feature native and exotic plants and trees and a greenhouse.

This  New Jersey landmark is absolutely gorgeous on the outside, and the interior boasts Victorian furniture and includes stained glass windows and hand-painted ceilings. Thomas Edison’s burial site is right behind the house, next to his second wife, Mina.

If you can’t get enough of Edison, you can travel 40 minutes south to  Menlo Park , where you’ll find the laboratory he built in 1876.

24. Hacklebarney State Park, a breathtaking place to visit in New Jersey

Visiting Hacklebarney State Park  is one of the best  free things to do in New Jersey , especially if you love the outdoors!

This 978-acre park is cut by the  Black River , creating two brooks where you can find huge boulders along the riverbank. The magnificent geology of this park creates a few lovely waterfalls too, which you can find along the hiking paths.

Throughout your hike, you’ll come across tons of critters. The park has over 100 species of flora and fauna, including black bears, woodchucks, foxes, rainbow trout, American ginseng, leatherwood, and Virginia pennywort. A few of the trails end at a pond as well as a picnic area and playground. The entire natural scene makes it one of the  most beautiful places in New Jersey .

24. Hacklebarney State Park, a gorgeous place to visit in New Jersey

The park is especially stunning in autumn when the leaves change color. Plus, you can go to the  Hacklebarney Farm Cider Mill  across from the park and enjoy the fall festivities. The farm is family owned and operated and is a  fun thing to do in NJ  with your partner or friends. Explore the corn maze or treat yourself to a cider donut or warm apple cider.

Five minutes north of the state park is the  Black River County Park , a glacial valley where you’ll also find the Willowwood Arboretum and the Nathan Cooper Gristmill.

25. Walk around The Palisades, another great activity to do in New Jersey

The  Palisades Interstate Park  is made up of the cliffs of the  Hudson River ‘s west bank and hovers on the border of New Jersey and New York, across from Manhattan Island .

The New Jersey portion of the Interstate Park is about 12 miles long and has plenty of picnic areas and overlooks. A few that stand out are Rockefeller Lookout  (400 feet elevation), the  Alpine Lookout  (430 feet), and the  State Line Lookout  (520 feet).

25. The Palisades, a great thing to do in New Jersey

Two of the most popular hikes in the area are  Long Path, which starts at Fort Lee Historic Park and goes north past Allison Park and the Rockefeller Lookout, and  Shore Trail , which has the same starting point but goes south past the Alpine Picnic Area and the Kearney House, a historic 19th-century homestead and tavern.

Greenbrook Sanctuary is another interesting place to visit in New Jersey if you want to do some birdwatching during the migratory season.

Finally, the  Palisades Scenic Byway  allows you to drive over cliffs, through forests, and along the Hudson River, and it’s considered one of the  most beautiful places in New Jersey .

26. Newark Museum of Art, one of the best museums in New Jersey

During the cold Mid-Atlantic winters, consider a trip to the  Newark Museum of Art , the largest museum in New Jersey, and a cool free thing to do in NJ.

Despite its size, the museum is an intimate space where you can explore dozens of galleries and artworks from all around the world. The museum’s most famous works are in the  Tibetan art galleries  and include a Buddhist altar consecrated by the Dalai Lama.

The museum also includes an extensive natural sciences facility, including the  Dreyfuss Planetarium  and the  Victoria Hall of Science . I also recommend the  MakerSPACE  interactive area, a fun  thing to do in New Jersey with kids .

Outside, be sure to stop by the  Alice Ransom Dreyfuss Memorial Garden , which hosts cultural and artistic performances throughout the year. The gardens are full of sculptures as well as a one-room schoolhouse from 1784. The 27-room  Ballantine House  is also part of the museum. The restored Victorian home features several art galleries and eight specific rooms that reflect different historical eras.

Not far from there is Branch Brook Park , another  cool thing to see in New Jersey . The park is known for its cherry blossoms, and there are over 5,000 blooms and 18 varieties. A cherry blossom festival takes place there every April.

27. Grounds for Sculpture, another attraction to visit in New Jersey

Grounds for Sculpture  is another  fun thing to do in NJ . Just 20 minutes from Princeton, this sculpture park and garden is one of the most unique attractions you’ll see in New Jersey.

There are over 400 works, including more than 270 sculptures, most of which are larger than life. The museum’s founder is a sculptor, so several of his works are at GFS. Other sculptures are commissions by local and international artists.

Along with the sculpture grounds, there are six indoor art galleries full of smaller works and art installations. GFS is a playground for artistic people, but anyone of any age will enjoy walking around the grounds. You really feel like you’re part of the art! I also think this is one of the best  attractions in NJ  for cool photo opportunities.

27. Grounds for Sculpture, an awesome attraction in New Jersey

I also recommend eating at the museum’s  Rat Restaurant if you can. It was designed by GFS’s founder and was heavily inspired by the Impressionist painter Claude Monet. If you’re familiar with Monet’s famous  Water Lilies  series, you’ll recognize the atmosphere of Rat Restaurant; it’s like you’re dining among those water lilies.

The restaurant has a charming pond with a small waterfall as well as fireplaces, an aquamarine footbridge, and weeping willows. Dining on rustic French cuisine al fresco is definitely one of the most  romantic things to do in New Jersey .

28. Jenny Jump State Forest, a lovely place to visit in New Jersey

Another  place to visit in NJ ‘s northern region is  Jenny Jump State Forest . It sits atop the  Jenny Jump Mountain at an elevation of over 1,110 feet. The mount is part of the New York-New Jersey Highlands, which is part of the Appalachian Mountains. However, Jenny Jump is more isolated and to the west.

You’ll still get great views from the state forest, particularly glacial boulders, outcroppings, and miles of rolling tree-filled hills. You can also spend hours hiking around the forest. There are seven official trails, and most of them start at the same point, a campground at the northern end.

28. Jenny Jump State Forest, a relaxing place to go in New Jersey

The paths range from easy to moderate, and most are about a mile long. The longest is the  Jenny Jump Trail , which is 8.5 miles and travels along the mountain ridges to a scenic lake.

The  Greenwood Observatory  is another  thing to see in this New Jersey  state forest. The United Astronomy Clubs of NJ leased the property and built the observatory, which now offers public programs every Saturday night from April to October.

If you’re in the area during this time, I highly recommend checking it out! Jenny Jump has some of the darkest skies in the state, so it’s perfect for Milky Way photography . You can even camp out under the stars at this  beautiful place in New Jersey .

29. The Sterling Hill Mining Museum, a place you can’t miss in New Jersey

Another interesting  tourist place in Northern New Jersey  is the  Sterling Hill Mine & Museum of Fluorescence . As you might guess, you can find fluorescent minerals here, so it’s a cool place to visit if you have the time.

Sterling Hill was an iron and zinc mine, and the last working underground mine in the state. It closed in 1986 and became a museum a few years later. What makes it such a popular mine is the luminescent ore, which is hard to find elsewhere.

A visit to the mine is a fun  weekend activity in NJ , especially with kids. The tour starts in the museum’s exhibition hall, where you’ll learn about the different minerals inside the mine. Then, you’ll walk 1,300 feet underground through the mine, including an amazing section called the “Rainbow Tunnel”.

29. Sterling Hill Mining Museum, a can’t-miss attraction in New Jersey

As you walk through the tunnel, you’ll be surrounded by glowing zinc ore in bright colors. The museum uses shortwave UV light to show off the dazzling minerals, and the tour guide will explain which mineral correspond to each color.

Besides the mine tour, be sure to check out the  Ellis Astronomical Observatory  on the museum grounds. The observatory has a huge 20-inch reflector telescope and a hydrogen-alpha telescope that lets you look at the sun. However, if you want to enter the observatory, you must schedule a reservation in advance.

30. Union City, the best place to enjoy the Manhattan skyline from NJ

Union City is the 2nd-most densely populated city in the U.S. and has a rich history of German and Cuban immigrants. It’s even nicknamed “Little Havana on the Hudson” because of this.

Besides, it’s one of the top  places in New Jersey  for culture and sightseeing. Some of the most popular sites here include the  September 11th Memorial in Echo Lake Park, the Museum of Art, and the Museum of History .

The city is minutes from two other exciting towns: Hoboken and Weehawken, where you can get the most beautiful views of the Manhattan Skyline .

30. Union City, a cool place to go in New Jersey

In Hoboken , check out Frank Sinatra Park , named for the famous singer who was born here. There, I recommend taking a stroll along the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway for stunning views. In Weehawken, one of the most scenic places is Hamilton Park .

However, if you want to see Manhattan from the air, I recommend this  helicopter tour , one of the most spectacular  things to do in New Jersey .

And these are the top attractions in NJ that I recommend! Are you ready to start planning your trip or weekend getaway? Just check out this map of the  best places to go in New Jersey in case you don’t know where to start.

It’s easy to think this small state is boring, but as you now know, there are plenty of  cool things to do in New Jersey , so shoot me a message below if you still have any questions!

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10 Best Places to Visit in New Jersey

New Jersey isn’t just an industrialized state or bedroom community for New York City . It is historic, being one of the original 13 colonies and home to several Revolutionary War battles. New Jersey also boasts miles and miles of Atlantic Ocean beaches, making it a popular summer getaway.

Known as the “Jersey Shore” the area is well known for its many boardwalks, arcades, water parks, and amusement parks. It’s a popular summer destination for New Jerseyans, New Yorkers, and Pennsylvanians. An overview of the best places to visit in New Jersey :

10. Jersey City [SEE MAP]

With a population of 247,000 people, Jersey City is the second largest city in the state. Located within the New York metropolitan area, Jersey City has lots of things for visitors to see and do. One of the top attractions is the 9/11 Memorial located at Liberty State Park.

The park also has the shortest lines to visit the Statue of Liberty and provides stunning views of the New York City skyline. Other top sites include the Liberty Science Center and the Pole Position Raceway for go-karting.

9. Spring Lake [SEE MAP]

Spring Lake might be a misnomer as it’s located on the Atlantic Ocean. But wait! There’s a lake in the center of town, to complement the beaches on the shore. To the delight of fishermen, the lake is stocked with trout.

The city also offers seven tennis courts and two beachside pools as well as shopping in a quaint village. Summer guests can bicycle around the city. The city says its boardwalk is the longest, uninterrupted non-commercial boardwalk in New Jersey. A special pass is required to access the two miles of beach.

8. Hoboken [SEE MAP]

While travelers may flock to other New Jersey cities for the beaches, they come to Hoboken to see the brownstone buildings and to eat. Located across the Hudson River from Lower Manhattan, Hoboken is the place to go when visitors are seeking ethnic foods, ranging from Mexican to Italian to Indian.

It’s also a walk able city from the downtown and the waterfront. Pier C Park is aimed at children, but older visitors will enjoy the spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline. Also winning high marks is the Historical Museum, housed in an old steel plant.

7. Six Flags Great Adventure [SEE MAP]

Six Flags Great Adventure, located in Jackson, New Jersey, is the largest theme park in the New York City area. Visitors can ride a Ferris wheel that reaches 150 feet into the sky or ride a roller coaster that rounds the tracks at 22 mph.

Visitors who need a break from rides can try the parachute training center or take a bus through the Safari Off Road Adventure to see 1,200 wild animals. They can also take a magic tour a la the famous magician Harry Houdini or take a cable car ride over the park.

6. Cape May [SEE MAP]

Cape May is a city located at the southern end of the Cape May peninsula. It is the place where Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean. The city has a harbor filled with commercial boats that fish in the Atlantic, and celebrates its heritage with a Harbor Fest in June.

A memorial to fishermen killed at sea overlooks the harbor. It bills itself as the “nation’s oldest seashore resort.” Because of its many Victorian buildings, the city is a National Historic District.

5. Wildwood [SEE MAP]

Wildwood, also located in Cape May County, is primarily a holiday town whose population swells in the summer months with holidaymakers coming mainly from New York and Philadelphia . From beaches to boardwalks to amusement parks with roller coaster and Ferris wheel rides, Wildwood offers many things to do for visitors of all ages. While these activities cater to younger visitors, the older generation may enjoy reliving the 1950s as The Doo Wop Preservation League Museum.

4. Princeton [SEE MAP]

Princeton is best known for Princeton University, a college that was established in 1756, But there’s more to this town of 29,000 people than that. The town serves as the governor’s official residence, Drumthwacket, even though the state capital is in Trenton.

Home to several Fortune 500 companies, Princeton offers numerous tourist attractions, including the house where Albert Einstein lived and the Washington Oak, so named because the tree was alive in 1787 when the U.S. Constitution was signed. Hoagie fans will want to visit Hoagie Heaven, a notable Princeton eatery famous for its sub sandwiches.

3. Delaware Water Gap [SEE MAP]

For a truly outdoors experience away from the hustle and bustle of urban life, head to the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. This is a 40-mile (65 km) stretch of the Delaware River running through New Jersey and Pennsylvania . This section of the river is a Wild and Scenic River, with a myriad of activities, from hiking the Appalachian Trail and fishing to canoeing, hiking and horseback riding. It’s a great place to cross-country ski in the winter. The area is administered by the National Park Service.

2. Ocean City [SEE MAP]

Ocean City is a popular family resort in southern New Jersey’s Cape May. It’s so popular, in fact, that this city of less than 12,000 people attracts more than a million visitors a year. The boardwalk, at 2.5 miles (1.5 km) long, is home to a couple of amusement parks offering thrilling roller coaster rides. Ocean City has eight miles of pristine beaches that are considered some of the best in New Jersey; visitors need beach tags to access the beaches in the summer months.

1. Atlantic City [SEE MAP]

The most popular place to visit in New Jersey, Atlantic City is known for its gambling casinos and as the home of the Miss America pageant. Top waterfront attractions in the city include the famous wood-plank Boardwalk and Gardner’s Basin.

This area offers waterfront dining, shopping, fishing, dolphin sighting cruises and the Atlantic City Aquarium; best of all, parking is free here. New Jersey’s tallest lighthouse, Absecon, is located at Pacific and Rhode Island avenues.

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19 Best Things to Do in New Jersey

Written by Shandley McMurray and Lura Seavey Jul 21, 2022 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

New Jersey may be small (it is the 4th smallest of America's states), but it's a real crowd pleaser. Packed with exciting things to do, the Garden State is a picturesque wonderland bursting with lush parks, deep forests, rushing waterfalls, and its number one attraction: pristine beaches , which line over 140 miles of the Jersey Shore.

Easily reached from New York, Delaware, and Pennsylvania, New Jersey offers visitors a flurry of events to enjoy while on holiday, especially during summer. Speaking of summer, this is when the state comes alive with fun activities like surfing, swimming, kayaking, and seeking out thrills in amusement parks. Hikers and outdoor enthusiasts will find numerous parks and peaceful escapes, and the ocean is just the beginning for water bugs, thanks to New Jersey's beautiful lakes and waterfalls.

When visitors aren't splaying on the soft sand in July or hiding from winter's cold in a museum, they can choose from a bevy of interesting tourist attractions . From walking the Atlantic City Boardwalk to eating fudge in Ocean City to crossing a rope suspension bridge over a tank of sharks at Adventure Aquarium in Camden, you won't be bored in New Jersey.

To help plan your first adventure in this pretty state, read our list of the best things to do in New Jersey.

1. Step Back in Time in the Cape May Historic District

2. board the ferry for ellis island from liberty state park, 3. take in the sights and sounds of atlantic city's boardwalk, 4. shop & grab an ice cream at palmer square in princeton, 5. ride the ferris wheel at ocean city boardwalk, 6. traverse the sharks at adventure aquarium, 7. learn to surf at sea isle city beaches, 8. ride a coaster at six flags great adventure, 9. feel the spray from paterson great falls national historic park, 10. visit the liberty science center, 11. fish off the pier at avalon beach, 12. tour the lab at thomas edison national historical park, 13. see princeton battlefield state park, 14. treat your sweetheart to a romantic getaway, 15. climb through the trees at turtle back zoo, 16. discover new jersey's lakes, 17. take a whale-watching cruise, 18. hide away at crystal springs, 19. go "wild" at morey's piers, map of things to do in new jersey.

While Cape May is best known for its soft, sandy beaches, this iconic small town overflows with charm and the refreshing scent of a salty sea breeze. Whether you choose to dine al fresco at its top restaurants, shop in the eclectic boutiques, or dig your toes into the sand, you're in for a treat.

The entire town is a registered National Historic Landmark , with its 600 Victorian houses enticing visitors to not only snap hundreds of photos, but to dream about sipping a coffee on their dramatic front porches.

The town's top things to do lie within a 30-block radius in the downtown core. Known as the Cape May Historic District, this is where you'll find charming B&Bs and the Stockton Row Cottages .

There's no quieter way to see New York City than from the water. A calm ride on the Liberty Landing Ferry will take visitors from Liberty State Park to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty with no traffic in sight. Along the way, guests are wowed by close-up views of Lady Liberty, as well as panoramic vistas of the Manhattan skyline.

Before you board the ferry, be sure to spend time in Liberty State Park. And by time, we mean at least half a day. A natural oasis set in the heart of urban New Jersey, this park boasts a two-mile promenade along the Hudson River that's perfect for walking, jogging, or biking.

This is also where you'll find the "Empty Sky" 9/11 Memorial and the Historic Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal .

Location: Ferries depart from the boat dock behind the Liberty House Restaurant (76 Audrey Zapp Drive), Jersey City, NJ

Official site: https://www.libertylandingcityferry.com/

Those searching for a quiet getaway may want to look somewhere other than Atlantic City. Known as "Las Vegas of the East," this popular New Jersey city is packed with entertainment and fun things to do at all times of the day and night. For those who like to be entertained, you'll find nirvana here.

With so much on offer, this is one of the best seaside resorts on the east coast of the United States. Much of the action takes place on Atlantic City's star attraction –its Boardwalk. This is where visitors can sample a variety of cuisines, try their luck in the arcade, or shop for tchotchkes. Parades take place here year-round.

The first and longest boardwalk in the world, this wooden wonder dates to 1870 and runs five miles along the beach. If you're not up for walking that far, no worries. Visitors can hop on the electric tram or be pushed in a Rolling Chair. Bikes can be rented nearby and used on the boardwalk between 6am and 10am.

Sometimes shopping can be taxing (and we're not just talking about the check). All those steps you must take from one store to the next, laden with bags overflowing with items you couldn't resist. Luckily, Princeton's adorable Palmer Square takes the stress out of retail therapy.

At this palatable square lined by Colonial-Revival-style buildings from the 1930s, visitors can easily get from one shop to the next in just a few steps. And when their feet have had enough, they can rest on one of the central benches with a homemade ice-cream cone in one hand. Bent Spoon is the best place to get a scoop, but be prepared to stand in line on a warm and sunny day.

Spread a blanket on the Green to enjoy everything from art exhibits to concerts to movie nights, and be sure to come hungry, as there are lots of tasty restaurants nearby. The historic Nassau Inn is especially convenient for those who'd rather drop their newfound treasures in their room instead of carting them around to the town's best attractions .

Address: Palmer Square, between Hulfish Street and Nassau Street, Princeton, New Jersey

Official site: https://www.palmersquare.com/

Ocean City is the perfect place to visit for a family beach vacation. At this dry town, you won't be faced with rowdy revelers roaming the city's most popular attraction, it's iconic boardwalk.

This is where you'll find the most action in Ocean City. From the Ferris wheel at Gillian's Wonderland Pier to mini golf at Congo Falls Adventure Golf to roller coasters at Playland's Castaway Cove , endless thrills await visitors to this two-mile path.

Then there's the food. Kohr Brothers has been serving the tastiest Frozen Custard since 1919, Fralinger's offers the best fudge and saltwater taffy, and Manco & Manco Pizza has been serving drool-worthy 'za since 1956.

Enjoy a peaceful sleep at the Scarborough Inn , the area's oldest and most charming hotel. The ambience will set you at ease from the moment you enter through the historic porch, and the friendly staff will make you feel at home immediately.

It's easy to see why Adventure Aquarium has ranked among the top 10 aquariums in the States. Not only is it home to more than 15,000 aquatic animals, but this expansive venue boasts interactive exhibits, touch tanks, and creatures you won't find at other area aquariums, like two massive Nile hippos.

Shark lovers should schedule extra time to explore this family-friendly attraction. The 40-foot shark tunnel puts you in the middle of the action, while traversing Shark Bridge is not for the faint of heart. At 81 feet, this is the longest V-shaped rope suspension bridge in the world. The brave souls who cross it will hover mere inches above the Shark Realm .

Other fun activities on offer include touching stingrays in Stingray Beach Club , ogling the world's smallest penguins, and coming face to claw with a blue American lobster.

Address: 1 Riverside Drive, Camden, New Jersey

Official site: https://www.adventureaquarium.com/

While New Jersey might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think about surfing, Sea Isle City's beaches are the perfect spot to learn to hang 10. While the surf here is optimal for newbies, it can give seasoned pros a good workout as well.

Surfing is permitted at Sea Isle City's Beaches at 26 th , 37 th , 42 nd , 48 th , 53 rd , 63 rd , 74 th , and 82 nd streets. A word of warning: these beaches are not guarded, even during the summer, so you'll be surfing at your own risk.

Insider's Tip: The area between 37 th and 42 nd streets is known to boast some of the best waves on this barrier island. Thanks to the rock jetties in this area, the northeast swells can get pretty gnarly in this locale.

Not into surfing? No worries. There are plenty of other fun things to do at Sea Isle City's beaches, including, swimming, sailing, kayaking, fishing, sandcastle building, and lying on the sand. Rent a bike to explore the beachfront promenade, play a game of pickup volleyball, or try your luck at kiteboarding (at 14 th and 16 th street beaches only).

Nothing screams vacation like a trip to an amusement park–literally. When that amusement park is Six Flags Great Adventure, you're in for thrills galore. One of the most fun attractions in New Jersey, Six Flags offers excitement for kids and adults of all ages.

As one of the largest theme parks in the world , you can expect enough rides to keep you busy for hours or, better yet, days. In addition to small, family-friendly rides, like a carousel and mini coaster, the park boasts hard-core thrills like Superman: Ultimate Flight , which takes brave guests on a ride so fast and crazy, they'll beg to do it again and again.

Those who'd rather keep things low-key will enjoy exploring the 1,200 animals in a 350-acre preserve on the Wild Safari Drive-Thru Adventure . Or stroll through the Wild Walkway to see cheetahs and sea lions up close. With plenty of eateries on-site, you won't go hungry. That said, it's probably best to eat after you've done the inverted rides!

Address: 1 Six Flags Blvd, Jackson, New Jersey

Official site: https://www.sixflags.com/greatadventure

Bet you can't guess what Paterson Great Falls National Historic Park is best known for. Yep, it's a giant, spectacular waterfall. Sometimes referred to as Passaic Falls, this thunderous cascade is second only to Niagara Falls in terms of volume (on the east side of the Mississippi, that is).

It's impossible to miss Paterson Great Falls. First, they're loud! It's hard to be quiet when you have so much water rushing over the edge of the Passaic River . Second, they're the centerpiece of the town. In fact, Paterson was built around the falls and the town's industry – including multiple mills – was based on the sheer power provided by this natural wonder.

At 260 feet wide and 77 feet high, these falls are captivating. Not surprisingly, they top the list of the best waterfalls in New Jersey .

Official site: https://www.nps.gov/pagr/index.htm

You'll want to schedule at least three hours to spend at Liberty Science Center. This massive 300,000-square-foot learning center is packed with interactive exhibits, a collection of live animals, giant aquariums, and a 3D theater, just to name a few of its impressive attributes.

A one-stop-shop for fun, it's not shocking that so many families choose to stay all day (or all night with the Camp Ins at LSC program). Minecraft: The Exhibition is a beloved section where kids can come face to block with life-sized characters from the game. Little ones up to age five can learn about balance and motion in Wobbly World , and everyone's welcome to unleash their inner paleontologist in the Dino Dig Adventure .

Don't let hunger interrupt your fun–the Cosmic Café is a modern food hall featuring tons of hot and cold food to placate even the pickiest of eaters.

Address: Liberty State Park, 222 Jersey City Boulevard, Jersey City, New Jersey

Official site: https://lsc.org/

Often referred to as "cooler by a mile," Avalon Beach is one of the best family-friendly beaches in New Jersey. This pretty, white sandy beach stretches through two New Jersey boroughs – Avalon and Stone Harbor – and is a perfect place to spend an active day by the Jersey Shore.

Little ones can frolic in the waves under the supervision of the Avalon Beach Patrol during summer, and families can wander along the boardwalk or the Avalon Dunes and Beach Trail. Surfers can ride the waves at the 30 th and 63 rd street beaches, or on either side of the beach at 12 th street.

The Avalon Fishing Pier is a hit with anglers of all ages and abilities. It juts into the ocean at 29 th street, welcoming visitors to try their luck at catching a big one. Another perk that sets this beach apart: it stretches one mile farther into the water than other New Jersey beach resort towns.

Thomas Edison National Historical Park is a must-see venue for science lovers and anyone else interested in the process of inventing life-changing creations like the electric light system, motion pictures, and the phonograph.

Edison had three laboratories in New Jersey: one in Newark, one in Menlo Park, and the lab on display at this park in West Orange.

The Thomas Edison National Historical Park consists of four main areas: the Visitor Center , where you can watch an orientation film and visit the museum store; the Main Laboratory Building , which includes Thomas Edison's library, music room, and machine shops; the Glenmont Greenhouse , which boasts exotic plants favored by the Edison family; and the Glenmont Garage , where guests can see Edison's historic vehicles.

The Thomas Edison Laboratory Complex on Glenmont Grounds is open Fridays through Sundays from 10am to 4pm. The Glenmont Estate is open to visitors as of early summer 2022.

Address: 211 Main Street, West Orange, New Jersey

Official site: https://www.nps.gov/edis/index.htm

Princeton Battlefield State Park is famed for its role in the victory of George Washington's troops over the British during the American Revolution. The field battle fought here on January 3, 1777 is renowned across the country and memorialized throughout Princeton.

A visit to this park allows travelers to retrace Washington's steps during the Battle of Princeton and peek into life during the Revolution with a tour of the Thomas Clarke House . Once used as a hospital to treat troops on both sides of the war, this historic home is worthy of a tour.

Search the field for the remnants of the Mercer Oak, which stood stoically during the 1777 battle. All that's left is its stump, but a younger oak grows right beside, an offspring of the Mercer Oak, grown from one of its acorns in 1981.

Address: 500 Mercer Road, Princeton, New Jersey

Official site: https://nj.gov/dep/parksandforests/parks/princetonbattlefieldstatepark.html

For couples who want to have a unique and special romantic getaway, The Southern Mansion in Historic Cape May is New Jersey's best place to go.

This fully-restored Victorian mansion was built in the mid-19 th century, and today is home to luxurious period-furnished rooms and suites that offer the charm of the past while delivering all the modern amenities, including spacious private baths.

Guests can enjoy a complimentary full breakfast and on-site parking, and are also welcome to borrow beach chairs and towels. For the best sunsets, be sure to head to the far end of the beach where a wide swath of sand faces west.

The B&B is also adults only , especially important for couples who need a little time away from the kids.

If you have kids in tow, head to Turtle Back Zoo. One of the best zoos in New Jersey, this Essex County gem is a beloved spot to introduce little ones to wildlife.

The zoo first opened in June of 1963 and is set on over 15 acres in the South Mountain Reservation . It is home to more than 200 species from across the globe and features 10 regional exhibits with creatures originating everywhere from Africa to Australia to right here in New Jersey. In all, you might spy 800 animals!

Whether your kid is an alligator lover, a sea turtle fan, or a wallaby wannabe, they'll love spending a day at this fun zoo.

When you're in need of a break, sign the kids up for a pony ride, grab a bite at the café, or take a turn on the treetop adventure course. There's also a prehistoric playground and petting zoo to keep children entertained.

Address: 560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, New Jersey

Official site: https://turtlebackzoo.com/

A day on the water can be incredibly restorative, and those who aren't up for the hassle of beach parking and crowded boardwalks have plenty of options. New Jersey is home to many lakes , large and small, that offer cool swimming beaches and opportunities to kayak, canoe, and paddleboat.

Those looking for more excitement will find several motorized boats for group fishing outings and sports like water-skiing.

Located only 40 miles from New York City, Lake Hopatcong is the central feature in the state park of the same name. All along its 45-mile shore, visitors will find beaches, parks, restaurants, and recreational facilities.

Lake Carnegie , a man-made reservoir named for its wealthy benefactor, who was determined to create a suitable place for the Ivy-League crew team to practice, is located in Princeton . Although swimming is not allowed, catch-and-release fishing is welcome.

Another excellent man-made lake for fishing is Deal Lake , located close to Asbury Park Beach .

When visiting New Jersey's Coastal region, a whale-watching cruise is a fun thing to do, especially on a hot summer day.

The best time to visit for maximum whale-spotting is in late spring during May and June as the whales migrate north, and again in the late autumn as they head back to the warm waters of the Caribbean.

Tourists are most likely to spot humpback, minke, and fin whales.

For those visiting during the height of summer, there is plenty of other ocean life to observe, especially the playful bottlenose dolphins. Other dolphin varieties also frequent the Jersey shore, including short-beaked dolphins and striped varieties.

A stay at Crystal Springs Resort in Hamburg is the best way to leave the worries of everyday life behind. Far from the Jersey shore and the big cities, the resort is an oasis tucked beside the Appalachian Mountains in northwestern New Jersey.

At this full-service property, guests have full access to the grounds, which offer a wide variety of recreational opportunities. Guests can enjoy the beach or go kayaking and canoeing on the private lake, or hop on a horse to explore the territory. There are also miles of hiking and walking trails, with naturalist guides available for tours.

The property also offers many sporting opportunities, from solitary pursuits like archery to tennis and racquetball. The resort also has an excellent private golf course as well as a putting green, and there are three separate pool areas that include the Vista 180° Pool, the activity-filled Mineral Pool Complex, and the tropical Biosphere Pool.

There are plenty of organized kids activities at the resort that give the grown-ups respite, including the Circus Ninja Warrior program for ages 4 to 12.

Read More: Top-Rated Weekend Getaways in New Jersey

Morey's Piers has earned its spot as a New Jersey institution, emerging in 1968 as a modest attraction on the Boardwalk on the beach in Wildwood . It has quickly grown into a massive and incredibly popular amusement park that offers excitement for all ages, from gentle kiddie rides to thrilling roller coasters.

The park is so large that it occupies three piers, and it includes several water parks that are perfect for families. Morey's Piers also hosts numerous special events and festivals throughout the summer season, and there are multiple admission options to help visitors get the most for their money.

Address: 3501 Boardwalk, Wildwood, New Jersey

Official site: www.moreyspiers.com

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30 Top Things to Do in New Jersey

Our roundup of beach towns, historic sites and top attractions is sure to inspire love for the small but mighty Garden State.

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Soaking up beautiful beach views, touring an Ivy League University and exploring one of the world's largest spoon collections are just a few of the many things to do in New Jersey.

What do Meryl Streep, Judy Blume and Danny DeVito all have in common? How about "Ms. Marvel," "Indiana Jones" and "The Sopranos"? Maybe that last one gave it away, but it's hailing from the state of New Jersey. Often overshadowed by nearby New York City or Philadelphia , New Jersey is the fourth-smallest state in the U.S., but has so much to offer, from the southern Pinelands and coastal nature preserves to the boardwalks along the shore or the bustling city life of North Jersey. The late chef and author Anthony Bourdain once proclaimed, "To know Jersey is to love her," and people know the state has a lot to offer; it's the most densely populated in the country. Even with so many positive attributes, New Jersey is often misunderstood.

Beyond the industrial scenery of the turnpike, New Jersey invites you to wander the streets of Frank Sinatra's home turf one day and explore a working farm the next. You can visit the site where seven Nobel prize winners changed the course of telecommunication to do a little yoga or sip a Negroni. Ethnically diverse, Jersey boasts some of the best pizza and Portuguese food in the country. And whether you're exploring a world-class museum or skiing in a massive indoor mall, you can always end the day at one of New Jersey's famous diners. From historic sites to the world's tallest roller coaster, here are the top things to see and do in the state.

Greetings from Asbury Park

A seaside resort destination in the '20s – not dissimilar from Atlantic City – Asbury Park gained further notoriety in 1973 with the debut album "Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J." by young singer-songwriter Bruce Springsteen. In the decades since, Asbury has regained its welcoming appeal and solidified its motto of being "Where Music Lives." While many clubs have been demolished or transformed, The Stone Pony remains a major music venue attracting headlining acts to its annual Summer Stage events. Nearby is the Silverball Museum, which is a retro arcade that will entertain and amaze you with vintage pinball machine play all day for $20. There is also mini-golf and a classic boardwalk lemonade stand alongside Mogo's Korean Fusion Tacos and Coney Waffle's sugar coma-inducing ice cream and milkshakes. Don't miss the must-photograph Wooden Walls murals along either ends of the boardwalk and throughout the town.

Beyond the boardwalk, Asbury hosts a bourgeoning restaurant and bar scene, from British to Creole. The shops, antique emporiums and art galleries are well worth an afternoon along Cookman Avenue. For something different, book a ghost tour with Paranormal Books and Curiosities.

Read: The Top Romantic Getaways in New Jersey

Cape May , also known as Exit 0 by locals (its exit number at the end of the Garden State Parkway), is a Victorian-style coastal gem, but also much more than meets the eye. A hoppin' brewery scene (no pun intended) is complemented by wineries and the Nauti Spirits Distillery. It would be batty to not consider brunch at the Mad Batter Restaurant & Bar in the stunning Carroll Villa Hotel, and equally as baffling to not watch the sunset over the beach with the Cape May Lighthouse in the background. You might even consider a sunset cruise to take in the views. The rainbow of Victorian hotels , cottages and mansions are prim, but the nature is wild; a quick visit to the South Cape May Meadows nature conservancy – a shelter for native and migratory birds with walkable trails – will prove that. Meanwhile, the Harriet Tubman Museum of New Jersey, opened in 2020, is an emotional education about Tubman (a one-time Cape May resident) and the broader Black community in Cape May. Consider a stay – or at least a drink – at the historic Congress Hall , known as America's first seaside resort, with an original opening in 1816.

See more of Cape May: Things to Do | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos

Admire the architecture and amusements of the Wildwoods

More than just a Jersey Shore resort town, the Wildwoods is also known as the Doo Wop Capital of the World thanks to its Doo Wop-style architecture, characterized by its bright colors, bold angular shapes, Space Age style and heavy rock 'n' roll influence of the '50s and '60s. Admire the candy-colored homes, neon signs and the vintage ambiance of its sweets shops and diners. More than 100 rides and amusements give Wildwood a wholesome boardwalk feel, and free beaches make a family getaway to South Jersey a no-brainer. Among its free museums and cultural sites is the National Marbles Hall of Fame; Wildwood has been home to the National Marbles Tournament for 100 years.

Visit Ellis Island

While most credit New York as the home of the Statue of Liberty , the landmark's exact location on Liberty State Park is a contentious debate; the island where the statue lives is in the Hudson River smack between Jersey City and Manhattan. What's more, Ellis Island is duly listed as part of a national monument in both New York and New Jersey. Not only are there incredible views across the Hudson River from the park, but the impact of the 12 million immigrants who passed through Ellis Island continues to be felt today. There is no fee to visit the grounds of Liberty Island or the Ellis Island Museum, but you must pay for a ferry over. The official ferry partner of the National Park Service is Statue City Cruises. It's recommended that you book in advance of your visit. Audio tours are included and ranger-led tours are free, though a visit to the Statue of Liberty pedestal is additional.

Address: 1 Audrey Zapp Drive, Jersey City, NJ 07305

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Adventure Aquarium

Just across the Delaware River from the Liberty Bell are 15,000 aquatic species. No, they're not in the river, but along the Camden Waterfront at the Adventure Aquarium. In addition to the fish, this aquarium is home to penguins and turtles, and is the only aquarium in the world to have hippos on exhibit. If you dare, cross the Shark Bridge, an 81-foot-long suspended bridge inches above a 550,000-gallon shark tank featuring nurse sharks, sand tigers and more. As thrilling as it all sounds, many reviewers have mentioned that the Adventure Aquarium is primarily geared toward young children. According to recent visitors, the aquarium offers easy parking and a friendly staff. What's more, thanks to the reservation system, it doesn't feel crowded. For many visitors, the hippos were the main highlight, and reviewers highly recommended being at the aquarium at feeding time.

Address: 1 Riverside Drive, Camden, NJ 08103

Satisfy nearly any craving in the 'diner capital of the world'

Diners are a staple of both New Jersey and New York. As the self-proclaimed world diner capital, Jersey has hundreds of these often family-owned – often Greek-owned – institutions, and many are open 24 hours a day serving up comfort food and fresh pies. A defining feature of diners' encyclopedia-like menus is breakfast served all day, which means celebratory waffles after the big game or middle-of-the-night pancakes if you can't sleep. Many diners are attention-grabbing metallic structures with their own retro decor; the Summit Diner opened at its current location in the late 1930s and while it resembles a tin can, it's considered one of the oldest operating diners in the state. Try the world-famous burgers at White Manna Diner in Hackensack.

Ride the tallest roller coaster in the world at Six Flags Great Adventure

Kingda Ka is 456 feet high and rises at a 90-degree angle; it remains the tallest roller coaster in the world and the fastest in North America. You'll find it at Six Flags Great Adventure theme park in Jackson, New Jersey. To propel thrill-seeking riders to the top, they are thrust from 0 to 128 mph in less than 4 seconds. This record-breaking ride is not for the faint of heart, but those on the hunt for something more tame will have plenty of options thanks to the park's variety of family- and kid-friendly rides. If you're visiting during the humid heat of summer, consider spending some time at the adjacent Hurricane Harbor water park, which boasts rides, slides, lazy rivers and more.

Address: 1 Six Flags Blvd., Jackson, NJ 08527

Dennis Nierzwicki | Courtesy of Diggerland USA

If you've ever noticed how interested some little kids are in utility vehicles, then you might understand an entire kid-friendly amusement park themed around construction. Located in West Berlin, just 20 miles south of Philadelphia, Diggerland is the only theme and water park of its kind in the country. Among its attractions is the chance – for kids and adults – to operate heavy machinery (with supervision). There are tractors, dump trucks – you name it. Recent visitors report that their kids enjoyed themselves, noting the water slide as well as the opportunity to "drive" the many machines as highlights.

Address: 100 Pinedge Drive, West Berlin, NJ 08091

Read: The Top Water Parks in New Jersey

See the stunning cherry blossoms of Newark

Did you know that Newark, New Jersey, has more cherry blossom trees than Washington, D.C.? Each April, more than 5,000 Japanese cherry blossom trees bloom throughout Branch Brook Park, which runs through Belleville and Newark, ushering in the Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival along with its 10K run and bike race. A week of events includes live music, food and craft vendors, activities for kids of all ages and Japanese cultural demonstrations. The dates vary each year based on when the trees bloom, so check the Branch Brook Park website for details.

Batsto Village

Dating back to 1766, Batsto is a remarkably intact historic village in South Jersey. Visitors to this special place in Hammonton will find 30 preserved buildings, from a stunning mansion to a post office and a general store. During the Revolutionary War, Batsto Iron Works manufactured supplies for the Continental Army, and residents continued to inhabit the village all the way until 1989. Located within Wharton State Forest, Batsto also offers scenic hiking trails through this region known as the Pinelands. Visitors have commented that they were delighted to find this landmark in the middle of the forest, noting they felt the peace, beauty and history of the location – especially in mid-May when the tulips are in full bloom. Tours fill quickly and are limited to 10 people.

Address: 31 Batsto Road, Hammonton, NJ 08037

Thomas Edison National Historical Park

Courtesy of The New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism

According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, New Jersey is home to more engineers and scientists per square mile than anywhere else in the United States. That statistic is even less surprising when you consider the state's history of landmark thinkers and inventors – namely, Thomas Edison. Edison's former home and laboratory are now a designated national historic park located in West Orange and are open to the public for tours. Apart from the lightbulb, of course, Edison had a recording studio here and even created a handful of talking dolls. According to recent visitors, the studios and workshops at the lab are in shockingly good condition given their age. If that's not impressive enough, a replica of the world's first motion picture studio from 1893 – known as "Black Maria" – is still here on the grounds. Just down the road is Glenmont, Edison's Victorian home shared with his wife Mina, which of course had all the modern conveniences well before its time, from hot and cold running water to central heating and refrigeration.

Address: 211 Main St., West Orange, NJ 07052

Take a Frank Sinatra walking tour in Hoboken

One of New Jersey's most famous native sons is Hoboken's own Frank Sinatra. See Sinatra's hometown through his Ol' Blue Eyes with a self-guided walking tour. The Hoboken Historical Museum created the ultimate walking tour map, available online to download. With more than 20 stops covering Sinatra's favorite hangouts, family bakery and even the church where he was baptized, it covers a good amount of mileage around this city situated just outside the Holland Tunnel. Nearby, the Hoboken River Waterfront Walkway runs for 18.5 miles along the scenic Hudson River and crosses through Hudson and Bergen counties.

Visit the oldest continuously operating lighthouse in the country

At the tip of the Gateway National Recreation Area peninsula in Highlands is the Sandy Hook Lighthouse, which predates the Declaration of Independence. This octagonal lighthouse has overlooked the Sandy Hook Bay and across to Manhattan since 1764, and is open to the public for tours. On the grounds of the former Fort Hancock, the lighthouse is not the only attraction to visit in the Sandy Hook area, which also boasts abundant wildlife, 300 species of birds, biking and hiking trails, historic barracks and unbeatable views of the New York City skyline. The national park is free to enter, but there is a fee per vehicle to park from Memorial Day through Labor Day. This also covers the cost to spend a beautiful, serene beach day – or go bold at Gunnison, New Jersey's only legal nude beach.

Address: 128 South Hartshorne Drive, Highlands, NJ 07732

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

Grounds For Sculpture

You might just hear a peacock call as you wander the 42 acres of trees, flowers and at times deceivingly realistic sculptures found in Hamilton Township. Grounds For Sculpture is the passion project of sculptor, philanthropist and grandson to the co-founder of Johnson & Johnson, Seward Johnson. Born in New Brunswick in 1930, Johnson traveled the world and studied art, creating uncanny lifelike depictions of people, especially plucked from famous painted scenes like Renoir's "Dance at Bougival." He is notable for his larger-than-life traveling works, such as the 25-foot-tall Embracing Peace sculpture that now resides in Key West, Florida, where Johnson passed in 2020. Visitors to Grounds For Sculpture will be dazzled discovering the art by day, or on a special night tour. Rat's, the sculpture garden's fine dining venue with an unconventional name (inspired by a character in the children's book "The Wind in the Willows"), is consistently a top-rated restaurant.

Address: 80 Sculptors Way, Hamilton, NJ 08619

Wander the ivy-covered campus of Princeton University

There is so much more to do in Princeton than study, which is why it's maybe more fun to be a visitor to this ivy-cloaked university town than a student. Apart from the high-end shops and delicious crepes, Princeton University remains at the heart of this community and is the fourth-oldest college in the country. The campus grounds are open to the public, and we not only highly recommend a stroll, but a self-guided tour. Nassau Hall is hard to miss – directly behind the grand iron gates on Nassau Street; it featured prominently in the American Revolution. F. Scott Fitzgerald used to slack off at the dining halls. Albert Einstein never wanted a museum in any form, but you can still see his former home (from the road) at 112 Mercer Street. Faculty members have included famed authors Joyce Carol Oates, Philip Roth and Saul Bellow. It's the alma mater of two former presidents (James Madison and Woodrow Wilson).

But beyond all that, the university is gorgeous, especially in the fall when the autumnal colors only enhance its grandiose beauty. Try unconventional ice cream flavors from Bent Spoon, a popular organic ice cream shop on campus, any time of year. And if you are in town in December, consider hopping on the Princeton Holiday Trolley Tour to learn more about the city's architecture, noteworthy Princetonians and more. The hourlong trolley tour is popular with visitors and residents alike. The ticket also includes a host of discounts at Princeton restaurants and shops.

Address: Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544

Atlantic City

Atlantic City , or "AC" as it's commonly referred to, is still a popular weekend escape for its casinos and shows, but no longer the high-society promenade that "Boardwalk Empire" portrayed on HBO. Still, the inspiration for the original Monopoly board is worth passing "Go" to take a stroll along the world's first and longest boardwalk. Check out a show at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa or the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City , come for Atlantic City's Restaurant Week in October or simply spend a day at the beach – access is free here, unlike many other beaches across the state. Lesser known is AC's African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey, which showcases a permanent collection of historic artifacts, as well as rotating exhibits featuring modern Black artists.

See more of Atlantic City: Things to Do | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos

Lucy the Elephant

Courtesy of Save Lucy Committee, Inc.

Five miles west of Atlantic City in Margate City is a six-story elephant that's nearly 150 years old. Lucy the Elephant was constructed in 1881 by a Philadelphia contractor, but it was James V. Lafferty Jr. who conceived the eclectic elephant with an interior, and he received a patent for the design. In the early 20th century, visitors were charged 10 cents to climb the spiral staircase and witness the furnished interior, along with ocean views from 22 windows. Among notable visitors was President Woodrow Wilson. Lucy has seen many iterations over the decades, but is the only one of her siblings still standing (there were two others like Lucy; one pachyderm was located in Coney Island, but destroyed in a fire).

Address: 9200 Atlantic Ave., Margate City, NJ 08402

High Point State Park

Did you know that the Appalachian Trail, the longest marked hiking trail in the nation, runs through New Jersey for 74 miles? You can pick it up in northern New Jersey and High Point State Park is one of its trailheads. At the highest point in the state – 1,803 feet above sea level – is the High Point Monument, dedicated to New Jersey's veterans and offering expansive and impressive views of the Catskills and Pocono Mountains from its height of 220 feet. Access is weather-related and roads might be closed due to wintry weather. The interior of the monument and its 291 steps is available to climb on weekends and holidays from Memorial Day to Columbus Day.

Address: 1480 State Route 23, Wantage, NJ 07461

Lakota Wolf Preserve

"Jersey" and "wolves" are two words not commonly associated with each other. But a preserve in Columbia looking to protect this endangered species in a natural setting is working to change that perception. Participate in a Wolf Watch Tour through the Lakota Wolf Preserve, which welcomes guests to learn about its resident wolf packs through observation, photography and education. The observation area at the center of the preserve is a scenic half-mile nature walk, or a shuttle bus is available to drive you. Reservations must be made online and are rain or shine; the preserve can become fully booked up to three months in advance, so reserve early. Foxes, a bobcat and a lynx also live on the property – it's truly a wild side of New Jersey that not many get to experience.

Address: 89 Mount Pleasant Road, Columbia, NJ 07832

Witness the American Dream

Courtesy of American Dream

Surfing, skiing and an autograph from SpongeBob SquarePants; it's possible all in one day at the $5 billion American Dream Mall in East Rutherford. Second only to the Mall of America in Minneapolis, New Jersey's 3-million-square-foot mall houses enough activities and amusements to fill an entire vacation, including the Nickelodeon Universe, the largest indoor theme park in the Western Hemisphere. If your kid can dream it, it's here: an ice rink, a ski slope and wave pool; a Legoland Discovery Center; Angry Birds mini golf; or the largest indoor water park in North America, themed after DreamWorks characters. Of course, there is shopping at hundreds of stores. And when you need to refuel, you'll find fast food favorites alongside artisan cotton candy and an Oreo Café. Note that each attraction within the mall requires a separate ticket. However, discounts and ticket bundles are available seasonally.

Address: 1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ 07073

Bike the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park

The Delaware and Raritan Canal was once an important industrial throughway between New York and Pennsylvania. Now, it makes for a lovely bike or hiking path, especially in the autumn when the foliage is turning. Visitors have 70 miles to explore that stretch from New Brunswick to Trenton, and its 19th-century wooden bridges, lock remnants and cobblestone spillways complement the natural scenery with historic appeal. Frenchtown and Lambertville are particularly charming villages along this part of New Jersey. Each Dec. 25, reenactors play out George Washington crossing the Delaware River. If you're not valiant enough to brave the Christmas cold, Washington Crossing State Park in Titusville is a lovely stop any time of year, offering views and recreation.

Attend a New York Red Bulls game

New Jerseyans are used to New York taking credit for their sports teams: the New York Giants, the Brooklyn Nets – the list goes on. And so even though the soccer club known as the Red Bulls represents New York, their stadium – and many of their fans – are in New Jersey. Take the train straight to Harrison station and you will be at Red Bull Arena. As part of Major League Soccer's Eastern Conference, the Red Bulls play games late February through October. Single match tickets start at around $25 per person.

Address: 600 Cape May St., Harrison, NJ 07029

Museum of American Glass

Courtesy of Courtesy of the Museum of American Glass at WheatonArts in Millville, NJ

With more than 20,000 pieces, the Museum of American Glass, located in Millville, is an homage to craftsmanship and the art of glassblowing. The museum is located on the grounds of the WheatonArts and Cultural Center, where the public can visit from April through December for demos, workshops and special exhibits. For an immersive experience, check the museum's website to see if a "make-your-own" workshop is available during your visit. Alexander Rosenberg, star in the Netflix competition series "Blown Away," is the resident Glass Studio Director.

Address: 1000 Village Drive, Millville, NJ 08332

Find out why it's called the Garden State

Courtesy of Alstede Farms

Many might question New Jersey's Garden State nickname when they traverse the industrial turnpike and eight lanes of parkway pavement. But the farms and fields that inspired the state's nickname still exist. Alstede Farms in Chester is just one example of a working farm open to visitors. In addition to abundant offerings from its farm stand, Alstede operates a seasonal cider mill and ice cream counter. Visit July through October to wander through the Blooming Giants Sunflower Trail or opt for the evergreen tree maze. Whether you're picking your own produce or petting a goat, a day at Alstede is a fun afternoon for the family and a great reminder of why New Jersey is still the Garden State.

Channel director Kevin Smith with some quick stops

Tom Zapcic Photography | Courtesy of Jay & Silent Bob's Secret Stash

Director Kevin Smith is proudly from Red Bank, New Jersey, and often incorporates the state into his work, especially in his landmark indie film "Clerks." The convenience store from that film is a real, functioning location called Quick Stop, and can be found in Leonardo just about 7 miles from Red Bank. Next door, Smith has created a podcast studio and event space called SModCastle. If you're looking for more nerdy movie magic, hit Jay & Silent Bob's Secret Stash on Broad Street in Red Bank, an expanded comic book store with props and memorabilia celebrating its 25th year in 2022. Smith is often seen in town and around Highlands, where he grew up; look for the oversized jersey.

Trenton's Punk Rock Flea Market

Courtesy of Trenton Punk Rock Flea Market

The state's capital lies in Trenton, and a few times a year a bunch of punks take over – for a flea market. The Trenton Punk Rock Flea Market attracts both mohawks and memorabilia-pickers on the hunt for everything from vintage toys to taxidermy. Hosted at the CURE Insurance Arena, the flea market costs a fee at the door and offers about 300 unique vendors and a bevy of food trucks to pass a quirky afternoon. Here, the people-watching is arguably as good as the shopping.

Address: 81 Hamilton Ave., Trenton, NJ 08611

The Paterson Great Falls

Come to see the 77-foot-high waterfall – which has been known to freeze solid during harsh winters – but stay for the history about Paterson. The falls are a national historical park for good reason: In 1792 Paterson was established as the country's first planned industrial city, and that city found its heart at the Great Falls and the Passaic River. Favored by Alexander Hamilton during its prime, Paterson is still home to a diverse mix of immigrant cultures. Mill tours, which offer information about the region's many former industries, from textiles to trains, are available at the park.

Address: 72 McBride Ave., Patterson, NJ 07501

Island Beach State Park

This stretch of nearly 10 miles of shoreline is a special place between Barnegat Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Located in Berkeley Township, the marine protected area is home to a year-round population of foxes, as well as ospreys and other birds and wildlife. Surrounded by water and beach heather, Island Beach State Park is a scenic destination for a walk to the Barnegat Lighthouse or swimming in season; fishing is allowed with a permit. The park can get quite crowded during the summer months and rangers can determine it has "reached capacity" if all parking is being used. Arrive early and expect to pay a vehicle fee between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

Address: 2401 Central Ave., Seaside Park, NJ 08752

Report to Bell Works

Courtesy of Bell Works

Now referred to as the "metroburb," the former Bell Labs building in Holmdel Township hosts a busy schedule of comic conventions, yoga, dance, flower arranging, immersive gaming and a cute outdoor cocktail venue called Bar Bella, as well as offices and the town's library – it's a big space. Despite its imposing architecture, you still might never believe that it was once the site of groundbreaking and Nobel Prize-winning inventions like the laser and the transistor. Formerly one of the most successful corporate research labs in the world, you might recognize the exterior of Bell Works from the Apple TV show "Severance" about a dystopian workplace.

Address: 101 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733

Visit a spoon museum in a castle

Yes, to both of those questions; New Jersey is home to one of the world's largest spoon collections and also a castle, and they happen to be in the same place. Lambert Castle in Paterson was built within the Garret Mountain Reservation in 1892 by silk magnate Catholina Lambert. Within the halls displaying period exhibits and windows framing views of the Manhattan skyline, there are also lots and lots of spoons. The castle is home to just a fraction of former Paterson resident Bertha Schaefer Koempel's collection of approximately 5,400 souvenir spoons.

Note: Lambert Castle has been undergoing significant renovations to restore the property but is expected to reopen to the public in 2024.

Address: 3 Valley Road, Paterson, NJ 07503

You might also be interested in:

• The Best Hotels in New Jersey
• The Top Things to Do in Brooklyn
• The Top Things to Do in Long Island
• The Best Weekend Getaways from NYC
• The Top Things to Do in Pennsylvania

26 Top East Coast Beaches

Tags: Travel , New Jersey Vacations , US Vacations

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

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40 Best Things To Do & Places To Visit In New Jersey

By: Author Jerric Chong

Posted on Published: April 19, 2021  - Last updated: October 17, 2023

New Jersey gets a bad rap around the US.

It’s been depicted in the media and movies in less than savory ways.

We can all conjure the image of the “fuhgeddaboudit” mentality and the Jersey Girl attitude.

But in truth, New Jersey is a beautiful place to visit.

So “fuhgeddabout” what you’ve seen in the movies and prepare for lots of natural beauty, many historical landmarks, action-packed adventures, and plenty of art and culture.

There are so many fun things to do in New Jersey, from white-sand beaches to thrilling adventures and art museums/exhibits to the Garden State’s nature-rich outdoor activities.

Whether you’re planning to visit New Jersey today, tomorrow, or this weekend, this comprehensive list of New Jersey attractions will have you hardpressed to narrow down the best tourist attractions for you and your family.

This list is compiled of plenty of cool free things to do as well as places of interest, hidden gems, and popular vacation spots .

Overall, New Jersey itself is one of the country’s hidden gems, with sightseeing and activities galore.

Disclaimer: This article may contain affiliate links. If you make a booking through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Table of Contents

1. Six Flags Great Adventure/Hurricane Harbor

Pit Stock / Shutterstock

If you’re looking for something a little more adventurous to do while you’re in Jersey, you’ll want to spend a day at Six Flags Great Adventure .

With dozens of wild rides and attractions, a drive-through wild safari, games abound, and the best concessions you can dream of, Six Flags is a must see amusement park during your stay in New Jersey.

If you’re lucky enough to be visiting during the summer months, you can add a stop to Hurricane Harbor , adjacent to Six Flags, for water rides and splashing for every appetite.

If the thrill of roller coasters and water slides are too much for you, Six Flags also has lots of wonderful shows, animal attractions, shopping, and eateries.

If you’re traveling with small children, Six Flags has a dedicated section called Bugs Bunny Land for the little ones.

If you’re unsure of what to do while visiting New Jersey, be sure to add a trip to Six Flags Great Adventure to your itinerary.

Address: 1 Six Flags Blvd, Jackson Township, NJ 08527, United States

2. Turtle Back Zoo

Gianpaolo_Photo / Shutterstock

One of the best things to do in New Jersey, especially if you’re visiting the Garden State with small children, is a trip to the Turtle Back Zoo .

If you’re looking for a zoo experience in the northernmost parts of Jersey, Essex County’s Turtle Back Zoo is a treat.

The Turtle Back Zoo thrives on the preservation of wildlife while enriching the experience of its visitors.

Named for a famous rock formation that resembled a turtle’s back, the zoo has much more to offer than its deceiving name.

Situated on a picturesque 15 acres at the foot of a mountain reservation, the Turtle Back Zoo boasts over 800 animals and more than 200 species of wildlife.

Some of this New Jersey zoo’s other attractions include a dinosaur playground, boating, mini-golf, face painting, pony rides, a butterfly tent, an aviary, and much more.

A day at Turtle Back Zoo, one of many best-loved New Jersey attractions, will be enjoyed by visitors of all ages.

Address: 560 Northfield Ave, West Orange, NJ 07052, United States

3. Atlantic City/The Boardwalk

f11photo / Shutterstock

Historically speaking, Atlantic City has been deemed a playground for adults.

With casinos, bars, and a wild nightlife, it’s no wonder.

Although you can certainly partake in all of these adult pastimes, Atlantic City also has many attractions suitable for children.

Atlantic City’s Steel Pier is one of many things to see when visiting Jersey.

Situated on the beautiful coast of the Atlantic Ocean and amidst many world-renowned hotels, casinos, and resorts, the Atlantic City Boardwalk delivers lots of stuff to do.

The Atlantic City Boardwalk has both exclusive and tourist shops, five-star restaurants and snack stands alike, rides and amusements for all ages, live entertainment, local culture, and hours of fun for all.

The cultural epicenter of the boardwalk is wrought with city art, a historical museum, and unique local specialties like saltwater taffy and homemade fudge by the pound.

Although Atlantic City still has all of the adult attractions it’s famed for, don’t count it out for family fun too; it’s one of the top things to do in New Jersey.

4. Liberty State Park

JaysonPhotography / Shutterstock

Another one of the best things to do in New Jersey is visiting Liberty State Park .

With views of the New York City skyline, Ellis Island, and the Statue of Liberty, all from the comfort of New Jersey soil, visiting the park makes for an inexpensive day out.

The over 1,200-acre park offers more than majestic views, though.

With panoramic views of the city’s skyline, you should pack a picnic lunch to enjoy with family and friends.

Be sure to pack some fun items to use on the wide expanse of lush green lawns.

A football, frisbee, music, or all of the above, will add to your experience at Liberty State Park.

Moreover, the Empty Sky 9/11 Memorial is near the park too.

A short walk around the park will take you to the memorial that commemorates the more than 700 lives lost during the attack on the World Trade Center on September 11th.

This, among other points of interest, makes a trip to Liberty State Park in New Jersey, a must do.

Nothing can top a visit to this beautiful park!

Check details, prices and reviews here.

Address: 200 Morris Pesin Dr, Jersey City, NJ 07305, United States

5. Ellis Island

Roman Babakin / Shutterstock

Don’t just settle for views of Ellis Island because you can tour the historic site too.

Ellis Island is a historical landmark that served as a port of entry to millions of immigrants.

With a short ferry ride from Liberty State Park in NJ, you can easily gain access to this sightseeing phenomenon, rich in history.

Tickets to tour Ellis Island are reasonably priced, and through this history-rich and educational tour, you’ll step back in time.

Immersing yourself in our nation’s history has never been easier than with a tour of Ellis Island.

You’ll have the humbling experience of “meeting” some of our ancestors who entered our country through the halls of Ellis Island.

You’ll also read the stories and tales of how the property was used by so many.

This immersive experience is one of many sightseeing New Jersey attractions you won’t want to miss.

6. Princeton University Art Museum

EQRoy / Shutterstock

The historic campus of Princeton University is a sight to see for so many reasons, but the University’s Art Museum is one of the best things to do in NJ.

This culture-rich museum on the New Jersey campus of Princeton University is wrought with exhibitions, curated collections, and daily presentations and shows.

Some of the current collections you can hope to see during your visit to the museum include “Women Artists and Abstractions,” “Blue Green Realms in Chinese Painting,” “Landscapes of the Mind,” and “Picasso Prints.”

Beyond these sophisticated collections and exhibitions, Princeton University Art Museum also frequently hosts artist talks, live art shows, special guest lectures, and self-guided family-friendly tours.

There is truly something for everyone at the Princeton University Art Museum.

The museum is not only a fun place to visit during your stay in New Jersey but an educational and enriching one too.

Address: Elm Dr, Princeton, NJ 08544, United States

7. Cape May Historic District

Gary C. Tognoni / Shutterstock

A visit to the Cape May Historic District is another of many fun things to do in NJ.

There are many fun things to do while you stroll the streets of the beachfront town.

Named on the National Register of Historic Places, the streets of Cape May in New Jersey are lined with 19th-century buildings some of which are now operable beds and breakfasts.

The Victorian Charm of these buildings is a sight to behold.

Besides strolling and basking in the charm of the town, you can also take a horse-drawn carriage ride or a trolley tour to take it all in.

Cape May has long been known as one of New Jersey’s best seaside towns.

But its history-rich landscape is just another facet of this charming seaside town.

Near to the historical sights are many wonderful restaurants and shops for additional fun to be had.

A drive “down the shore” is a must and Cape May’s Historic District is one of many scenic places in New Jersey you won’t want to miss.

Address: Cape May, NJ, United States

8. Adventure Aquarium

Lisa A. Ernst / Shutterstock

Adventure Aquarium is one of many tourist spots in New Jersey that the whole family will have fun visiting.

Situated on the scenic Camden riverside, the aquarium is one of many much-loved places to see in New Jersey.

The aquarium is home to more than 15,000 water animals including an expansive collection of sharks, penguins, hippos, and more.

Besides seeing all the wonderful animals the aquarium has to offer, there are also many interactive exhibits.

There are sea turtle and hippo encounters as well as a passable shark bridge and a kid zone perfect for the little ones.

Furthermore, the aquarium has a turtle cove and live feeding shows that are sure to wow your family.

Be sure to make time for a quick bite to eat at the aquarium’s marketplace, beer garden, or coffee shop.

Adventure Aquarium is one of many great tourist attractions to see during your visit to the Garden State.

Address: 1 Riverside Dr, Camden, NJ 08103, United States

9. Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum

Another of many fun New Jersey attractions, wrought with history is the Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum (NAS).

NAS is located in a real World War II aviation hangar which adds to the experience of a visit to the museum.

Although the hangar is a sight to be seen in and of itself, Hangar #1 also houses WWII aircrafts and relics.

Iconic propeller aircraft, high-speed jet aircraft, helicopters, and engines are all on display at NAS.

The NAS is also home to many World War II-era artifacts from outside of the war.

The exhibit displays real 1940s treasures that are cool to see in person.

Whether a history buff or lover of fast things, a visit to the NAS today, tomorrow, or this weekend, is one of many outrageous places to visit in New Jersey.

Address: Cape May Airport, 500 Forrestal Rd, Cape May, NJ 08204, United States

10. Howell Living History Farm

Howell Living History Farm

This pitstop on your tour of New Jersey is a cross between farm and museum.

If you’ve never been to a living history museum, here’s what you can expect: a real working farm reminiscent of the early 1900s.

You’ll get to experience what life on a working farm during that time period was like.

The farm is operated using antiquated farm equipment and methodologies.

Moreover, during your visit to the museum, you’ll learn about the operations and daily routines of a real-life rural farm at the turn of the century.

You might catch a glimpse of farmers dressed in authentic garb planting crops, raising fences, shearing sheep, or more.

A visit to the Howell Living History Farm is super fun and one of the top places to visit in New Jersey.

Address: 70 Woodens Ln, Lambertville, NJ 08530, United States

11. Morristown Game Vault

Rob Wynne / flickr

This NJ institution is a retro arcade with some of the best games from your childhood.

Of all the fun places to visit in New Jersey, you’ll want to make the Game Vault a stop on your itinerary.

With over 100 arcade games and pinball machines to choose from, you will undoubtedly recognize many of these nostalgic games.

If you’re wondering what to do on an unseasonable day, the arcade is always a fun choice.

Best of all, no quarters are necessary.

All of the games are free to play with an unlimited amount of games for a set period.

You simply purchase a wrist band for a set time and play to your heart’s content.

There are hours to be had playing retro games like Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, and Pinball.

Step back in time during your stay in New Jersey with an epic visit to the Morristown Game Vault .

Address: 22 South St, Morristown, NJ 07960, United States

12. Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park

Adonis Page / Shutterstock

With so many places to go in the great Garden State, a trip to the Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park in New Jersey should be at the top of your list.

A newly instituted National Park, Paterson Great Falls are one of many activities that you should plan on your trip to NJ.

Open to the public for self-guided outdoor activities, the Falls are a must see for anyone passing through New Jersey.

With a downloadable app that guides you through the park and around the Falls, you’ll learn about the rich history of Paterson while observing all the beautiful scenery the park has to offer.

The Paterson Great Falls are a superb backdrop for a picnic lunch too.

The park offers free picnic benches for public use, but there are also lots of wonderful spots throughout the park to spread a blanket for a picnic lunch too.

The Paterson Great Falls are a top pick for free things to do in New Jersey.

Address: 72 McBride Ave, Paterson, NJ 07501, United States

13. Duke Farms

Malgosia S / Shutterstock

If you’re wondering what to do in New Jersey, wonder no more!

The Garden State, so nicknamed for its beauty in nature, has tons of free things to do, top of which is Duke Farms .

With over 1,000 acres of lush farm and woodland to explore, you can spend the whole day (or more) having outdoor fun at Duke Farms in New Jersey.

With guided trails to walk, jog, or bike you can spend your day, however, suits you.

Moreover, Duke Farms boasts some truly magnificent sights including a plantinum, an orchid range, a hay barn, a lake system, and more; you’ll never be at a loss for free things to do at Duke Farms.

You can also pack a lunch and plan a picnic or eat at Duke Farm’s delectable farm-to-table cafe.

Of New Jersey attractions, Duke Farms is a must do activity.

Address: 1112 Dukes Pkwy W, Hillsborough Township, NJ 08844, United States

14. Beaches

Jon Bilous / Shutterstock

The beaches of New Jersey are one of the state’s most popular destinations in the summer.

The beaches of the Jersey Shore are beautiful up and down the coastline of the Garden State.

No matter where in NJ you are visiting, you are sure to be a short drive from the white-sand beaches lining the Atlantic Ocean.

Many of the beach towns are bordered by old-timey boardwalks with attractions like arcades, rides, restaurants, and snack stands with New Jersey novelties like funnel cake and Italian Ice.

One of the best beaches with a boardwalk is the famed Seaside Heights.

If you prefer a more quiet, slower pace there are plenty of dry beach towns without boardwalks and lots of excitement too.

But no matter your beach speed, the fact remains that the beaches of the Jersey Shore are gorgeous, clean, and safe to swim.

One of the best, low-key beaches is Surf City on the 18-mile stretch of Long Beach Island.

Beware though, many of the state’s beaches do charge small admittance fees and parking can be cumbersome.

Check out these awesome beach activities in NJ.

15. Cape May County Park & Zoo

The Cape May County Park & Zoo is a non-profit organization that operates on the generosity of donations from visitors and patrons.

A long and scenic drive down the Garden State Parkway, to the very tip of the state, will deliver you straight to the proverbial lion’s den.

A well-kempt and interactive zoo, the Cape May County Park & Zoo spares no attraction.

With a bald eagle exhibit, an African Safari with zebras, giraffes, and more, an aviary, and many other attractions and encounters, the Cape May County Park & Zoo is both family-friendly and educational.

If you want to make your trip even more special, you can even book a private guided tour.

What’s more, with many picnic areas surrounding the zoo, an adorable gift shop, a concession stand, and playgrounds galore, the Cape May County Park & Zoo is sure to please.

It’s one of many fun things to do in New Jersey.

Address: 707 U.S. 9 North, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210, United States

16. Sterling Hill Mining Museum

Vilseskogen / flickr

If you’re looking for a novel place to visit today, this old iron and zinc mine in New Jersey is one of many fun places to visit.

While at the Sterling Hill Mining Museum you’ll be guided through underground tunnels, along which you’ll learn about the mine’s abundant history.

You’ll learn about the equipment used to mine zinc and iron, the working conditions the miners faced, and the mine’s geology.

Additionally, you’ll see artifacts from the mine’s working days dating back as far as the 1830s.

One of the museum’s best-loved exhibits is “The Rainbow Tunnel”; let’s just say it will truly illuminate your experience.

To prepare for your visit to the mine you’ll want to dress appropriately.

Keep in mind that the mine will be damp and cold, and you will undoubtedly do lots of walking, so dress comfortably.

Of the many wonderful places to go in New Jersey, Sterling Hill Mining Museum is highly recommended.

Address: 30 Plant St, Ogdensburg, NJ 07439, United States

17. Liberty Science Center

Mariusz Lopusiewicz / Shutterstock

A trip to New Jersey wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Liberty Science Center (LSC).

With so many things to see in New Jersey, LSC is a wonderful attraction for families with children.

The LSC has a huge planetarium and many interactive exhibitions.

Of note, there’s a “Making Mammoths” exhibit, a Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood-themed exhibit, Rubik’s Cube exhibit, and even a wild-animals exhibit.

These are just the tip of the proverbial iceberg, though.

There are loads of family-friendly activities at LSC.

Additionally, there’s an epic gift shop and cafeteria for your lunching convenience.

If science is one of your points of interest, a visit to Liberty Science Center is one of many awesome places to visit in New Jersey.

Address: 222 Jersey City Blvd, Jersey City, NJ 07305, United States

18. Battleship New Jersey

Racheal Grazias / Shutterstock

Anchored in the Delaware River, the Battleship New Jersey is a super unique activity to plan for this weekend.

If military history tickles your fancy, you won’t want to miss this site during your stay in New Jersey.

On your tour of the battleship, you’ll have an interactive experience wherein you explore the decks of the ship, climb ladders as you navigate, traverse tricky passageways, and immerse yourself in the lifestyle of a seaman.

Beyond the tour of the battleship, you’ll also learn about the vessel’s profuse history.

After many tours of duty, the Battleship New Jersey was finally decommissioned in 1991 and has been docked in the Delaware River since.

A trip to New Jersey would not be complete without visiting the Battleship New Jersey.

If you plan your visit for the late afternoon, afterward you can even check out the beautiful skyline of neighboring Philadelphia at night.

Address: 100 Clinton St, Camden, NJ 08103, United States

19. Barnegat Lighthouse State Park

James Kirkikis / Shutterstock

If you’re planning to spend any time at the beach during your stay in New Jersey, plan to spend some time visiting Barnegat Lighthouse State Park .

Situated at the tip of Long Beach Island, where the Barnegat Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, this picturesque park is a beautiful place to explore, picnic, collect seashells, shoot photographs, and more.

There is a walking trail through the park, fishing is permitted, and there’s even a nature observation.

What’s more, Barnegat Lighthouse State Park is home to Old Barney the Island’s famed lighthouse.

For a nominal fee, you can climb the 217 steps to the top of the lighthouse where you can take in the scenic views.

If you are wondering where to go on your visit to New Jersey this weekend, no matter the season, a visit to Barnegat Lighthouse State Park is one of many wonderful things to see in the Garden State.

Address: 208 Broadway, Barnegat Light, NJ 08006, United States

20. Tuckerton Seaport

Andrew F. Kazmierski / Shutterstock

The Tuckerton Seaport is a charming little village situated on Tuckerton Creek in quaint and historic Tuckerton, New Jersey.

A maritime village, rich in the history of Barnegat Bay, Tuckerton Seaport is one of many neat places to visit in New Jersey.

The seaport is home to a maritime museum with a decoy gallery and historic buildings.

Beyond enjoying the history of the maritime museum, there are many other sights and activities to participate in.

Beyond the sightseeing, Tuckerton Seaport has a boardwalk that connects you to boutiques, eateries, a wetlands nature trail, and a decoy carving workshop.

What’s more, artists and performers are gracing the boards daily.

The Tuckerton Seaport marries the best of nature with history and culture with fun.

The Tuckerton Seaport, a New Jersey hidden gem, should be added to your list of places to visit during your trip to the Garden State.

Address: 120 W Main St, Tuckerton, NJ 08087, United States

21. Grounds for Sculpture

Photo Spirit / Shutterstock

At Grounds for Sculpture , art and nature come together to make for a fulfilling New Jersey experience.

Situated among impeccably kept gardens and arboretum, over 300 artistic sculptures grace the nearly-45 acres of expansive land.

A visit to Grounds for Sculpture provides you the unique opportunity to appreciate the sophistication of art in the outdoor grit of nature.

In addition to the gardens and sculptures, Grounds for Sculpture is also home to a delectable restaurant called Rat’s which is warm and inviting, yet culinarily exquisite.

The museum’s affinity for the fostering of up-and-coming artists means that you not only experience the sculptures of famed artists but of emerging sculptors too.

Beyond the art on display at Grounds for Sculpture, the history and construction of the gardens and arboretum are astounding.

The natural landscape of the grounds perfectly juxtaposes the man-made hardscaping like pergolas, patios, and bridges.

Grounds for Sculpture is truly a sight to behold.

It’s one of many beautiful places to see in the great Garden State.

Address: 80 Sculptors Way, Hamilton Township, NJ 08619, United States

22. Newark Museum of Art

Newark Museum of Art

With art collections of all styles from around the world as well as plenty of American art, the Newark Museum of Art is a mecca of culture.

The state’s largest art museum, the Newark Museum of Art is one of the best places to go when visiting New Jersey.

The museum’s current galleries include collections of art from Africa, Asia, the Americas, and the Mediterranean.

As such, you can expect a culture-filled experience at the Newark Museum of Art.

Beyond the global-rich art on display at Newark Museum of Art in New Jersey, there are also science exhibitions, a decorative arts exhibit, and even a museum garden.

Beyond the amazing museum exhibits, there are often workshops, panels, films, performances, and creative-play experiences for families and children.

Newark Museum of Art is a highly recommended place to visit in New Jersey and near New York City .

Address: 49 Washington St, Newark, NJ 07102, United States

23. Morey’s Piers & Beachfront Water Parks

If you plan to be in the southernmost part of New Jersey in the summer, worry about what to do no more.

Morey’s Piers & Beachfront Water Parks are a fun-filled and action-packed series of interconnected boardwalks in Wildwood Beach.

After a long day of frolicking in the Atlantic and basking in the sun, a visit to the Piers is in order.

Morey’s Piers & Beachfront Water Parks are packed with wild rides and attractions for everyone, including plenty of age-appropriate ones for smaller children.

The piers have tons of restaurants, snack stands, and games for all.

Morey’s is also home to two epic water parks also packed with fun attractions for all ages.

There is so much fun to be had on Morey’s Piers that you may even consider spending multiple days there while visiting New Jersey.

Address: 3501 Boardwalk, Wildwood, NJ 08260, United States

24. Garden State Discovery Museum

Garden State Discovery Museum

One of South Jersey’s greatest tourist attractions for small children, the Garden State Discovery Museum is one of many wonderful places to visit in New Jersey.

With dozens of interactive galleries, exhibitions, and activities for children ages infant through 10 years old, your children will have a blast at Garden State Discovery Museum.

Some favorite attractions include a Dinosaurium, mini-model pro ice skating rink, an interactive news and weather station, digger land, an interactive veterinarian clinic, a mock diner, an auto body shop, and so much more.

Each of these interactive exhibitions included pint-size, realistic props perfect for your little ones.

Additionally, there are many amenities available at Garden State Discovery Museum, including a nursing area, family restrooms, a coat room, a snack area, and a restaurant.

Garden State Discovery Museum is a great place to visit with children during your stay in New Jersey.

Address: 2040 Springdale Rd #100, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003, United States

25. Jenkinson’s Boardwalk

splask / Shutterstock

Another fun summer activity to do during your stay in New Jersey is to visit Jenkinson’s Boardwalk in beautiful Point Pleasant Beach.

Situated adjacent to the white sand beaches of the Atlantic Ocean, Jenk’s has it all: well-kept boards for strolls with a view, carnival-style games, an aquarium, eateries galore, and quite the adult nightlife.

Moreover, there are amusement rides suitable for all ages, a gaming arcade, a homemade sweets shop to die for, a magical funhouse, a ropes course, mini-golf, and boutiques for shopping to your heart’s content.

There is so much to do at Jenkinson’s Boardwalk that you could easily make a weekend trip of it.

What’s more, there are even hotel/motel accommodations available right on the boardwalk’s main strip.

Point Pleasant isn’t a beach town you want to miss during your stay in New Jersey.

Address: 300 Ocean Ave, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742, United States

26. Thomas Edison National Historical Park

Sandra Foyt / Shutterstock

Notably, Thomas Edison is one of America’s greatest inventors.

Hailing from Central New Jersey, Thomas Edison National Historical Park is lauded as the place “where modern America was invented.”

Home to Edison’s laboratory, the park houses the work and inventions of the great scientist.

Divided into three unique categories, the historical artifacts, the archives, and natural history, your family will delight in the antiquity of Edison’s relics.

With interactive experiments that you and your family can participate in, this hands-on park is one of the most fun places to visit in New Jersey.

Another amazing sight to see at the park’s grounds is the Glenmont Collections; this is the 29-room Victorian estate where Edison lived for most his lifetime.

The beauty and history of this estate are certainly worth the visit.

Some other fun antiquities you’ll enjoy seeing are prototypes of Edison’s phonographs, electrical lighting, motion picture cameras, and other electrical appliances.

The Thomas Edison National Historical Park is a walk of historical American innovation and worth a visit during your stay in New Jersey.

Address: 211 Main St, West Orange, NJ 07052, United States

27. Seaside Heights

Another of New Jersey’s beautiful, boardwalk-lined beaches in Seaside Heights.

With white-sand beaches by the mile, lifeguarded swimming, and umbrella/chair rentals available up and down the beach, a day at the shore has never been more convenient.

Add to that the excitement of the Seaside Boardwalk and a visit to Seaside Heights is a must see place to visit in New Jersey.

The boardwalk is jam-packed with adventure and fun for adults and children alike.

With amusements out the wazoo, boardwalk games for all ages with epic prizes, an arcade for the ages, and daily boardwalk entertainment, there’s always something to see and do in Seaside.

Furthermore, with a bevy of both fine and low-key restaurants, there are plenty of eateries to choose from.

And at night the club scene comes alive with free-flowing libations and both live and DJ music all night long.

The fun in Seaside Heights, New Jersey lasts from sunrise to well-past sun-down.

28. Allaire State Park

Monmouth County’s Allaire State Park is a beautiful setting for a day well-spent in nature.

Best known for its 19th-century iron-making relics and antique steam train, a hike through the park will bestow both history and beauty upon you.

The Manasquan River delightfully winds through the park whereupon you can canoe and fish.

The park is also home to over 200 varieties of flowers and plant life, the natural beauty of which will awe you.

There are many guided hiking trails where you can observe the awesomeness of birds and other wildlife in their natural habitat.

Each of the hiking trails can be enjoyed on foot, bike, or even horseback.

Allaire State Park in New Jersey is handicap accessible, has restrooms, picnic tables, a visitor center, and even a museum.

Furthermore, their pet-friendly camping sites are available should you choose to make a night or weekend of your visit to Allaire State Park.

Address: 4265 Atlantic Ave, Wall Township, NJ 07727, United States

29. Storybook Land

Martin Lewison / flickr

This old-timey amusement park steeped in the themes of the fables and tales of our childhood is a bit of New Jersey nostalgia you won’t want to miss.

With attractions and rides themed after stories like “Little Red Riding Hood,” “Alice in Wonderland,” and the “Three Little Pigs,” the irresistible charm and wistfulness of this park make it a must see for anyone visiting New Jersey.

If you’re lucky enough to be visiting New Jersey during the months leading up to Christmas, the park’s Santa Light Show is a real treat.

Gather around the town square and at 5 o’clock on the dot, Santa emerges from his workshop’s chimney to wish season’s greetings to all those gathered.

Then with the wave of a wand, he illuminates the entire park in spectacular Christmas lights and “real” snow begins to fall.

Add to this magical experience a cup of hot chocolate sold at most of Storybook Land ’s concession stands, and you’ve officially entered a winter wonderland.

But if you won’t be visiting New Jersey in the winter months, fret not.

The park has many, just as wonderful, attractions during the summer months too.

Address: 6415 E Black Horse Pike, Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234, United States

30. Jersey Shore BlueClaws

apardavila / flickr

Minor League Baseball in New Jersey is an institution and with teams and ball fields to choose from up and down the state, you truly can’t go wrong.

However, one of the best-loved Minor League teams in the great Garden State is the Jersey Shore BlueClaws .

Set central to the state, FirstEnergy Park, home to the BlueClaws, is a field like no other.

The first perk of visiting the ballpark is the reasonably priced entry tickets.

Upon entry, there are endless activities for adults and children beyond the simple enjoyment of watching the baseball game.

For the kids, you’ll find boardwalk games, a miniature golf course, and live entertainment from the team’s mascot Buster.

For the adults, there’s grade-A shopping, a private clubhouse, a tiki bar in the outfield, and much more.

Finally, on many summer nights, the ball game ends with a live fireworks show.

FirstEnergy Park, home to the Jersey Shore BlueClaws, is a super night out for family and friends when visiting New Jersey.

Address: 2 Stadium Way, Lakewood, NJ 08701, United States

31. Rutgers Gardens

Edward Martinez / Shutterstock

If you’re looking for another outdoor activity, a visit to Rutgers Gardens will surely not disappoint.

The official botanical garden of the state university, Rutgers Gardens is open 365 days a year and best of all does not charge an admission fee.

A visit to Rutgers Gardens affords you the opportunity to basque in the glory of a real-live living museum loaded with a wide variety of plant life and vegetation.

Strolling through the botanical gardens of Rutgers Gardens is peaceful, serene, and downright beautiful.

You’ll see natural areas like small babbling brooks, luscious gardens, productive farms with a market, and seasonal events too.

Rutgers Gardens are a beautiful New Jersey sight to be seen all for the cost of nothing at all.

Pack a picnic lunch and make a day of it, but don’t skip this stop on your NJ itinerary.

Address: 112 Log Cabin Rd, North Brunswick Township, NJ 08902, United States

32. Nickelodeon Universe – American Dream

This television network-themed indoor amusement park situated amidst the bustling American Dream Mall in New Jersey is jam-packed with fun and activities for all ages.

With thrill rides, family rides, and even rides for tots, and all indoors, there’s no wrong time to visit Nickelodeon Universe .

One of the park’s coolest features is an indoor lift and mountain for year-round skiing or snowboarding.

Other park attractions include an indoor water park, mirror mazes, blacklight mini-golf, a skating rink, an aquarium, and an official Legoland.

This place has it all in one central location.

Open year-round and rain or shine, New Jersey’s Nickelodeon Universe is a fun attraction to visit no matter when you’re in the Garden State.

Beyond the park’s amusements, Nickelodeon Universe is smack dab in the middle of the state’s largest shopping mall, American Dream.

So once you’ve had your share of amusements, plan to spend some time shopping at the hundreds of luxury and inclusive stores, kiosks, restaurants, and snack stands.

Address: 1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ 07073, United States

33. Hoboken

cdrin / Shutterstock

Just outside New York City , only a short train ride to the City, Hoboken is a mecca of New Jersey culture, dining, and nightlife.

During the day you’ll enjoy strolling through the park or along the Hudson River’s pier; in fact, Pier A Park is a wide-open green expanse perfect for meeting up with friends and throwing a frisbee.

Follow your time in the park with lunch and shopping in some of the city’s best eateries and boutiques.

By night, you can expect the streets of Hoboken to come alive with bustling restaurants of all cuisine, happy hours galore, live music busting the seams of each doorway you approach, and so much more.

Although in recent years, Hoboken has become a place where young families set roots to raise young children, by and far, Hoboken has a reputation for serving the whims of young adults.

34. Monmouth Park Race Track

Benjamin F. Haith / Shutterstock

Monmouth Park Race Track , centrally located alongside New Jersey’s Garden State Parkway, is a super fun way to spend the day watching and betting on horse races.

Whether you prefer the sheer majesty of watching the races or the thrill of betting on the horses, you’re sure to have a grand time at the track.

Conveniently, the track is open seven days a week for horse betting and simulcasting.

Additionally, there’s a delectable sports bar and kitchen for snacks and libations.

And the track’s Blu Grotto Restaurant offers a fine dining menu for a more upscale experience if that’s what you’re into.

Moreover, there are tons of family activities, special events, and festivals that go on throughout the year.

Their family-fun days feature pony rides, face painting, a mini-golf course, and even a bounce house.

Finally, the park offers premier seating or picnic seating.

We love the picnic seating; you can pack coolers with snacks, lunch, and drinks, making a full day out of your trip to the Monmouth Park Race Track.

Address: 175 Oceanport Ave, Oceanport, NJ 07757, United States

35. Brooksbrae Brick Factory

Brooksbrae Brick Factory

Brooksbrae Brick Factory is a very cool sight to be seen in Monmouth County, New Jersey.

Hidden deep in the woods of the state’s Pine Barrens is the juxtaposition of urban art meets natural landscape: a “graffiti wonderland.”

Formerly, the Brooksbrae Brick Factory produced bricks daily by the thousands.

After the owner died in 1908, the brick factory was decommissioned and left to languish.

Later, the massive factory burnt to the ground leaving it irreparable and abandoned.

Cue the “graffiti wonderland.”

After years of abandonment, artists, hikers, dirt bikers, and ATV riders discovered the abandoned factory.

Those artists used the brick slabs as canvases for “street art,” rendering the discovery of the art both astonishing and delightful to passers-through.

Finding the Brick Factory is tricky and cell services aren’t great deep in the woods of New Jersey’s Pine Barrens, so it’s recommended that you use caution or a knowing guide when visiting Brooksbrae Brick Factory.

But, it is truly a sight to be seen!

Address: Pasadena, Woodmanse Road, Manchester Township, NJ 08759, United States

36. Jersey Shore Premium Outlets

Jersey Shore Premium Outlets

If you’re looking for a full day of premier shopping, the Jersey Shore Premium Outlets are a great central location for doing so.

With covered walkways leading to exclusive shopping, boutiques, jewelers, housewares, and more, these outlets provide a full day of retail therapy.

There are novelty kiosks, snack stands, and cafeteria-style eateries to fuel your shopping too.

Furthermore, convenient amenities like stroller rentals, family restrooms, and a children’s playground, make the Jersey Shore Premium Outlets a wonderful day-trip for shopping.

What’s more, the Jersey Shore Premium Outlets are located just a short drive from the beautiful beaches of Asbury Park.

So while you’re in the area, be sure to check out the shopping pavilions, eclectic restaurants and boutiques, and culture out the wazoo.

So with a visit to the Jersey Shore Premium Outlets, you can easily achieve all of your shopping desires while enjoying leisurely strolling and delicious dining.

Be sure to visit the outlets during your next trip to New Jersey.

Address: 1 Premium Outlet Blvd, Tinton Falls, NJ 07753, United States

37. Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

Tetyana Ohare / Shutterstock

The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is both picturesque and loads of outdoor, scenic fun!

This is a pit stop on your trip to New Jersey that you won’t want to miss.

Comprising nearly 70,000 acres along more than 40 miles of the Delaware River, and over 100 miles of hiking trails, the park has so many memorable and breathtaking views.

Around every corner, you’ll observe plentiful plant life, agricultural farms, and abundant wildlife.

A visit to New Jersey’s Delaware Water Gap is truly a breathtaking experience.

Beyond the natural splendor that you can explore on your own, there are other activities available as well.

In addition to exploring the park on your own, you can swim, paddle, boat, bike, fish, picnic, horseback ride, mountain climb, snowshoe, and so much more.

The adventures are limitless when visiting Delaware Water Gap.

You’ll never see it all in one visit; this is a place your family will love to visit for years to come.

Address: 1978 River Rd, Bushkill, PA 18324, United States

38. Asbury Park Boardwalk

The Asbury Park Boardwalk was, until recently, a dilapidated shore town of yore.

However, in recent years, the town has seen an influx of reinvigoration as far as infrastructure is concerned.

As such, it’s become a super hip destination for locals and tourists alike.

With trendy new restaurants and bars, niche music and art scene, and boutique shopping aplenty, Asbury Park Boardwalk is an epicenter for twenty-somethings on up.

Brunches, beverages, billiards, bars, beaches, board-walking, and so much more!

Bring your dog and your ear for music, because anything goes.

You can spend an entire day at the Boardwalk and still not have seen it all.

The art, culture, and sophistication are alive on the boards and in the streets of Asbury Park.

The people are full of life and are a true joy to encounter.

Be sure to add Asbury Park Boardwalk to your itinerary when visiting NJ.

Address: 1300 Ocean Ave, Asbury Park, NJ 07712, United States

39. Trenton Punk Rock Flea Market

Trenton Punk Rock Flea Market in New Jersey’s capital city is a flea market like no other.

Catering to the punk rock scene, with an all-are-welcome attitude, this flea market is a great one for some truly eclectic finds.

With more than 140 vendors you can hope to get your hands on really cool vintage clothing, classic cassettes and records, oddities, unique collectibles, original clothing and art, comic books and games, and handmade jewelry.

Beyond all the unique shopping finds you’ll encounter at Trenton Punk Rock Flea Market, there are also many other attractions.

Food trucks from all over the state will greet you with delectable dishes and treats.

Live local musicians are always rocking the market.

And themed and seasonal holiday events and bazaars are always on the calendar.

A trip to Trenton Punk Rock Flea Market is like nothing you’ll experience elsewhere.

We highly recommend you make it a pitstop on your visit to the great Garden State.

Address: 675 S Clinton Ave, Trenton, NJ 08611, United States

40. Surf & Sip Brew Trail

michusa / Shutterstock

Unlike common bar crawls, Long Beach Island’s Surf & Sip Brew Trail is an opportunity for enthusiasts of local culture and libations to tour the beautiful 18-mile long island.

On this self-guided tour, with a map that is stamped like a passport along the way, you’ll have the unique opportunity to visit local breweries and surf sites in the southern part of the island’s county.

Enthusiasts of surf and brews come together to curate a one-of-a-kind experience that can be accomplished in as few as one day or as many as it takes.

Once you’ve stamped every stop on your guided map, you can submit it to the Chamber of Commerce to redeem it for a free Surf & Sip beer koozie.

This is a truly unique experience that combines two very different loves: beer and surf!

Start Planning Your Trip To New Jersey

The great Garden State is often underrated, but don’t be mistaken, it’s one of the most beautiful states to visit in the Northeast.

Throughout the year, you can find so many attractions to make your trip to NJ a great one.

There are family attractions galore, getaway destinations for friends and couples, nature-rich sites to be seen, historical attractions by the hundreds, and so many other things to do and places to see.

There are natural, outdoor attractions, arts and culture, music and sophistication, historical landmarks and beaches by the mile, and shopping and dining options for all.

With so many amazing things to do in NJ, start your planning, pack your bags, and don’t wait another minute to visit the beautiful Garden State.

Happy travels.

50 BEST Things To Do in New Jersey (There's Something For Everyone!)

Explore the top 50 things to do in New Jersey for a perfect trip! From golden coastlines to vibrant cities, find family fun, history, and adventure.

New Jersey often gets a bad rap for how reality shows and movies portray it. But this state has miles of golden coastline and a rich, diverse history. Even legends like Albert Einstein and Thomas Edison proudly called this state "home."

New Jersey often gets overlooked by travelers who typically visit its neighboring states instead. But when you learn what the garden state offers, you’ll be surprised to discover that it has everything a traveler could want. From vibrant cities and quaint towns to seaside amusement piers and excellent restaurants – if New Jersey isn’t on your travel list, it should be.

Whether you’re spending just a weekend or a week in New Jersey, the experiences listed here will ensure you have plenty of fun and make lifelong memories.

1. Morey’s Piers and Beachfront Water Parks

Map It: 3501 Boardwalk, Wildwood, NJ 08260  | Phone: (609) 729-3700 |  Website   | Hours: Monday – Sunday 1:00 – 11:00 p.m. |  Admission Fee: Ocean Oasis $49.99, Raging Waters $51.99

Morey’s is the largest amusement pier in the world. It features over 100 rides and attractions and six restaurants. There are also two large beachfront waterparks attached to it. From kiddie to extreme thrill rides, there is something for every group here. It’s one of the best family-friendly spots in New Jersey.

Raging Waters or Ocean Oasis water park is the best place to be on a hot summer day. Adults can spend the day sipping frozen drinks in a private cabana at PigDog Beach while kids play in the shipwreck-themed pool.

Make sure to visit the boardwalk at night. It’s a truly magical sight with the rides lighting up the night sky. The amusement pier has all your carnival favorites – go-karts, tea cups, rollercoasters, a carousel, and more.

What you’ll need to know: It will cost you less to buy an unlimited ride band than to pay per ride.

2. Storybook Land

Map It: 6415 E Black Horse Pike, Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234  |  Phone: (609) 646-0103 |  Website   | Hours:  Wednesday – Monday – 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. |  Admission Fee: Children over 3 and adults $30.95

Storybook Land has operated for 50 years as a prime entertainment and educational venue in southern New Jersey. This 20-acre park has a whimsical storybook theme and features larger-than-life characters and displays. It’s a timeless place that adults enjoy as much as the kids.

There are enough rides and attractions to keep your family busy for an entire day. Work your way through the maze of card soldiers in Alice’s wonderland, and take a spin on the whirly bugs. After a relaxing ride on the J&J Railroad, you can grab lunch from a real train caboose at the Caboose Café.

Remember that Storybook Land is closed in January and February each year for renovations.

What you’ll need to know: Your one-price admission will give you unlimited access to all of the park’s attractions.  

Related Read: 45 BEST Things To Do in Atlantic City, NJ

3. Six Flags Great Adventure

Map It: 1 Six Flags Blvd., Jackson Township, NJ 08527  | Phone: (732) 928-2000 | Website  | Hours: 10:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. seven days a week | Admission Fee: Gate price $99.99, Online price $74.99

Like its name, this theme park is an adventure for the entire family. There are over 100 rides, dozens of entertaining shows, and themed areas like Movietown, Fantasy Forest, and the Boardwalk. With 24 coasters, the park boasts one of the largest roller coaster collections in the world.

If you’re a thrill seeker, you don’t want to miss the Zumanjaro: Drop of Doom! It’s the tallest drop tower in the world at 415 feet high. You’ll feel as if you’re free falling as you drop at 90 mph. This ride is not for the faint of heart.

During the summer season, Six Flag’s Hurricane Harbor opens next door. This water park features exhilarating slides, a wave pool, a lazy river, and a section for younger kiddos. Hurricane Harbor requires separate admission from the amusement park, but I highly recommend doing both if you have the time.

What you’ll need to know: Save up to $25 by pre-purchasing your park tickets online.

4. Battleship New Jersey

Map It: 100 Clinton St., Camden, MI 08103  | Phone: (856) 966-1652 |  Website   | Hours: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. seven days a week |  Admission Fee: Self-guided tours $25, Guided tours $35, and Specialty tours $25 to $100.

If you want to experience part of New Jersey’s military history, plan a weekend outing to Battleship New Jersey. Climb aboard the world’s longest and fastest battleship. Weighing in at 45,000 tons, the vessel dominates the Delaware River.

After decades of tours, the battleship was decommissioned in 1991 and has been available to tour since its finally docking. Touring the vessel is an interactive experience that kids will even enjoy. You can climb ladders, navigate tricky passageways, and explore the ship’s decks. Make sure you snap a picture in front of the Battleship New Jersey to capture its magnificence.

What you’ll need to know: If you want to take a specialty tour, you must reserve your spot online prior to visiting.

5. Ricky Boscarino’s Luna Parc

Map It: 22 Degroat Rd., Sandyston, NJ 07827  | Phone: (973) 948-2160 |  Website   | Hours: Visits must be reserved |  Admission Fee: Cost given when spot is reserved.

Artist Ricky Boscarino created Luna Parc in 1989 as a place for people to explore their creativity. This charming house is assembled from recycled trash and treasures. Its multi-colored façade is welcoming and looks like something straight from a storybook.

This attraction is only open a few days a week, and you need to reserve an appointment before you go. You can enjoy hands-on art activities and even learn art techniques from Boscarino. The park features an art gallery and museum where many shows and workshops are held.

If you’re interested in learning from one of New Jersey’s best artists, make sure to reserve your visit ahead of time.

What you’ll need to know: Check the website for event hours before visiting.

Related Read: 15 Best Hiking Trails in New Jersey

6. Thomas Edison National Historic Park

Map It: 211 Main St., West Orange, NJ 07052  | Phone: (973) 736-0550 | Website  |  Hours: Wednesday – Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. |  Admission Fee: Adults $15 and children 15 and under – free.

Thomas Edison’s home and two laboratory buildings have been fully preserved at the Thomas Edison National Historical Park. You can explore all three floors of the main laboratory, which includes his library, machine shops, music room, and more exhibits.

Within these buildings, Edison invented objects like the first batteries, primitive movie cameras, and even sound recorders. Tour guides will let you examine the labs and original objects Edison used up close. The tour also involves a film on his inventions, and a silent movie that Edison helped produce.

After touring the laboratory, you can walk through Edison’s impressive 29-room mansion. Home tours only take place on the weekends from April to December, and you must book ahead. Don’t miss this New Jersey staple!

What you’ll need to know: The laboratory is open year-round for tours, but the mansion is closed in January and February for refurbishment.

Related Read: 20 Free & Fun Things to Do in Edison, NJ

7. Imagine That! Museum

Map It: 4 Vreeland Rd., Florham Park, NJ 07932  | Phone: (973) 966-8000 | Website   | Hours: Tuesday – Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Admission Fee: Adults $6.99 and children 1 – 10 years old $ 21.99

Imagine That! is one of the best places to visit in New Jersey if you have young children. The museum has over 50 interactive exhibits to help young children explore the world around them. It’s a safe environment where kids can roam and let their imaginations run wild.

There is a diner that kids can pretend to cook in and a fire station with a mini fire truck to climb on! Other exhibits include an art room, dance studio, doctor’s office, princess castle, and a post office. Check out their special events page for character breakfast dates!

What you’ll need to know: Make sure to check the museum’s indoor admission ticket calendar for any delayed openings or early closings for private events.

8. The Newark Museum of Art

Map It: 49 Washington St., Newark, NJ 07102  | Phone: (973) 596-6550 | Website   | Hours: Thursday – Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Admission Fee: Adults $10 and children/ teachers/ students/ seniors 62+ $8

With art collections from all over the world, the Newark Museum of Art is a hub of culture. It’s New Jersey’s largest art museum and one of the best places in the state to visit. This year’s galleries include collections from Asia, Africa, the Mediterranean, and the Americas.

Beyond the displays, there are science exhibitions, a museum garden, and a creative play experience. The museum often holds special workshops, panels, and film screenings, so make sure to check out the event’s calendar when planning your visit!

What you’ll need to know: All guests must reserve tickets online as there are no on-site ticket sales.

9. Old Barracks Museum

Map It: 101 Barrack St., Trenton, NJ 08608  | Phone: (609) 396-1776 | Website   | Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 10:00 – 5:00 p.m. | Admission Fee: Adults $10 and students/ seniors 62+ $8

For more New Jersey history, the Old Barracks Museum takes visitors back to colonial times. It’s open year-round, and lets visitors experience the way of life back then. If you’re a history buff, you’ll love the Revolutionary War reenactments.

Tour the barracks and see where British soldiers were housed during the Revolutionary War. Some of the museum’s exhibits include the Battle of Trenton, World War I, and the Anti-Suffrage Movement.

What you’ll need to know: The museum is located in the New Jersey State Capitol Complex. Free parking is available in the Capitol Complex parking garage.

10. Caesars Atlantic City Casino

Map It: 2100 Pacific Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ 08401  |  Phone: (609) 348-4411 | Website  |  Hours: 24/7 | Admission Fee: Free

Best known for its high-end casinos, Atlantic City is one of the top resort areas in New Jersey. Caesars has the largest gaming area in the state, measuring 124,720 square feet. The venue has a massive theater at which big-named celebrities like Adele have residency.

The casino is situated right on the Atlantic City boardwalk and offers more than 3,000 slot machines. If you’re looking for a luxurious hotel, Caesars offers contemporary accommodations. It also has extensive leisure opportunities, with a spa, indoor shopping center, and a rooftop pool.

What you’ll need to know: Sign up for Caesars Rewards to earn rewards on every dollar spent in the casino, hotel, and restaurants.

Related Read: 25 Best Romantic Getaways in New Jersey

11. Cape May & Cape May Lighthouse

Map It: 215 Lighthouse Ave., Cape May, NJ 08204  |  Phone: (609) 224-6066 | Website   | Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. seven days a week | Admission Fee: Adults $12 and children 3 – 12 $8.00

Cape May is an iconic resort town at the southern tip of New Jersey. The town earned its reputation as a trendy, wealthy destination in the 18 th century as the aristocracy always visited it.

Situated on the Delaware Bay, Cape May’s beaches and Victorian-style homes attract many tourists. One of the town’s best features is the Cape May Lighthouse. More than 2.5 million visitors have climbed to the top since its opening in 1988.

The lighthouse is located in Cape May Point State Park and serves as a reminder of New Jersey’s maritime legacy. While visiting, you can peak into the Oil House, which contains the visitor center and a gift shop. There are also family-friendly programs like story time, and full moon climbs.

What you’ll need to know: Buy your tickets online so you don’t have to stand in line.

12. Liberty State Park

Map It: 200 Morris Pesin Dr., Jersey City, NJ 07305   | Phone: (201) 915-3403 | Website   |  Hours: 6:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. seven days a week | Admission Fee: Free

With the city’s skyline views, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island in the background, it’s easy to see why Liberty State Park is a place you should put on your travel list. This 36-acre park is perfect for a weekend adventure.

There are so many different places to explore within the park. One is the Historic Central Railroad of New Jersey terminal, which served millions of immigrants who came through Ellis Island. There is also the Hudson River Estuary, a natural area consisting of salt marshes.

Another one of the park’s popular attractions is the Empty Sky Memorial. These twin walls give a clear, direct view of Ground Zero. Each wall is the length of the former World Trade Center towers. 749 names of new Jersey victims are etched on the stainless-steel walls in remembrance.

What you’ll need to know: You can access Ellis Island and Liberty Science Center from Liberty State Park.

13. Wildwood Beach

Map It: Wildwood Crest, NJ 08260    | Phone: (609) 522-3825 | Website   |  Hours: 24/7 | Admission Fee: Free

Wildwood Beach has been named the “Best Beach in New Jersey” by USA Today. This five-mile stretch of white sand offers plenty of room for summer activities. You’ll see beach-goers surfing, boogie-boarding, and building sand castles.

There are even designated areas for dogs to enjoy the sun and water. The beach hosts special events like monster truck racing sand sculpting contests, and kite festivals throughout the season. Enjoy all of the activities, play in the calm waters, and work on your tan.

Don’t miss the Wildwood’s Boardwalk nearby! It offers 38 blocks of shops, restaurants, and over 100 amusement rides.

What you’ll need to know: Check the website’s event calendar for special events and concerts.

14. Insectropolis

Map It: 1761 US-9, Toms River, NJ 08755  | Phone: (732) 349 – 7090 | Website   | Hours: Monday – Friday 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. |  Admission Fee: $10, ages 2 and under – free

If you’ve never been to a bugseum, Insectropolis is a great first experience. It’s a fun and unique experience that intrigues visitors of all ages. You can view thousands of exotic insects from all over the world.

Kids can pretend their termites and climb through the mud tubes. You can also get up close to observe a busy bee hive and learn about why preserving bees is crucial. And there are daily touch presentations where you have the chance to touch insects like tarantulas, millipedes, and hissing cockroaches.

What you’ll need to know: During the school year, the bugseum’s hours change to weekends only.

15. Turtle Back Zoo

Map It: 560 Northfield Ave., West Orange, NJ 07052    | Phone: (973) 731-5800 |  Website   | Hours: Friday - Monday – 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and Wednesday – Thursday – 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. |  Admission Fee: Adults $17.00 and children 2 – 12 $14

Another fun spot for the whole family is Turtle Back Zoo. If you’re looking for a wildlife experience in northern New Jersey, this place is a treat. The zoo thrives on preserving wildlife, while educating and enriching its visitors’ experience.

Situated on 15 acres at the foot of a mountain, Turtle Back Zoo boasts nearly a thousand animals and 200 different species. The zoo’s other attractions include boating, mini golf, pony rides, and a dinosaur playground.

Turtle Back Zoo is one of Jersey’s best-loved attractions, and visitors of all ages will enjoy a day here.

What you’ll need to know: Visit the website for information on exhibit closures and ticketing for general admission.

16. Island Beach State Park

Map It: 2401 Central Ave., Seaside Park, NJ   | Phone: (732) 793-0506 | Website   | Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. seven days a week | Admission Fee: Monday – Friday $12.00 and weekends/ holidays - $20.00

Island Beach has the Atlantic Ocean on one side and Barnegat Bay on the other. It’s one of the quietest, most peaceful places in New Jersey. If you arrive in the early morning, you will find long stretches of shoreline that you can have all to yourself.

The park is divided into thirds. There are preserved natural areas, with trails and kayak and fishing access. There is also a recreational area and then the swimming beach. The swimming beach has lifeguards, two bathhouse pavilions, and concession stands.

On the Barnegat Bay side, there is a water entrance where hundreds of boats anchor in the shallow water during high season. It’s one giant floating party.

What you’ll need to know: Check the park’s website to stay up-to-date on ocean advisories and more.

17. Atlantic City Boardwalk and Beach

Map It: Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401    | Phone: (609) 93-8656 |  Website   | Hours: 24/7 |  Admission Fee: Free

Atlantic City has been called the adult’s playground, with its many casinos, bars, and thriving nightlife. It’s situated on the beautiful Atlantic Ocean coast and has many of New Jersey’s best resorts. Although Atlantic City has a lot of adult attractions, don’t count it out for family fun; it’s one of the top things to do in Jersey.

The boardwalk has exclusive and local shops, five-star restaurants and vendor booths. There are also rides, music venues, and tourist shops. Don’t forget to grab some of New Jersey’s famous saltwater taffy and handmade fudge while you’re there.

18. Ellis Island

Map It: Jersey City, NJ   | Phone: (212) 363-3200 | Website   |  Hours: 9:30 a.m. – 4:45 p.m. seven days a week |  Admission Fee: Adults $24 and children $12

Don’t settle for views of Ellis Island when you can tour the historic site. The island is a historical landmark that served as an entry port for millions of immigrants. You can take a short ferry ride from Liberty State Park to access this striking piece of history.

Ellis Island features one of New York’s most majestic buildings. The building was meant to be a symbol of America’s grandiosity and was able to accommodate 5,000 people per day. It now houses the immigration museum, where all the names of the port’s travelers have been recorded.

What you’ll need to know: To get to Ellis Island, you need to purchase a ferry ticket though Statue Cruises online.

19. Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum

Map It: Cape May Airport, 500 Forrestal Rd, Cape May, NJ 08204    | Phone: (609) 886-8787 | Website   | Hours: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. seven days a week |  Admission Fee: Adults $14 and children 3-12 $10

The NAS Wildwood Aviation Museum is located inside a former World War II hanger. It was used as a training facility in the 1940’s for dive bombers to practice. After the war, the building was used for charter flights until 1990 when it began falling into disrepair.

In 1997, a doctor and his wife bought the 92,000 square foot building for $1, and completely restored it into a museum. There are dozens of historic planes, helicopters, and WWII memorabilia. Check out all of the other 1940s artifacts, like the retro soda machines.

What you’ll need to know: The museum is closed on Saturday and Sunday from December to March each year.

20. Princeton University Art Museum

Map It: Elm Drive, Princeton, NJ 08544    | Phone: (609) 258-3788 |  Website   | Hours: Tuesday – Sunday – 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |  Admission Fee: Free

Princeton’s historic campus is a sight to see. Founded in 1756, the university consists of 1,600 acres of beautiful grounds. One of the campus’s best features is the university’s art museum.

This culturally rich museum is full of curated collections, exhibits, and daily shows. Some of the current collections include “Landscapes of the Mind,” “Picasso Prints,” and “Women Artists and Abstractions.”

Beyond these sophisticated collections, the museum also hosts artist talks, special guest lectures, and live art shows. There is truly something for everyone here. Not only is the Princeton University Art Museum a fun place to visit during your stay in New Jersey, but an enriching one too.

What you’ll need to know: Check the website’s ongoing calendar for dates of live programs.

21. Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park

Map It: 72 McBride Ave., Paterson, NJ 07501    | Phone: (973) 523-0370 |  Website   | Hours: 6:00 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. seven days a week |  Admission Fee: Free

The breathtaking Paterson Great Falls waterfall looms at a whopping 77 feet high. It pours up to an impressive two billion gallons a day. Standing next to this 300-foot-wide wonder will make you feel tiny!

If you’re in a rush and don’t have much time to spend in the park, you can park on Maple Street, which is adjacent to the Falls. It’s the perfect spot to feel the water spray and to snap a selfie. If you have time to spare, there are many areas surrounding the waterfall to have a picnic.

If you want an insider’s view, reserve a ranger-led tour. Your children can become junior park rangers for the day. They will learn about the park’s history and receive a fun badge for participating. If you want to do a tour, be sure to book online at least two weeks ahead of your travel date.

What you’ll need to know: Check the park’s website for safety advisories before visiting.

22. Cape May County Park & Zoo

Map It: 707 US-9 North, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210    | Phone: (609) 465-5271 |  Website  | Hours:  10:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. seven days a week |  Admission Fee: Free

Take a long, scenic drive down the Garden State Parkway to the famous Cape May County Park & Zoo. This non-profit organization operates solely on the generosity of donations from visitors. It’s a well-kept and interactive zoo that spares no attraction.

You can take an African safari to see zebras and giraffes and check out the impressive bald eagle exhibit. There are many animal encounters where you can see smaller reptiles and insects up close and even hold them if you’re brave enough!

To make your visit even more memorable, you can book a private guided tour to see behind the scenes. You’ll learn how the animals are cared for and get to observe feedings. The zoo also has many picnic areas, concession stands, and playgrounds to enjoy.

What you’ll need to know: The park is free, but donations are accepted and help to take care of the zoo’s many animals.

23. Sterling Hill Mining Museum

Map It: 30 Plant St., Ogdensburg, NJ 07439   | Phone: (973) 209- 7212 |  Website   | Hours: Reservations for tours can be made between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. |  Admission Fee: Adults $13 and children 4-12 - $10

If you’re looking for a novel place to visit in Jersey, the Sterling Hill Mine is a fun place to visit. A guide will take you through the old iron and zinc tunnels to learn about mining history.

You’ll learn about the equipment and techniques used to mine zinc and iron and hear about the harsh conditions that workers faced. The museum has also preserved artifacts from the mine’s operating days in the 1830s.

One of the mine’s most-loved exhibits is the “Rainbow Tunnel.” The illuminating rock and crystal walls are a great delight to view. Keep in mind that the mine is damp and cold, so dress comfortably and bring a jacket.

What you’ll need to know: Wear comfortable walking shoes to help you navigate walking through the mine.

24. Liberty Science Center

Map It: 222 Jersey City Blvd, Jersey City, NJ 07305   | Phone: (201) 200-1000 |  Website   |  Hours: Tuesday – Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |  Admission Fee: Adults $29.99 and children 2-12 $24.99

The Liberty Science Center, located in northern New Jersey, is the ultimate interactive museum for families. It’s home to many permanent exhibits and always features several traveling ones.

A visitor favorite is the “Skyscraper” on the first floor. You can dress up as a construction worker, and play around with a mini excavator and crane to build a skyscraper. There are two other floors to explore with exhibits on animals, ships, and experiments.

After exploring the museum’s exhibits, relax and watch a film about science, nature, or technology at the IMAX. The center is home to the world’s largest IMAX screen. It’s 88 feet long! This isn’t your typical children’s museum; even teens and adults enjoy the hands-on activities.

What you’ll need to know: Purchasing tickets online is recommended, as tickets may not be available on site.

25. The Adventure Aquarium

Map It: 1 Riverside Dr., Camden, NJ 08103   | Phone: (844) 474-3474 |  Website  | Hours: 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. seven days a week |  Admission Fee: Adults $26.99 and children 2-12 $18.99

The Adventure Aquarium, located on the Delaware River, is a favorite summer activity for many in New Jersey. This two-million-gallon aquarium is home to 8,000 marine species. There is a massive collection of sharks, sting rays, turtles, and penguins.

The aquarium is one of the top aquatic teaching facilities in the country. If you have children who are aspiring marine biologists, the Adventure Aquarium is the place to check out. The aquarium also boasts the distinction of being the world’s only aquarium featuring hippos.

What you’ll need to know: The aquarium strongly encourages reservations up to 45 days pior to your planned visit.

26. Barnegat Lighthouse State Park

Map It: 208 Broadway, Barnegat Light, NJ 08006   | Phone: (609) 494-2016 |  Website   | Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. seven days a week |  Admission Fee: Free

If you’re planning to spend any time at the beach while in New Jersey, consider spending some time at Barnegat Lighthouse State Park. The lighthouse, named Old Barney, is located on the tip of Long Beach Island, where the Atlantic Ocean and Barnegat Bay meet.

The picturesque beach is the perfect place to picnic, collect seashells, swim, and snap Instagram-worthy shots. You can climb the 217 steps to the top of the lighthouse to enjoy the scenic views.

If you’re wondering where to visit on your New Jersey trip, the Barnegat Lighthouse State Park is a great place to visit, no matter the season.

What you’ll need to know: There is a $3 fee to climb the lighthouse.

27. Grounds for Sculpture

Map It: 80 Sculptors Way, Hamilton Township, NJ 08619   | Phone: (609) 586-0616 |  Website   | Hours: Monday – Thursday 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Friday – Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. |  Admission Fee: Adults $20.00 and students 6-17 $10.00

Art and nature come together for a fulfilling experience at Grounds for Sculpture. This 45-acre park has over 300 artistic sculptures from local and international artists. You can spend a relaxing afternoon walking through the arboretum and impeccably kept gardens.

The Grounds for Sculpture organization fosters up-and-coming artists and often features events where you can meet aspiring sculptors. To create an enchanting atmosphere, the board also constantly adds hardscaping features to the grounds like bridges, patios, and pergolas.

In the evening, you can eat at Rat’s, a delectable restaurant located in the gardens. It has a romantic atmosphere and is warm and inviting. It’s perfect for a date night.

What you’ll need to know: Entry to the grounds is by advance timed ticket. Capacity is limited, so you must reserve your spot ahead of time.

28. Deep Cut Gardens

Map It: 152 Red Hill Rd., Middletown, NJ 07748   | Phone: (732) 842-4000 |  Website   | Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. seven days a week |  Admission Fee: Free

Deep Cut Gardens features 54 acres of gardens and greenhouses. The park is one of New Jersey’s most family-friendly, historical, and idyllic places. It is the horticultural heart of the Monmouth County Parks System.

Most people aren’t aware that mobster Vito Genovese purchased the property in 1935 and designed it to remind him of Naples, his home country. He constructed a pseudo-Italian rock garden, cascading pools surrounded by weeping hemlocks, and a small-scale replica of Mount Vesuvius.

After a short walk from the garden’s entrance, you’ll encounter a large pond stocked with dozens of koi fish. There are many spots to sit in the shade and enjoy watching the fish swim. The garden is one of the loveliest spots to spend the day in.

What you’ll need to know: Check out the events calendar for some of the garden’s special activities.

29. Winding Creek Alpaca Farm

Map It: 1148 Somers Point Rd., Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234   | Phone: (609) 760-8566 |  Website   | Hours: Appointments only |  Admission Fee: Price given upon booking

If you want to meet alpacas up close, visit Winding Creek Alpaca Farm in Egg Harbor. The farm opened in 2013, and is now home to 22 huacaya alpacas, and a dozen mini donkeys. Their herd descends from some of the finest lineage in the country.

Owners Mike and Sheri von Fischer open their doors to their 22-acre farm to visitors. They enjoy educating the public and sharing their happy, friendly animals with others. You’ll learn about what it takes to raise and care for alpacas when you spend a day at Winding Creek.

What you’ll need to know: Visits to the farm are by appointment only.

30. Nickelodeon Universe – American Dream

Map It: 1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ 07073  | Phone: (833) 263-7326 |  Website  | Hours: Monday - Sunday 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. |  Admission Fee: Non-peak days $49.99 and peak days $59.99 – 89.99

After two decades of construction, Nickelodeon Universe finally opened its doors in 2019. It’s the country’s largest indoor theme park. It’s impressive how many attractions the developers were able to fit in this 8.5-acre park.

American Dream has a fun atmosphere, with a glass ceiling, bright colors everywhere, and lots of noise. There are a total of 35 rides and attractions, which will keep the entire family busy for a day. You can also catch many of your favorite characters like the Ninja Turtles, Paw Patrol characters, and SpongeBob walking throughout the park.

From calm rides like Dora’s Sky Railway to the thrilling Skyline Scream, there is something for every age group to enjoy.

What you’ll need to know: You must walk through the American Dream Mall to get to the amusement park.

31. Hoboken Historical Museum

Map It: 1301 Hudson St., Hoboken, NJ 07030   | Phone: (201) 656-2240 |  Website   | Hours: Tuesdays – Sundays 2:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. |  Admission Fee: Adults $5

Hoboken has a lot of charm, with its mix of the historical past and contemporary updates. The city’s rich history is preserved and celebrated at the Hoboken Historical Museum. Located in the former Bethlehem Steel Machine Shop, locals refer to it as the “shipyard.”

The museum opened in 1986. It has a dozen exhibits on the city’s history and frequently provides tours, lectures, and film screenings to educate the community. It also hosts a collection of artifacts and documents that reveal the town’s cultural heritage.

One of the coolest features is the self-guided walking tour. Pick up a map from the front desk, and follow the highlighted path to observe the museum’s best exhibits.

What you’ll need to know: On-street parking is hard to come by. Visit the museum’s website for parking guidelines.

32. The Chateau Grande Hotel (East Brunswick)

Map It: 670 Cranbury Rd., East Brunswick, NJ 08816  | Phone: (732) 724-4600 |  Website   | Hours: 24/7 |  Admission Fee: Free

The Chateau Grande Hotel is one of New Jersey’s few French-style country estates. It’s about a half-hour from Princeton and an hour from lower Manhattan. The hotel is set on 15 acres of lush and luxurious parkland.

None of the rooms are smaller than 300-square feet. The suites are spacious, and most feature a full kitchen, dining area, and verandas. The grounds and buildings are so picturesque that the Chateau has become a popular wedding venue.

If you’re looking for an elegant hotel in New Jersey, the Chateau Grande Hotel in East Brunswick is a top choice. You must book several months in advance to lock in the best nightly rates.

What you’ll need to know: There are three dining options at the hotel, and reservations are strongly recommended.

33. Molly Pitcher Inn

Map It: 88 Riverside Ave., Red Bank, NJ 07701   | Phone: (732) 747-2500 |   Website   | Hours: 24/7 |  Admission Fee: Free

Most people think of Jersey Shore when it comes to waterfront destinations in New Jersey. But Red Bank is one of the state’s best-kept secrets. The Red Bank Hotel’s Molly Pitcher Inn is a waterfront hotel located on the banks of the Navesink River.

It’s only 25 miles from the John F. Kennedy International Airport. It offers a marina for those who want to explore the river. And an outdoor pool for those who would rather stay put to relax. There are many activities to choose from as guests can schedule massages, horse riding lessons, and sailing lessons.

The hotel’s dining room is a popular Jersey restaurant, known for its excellent views and seafood cuisine. Try their bloody Mary oyster shooters and famous seafood pot pie.

What you’ll need to know: Book your room six months in advance for the best rate and accommodations.

34. The Ocean House in Spring Lake

Map It: 102 Sussex Ave., Spring Lake, NJ 07762  | Phone: (732) 449-9090 |  Website   | Hours: 24/7 |  Admission Fee: Free

If you’re looking for a place to stay in New Jersey, The Ocean House is one of the state’s nicest retreats. Built in 1876, the hotel is one of the largest remaining hotels in Spring Lake. It’s wrap around porch presents old world charm, while the inside is full of modern-day amenities.

From the porch’s rocking chairs, you can feel the breeze coming off the Atlantic Ocean. There are complimentary bicycles you can take to explore Spring Lake, and each morning of your stay you will be provided with a free, hot breakfast.

The Ocean House is centrally located between the historic village and beach. You can easily access the town’s local restaurants, and walk down to the beach for evening strolls. It’s the perfect place to unwind, relax, and recharge.

What you’ll need to know: A deposit is required to book your reservation, and cancellations must be made one week prior to your arrival.

35. Cellar 335 in Jersey City

Map It: 335 Newark Ave., Jersey City, NJ 07302   | Phone: (201) 222-1422 |  Website   | Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 5:00 – 10:00 p.m. |  Admission Fee: Free

Cellar 335 is a unique eatery, located in the basement of White Eagle Hall concert venue. It’s a modern Asian and tropical-themed restaurant. It’s an ideal place for dining with friends and family who like to share dishes.

Some of the restaurant’s top dishes include spicy cornbread, maple chipotle Korean-style wings, and drunken chicken noodles. There are also several appetizers that come served in tiny cast iron skillets.

The Cellar is also known for its specialty cocktails like Zombie Priest Punch, and Purple Tribe. It’s a fun, chill place to relax and unwind.

What you’ll need to know: Make a reservation as this hot spot fills up quickly, especially on weekends.

36. The Frog and the Peach

Map It: 29 Dennis St., New Brunswick, NJ 08901   | Phone: (732) 846-3216 |  Website   | Hours: Varies - Check Website |  Admission Fee: Free

The Frog and the Peach has been serving patrons in New Brunswick since 1983. The restaurant is located in an old industrial building, which was originally used as a printing press for a local newspaper.

World-renowned chef, Bruce Lefebvre, purchased the restaurant in 2012. He has stayed true to New Jersey’s authenticity, and uses a farm-to-table approach to highlight Jersey’s agricultural and fishing industries.

The Frog and the Peach has been named New Jersey’s Best “All Around” Restaurant, and one of “America’s Top Tables” by the Zagat Survey.

What you’ll need to know: Reserve your table in advance to ensure you get in.

37. Grape Expectations

Map It: 25 Kearney St., Bridgewater Township, NJ 08807  | Phone: (732) 764-9463 |  Website   | Hours:  By appointment only | Admission Fee: Varies

If you’ve ever wanted to make your own wine, you have the opportunity to do so at Grape Expectations in New Jersey. This winery has the most inviting atmosphere and provides a hands-on experience throughout the entire winemaking process.

You will get to do everything from crushing and pressing the grapes to bottling the wine. You even get to choose from select California, Italian, or South American grapes to make the wine taste exactly as you like.

Award-winning winemakers from all over the world will assist you during the process, and give insight on different methods and techniques.

What you’ll need to know: Call ahead of your trip to book your spot.

38. iPlay America

Map It: 110 Schanck Rd., Freehold, NJ 07728   | Phone: (732) 577-8200 |  Website   | Hours: Wednesday - Sunday 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. |  Admission Fee: Unlimited band $39.99

If you’re looking for an exciting place to spend an evening with the family, iPlay America is a top pick. It’s an indoor boardwalk arcade, with nearly four acres of games, rides, and attractions. There are over 250 of today’s best games to play!

You can also race your family members on go-karts and battle in the two-story laser tag arena. There’s also a 4-D movie theater that provides a multi-sensory experience.

iPlay America offers a variety of foods at the Game Time Grill, and a front row seat to all sport games in the Topgolf Swing Suite.

What you’ll need to know: It’s very crowded on the weekends, so plan accordingly to avoid peak times.

39. High Point State Park

Map It: 1480 NJ-23, Sussex, NJ 07461  | Phone: (973) 875-4800 |  Website   | Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. seven days a week |  Admission Fee: Free

New Jersey is full of state parks to explore, but High Point State Park is the state’s highest elevation park. If you enjoy hiking, this is the best park to visit. Some of the hiking trails even loop back through New York.

Check out the blue dot trail, which will bring you past two lakes and amazing vistas. The Appalachian trail intersects this route, and will really get your blood pumping.

Other hiking trails include the Monument Trail Loop, High Point Summit, and White Cedar Swamp Trail.

What you’ll need to know: Some of the trails are meant for advanced hikers only. Pay attention to park signage.

40. Tuckerton Seaport Museum

Map It: 120 W Main St., Tuckerton, NJ 08087   | Phone: (609) 296-8868 |  Website  | Hours: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. seven days a week |  Admission Fee: Ages 2+ $12.50

Tuckerton Seaport has evolved into a maritime village. The seaport includes 17 historic buildings connected by a boardwalk over 40 acres. The museum is located along historic Tuckerton Creek.

There is so much to do and see at the museum. A forest surrounds the museum and features nature trails through the wetlands. Exhibits include two houseboats, a decoy gallery, a boat building workshop, and more.

Bring the entire family and spend the day exploring and meeting people who live, work, and play along the Barnegat Bay.

What you’ll need to know: With so many things to do and see, planning your day to Seaport ahead of time will help you make the most of your time.

41. Lakota Wolf Preserve

Map It: 89 Mt. Pleasant Rd., Columbia, NJ 07832   | Phone: (908) 496-9244 |  Website   | Hours: 10:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. tour times |  Admission Fee: Adults $15 and children 11 and under $7

The Lakota Wolf Preserve is home to wolves, bobcats, and foxes. You must make a reservation to attend one of the daily wolf watches. By visiting the preserve, you get the once in a lifetime chance to experience packs of Timber and Arctic wolves.

When you arrive, you will be taken into the observation area in the center of four packs of wolves. Guides will give talks on how to raise and care for wolves. You will also learn about the social structure of wolf packs, and how they interact with humans.

It’s a magical experience that you can only have in a few places in the entire country.

What you’ll need to know: A reservation must be made to attend a wolf watch.

42. Diggerland USA

Map It: 100 Pinedge Dr., West Berlin, NJ 08091   | Phone: (856) 768-1110 |  Website   | Hours: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. seven days a week |  Admission Fee: $45.95

Diggerland USA is the ultimate construction-themed paradise. The amusement park spans 21-acres, and is the only theme park of its kind in the country. Kids get the opportunity to operate bulldozers, backhoes, and tractors.

The “Mini Dig” teaches kids how to use an excavator to unearth buried treasure. There are also obstacle courses, extreme bowling, an arcade, and bumper cars.

After working up a sweat, you can cool off at Diggerland’s new waterpark. Visitors can swim and slide across two acres of construction-themed splash pads and slides.

What you’ll need to know: There are height restrictions on many attractions. Check guidelines to help plan your visit.

43. Lucy the Elephant

Map It: 9200 Atlantic Ave., Margate City, NJ 08402  | Phone: (609) 823-6473 |  Website   | Hours: Sunday – Thursday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Friday – Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. |  Admission Fee: Adults $8.50 and children 3-12 $4.00

The only place in the world where you can see a 65-foot-high wooden elephant is in Margate, New Jersey. Lucy the Elephant is a National Historical Monument and was built to attract homeowners to the area in the 1880s.

Lucy is a fully functional, six-story building and is 134 years old. She’s been used as a real estate office, a hotel, a summer home, and even a tavern. Now, it’s a popular tourist spot, where visitors can tour the inside.

For a small admission fee, tourists can enter the elephant by climbing the spiral staircase next to her legs. At the top, you’ll have a breathtaking view of the city and the Atlantic Ocean.

What you’ll need to know: Arrive early before opening time to avoid long lines and crowds.

44. Museum of American Glass

Map It: 1501 Glasstown Rd., Millville, NJ 08332   | Phone: (800) 998-4552 |  Website   | Hours: Thursday – Sunday 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. |  Admission Fee: Adults $12.00 and students $7

Southern New Jersey is referred to as the “Cradle of American Glass.” Glass factories have been operating here for over 200 years because the soil has a lot of silica, which is melted to make glass.

The Wheaton family, owners of Wheaton Glass Industries, opened the Museum of American Glass in the 1960s. The museum is now the largest glass museum in the world, with over 6,500 items on display.

You can view the world’s largest glass bottle, which stands eight inches tall, and holds 188 gallons. Another famous piece in the collection is a child’s coffin made entirely of glass. It’s one of two glass coffins in the world that are unoccupied.

What you’ll need to know: Check the events calendar for glassblowing and artist demonstrations.

45. The Trenton Punk Rock Flea Market

Map It: 81 Hamilton Ave., Trenton, NJ 08611   | Phone: N/A |  Website   | Hours: See EVENTS page on their website for announced dates |  Admission Fee: Free

The Trenton Punk Rock Flea Market is only held three times a year, and has become popular with vintage enthusiasts everywhere. It’s held in the historic Roebling Wire Works building, and is kid and dog friendly.

The flea market now has over 300 high-quality vendors, who make unique and handmade products. It’s a fun filled day with a dozen food trucks, special performances, and sometimes even celebrities make an appearance.

If you’re in New Jersey when the flea market takes place, you don’t want to miss it. The Huffington Post named it as the best flea market in America.

What you’ll need to know: Flea market dates will be announced several months ahead of time on their website.

46. Land of Make Believe and Pirate’s Cove

Map It: 354 Great Meadows Rd. – Rt. 611, Hope, NJ 07844   | Phone: (908) 459-9000 |  Website  | Hours: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. seven days a week |  Admission Fee: $32.83

Everyone feels like a kid again when they visit the Land of Make Believe in Hope Township. Formerly a dairy farm, the land was converted into an amusement park in 1954. There are over 30 acres of kid-friendly rides.

In addition to the rides, you can visit Santa’s Barn year-round to see what Santa and his reindeer are up to. After that, you can swing by Old MacDonald’s farm. It’s a petting zoo with dozens of farm animals to touch and take pictures with.

If you visit during the warm weather months, you can also get admission to Pirate’s Cove waterpark.

What you’ll need to know: There are height restrictions on some of the rides and attractions.

47. Yankee Doodle Tap Room

Map It: 10 Palmer Square East, Princeton, NJ 08542   | Phone: (609) 688-2600 |  Website   | Hours: Varies - Check website |  Admission Fee: Free

The Yankee Doodle Tap Room is located at the Nassau Inn. Locals and tourists have enjoyed the atmosphere, food, and drinks for over 75 years. Additionally, the Tap Room is home to Norman Rockwell’s oldest and largest mural.

If you have the chance to visit, order the award-winning Princetonian Burger. There are 22 beers on tap to choose from! Check out the photos on the walls to see some of Princeton’s most distinguished alums.

The tap room serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends. And if you travel during any major holidays, check out the website for special holiday buffets.

What you’ll need to know: Advance reservations are recommended to get a seat.

48. The Spy House

Map It: 719 Port Monmouth Rd., Port Monmouth, NJ 07758  | Phone: (732) 787-3033 |  Website   | Hours: Sunday 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. |  Admission Fee: Free

The Spy House in Middletown is the most haunted house in America. Historians, psychics, and mediums have said the building’s energy is off the charts. No one has been able to tolerate staying a night here.

Built in 1648, the Spy House was a tavern that British troops frequently visited. Soldiers would drink too much and tell the innkeeper, Thomas Seabrook, all of their war plans. Afterwards, Seabrook would tell all of the secrets he had learned to the continental army.

Visitors have reported strange noises, unexplained sightings, and power surges. The Spy House is a fun and creepy spot to visit if you’re brave enough!

What you’ll need to know : This attraction may not be suitable for children under the age of 16.

49. Greenwood Gardens

Map It: 274 Old Short Hills Rd., Short Hills, NJ 07078  | Phone: (973) 258-4026 |  Website   | Hours: Friday – Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |  Admission Fee: Adults $15 and children 3-12 $5

Greenwood Gardens is a 28-acre landscape steeped in history, horticulture, and family. From the magnificent summerhouse to the croquet lawn, you can feel how this property has been loved for decades.

Greenwood is a magical playground of spaces. It first belonged to self-made millionaire Joseph Day, who sought a retreat from the pace of New York. He had a 28-room Italianate villa built, along with a formal garden.

You can walk through the garden’s vistas, pavilions, and hidden spaces constructed by architect William Whetten Renwick. The most interesting structure is the two-story teahouse that looks like something from a fairy tale. It features cobble-stone floors, and its walls are full of Rockwood seashells.

What you’ll need to know: Arriving to the garden at opening time will give you enough time to see all of the garden’s features.

50. Whippany Railway Museum

Map It: 1 Railroad Plaza, Whippany, NJ 07981   | Phone: (973) 887-8177 |  Website   | Hours: Sunday 12:00 – 4:00 p.m. |  Admission Fee: Free

The Whippany Railroad Museum has preserved New Jersey’s railroad history. There are different pieces of railroad equipment throughout the museum’s grounds. They are on display for visitors to see and appreciate.

Inside the museum, there is a model train that children can interact with. And there are hundreds of railroad memorabilia, like drawings, photographs, models, and more. Special excursion train rides take place throughout the year.

What you’ll need to know: Tickets for train rides are available for pre-purchase online.

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Map of Cape May — Best attractions, restaurants, and transportation info

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We’ve made the ultimate tourist map of Cape May, New Jersey for travelers! Check out Cape May’s top things to do, attractions, restaurants, and major transportation hubs all in one interactive map.

Visiting Cape May? See our Cape May Trip Planner.

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Use this interactive map to plan your trip before and while in Cape May. Learn about each place by clicking it on the map or read more in the article below. Here’s more ways to perfect your trip using our Cape May map:

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Top 17 attractions in Cape May

Cape may lighthouse, south cape may meadows.

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4.8 magnitude earthquake rattles NYC, New Jersey: Live updates

NEW YORK – A 4.8 magnitude earthquake recorded in New Jersey that shook residents in surrounding states and New York City on Friday morning was one of the strongest in state history.

The temblor was reported about 5 miles north of Whitehouse Station, New Jersey, at about 10:23 a.m. Friday, according to the United States Geological Survey. The epicenter was about 45 miles from New York City, where residents reported shaking furniture and floors.

“Earthquakes in this region are uncommon but not unexpected. It’s likely people near the epicenter are going to feel aftershocks for this earthquake in the magnitude 2-3 range, and there’s a small chance there can be an earthquake as large or larger, following an earthquake like this,” Paul Earle, a seismologist at the USGS Earthquake Hazards Program told reporters. “In terms of our operations, this is a routine earthquake … Immediately we knew this would be of high interest and important to people who don’t feel earthquakes a lot.”

People reported feeling the shaking as far north as Maine and as far south as Norfolk, Virginia, following the quake, according to USGS. Scientists said those in the affected area should listen to local emergency officials and be prepared to seek cover if aftershocks occur.

“If you feel shaking, drop, cover and hold,” Earle said.

No major disruptions or damage have been reported in New Jersey or New York.

"We have activated our State Emergency Operations Center. Please do not call 911 unless you have an actual emergency," said New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy.

President Joe Biden spoke with Murphy about the earthquake and the White House is monitoring the situation.

“He thinks everything's under control,” Biden told reporters before leaving the White House for a trip to Baltimore. “He’s not too concerned about it, the governor of New Jersey, so things are all right.”

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said the quake was felt throughout New York, and officials are assessing impacts and any potential damage.

In Yonkers, New York, Mayor Mike Spano said City Hall shook but no injuries were reported.

"A few moments ago our entire house shook for about 25 seconds or so here in Mendham, New Jersey," former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie said.

USGS is still investigating the exact fault line at the center of Friday’s quake and said it occurred in a region with dozens of fault lines that were more active millions of years ago.

4.0 magnitude aftershock strikes hours after earthquake

Officials in New York and New Jersey alerted residents to an aftershock Friday evening, nearly eight hours after the earthquake.

A 4.0 magnitude aftershock slammed New Jersey at around 6 p.m., with an epicenter about four miles southwest of Gladstone, according to the USGS. New York City’s emergency notification system alerted residents to the aftershock minutes later, urging people to remain indoors and call 911 if injured.

Hochul said there were no reports of serious damage after the aftershock, and officials were continuing to assess critical infrastructure.

The aftershock Friday evening was at least the third that USGS recorded after the quake struck.

As of Friday afternoon, the USGS aftershock forecast predicted a 36% chance of aftershocks at a 3.0 magnitude or higher, an 8% chance of aftershocks at a 4.0 magnitude or higher, and a 1% chance for aftershocks at a magnitude of 5.0 or higher over the next week.

USGS scientists said informal observations can be a big help in understanding earthquakes, especially in a region where they’re less common.

“We encourage people to fill out the ‘Did You Feel It?’ reports on our website,” said Sara McBride, a scientist with the USGS Earthquake Hazards Program. “This citizen science project is critical in terms of building our knowledge around earthquakes.”

By midafternoon on Friday, the agency said it had received more than 161,000 reports, and extrapolated that the quake had been felt by millions of people. McBride acknowledged that earthquakes can be nerve-wracking for people who don’t live in seismologically active regions, and said knowledge is power in combatting that discomfort.

“The best thing you can do to relieve any unsettling feelings you might have is to learn how to protect yourself during shaking and how to prepare for earthquakes in the future,” she said.

Man getting vasectomy during earthquake recounts experience

One Horsham, Pennsylvania, man shared his unusual earthquake experience, saying the tremors hit when he was in the middle of receiving a vasectomy.

"The surgeon sort of froze and all of us kind of seemed a bit confused," Justin Allen told USA TODAY . "Even when the surgeon said 'that’s gotta be an earthquake,' I thought he was joking."

Luckily, Allen's doctor was able to resume the procedure after a brief pause, and the rest went off without a hitch. Now recovering at home, Allen said it's an experience no one involved will forget, especially because his social media post about the incident has since gone viral.

"My wife says that 'this is a clear and obvious sign that we should not have any more kids,'" Allen said.

New Jersey resident thought sound from earthquake was an explosion

Madeline Nafus had just finished feeding her 7-week-old baby when, simultaneously, she was thrown off balance and the loudest sound she’d ever heard rang out.

“I thought it was either an explosion or a bombing because of how loud it was,” said Nafus, who lives in Long Valley, New Jersey, a few miles from the earthquake's epicenter. “It was just terrifying.”

Nafus, 29, watched as her light fixtures swung and wine glasses, framed photos and a 6-foot elk head crashed onto the floor. Feeling as if her “house was going to crumble,” she picked up her baby boy, grabbed some blankets and headed outside. Meanwhile, her friend came running downstairs and picked up Nafus’ quivering dog, Olivia, a small golden doodle.

After about 15 seconds, the rumbling went away and only occasional, minor tremors could be felt. Nafus called her husband, who was teaching a golf lesson at the time, and then their 2-year-old’s day care.

“They said the children were all confused and asking a lot of questions but that they were OK,” she said.'

How common are East Coast quakes?

Earthquakes are less frequent in the eastern part of the country than in the west, but they have occurred in every state east of the Mississippi River, according to the USGS.

"Since colonial times people in the New York – Philadelphia – Wilmington urban corridor have felt small earthquakes and suffered damage from infrequent larger ones," according to the USGS. "Moderately damaging earthquakes strike somewhere in the urban corridor roughly twice a century, and smaller earthquakes are felt roughly every two to three years."

USGS officials also said that even smaller-magnitude quakes are more likely to be felt more widely on the East Coast than similar size quakes on the West Coast due to the rock properties of eastern soil, which can cause concern to East Coasters not used to the tremors.

Rocks in the eastern part of the country are much older than in the west, by up to millions of years. Those older rocks have been exposed to more extreme temperatures and pressure, and faults have had more time to heal. Seismic waves travel across the resulting harder and denser faults much more efficiently, so the effects of a quake are felt across a larger area. In the West, faults are newer and absorb more of the seismic wave energy without spreading as far.

Quake felt in Massachusetts

In Auburn, Massachusetts, more than 200 miles from the earthquake's epicenter, Jerry Steinhelper was on a video call for work when his house began to tremble. His dog Maize started barking, and books and trinkets fell from their shelves. He looked out the window and saw trees shaking.

“I thought at first it may be ice falling off the roof. But it kept going and the entire house was shaking,” he told USA TODAY. “Then I just knew it was an earthquake.”

Steinhelper, 55, lived in San Diego in the 1980s and experienced temblors there, but he’s never felt one in Massachusetts, where he’s been for over 25 years.

“It was an interesting 10 to 15 seconds,” he said.

'It felt like a plane crashed outside' near epicenter

Nicole Kravitz, 33, was baking muffins at the cafe she co-owns with her husband in New Jersey when the floor began to shake. She and the cooks looked at each other for a few moments, and then at some stacked plates and glasses that had started vibrating.

Their eatery, Branchburg's Best, is located in New Jersey's Somerset County, near the epicenter of Friday’s earthquake.

“It felt like a plane crashed outside,” she said. “No one knew what was happening.”

Some workers ran out the door to see if something had smashed into the building while she checked the basement for damage. Meanwhile, Patrick Tucker, her husband, who was picking up beef from a nearby farm, watched agitated chickens and cows run around in their pens, visibly shaken by the quake.

Kravitz said the intensity of the earthquake made her feel like she was back in Southern California, where she had lived for several years before she returned to her home state in 2016.

Quake was one of the strongest to ever impact New Jersey

Friday's earthquake was the most significant in New Jersey since 1884 , when an Aug. 10 earthquake somewhere near Jamaica Bay, New York, toppled chimneys and moved houses off their foundations as far as Rahway, New Jersey, 30 miles away.

Other than that quake, there were only  three earthquakes in modern history  that caused damage in the state: 1737 (New York City), 1783 (west of New York City) and 1927 (New Jersey coast near Asbury), according to New Jersey Office of Emergency Management records.

The Dec. 19, 1737 earthquake is believed by modern experts to have been a 5.2 magnitude quake. Charted as taking place in the greater New York City area, some accounts say its epicenter was near Weehawken. State records show it threw down chimneys. Chimneys were also hurled down during the Nov. 29, 1783 quake. Estimated at a 5.3 magnitude that originated in modern-day Rockaway Township, according to state records, it was felt from Pennsylvania to New England.

The Aug. 10, 1884 quake, estimated at a 5.2 magnitude was the last the state has seen of its significance and was felt from Virginia to Maine, according to state records.

  Read more about New Jersey's earthquake history.

– David M. Zimmer, NorthJersey.com

New Jersey business owner describes worst quake ever felt but went right back to work

It was a busy day for La Bella Salon & Spa in Lebanon, New Jersey, when an earthquake struck near the rural township.

About a dozen stylists and customers, some whom were getting their hair dyed while others got manicures and eyelash extensions, all froze as the building rattled for about 30 seconds.

“People started to feel the shaking, and it got worse and worse. We were like ‘Oh, my god, what is going on?’" said shop owner Rosanne Drechsel. “I thought a truck hit the building or something.”

After the tremor subsided, nearly everyone in the building started receiving texts and phone calls from friends and family, Drechsel, 61, said.

Nothing was damaged and no one was injured, but Drechsel, who was born and raised in New Jersey, said it was “by far the worst earthquake” she had ever felt.

“We all went back to work and finished the appointments,” she said. “Customers are calling now to see if we're still open and if they can still make their appointments later on today.”

'It was scary': Quake rattles shelves in Brooklyn bodega

In Brooklyn, residents said they felt their buildings shake and many went outdoors after the rumbling stopped to check in with neighbors.

Julio Melo, a deli worker, said he thought the sounds of the earthquake resembled those of a large truck going down the street. But when Melo, 32, looked around and saw beer bottles rattling on store shelves, and a potted plant shimmy down the counter, he thought it might be something bigger, he told USA TODAY.

“I looked at my employee and he had the same tragic face on as me, it was scary,” he said at Jenesis’ Grocery Corp. in Brooklyn’s Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood.

– Claire Thornton

Where was the earthquake felt?

Residents and officials said the earthquake was felt throughout New York, as well as in New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and elsewhere. It was also felt as far away as Cambridge, Massachusetts, about 250 miles away from the reported epicenter.

Charita Walcott, a 38-year-old resident in the Bronx borough of New York, said the quake felt "like a violent rumble that lasted about 30 seconds or so."

"It was kind of like being in a drum circle, that vibration," she said.

Earthquakes common in the region, but the size is unusual: Expert

Chuck Ver Straeten, a geologist and curator of sedimentary rocks at the New York State Museum, told USA TODAY it’s not surprising this earthquake happened where it did.

“New York, around New York City going into New Jersey, there’s a lot of earthquakes historically down there. Happens every year,” he said. But it’s less common for them to be of such a high magnitude. It’s not surprising that many people felt it, he said. Usually, earthquakes in the region are at a lower magnitude and less likely to be felt.

Ver Straeten said the real question now is if this is just a precursor to a larger quake.

“You never know what is the earthquake, what is a pre-earthquake, what is an earthquake happening after the main earthquake, you just have to see,” he said. “One slip along the rock fault, when one happens, it makes other areas around there more tense also and they start to slip and you slip again and slip again.”

But, he added, it would be unlikely for a larger quake to follow this one. In the Northeast, it’s more common for one large quake to be followed by smaller aftershocks, rather than a mounting series of tremors. 

What does magnitude mean in an earthquake?

Magnitude is a measurement of the strength of an earthquake . Officially it's called the Moment Magnitude Scale . It's a logarithmic scale , meaning each number is ten times as strong as the one before it. So a 5.2 earthquake is moderate while a 6.2 is strong.

The magnitude and effect of an earthquake, according to Michigan Technological University :

◾ Below 2.5: Generally not felt

◾ 2.5 to 5.4: Minor or no damage

◾ 5.5 to 6.0: Slight damage to buildings

◾ 6.1 to 6.9: Serious damage

◾ 8.0 or greater: Massive damage, can totally destroy communities

Intensity scales, measured in Roman numerals, are used to describe how strong the earthquake felt to people in the area.

According to the California Earthquake Authority , an intensity of I is typically felt only under especially favorable conditions. A IV, which leads to light shaking, is felt indoors by many, but not typically outdoors. It might awaken some people at night and lead to a sensation like a truck striking a building. A parked car would rock. Intensities VI and above would be strong, frightening and felt by all, with the damage increasing up to a X where the shaking would be violent. Some well-built wooden structures would be destroyed and most masonry and frame structures along with their foundations would be ruined.

While you might have heard the term " the Richter Scale " used to describe earthquakes, it is no longer commonly used because it was only valid for certain earthquake frequencies and distance ranges.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

Contributing: Reuters

Advertisement

Map: 4.8-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes New Jersey

By William B. Davis ,  Madison Dong ,  Judson Jones ,  John Keefe ,  Bea Malsky and Lazaro Gamio

Shake intensity

A light, 4.8-magnitude earthquake struck in New Jersey on Friday, according to the United States Geological Survey. The quake was felt across the New York City metropolitan area, and from Philadelphia to Boston.

The temblor happened at 10:23 a.m. Eastern about 4 miles north of Whitehouse Station, N.J., data from the agency shows.

As seismologists review available data, they may revise the earthquake's reported magnitude. Additional information collected about the earthquake may also prompt U.S.G.S. scientists to update the shake-severity map.

Aftershocks in the region

At 5:59 p.m. Eastern on Friday, a light aftershock with a magnitude of 3.8 struck near Gladstone, New Jersey, according to U.S.G.S. (The agency initially gave the quake a preliminary magnitude of 4.0.)

An aftershock is usually a smaller earthquake that follows a larger one in the same general area. Aftershocks are typically minor adjustments along the portion of a fault that slipped at the time of the initial earthquake.

Quakes and aftershocks within 100 miles

Aftershocks can occur days, weeks or even years after the first earthquake. These events can be of equal or larger magnitude to the initial earthquake, and they can continue to affect already damaged locations.

How this quake compares

The U.S.G.S. has logged 188 earthquakes with a magnitude of 2.5 or greater within a 250-mile radius of New York City since 1957. In that timeframe, only seven have had a magnitude at or above 4.5. Today’s quake had the third-highest magnitude in the available data.

Today’s earthquake

Magnitude 4.8

250-mile radius

from New York City

Source: U. S.G.S.

By Lazaro Gamio

Source: United States Geological Survey | Notes: Shaking categories are based on the Modified Mercalli Intensity scale. When aftershock data is available, the corresponding maps and charts include earthquakes within 100 miles and seven days of the initial quake. All times above are Eastern. Shake data is as of Friday, April 5 at 10:44 a.m. Eastern. Aftershocks data is as of Friday, April 12 at 10:08 a.m. Eastern.

• Share full article

Watch CBS News

Earthquake maps show where seismic activity shook the Northeast today

By Lucia Suarez Sang

Updated on: April 5, 2024 / 7:51 PM EDT / CBS News

Residents across the Northeast were rattled by a  4.8 magnitude earthquake that shook  the densely populated New York City metropolitan area and much of the surrounding region on Friday morning. The U.S. Geological Survey was quick to release maps showing the spot where the quake was centered, in New Jersey, and the area where it was felt.

The USGS reported the quake occurred about 7 miles north of Whitehouse Station, New Jersey. It indicated that the quake might have been felt by more than 42 million people. There were several aftershocks later in the day, including one with a magnitude of 4.0.

People in Baltimore , Philadelphia , New Jersey, Connecticut, Boston and other areas of the Northeast reported shaking. Tremors lasting for several seconds were felt over 200 miles away near the Massachusetts-New Hampshire border.

The map below shows the seismic intensity of the earthquake. The map, which is mostly a lighter shade of blue, shows that the intensity was light to weak, depending on the distance from the epicenter. 

Another map released by the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre on X, formerly Twitter, highlights the eyewitness reports of shaking and possible damage levels during the seismic event. 

#Earthquake 18 mi W of #Plainfield (New Jersey) 23 min ago (local time 10:23:20). Updated map - Colored dots represent local shaking & damage level reported by eyewitnesses. Share your experience via: 📱 https://t.co/IbUfG7TFOL 🌐 https://t.co/wErQf69jIn pic.twitter.com/jBjVw1ngAD — EMSC (@LastQuake) April 5, 2024

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and New York City Mayor Eric Adams have been briefed on the quake. 

"We're taking this extremely seriously and here's why: There's always the possibility of aftershocks. We have not felt a magnitude of this earthquake since about 2011," Hochul said. 

People across the region were startled by the rumbling of the quake. One New York City resident told CBS New York's Elijah Westbrook, "I was laying in my bed, and my whole apartment building started shaking. I started freaking out," 

It's not the first time the East Coast and New York City have been hit by an earthquake. 

A 5.0 quake was measured in New York City in 1884. 

The shaking stirred memories of the Aug. 23, 2011, earthquake that jolted tens of millions of people from Georgia to Canada. Registering magnitude 5.8, it was the strongest quake to hit the East Coast since World War II. The epicenter was in Virginia.

That earthquake left cracks in the Washington Monument, spurred the evacuation of the White House and Capitol and rattled New Yorkers three weeks before the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terror attacks.

• New England
• Connecticut
• Earthquakes
• United States Geological Survey
• Philadelphia

Lucia Suarez Sang is an associate managing editor at cbsnews.com. Previously, Lucia was the director of digital content at FOX61 News in Connecticut and has previously written for outlets including FoxNews.com, Fox News Latino and the Rutland Herald.

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• International

Rare 4.8 magnitude quake rattles Northeast

By Elise Hammond , Leinz Vales and Matt Meyer , CNN

4.0 magnitude aftershock recorded in New Jersey, USGS says

From CNN's Brandon Miller

An aftershock of a preliminary magnitude 4.0 has struck just southwest of Gladstone, New Jersey, according to the United States Geological Survey .

It happened at about 5:59 p.m. ET, USGS said.

The aftershock comes nearly 8 hours after the main shock of 4.8 magnitude this morning. There have been at least 10 aftershocks, though most were in the 1.8 to 2.2 magnitude range.

No injuries or major damage in Northeast after morning quake in New Jersey. What to know to get caught up

From CNN staff

A 4.8 magnitude earthquake rattled buildings across parts of the US Northeast on Friday morning, according to the US Geological Survey, with tremors felt from Washington, DC to New York City and to Maine.

It was the third-largest earthquake recorded in the area in the last five decades and the strongest in New Jersey i n more than 240 years , the USGS said. But with authorities reporting little or no damage, and minimal travel disruptions, people soon resumed their everyday lives.

Here's what to know:

• New Jersey: Gov. Phil Murphy said there are limited reports of damage and "little to no injuries" in the state. The USGS recorded at least six aftershocks in the immediate area of the initial earthquake. In an area more than 30 miles from the epicenter, three neighboring homes in Newark were evacuated after residents reported structural damage, according to Newark Public Safety Director Fritz Fragé.
• New York: Gov. Kathy Hochul said there were no "life-threatening situations" after the earthquake and no reports of damaged buildings . There was one report of a gas line leak, but so far there's no “major” infrastructure impact, state officials said . New York City Mayor Eric Adams also said there have not been any reports of injuries and told people to " go about their normal day ." Additionally, all aspects of the New York City transit system were operating safely, said Metropolitan Transport Authority CEO Janno Lieber.
• Philadelphia: The Philadelphia Police Department received "over 200 calls" from 911 "in a very short period of 20 minutes," following the earthquake, according to Commissioner Kevin J. Bethel. But, there were no injuries reported in the city, Mayor Cherelle L. Parker said.
• Connecticut: State officials did not report any significant damage. Emergency management officials said their operations center was partially activated as agencies inspected key infrastructure points.
• Travel: Runways at the three main airports servicing the New York City area were inspected and cleared, according to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Port Authority also said there were no operational or physical impacts to the bridges and tunnels. Amtrak said its trains were r unning at normal speeds after restrictions were put in place for track inspections.
• Widespread impact: The shaking was felt by millions of people across hundreds of miles of the Northeast — a phenomenon made more likely by a few factors, including the geology of the region itself, according to the USGS. Rocks in the eastern US are much older, denser and harder, making them more efficient conduits of the seismic energy released by an earthquake, allowing it to travel in a more potent form over longer distances, the USGS says.

Amtrak trains resume running at normal speeds

From CNN's Pete Muntean

Amtrak trains are back to operating at normal speeds after an earthquake in New Jersey on Friday, the company said.

It said it started inspecting its tracks shortly after 11 a.m. ET, and put speed restrictions in place throughout the region. Amtrak said it has now completed those inspections.

“As of 3:30 PM ET, All inspections have been completed and service has been restored to normal speed. Residual delays should be expected,” Amtrak  posted  on X.

At least 6 aftershocks recorded following New Jersey earthquake, USGS reports

From CNN’s Samantha Beech, Brandon Miller and Taylor Ward

There have been at least six aftershocks in the hours following the New Jersey earthquake Friday morning, according to United States Geological Survey data. 

The initial earthquake was felt in northern New Jersey just before 10:30 a.m. ET, and the aftershocks were all recorded in the immediate area of the earthquake, USGS said.

According to USGS, the largest of the six aftershocks was 2.2 magnitude, recorded just after 1:30 p.m. ET.

Here's a timeline (all times are ET):

• 10:23 a.m.: The initial 4.8 magnitude earthquake occurred
• 11:20 a.m.: 2.0 magnitude aftershock
• 11:37 a.m.: 1.8 magnitude aftershock
• 11:49 a.m.: 2.0 magnitude aftershock
• 12:31 p.m.: 1.8 magnitude aftershock
• 1:14 p.m.: 2.0 magnitude aftershock
• 1:32 p.m.: 2.2 magnitude aftershock

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a social media post that "aftershocks of these size are normal and are not expected to cause further damage."

The governor said there have been no reports of injuries or damage.

See how people in the Northeast reacted when the earthquake hit

From CNN's Jeremy Moorhead and Sean Clark

When an earthquake rattled buildings across the Northeast Friday morning, stunned residents described initially thinking a passing tractor-trailer or freight train was passing them before they realized it was something more.

There were reports of the 4.8 magnitude quake being felt from Philadelphia to New York City, according to the US Geological Survey.

See how some people reacted:

3 neighboring homes in New Jersey evacuated after reporting structural damage, offical says 

From CNN’s Nic F. Anderson and David Goldman

Three neighboring homes in Newark, New Jersey, have been evacuated after residents reported structural damage following this morning’s earthquake, according to the local public safety director. 

Newark Public Safety Director Fritz Fragé told CNN no injuries have been reported after firefighters responded to reports of damage at the homes in an area more than 30 miles from the earthquake’s epicenter. 

He said 10 families were relocated from the buildings, including 25 adults and three children.

Fragé added that all Newark city buildings, including City Hall and recreation centers, are closed. He said the city is inspecting buildings for any potential damage and power outages. 

Also in New Jersey’s Essex County, in Montclair, officials believe the earthquake caused a water main break, according to an update from the Office of Emergency Management for the Township of Montclair. The OEM said the water bureau is working to repair the line. 

The Montclair OEM said authorities have conducted a damage assessment of the township and there are no signs of damage to the infrastructure and all schools and municipal properties report no damage.

Today's earthquake was the strongest in New Jersey in more than 240 years

From CNN's Elliana Hebert, Sara Tonks and Eric Zerkel

The rare 4.8 earthquake that struck northern New Jersey Friday was the third-strongest to strike the state, according to CNN analysis of US Geological Survey data.

The Friday morning earthquake also marked the strongest since 1783, more than 240 years ago. Two 5.1 magnitude temblors are the only stronger quakes in the state — one in 1755 and another in 1783. Both happened before New Jersey became a state in December 1787, but happened in the geographic area that now comprises the state's boundaries.

The quake is the third-strongest to hit the Northeast in 50 years and the 10th-strongest of all time in the region, USGS data shows.

Earthquakes in New Jersey and the region are rare. There have only been 24 earthquakes of 2.5 magnitude or greater in New Jersey since 1700.

All aspects of New York City transit system operating safely after earthquake, MTA chief says

From CNN's Samantha Beech

All aspects of the New York City transit system are operating safely following this morning’s earthquake, the Metropolitan Transport Authority, which runs the city's subway and other forms of public transit, said.

MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber said every part of the transit system operated safely during the earthquake, as well.

He said initial facility inspections have been completed, including inspections of the seven bridges the MTA operate.

“I want to emphasize those were designed to withstand much stronger seismic impact than we experienced today,” he added.

According to the  MTA website , MTA Bridges and Tunnels (B&T) serves more than 900,000 vehicles on an average day. In 2019, it carried more traffic than any bridge and tunnel authority in the nation — more than 329 million vehicles, the MTA says. 

Lieber said MTA frontline staff have been directed to report any abnormalities in the system, but he said nothing had been flagged so far. 

There's a low likelihood of aftershocks following today's quake, New York City's emergency chief says

There is a low likelihood of aftershocks following Friday's 4.8 magnitude earthquake that rattled several Northeast cities, New York City Emergency Management Commissioner Zachary Iscol said. 

Iscol, however, urged New Yorkers to remain vigilant.

“If you are outside during an aftershock, please move to an open area, away from buildings, trees and power lines. If you are driving, pull over to a safe location," he said at a news conference Friday alongside New York City Mayor Eric Adams.

Iscol said there were no major impacts or safety events related to the earthquake, and added that New Yorkers can call 311 to report any damage. 

The quake, he said, triggered the activation of the city's emergency response teams and prompted officials to issue guidance to the public. 

“We activated our protocols for this earthquake, we immediately began coordinating with all city, state, federal and our utility partners. Public notifications were sent out both by Notify NYC and our wireless emergency alert system,” he said.

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Rite Aid is closing even more stores: Full list and map of impacted locations marked in April 2024

M ore bad news for Rite Aid customers and employees. The beleaguered pharmacy chain has announced even more store closures will soon commence. The closures come in the wake of Rite Aid’s filing for bankruptcy last October. Since then, the company has announced rounds of store closures in October , November , and January .

Its April, closure announcements add an additional 53 stores across nine states. In a FAQ the company posted a while back, Rite Aid says impacted stores are underperforming and the closures will help the company “further reduce rent expense and strengthen overall financial performance.”

As for customers who frequent the closing store, Rite Aid says it will make every effort to ensure that those customers have access to health services at another Rite Aid location or at a nearby pharmacy. For its employees, Rite Aid says it will try to transfer associates at closing stores to other locations where possible.

The newly impacted store locations come from three documents that Rite Aid recently filed with the court ( reported earlier by The Hill ). The full list of stores appears below and in the embedded map above.

• 888 Lincoln Boulevard, Venice, CA 90291
• 15924 Bellflower Boulevard, Bellflower, CA 90706
• 439 Santa Fe Drive, Encinitas, CA 92024
• 14727 Rinaldi Street, San Fernando, CA 91340
• 7211 Elk Grove Boulevard, Elk Grove, CA 95758
• 16491 Lakeshore Drive, Lake Elsinore, CA 92530
• 1030 South White Road, San Jose, CA 95127
• 334 South Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90020
• 35946 Winchester Road, Winchester, CA 92596
• 5610 Stockton Boulevard, Sacramento, CA 95824
• 37950 47th St E, Palmdale, CA 93552
• 7224 Broadway, Lemon Grove, CA 91945
• 1650 Decoto Road, Union City, CA 94587
• 4037 Ball Road, Cypress, CA 90630
•  2500 North 10th Avenue, Hanford, CA 93230
• 1208 West Redondo Beach Blvd., Gardena, CA 90247
•  3941 Spring Road, Moorpark, CA 93021
• 1700 W Whittier Boulevard, La Habra, CA 90631
• 250 Englar Road, Ste 22, Westminster, MD 21157

Massachusetts

• 10 Stafford Road, Fall River, MA 02721
• 42481 West 13 Mile Road, Novi, MI 48377
• 11743 15 Mile Road, Sterling Heights, MI 48312
• 480 North Beverwyck Road, Lake Hiawatha, NJ 07034
• 7835 Maple Avenue, Pennsauken, NJ 08109
• 47 Niagara Street, Tonawanda, NJ 14150
• 235 N Maple Ave, Marlton, NJ 08053
• 1825 Brentwood Road, Brentwood, NY 11717
• 960 Halsey Street, Brooklyn, NY 11233
• 459 South Transit Street, Lockport, NY 14094
• 139 Ronkonkoma Avenue, Lake Ronkonkoma, NY 11779
• 283 West Jericho Turnpike, Huntington Station, NY 11746
• 1910 Hempstead Turnpike, East Meadow, NY 11554
• 2047 Sheridan Drive, Buffalo, NY 14223
• 592 East 183rd Street, Bronx, NY 10458
• 3249 Sheridan Drive, Amherst, NY 14226
• 2271 Richmond Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10314
• 218-35 Hempstead Avenue, Queens Village, NY 11429
• 95-14 63rd Drive, Rego Park, NY 11374
• 501 East Emmitt Avenue, Waverly, OH 45690
• 2840 Youngstown Road Se, Warren, OH 44484

Pennsylvania

• 6201 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19144
• 6744-46 North Fifth Street, Philadelphia, PA 19126
• 124 South Front Street, Steelton, PA 17113
• 510 East Baltimore Pike, Media, PA 19063
• 4551 Milford Road, East Stroudsburg, PA 18302
• 1536 North Atherton Street, State College, PA 16803
• 1200 West Market Street, York, PA 17404
•  3807 Lincoln Highway, Downingtown, PA 19335
• 120 South Mill Road, Kennett Square, PA 19348
• 118 Eagleview Boulevard, Exton, PA 19341
• 2131-59 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122
• 6731 Woodland Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19142
• 1808 Salem Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23456

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Why the New Jersey earthquake was felt several hundred miles away

Wendy Bohon, an earthquake geologist, was reading a budget report Friday morning at her home in Chesapeake Beach, Md., when she felt the unmistakable light shaking of an earthquake . The cat didn’t wake up. The dog looked around. A plant swayed.

The tremors traveled about 160 miles to Bohon’s home from a 4.8-magnitude earthquake near Whitehouse Station, N.J. It was a moderate earthquake from a geological point of view, with similar-sized quakes happening frequently all over the globe. But it marked a relatively infrequent event on the East Coast — one that jostled people across the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast from their daily routines.

More than 150,000 people reported feeling the New Jersey earthquake, some from several hundred miles away, according to the United States Geological Survey , which collects reports of shaking. While the number of reports reflects the population density of the area, it also highlights a fundamental geological difference between the tectonically active West Coast and the East Coast, which is covered by old faults that occasionally get reactivated.

The underlying rock in the East Coast is old, cold and dense, and the faults have had time to heal, meaning that seismic waves travel farther than on the West Coast, where the crust is broken up by faults.

A 4.8-magnitude earthquake “is not generally big enough to cause damage, but big enough to be widely felt,” said Susan Hough, a seismologist with USGS. “Once an earthquake happens, the waves travel more efficiently in the east than in the west — the crust is older, colder and less broken up — that’s something we’ve seen over and over. You put a [4.8] in California, and it won’t be felt nearly as far as this one.”

East Coast earthquakes

Several geologists said that while an earthquake greater than 4 magnitude was not a frequent event on the East Coast, such events aren’t unexpected. In 2017, a 4.1-magnitude earthquake struck near Dover, Del. A 2011 5.8-magnitude earthquake near Mineral, Va., was believed to be felt by more people than any earthquake in U.S. history and resulted in significant damage, including to the Washington Monument and Washington National Cathedral in D.C. A 4.6-magnitude earthquake struck near Reading, Pa., in 1994.

The New Jersey earthquake, which struck at 10:23 a.m. Friday, was relatively shallow, just three miles below the surface. The investigation into the quake will continue, but Christopher Carchedi, a seismologist at the Carnegie Institution for Science in Washington, said a common cause of such earthquakes on the East Coast is the shifting of Earth’s surface after being weighed down by ice sheets from the last Ice Age.

“It’s otherwise an inactive fault, readjusting to the loss of the ice, most likely,” Carchedi said.

Hough said the region is generally considered a “passive margin” between North America and the Atlantic Ocean, meaning there’s no active fault or plate boundary. But she notes that one of her colleagues calls it a “passive-aggressive margin — because it will occasionally bite you.”

“Moderate earthquakes in the East are always uncommon enough to be interesting,” Hough said, noting that Friday’s will be intensely studied.

Shaking travels far

As soon as she felt the tremors, Bohon began counting down. Earthquakes unleash multiple kinds of seismic waves that travel through the Earth at different speeds. Measuring the time between the first shaking and the next set of waves can give a rough estimate of how close it was — similar to measuring the time between a flash of lightning and the rumble of thunder.

Bohon got to eight seconds, so she knew that the epicenter of the quake wasn’t very close. Then, she began looking up local seismic reports to make sure she hadn’t imagined it.

I swear I just felt in earthquake in Maryland, — Wendy Bohon, PhD 🌏 (@DrWendyRocks) April 5, 2024

It has long been known that earthquake shaking travels farther on the East Coast than on the West Coast. The USGS says earthquakes can be felt over an area 10 times larger on the East Coast.

On the West Coast, “the rocks are warmer, so they are more active, they’ve experienced activity more recently — so they’re warmer and will attenuate or absorb some of the seismic energy as they pass through that rock,” Carchedi said.

By contrast, the rocks are cold and brittle on the East Coast, and they transfer seismic energy much better than the West Coast.

Friday’s temblor is a reminder, Bohon said, that while people think of earthquakes as a West Coast phenomenon, they can happen anywhere.

2024 solar eclipse map: Where to see the eclipse on April 8

These 2024 solar eclipse maps will help you make the best decision about where and how to watch the total solar eclipse on Monday (April 8).

It's finally here: Today, (April 8) a total solar eclipse will pass across the skies North America, giving more than 33 million people living in 15 U.S. states a rare view of the totally-obstructed sun, and — weather permitting — a taste of some seriously strange eclipse phenomena .

If you’re wondering where the total and partial phases of the eclipse will be visible, the good news is that almost everyone in the contiguous U.S. will be able to see the celestial spectacle to some extent. But for a more detailed view of the eclipse’s path, take a look at these handy eclipse maps, courtesy of GreatAmericanEclipse.com. 

Solar eclipse 2024 path of totality map

Totality is the moment that every eclipse-chaser lives for: The moment when the moon completely covers the sun’s face, resulting in a brief but eerie darkness in the daytime. The path of totality , shown in the map above, is the path of the moon’s shadow across Earth’s surface. 

On Monday (April 8), totality will begin in Sinaloa, Mexico, then move northeast up to Texas, ultimately crossing 15 states before moving on to Canada. The states where totality will be visible are: Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine — although Tennessee and Michigan will only be glanced by the moon's shadow.

Related: April 8 solar eclipse: What time does totality start in every state?

Viewers MUST be within the path of totality to witness the total phase of the eclipse; if you are off the path by even a mile, you will only see a partial eclipse, and miss out on the spooky daytime darkness. Furthermore, the closer you are to the center of the path of totality, the longer totality will last for you — up to a maximum duration of 4 minutes, 27 seconds in Torreón, Mexico.

Note: Totality is the ONLY TIME when it is safe to view the sun without protective eyewear like certified solar eclipse glasses . You must protect your eyes during the entire partial phase of the eclipse, no matter where you are.

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Solar eclipse 2024 partial eclipse map

If you live in the U.S. and can’t make it to the path of totality, a partial eclipse still awaits you on April 8. The entire contiguous U.S. will have some view of the partial eclipse, ranging from 99% coverage of the sun just off the path of totality to about 15% coverage far to the northwest of the path.

The map above shows how much of the sun’s disk will be blocked from your location. Watching the partial phases of the eclipse — which last about an hour and 20 minutes before and after totality — means wearing protective eyewear at all times. Failure to do so could result in permanent eye damage, according to NASA .

If you want to experience the celestial spectacle but don’t have a pair of eclipse glasses handy, there are many other ways to safely enjoy the partial eclipse . These include making a homemade pinhole projector , using a pasta strainer to project the shadow of the moon onto the ground or watching one of the various eclipse live streams available.

2024 eclipse travel maps

If you want to see totality but don’t live within the path, driving or taking public transit to a city within the path may be possible. The map above shows how far the drive is to the path of totality, based on where you’re coming from. Meanwhile, the map below shows the most populated cities within the path of totality — many of which are expected to be flooded with millions of eclipse tourists on April 8.

The biggest cities within the path of totality include: San Antonio, Dallas, Austin and Fort Worth in Texas; Indianapolis, Indiana; Hamilton and Montreal in Canada; and Torreón and Mazatlan in Mexico.

Wherever you are on April 8, we wish you clear skies and protected eyes during this rare, wondrous eclipse over North America.

Brandon is the space/physics editor at Live Science. His writing has appeared in The Washington Post, Reader's Digest, CBS.com, the Richard Dawkins Foundation website and other outlets. He holds a bachelor's degree in creative writing from the University of Arizona, with minors in journalism and media arts. He enjoys writing most about space, geoscience and the mysteries of the universe.

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