Top Things to do in New Jersey
Top Hotels in New Jersey
Countries
10 Things to do in New Jersey That You Shouldn't Miss
Whether you are looking for sun-drenched beaches or outdoor activities in beautiful countryside, New Jersey has plenty to offer. Those who love the great outdoors should head for the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, which runs along the Delaware River for forty miles. Here you can go rock climbing, canoeing, kayaking or fishing, or simply admire the stunning waterfalls. There is a huge range of hiking trails to choose from as well as historic sites to visit. In winter, you can enjoy cross-country skiing near Blue Mountain Lakes, and birdwatchers might be lucky enough to catch sight of bald eagles. If you are looking for a change, visit one of New Jersey's eleven lighthouses that are open to public, such as the one in Cape May. For art and history enthusiasts, New Jersey State Museum in Trenton has historic artifacts and American fine art from the nineteenth century to the present day as well as a Planetarium.
Restaurants in New Jersey
1. Jersey Shore Alpacas
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 550 reviews
IMPORTANT: PLEASE DO NOT CONTACT US FOR AVAILABILITY WITHOUT VISITING OUR WEBSITE FIRST for complete schedule information. Closed Sundays. Due to COVID, we will be open BY APPOINTMENT ONLY, but we are booking well in advance. Fleece and Fun for Everyone! Jersey Shore Alpacas is a small, friendly farm located in Green Creek, just north of Cape May, NJ (about 3 hours from NYC). Please see our website for more information on visiting the farm. :) You'll love meeting our curious alpacas and browsing in our shop for soft, warm alpaca clothing and cuddly toys! We also carry more than 20 different types of alpaca yarn from Blue Sky Fibers, Alpaca Yarn Company, and farm yarn (when available). Hope to see you soon!
Reviewed By elwood18974 - Warminster, United States
So worth the trip - we were staying less than 10 minutes away and I decided to surprise my family. We'd never been to an Alpaca farm before so my wife and two teenage sons were very surprised - and we all thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Jim was our host - he had the necessary handwashing and sanitizing station prepared. After a short introduction, he provided us bags of carrots (teats for the Alpacas) and walked us to the pen to see the male Alpacas, followed soon after by female Alpaca in their pen. Jim was an awesome host, answered all our questions, and taught us all about Alpaca - they are such friendly animals. This visit was definitely worth the time and money!
2. Cape May Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,078 reviews
The 1859 Cape May Lighthouse is fully restored and visitors can climb 199 steps to the top for a breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay. The original Oil Storage Building is accessible and houses a Museum Shop and accessible displays. Open daily from April through November and weekends in the shoulder seasons. Evening trolley tours and Full Moon Climbs offered during the summer season. The Cape May Lighthouse has been restored and is managed by the non-profit Cape May MAC (Museums + Arts + Culture). While located at Cape May Point State Park, it is not affiliated with State Park System. The State Park is open sunrise to sunset and offers many opportunities for nature lovers, including the Hawk Watch platform and well-marked nature trails. Summertime programming is offered to introduce visitors to the history of the Lighthouse and is free of charge. The beach is free but swimming is not allowed. The park is “carry in, carry out;” please do not litter.
Reviewed By O33TP - Jekyll Island, United States
The lighthouse is a must see stop. Even if you don’t climb the stairs to the top it truly is amazing. Great history lesson and information from the kindest gentleman (Jim) working the gift shop. Adequate parking. Easily accessible. Clean restrooms.
3. Wildwood Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,879 reviews
A wide beach that appeals to families.
Reviewed By stronziger - Carlstadt, United States
Absolutely one of the cleanest, largest and most importantly free beaches in New Jersey. After spending time here you will not want to go anyplace else.
4. Island Beach State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 247 reviews
One of the few undeveloped barrier island covering 3,000 acres. Activities include fishing, swimming, sunbathing and surfing. The state's largest osprey colony, as well as peregrine falcons, wading birds, shorebirds, waterfowl and migrating songbirds, are found here.
5. Borgata Casino
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,481 reviews
This high-energy casino offers a range of table games and daily poker tournaments. Their modern slot machines feature a rapid-pay ticket system so gamblers don't have to deal with carrying around coins.
Reviewed By tigers746
We have been there for a few shows both the event center and the music box theatre and set up well and a great place to see any singers or comics you enjoy seeing -- take some time out of the gambling and enjoy the shows
6. Branch Brook Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 247 reviews
Reviewed By jesus911z
Branch Brook Park is a great place to relax on the beautiful grass or a quiet walk around the park on the new rubberized walkways. Its a great place for one to meditate on life while gazing at the beautiful trees to absorb all that nature has to offer. Its a place where I go to let go of the past and regroup to continue moving forward. Whether your alone, with love ones, or just friends, Branch brook Park offers a unique experience for all to enjoy.
7. Liberty State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,471 reviews
Reviewed By ERat - Bunker Hill, United States
We stopped by for a quick visit before checking in to our hotel. All I can say is WOW! If you want a great view of the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty without the crowds and craziness, you need to stop here. This would be a perfect picnic spot during warmer months!
8. Cape May City Beaches
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,200 reviews
Reviewed By amie2013 - Collegeville, United States
Beach tags required; rest rooms around certain beaches; restaurants across the street from beach; very convenient for families; sand is soft and white; beautiful!
9. Gunnison Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 136 reviews
Reviewed By NudeLeaseOnLife
Gunnison beach is quite the character! Historically boasted as the "largest clothing optional beach on the east coast of the United States," it is located within the Sandy Hook area of New Jersey. In 2020, new signs were installed limiting the official clothing optional area to a much smaller region than what has typically been enjoyed, though many seem to ignore the signs and take their beach walks far beyond these limits. This seems to work in most cases, as the nearest beaches (also within Gateway National Park at Sandy Hook) are quite a distance away. Despite all of the above, the beach is INCREDIBLY wide (not sure if that's the right word?) from a shore-to-dune perspective. While from "left to right" we may be more limited in nude use, the depth of the beach is astounding. Given this fact, the walk from the parking lot area is also arduously long (and in-season they put down mats to make the walk much more enjoyable), but the overall clothing optional area enables beachgoers to setup further back from the water if all of the "good spots" are already taken. While parking is ample (daily rates in-season are $15 per vehicle as of writing this, rumor has it they will be increasing to $20 in 2021), on beautiful summer days traffic will back up significantly and it may be difficult to get a good spot on the beach, let alone have a convenient place to park. While the beach is open year round, most amenities are seasonal and include the mats mentioned above, restrooms, showers, and food trucks (although they are all adjacent to the parking area and still a pretty far walk from the beach itself). It is worth noting that the parking fee does not apply in the off-season, or if you arrive very early or very late in the day. In pre-COVID times, dumpsters were available within the parking lot area, but no trash bins were available otherwise -- please carry out anything you bring in. The beach is patrolled regularly by park rangers on a year-round basis, and has lifeguards stationed until 5pm during the summer season. Speaking of 5pm... it seems Gunnison has gotten a bad reputation for what goes on after 5pm. While Rangers will still occasionally patrol, the beach is known to get a little bit rowdier after hours. Despite having a wonderful view of parts of the New York City skyline, Brooklyn, and the Verrazano-Narrows bridge, and being relatively close (as the crow flies) to these densely populated areas, the beach is still very remote and at least a few miles away from any regularly travelled roadways that aren't part of the national park area. As of 2019, alcohol is prohibited (rangers have been known to actually check your coolers) and they no longer allow tents or windscreens to be positioned in a fashion that completely obstructs the view of what is going on within your camp. This is not to detract from the beauty (and the fact that it's pretty much the only option in the northeast...) that Gunnison can provide during a typical summer weekend where it draws thousands of visitors, but a fair warning that you may not want to visit at odd hours, during questionable weather, or stay too late into the evening if you aren't interested in potentially seeing some borderline questionable behavior. To this end, while online communities of Gunnison regulars do exist, we personally believe the beach could benefit greatly from an ambassador program like what they have at Haulover and Blind Creek in Florida. While we wanted to provide a fair warning in this regard, please don't let this review alone prevent you from visiting the beach and trying it out for yourself!
10. Atlantic City Boardwalk
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 5,528 reviews
Opened on June 26, 1870, the world-famous Boardwalk stretches along six magical and glittering miles of Atlantic City beachfront.
Reviewed By 661latonyaj
The board walk had alot of nice outdoor restaurants like sugar which I loved great candy and drinks,the balcony bar food was delicious and Wet Willie's drinks was awesome. We enjoyed walking around and playing video games.We rode the go carts which was fun and had a great romantic night watching the water and ferris wheel.I went for my birthday and I really enjoyed my time. definitely going again next month. Atlantic City was awesome even wearing mask and social distancing.
