Top Things to do in New Jersey
Top Hotels in New Jersey
Countries
What to do and see in New Jersey, United States: The Best Hidden Gems Things to do
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. Cape May County Park & Zoo
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,589 reviews
Have a wild time as you explore more than 85 acres of beautifully maintained exhibits. With 200 different species of mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles and approximately 500 animals, you're sure to see something new. The Cape May County Zoo is open 364 days a year (closed Christmas). Summer Hours: 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Winter Hours: 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. beginning November 2nd. No admission fee. That's right! The zoo is free of charge! Donations are GREATLY appreciated! Join the FUN, where the admission is always FREE!
Reviewed By JazzinInJersey - Nutley, United States
All you pay us a donation, free parking and there you go !!! We are on vacation and this is our 3rd visit. It was an overcast day and all the animals were out. We saw giraffes, lion and lioness, bears, snow leopard, cougar, leopard, camels, eagle,zebra.... restrooms galore, food stops,wheelchair accessible
2. Grounds For Sculpture
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,890 reviews
The perfect day trip! Grounds For Sculpture (GFS), located in Hamilton, New Jersey (midway between Philadelphia and New York), is a forty-two acre not-for-profit sculpture park and arboretum founded by Seward Johnson. Its collection features more than 270 contemporary sculptures by renowned and emerging artists. Rotating exhibitions in six indoor galleries. With rich educational offerings, a robust schedule of performing arts, and fun family events, the park is open year-round. Shopping and dining options complement every visit. Members receive free admission year-round plus a host of other benefits. For hours, admission prices, membership information, and a calendar of events, visit us online at http://www.groundsforsculpture.org.
Reviewed By jubda - Fremont, United States
This is a large and beautiful grounds full of amazing sculpture, art and flora. There is an entrance fee to get in and nice cafes inside. The grounds are vast - so much to walk around and see. Along with beautiful life size, abstract and larger than life sculptures, there are also a lot of beautiful horticulture of plants and trees from around the world, elegantly and artfully arranged. Great place to walk around and very family friendly.
3. Silverball Retro Arcade Asbury Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 624 reviews
The Silverball Museum Arcade, located in Asbury Park NJ is a living, breathing and blinking tribute to our pinball and video gaming past. With 600 games* in rotation, we are sure you will find your favorites while getting to know and enjoy some new machines. So, next time you are down at the Jersey Shore – stop in and experience a great piece of Americana.
Reviewed By JeaZas - New York City, United States
The Silverball Pinball museum has tons of pinball machines to enjoy ranging from the 1950 to present day. Great for a rainy day or even a break from the sun. Better to purchase the half-day ticket to play all the games, including Pac Man, Frogger, Super Mario Brothers, Pong, Air Hockey, Skeet Ball, and the multitude of Pinball machines. Fun - Fun - Fun!
4. Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 206 reviews
Reviewed By joselejinpj - Bengaluru, India
Beautiful architecture. Nice interiors and ambience. It has a large pipe organ. Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart is the seat of the Archdiocese of Newark. Cathedral Basilica holds concerts open to the public throughout the year. Good parking space.
5. Princeton University Art Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 731 reviews
The Princeton University Art Museum is one of the nation's finest art museums, housing collections of over 72 ,000 works of art spanning 5,000 years of world history and all the world's major cultures. The Museum also presents special exhibitions and educational programs throughout the year. Admission is free.
Reviewed By ProfessorCharles
Allow time during your visit in Princeton to spend time at the Uni Art Museum. There's a superb permanent collection that spans centuries across the globe, and there's always the added attraction of a special exhibit. Everything is perfectly curated (as one would expect), and the museum itself, though large, will invigorate rather than tire you. Highlights include a fabulous window by Burne-Jones.
6. 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!
7. Howling Woods Farm
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 81 reviews
Howling Woods Farm, located in Jackson, New Jersey, is a 501(c)(3) educational facility with the primary purpose of teaching visitors about the true nature of wolves. We also rescue and place a limited number of wolfdog hybrids and northern breed canines. You can find us at public events, with our animals, throughout the State of New Jersey. Located in Jackson Township, New Jersey, we are situated on a 10 acre pinewoods forest in the Pinelands National Reserve. Tours by appointment only. Guided walking tours are 1 hour long during which you interact with our wolfdogs while learning about wolves, wolfdogs and our rescue mission.
Reviewed By anthonybO9033QA
We visited Howling Wolf and would highly recommend it to anyone ! Colleen our tour guide was exceptional ! She was friendly and extremely knowledgeable and informative ! You get to interact ,pet , touch and take pictures with these incredible and beautiful animals !
8. Little Water Distillery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 37 reviews
Reviewed By FoodieCritic57 - Wallingford, United States
We were staying in a town, nearby, for a long weekend & were looking for fun things to do & decided to check out Little Water Distillery! Our visit truly exceeded our expectations! Mark & his staff are amazing! First off, do the tour, hear the passionate amazing story behind this family venture, & you won’t be disappointed! All of the cocktails are very tasty; the “mules” are made with their own ginger beer & spirit of choice! The spirits are all very good! I love the story behind the names! We will return the next time we are in NJ! I encourage you to also support this small business!
9. Jockey Hollow
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 300 reviews
Part of the Morristown National Historical Park, this recreated campsite was home to the Pennsylvnia troops in the winter of 1779-80.
Reviewed By Jimbo4uClinton_NJ - Easton, United States
There is an abundance of history here, as well as some very well maintained hiking trails. Transport yourself to the revolutionary war period and get a feel for what it may have been like for Washington and the patriots that freed us from England. Look at the encampments to see hoe the troops lived Back then! No internet or GPS.
10. Sunset Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 592 reviews
Reviewed By susank1003
What a great little hidden gem.This small little beach offers the most amazing sunsets.You can visit the grill and have a great burger on the covered deck.The little gift shops always have cute treasures to buy and they have a restroom.There's free parking and no beach tags! Its a win win.During in season if you can go at sunset you will see a flag ceramony that will bring tears to your eyes.Each night a flag is lowered that belonged to one of our Vetrans.The family is usually there and takes part while music is played.Its a great way to honor your country all while sitting in front of the sinking concrete ship on this pebbled beach and ending the day in a beautiful heartfelt way.
TAGS
