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What to do and see in New Jersey, United States: The Best Museums
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.
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1. Avalon History Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
2. 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!
3. Museum of NJ Maritime History
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 121 reviews
Reviewed By R4960NKjustinw - Hasbrouck Heights, United States
I have to say that for a small museum I was very impressed by the amount of information that this museum covers. It is really an interesting and amazing place for a small museum at the shore. There are rooms that cover shark attacks, luxury liner disasters, ship wrecks, shore erosion issues, Coast Guard information, local history dealing with the sea and shore and lots of artifacts from wrecks over the last three hundred years. I was impressed by the information on the 1916 Shark Attacks that inspired the movie "Jaws" and the disaster of many of the luxury liners even after what we learned from the Titanic ten years earlier. There are all sorts of eye witness accounts recorded and all sorts of artifacts. There is a lot of information on Maritime history of the Jersey Shore and a lot about the resort history of the area. There is a lot on the resorts of not just Beach Haven but the surrounding shore towns. Each room is packed with information and can be somewhat overwhelming unless you have a few hours to spend here like I did. I found myself leaving after over two hours. Do not miss this little gem of a museum that is well worth the visit and has free admission. They ask for a small donation which is fair. The people who work here are very friendly and welcoming and will answer any questions.
4. 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.
5. Sea Isle City Historical Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8 reviews
The Sea Isle Historical Museum is located within the local library building (shown in photo), and is the repository of Sea Isle's 136-year history from its founding in 1880 as an envisioned "Venice of America" to the present. The museum welcomes all ages to explore an eclectic array of artifacts ranging from a hundred-year old trolley bell to a 1970s flight suit. Visual material includes thousands of photographs, maps, books, and monographs. Visitors are invited to browse through the many displays and collections, or to sit and research any desired subject at leisure. It's free - and there's no time limit.
Reviewed By NewJerseyGirl123
This is a must do in Sea Isle. The new Library is beautiful with scenic views of the bay and the Historic Museum is so cute and an interesting time.
6. Angry Fish Gallery LLC
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Angry Fish Gallery is a coastal themed art gallery, featuring local NJ shore artists. The gallery has original paintings, prints, photography and other works. Angry Fish also offers custom framing services, specializing in beachy, driftwood inspired woods.
7. Decoys & Wildlife Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By BoHahn
More than just decoys, the hundreds of carvings and paintings reflect matchless talent and realism. Prices range from affordable to collector grade. Proprieties Ron Kolbi is a noted expert in the field and generous with his knowledge. Well worth a visit
8. Old Barracks Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 234 reviews
In 1758, the Old Barracks was constructed to house British troops during the French and Indian War. During the Revolutionary War, the barracks was one of Washington's military hospitals. Today, the building is home to an interpretive museum, galleries, gift shop, and meeting space. Guided tours start on the hour from 10 AM - 4 PM, Monday - Saturday.
Reviewed By dontru
My son and I visited on a wintry day and were entirely pleased that we did! The young guide was friendly and extremely knowledgeable and patient with all of our comments and questions. He is a reenactor and I was as interested in his clothing as anything else! I didn't realize that the Barracks' original use was during the French and Indian War. The exhibits told the stories of what it was like to be a soldier or officer, and in the apothecary's room, our guide gave a fascinating presentation about the different strain of smallpox and how innoculation of the Continental Army occurred at the site. The receptionist is the gift shop was also helpful and informed! I'll take my grandkids!
9. 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.
10. Friar Mountain Model Railroad Museum
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