Nj State Map With Counties
Are you planning a trip to the Garden State? Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, there’s always something new to discover in New Jersey. From the sandy shores of the Atlantic Ocean to the rolling hills of the Delaware Water Gap, this state is full of surprises.
Top Attractions
If you’re looking for some must-see sights in NJ, start with these:
- The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
- The boardwalk at Atlantic City
- The Liberty Science Center in Jersey City
- The Adventure Aquarium in Camden
- The Battleship New Jersey in Camden
Hidden Gems
Want to get off the beaten path and explore some lesser-known spots? Check out these hidden gems:
- Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton
- The Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park
- The Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms in Morris Plains
- The Sterling Hill Mining Museum in Ogdensburg
- The Red Mill Museum in Clinton
Food Scene
New Jersey is known for its diverse and delicious food scene. Some local favorites include:
- Pork roll, egg, and cheese sandwiches
- Taylor ham (or pork roll) with breakfast potatoes
- Disco fries (french fries with gravy and cheese)
- Tomato pie (similar to pizza, but with the cheese on the bottom and the sauce on top)
- Salt water taffy (a sweet treat that originated in Atlantic City)
Budget-Friendly Tips
Traveling on a tight budget? No problem. Here are some ways to save money in NJ:
- Visit state parks and beaches, which typically have lower admission fees than private attractions.
- Take advantage of free events and festivals, such as the Atlantic City Airshow and the QuickChek New Jersey Festival of Ballooning.
- Eat like a local at diners and food trucks, which often offer affordable and tasty meals.
- Use public transportation instead of renting a car.
- Look for deals on hotel and attraction packages.
Outdoor Adventures
NJ is a great place to enjoy the great outdoors. Some popular activities include:
- Hiking in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
- Biking on the boardwalk in Atlantic City
- Kayaking on the Pine Barrens
- Fishing in the Atlantic Ocean
- Camping in the state parks
Historical Landmarks
New Jersey played a key role in American history, and there are many landmarks and museums that commemorate this legacy. A few highlights include:
- The Washington Crossing State Park, where George Washington famously crossed the Delaware River
- The Trenton Battle Monument, which marks the site of the Revolutionary War battle
- The Thomas Edison National Historical Park, which showcases the inventor’s laboratory and homes
- The Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, which tells the story of the millions of immigrants who passed through the island on their way to America
Family-Friendly Activities
Traveling with kids? NJ has plenty of options for family fun:
- The Cape May County Zoo, which is free to visit
- The Six Flags Great Adventure amusement park in Jackson
- The Diggerland USA construction-themed amusement park in West Berlin
- The Garden State Discovery Museum in Cherry Hill
- The Jenkinson’s Boardwalk in Point Pleasant Beach
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
If you’re looking for something truly unique and offbeat, consider these options:
- The Lucy the Elephant statue in Margate
- The abandoned town of Ong’s Hat in the Pine Barrens
- The Hindu temple in Robbinsville
- The abandoned Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital in Parsippany-Troy Hills
- The Pine Barrens Ghost Towns
Natural Wonders
New Jersey may be a small state, but it’s home to some stunning natural wonders. Don’t miss these:
- The Palisades cliffs along the Hudson River
- The Delaware Water Gap and its waterfalls
- The Great Falls of the Passaic River in Paterson
- The Barnegat Lighthouse on Long Beach Island
- The Cape May Bird Observatory
Vibrant Nightlife
When the sun goes down, NJ comes alive with a variety of nightlife options:
- The bars and clubs of Atlantic City
- The live music scene in Asbury Park
- The craft breweries and distilleries in Jersey City
- The rooftop bars and lounges in Hoboken
- The beach bonfires in Wildwood
Local Markets
Get a taste of NJ’s local flavor by visiting one of these markets:
- The Trenton Farmers Market
- The Asbury Fresh Farmers Market
- The Collingswood Farmers Market
- The Hoboken Farmers Market
- The Red Bank Farmers Market
Beaches and Mountains
New Jersey is home to both sandy beaches and rugged mountains, so you can take your pick:
- The boardwalks and beaches of the Jersey Shore
- The hiking trails and ski slopes of the Delaware Water Gap
- The quaint towns and scenic views of the Skylands region
- The waterfalls and lakes of the Highlands region
- The vineyards and orchards of the Outer Coastal Plain
Cultural Immersion
To get a taste of NJ’s diverse cultures, check out these destinations:
- The Newark Museum, which showcases art and artifacts from around the world
- The Princeton University Art Museum, which has an extensive collection of European and American art
- The New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark, which hosts a variety of shows and events
- The Korean War Memorial in Atlantic City, which honors the sacrifices of Korean War veterans
- The Lakewood BlueClaws minor league baseball team, which plays in a stadium that features elements of Italian Renaissance architecture
Art and Music Scene
New Jersey has a rich cultural heritage, and its art and music scene is no exception. Check out these venues:
- The Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank, which hosts concerts, theater productions, and other events
- The Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton, which features outdoor sculptures and indoor galleries
- The Montclair Art Museum, which showcases American and Native American art
- The Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn, which produces Broadway-quality musicals
- The Princeton Symphony Orchestra, which performs classical and contemporary music
Walking Tours
Want to explore NJ on foot? These walking tours will take you to some interesting places:
- The Cape May Ghost Tour, which explores the town’s haunted history
- The Hoboken Historical Museum Walking Tour, which showcases the city’s architecture and landmarks
- The Morristown National Historical Park Walking Tour, which highlights the Revolutionary War sites in the area
- The Princeton University Art Museum Walking Tour, which offers insights into the museum’s collections
- The Trenton Historic District Walking Tour, which takes you through Trenton’s rich history
Architectural Marvels
New Jersey has some impressive architecture, both modern and historic. Check out these buildings:
- The Atlantic City Boardwalk Hall, which has a stunning Art Deco design
- The Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark, which is one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the US
- The Colgate Clock in Jersey City, which is one of the largest clocks in the world
- The Lucy the Elephant statue in Margate, which is a six