Top Things to do in New Jersey
Top Hotels in New Jersey
What to do and see in New Jersey, United States: The Best Budget-friendly 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. Princeton University
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 996 reviews
The ivy league campus is ideal for a stroll, where some interesting buildings may be visited.
Reviewed By johnbZ8051LU - Princeton, United States
Princeton University is many things: quaint, with one of THE most beautiful campuses in the world (and where the word “campus” was coined in the 19th century); historical, as George Washington defeated the British for the first time in the Battle of Princeton on January 3, 1777, and marched down its Main Street in pursuit with his aid Captain James Madison (a graduate of the college) while his Captain of Artillery Alexander Hamilton canonnaded Nassau Hall, the college’s main building where the British were quartered; intellectual, as a college town often is, but in Princeton’s case moreso with such luminaries as Albert Einstein living there, working at the Institute for Advanced Study, one of the world’s most prestigious think tanks: and finally gracious, as many of its older faculty houses reflect a bygone era of serenity and spaciousness. Princeton University, founded in 1746, is the smallest of the Ivy League schools, yet one of the most influential if any United States colleges in terms of its alums attaining the highest of positions: several Presidents of the United States, Secretaries of State, Federal Reserve chairs, three current Supreme Court Justices, several heads of foreign goverments, world renowned scientists, an astronaut, famous actors, corporate and financial heads, a Heismann Trophy winning athlete, highly decorated military leaders, and a faculty which has made it one of the top ten research universities in the world, with 63 Nobel Laureates, Turing Award Laureates, and hundreds of other prestigious awards. Its Chapel is the third largest college chapel in the world, seating over two thousand. The university campus occupies one side of the entire Main Street of the town evoking a hint of Oxford or Cambridge, not accidentally. It is a university and town worth a visit to soak in its rich and long history as well as its incomparable dedication to academics, culture and the pursuit of higher knowledge in service towards a better world.
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. 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.
4. 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!
5. Hoboken Waterfront Walkway
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 628 reviews
Reviewed By 509DENISEH - Titonka, United States
This view never gets old. We only get to visit here every couple years but visitors that come to NYC never get to see this spectacular view of the city from Hoboken. After a great meal in Hoboken, this was a great walk to end a wonderful evening. The city of Hoboken has done a great job with this river walk.
6. 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 !
7. 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.
8. Absecon Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 505 reviews
New Jersey's tallest lighthouse awaits you at Pacific and Rhode Island Avenues in Atlantic City (walking distance from Showboat Casino). Take an amazing journey into time and above it all as you ascend the 228 steps of the Absecon Lighthouse, one of the oldest lighthouses in the country. You'll see breathtaking views of the Atlantic City skyline and up top you'll come face-to-face with the original first-order Fresnel Lens, first lit in 1857.The lighthouse's recent multi-million dollar restoration also includes a stunning replica of the Lightkeeper's dwelling, an educational museum, charming gift shop, Fresnel Lens exhibit in the original Oil House and expansive grounds.The Absecon Lighthouse is on both the New Jersey and National Registries of Historic Places.
Reviewed By LakeMilligan - Mansfield, United States
One of the sites we wanted to see while visiting Atlantic City. Was an awesome view, but like I said in the title it is a workout! It also may not be for people who are scared of heights lol. It's a long way up. Great visit though and I'd recommend it for sure.
9. 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.
10. The Frelinghuysen Arboretum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 185 reviews
This 127-acre preserve, which surrounds a historic Colonial-Revival mansion and its formal gardens, offers self-guided nature trails with all trees and shrubs labeled as reference.
Reviewed By jeff1809C - Yardley, United States
I discovered this place in 2019 and wanted to go back in the spring, so glad I did! The flowering trees and all the daffodils were beautiful! Definitely a nice place for a walk to quiet place to sit and look at all the beauty.
