Nestled between New York to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, Delaware to the south, and Pennsylvania to the west, New Jersey spans 150 miles from top to bottom. Despite the jests about it being merely one extensive highway, both residents and frequent visitors appreciate its diverse attractions. The Garden State caters to every type of traveler, offering sandy beaches and Victorian homes in Cape May, nostalgic fun on the Ocean City Boardwalk, and vibrant entertainment in Atlantic City.
Ocean City Boardwalk
Diane Wieland, chairperson of Southern Shore Region DMO, describes the Ocean City Boardwalk as a celebrated promenade entertaining visitors for over a century. This wooden walkway hosts amusement rides, mini golf, arcade games, souvenir shops, and classic boardwalk delicacies like hot dogs, burgers, fries, pizza, and soft serve.
Cape May
Situated at the Cape May peninsula’s tip, Cape May features sandy beaches, historic trolley rides, a striped lighthouse, and Victorian architecture. Beyond its summer allure, this charming Jersey Shore town embraces festivity throughout the seasons, with holiday decorations, tree lighting ceremonies, and a vibrant vendor village at Congress Hall.
Morey’s Piers & Beachfront Water Parks
For summertime excitement, Morey’s Piers & Beachfront Water Parks offers a comprehensive family experience with over 100 rides, beachside water parks, and private cabanas, as described by Jeffrey Vasser, executive director of New Jersey Division of Travel & Tourism.
Wildwoods Boardwalk
Amidst a state renowned for its seaside amusements, the Wildwoods Boardwalk stands out with its 38-block oceanfront stretch featuring over 70,000 wooden planks. It draws crowds with amusement piers, water parks, eateries, and shopping options.
Wildwood’s Doo Wop Motel District
Vasser compares a stroll through Wildwood’s Doo Wop Motel District to a journey back to the 1950s. Along the two-mile stretch between Atlantic and Ocean Avenues lies the country’s largest concentration of mid-century motels, adorned with neon signs and retro details.
American Dream
Described by Vasser as an indoor vacation destination open year-round, American Dream offers a plethora of attractions from theme parks and water parks to skiing and surfing experiences. It boasts hundreds of stores and restaurants, making it the second-largest shopping mall in the United States.
Lambertville
Founded in 1705, Lambertville preserves history through its federal townhouses, Victorian homes, antique shops, and restored 19th-century train depot. It also features family-owned wineries and picturesque vantage points like Goat Hill Overlook.
Beneduce Vineyards
Vasser highlights Beneduce Vineyards as one of New Jersey’s over 50 wineries, hosting fun events such as live music and food trucks on Saturdays. Located less than 75 minutes from New York City and Philadelphia, it offers great wine in a scenic setting.
Grounds for Sculpture
Positioned on the former Trenton Speedway site, Grounds for Sculpture is a 42-acre sculpture park and museum offering a blend of art and nature. It hosts special events, including after-dark light and sound experiences.
Atlantic City
Approximately two hours from New York City, Atlantic City captivates visitors with its casinos, live entertainment, luxurious hotels, and renowned restaurants like Nobu. Steel Pier provides additional entertainment options, including boardwalk fare, an observation wheel, and helicopter rides.
Frenchtown
Nestled along the Delaware River, Frenchtown offers Victorian architecture, art, and cultural festivals like the Frenchtown Riverfest. This vibrant community provides street fair activities along the river, particularly enticing over Labor Day weekend.
Cape May County Park & Zoo
Located in Cape May Court House, this zoo houses over 550 animals and offers free admission. It features playgrounds for children of all ages, making it a hidden gem in the area.
Asbury Park
Emerging as a creative hub and music hotspot, Asbury Park boasts venues like The Stone Pony, renowned for launching Bruce Springsteen’s career. Asbury Lanes combines bowling, dining, and live entertainment, while the boardwalk showcases colorful artwork through projects like the Wooden Walls Project.
Adventure Aquarium
Protecting over 8,500 aquatic species, Adventure Aquarium offers interactive experiences, including touch tanks, making it a favorite indoor activity for visitors of all ages.
Long Beach Island
With 130 miles of Atlantic Ocean coastline, Long Beach Island offers scenic beauty, water sports, charming towns like Barnegat Light, and a relaxed beach lifestyle that epitomizes the Garden State’s allure.
