Ready to hang out in New Jersey?
This travel media brand says yes.
TravelandLeisure.com released a report on 15 of the best places to visit in New Jersey with the help of local tourism experts: Jeffrey Vasser, executive director of the New Jersey Division of Travel & Tourism and Diane Wieland, director of the Cape May County Department of Tourism.
Set among the 130 miles of Atlantic Ocean, lined with beautiful beaches and boardwalks with entertainment to more than 50 wineries, these gems of the Garden State are worth a visit.
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Here are the 15 best places to visit in New Jersey:
Known for its carnival rides and arcade games for all ages, Ocean City Boardwalk is a fun destination for the whole family. “The Ocean City Boardwalk is a famous boardwalk that has been a source of entertainment for more than 100 years,” said Wieland.
This charming town on the Jersey Shore of the Peninsula is a year-round destination with family-friendly restaurants and diverse oceanfront dining options.
“Families can spend the whole day on more than 100 attractions, splashing around in the two water parks right on the beach and lounging in private cabanas,” said Vasser.
Made up of more than 70,000 wooden planks, the 38-block stretch of oceanfront beach draws crowds with everything from carnival rides, games, water parks and more.
The largest concentration of mid-century motels in the country still boasts more than 50 vintage motels in this unique neighborhood. “It’s really fun to see all the neon signs and retro details. Walking through the Doo Wop Motel District in Wildwood is like being transported to the 1950s,” said Vasser.
American Dream is the second largest shopping center in the United States and features restaurants and theme parks that provide endless fun for the whole family. “American Dream is literally a one-stop shop for indoor vacations that is open year-round,” Vasser said.
Lambertville has a rich history and well-preserved Federal mansions, Victorian homes and antique shops that bring history to life. “The charming town also provides family wineries and photogenic viewpoints such as Goat Hill Overlook,” Vasser said.
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This 77-acre farm with 25 acres of vines is hand pruned, hand harvested and dry farmed in the rolling hills of Hunterdon County. “One of my favorites, Beneduce Vineyards, has great wine and fun events year-round, like live music and food trucks on Saturdays,” Vasser said.
Grounds for Sculpture is a 42-acre landscaped park with 300 contemporary sculptures, an arboretum, and a museum with indoor exhibitions with six galleries.
Known as the East Coast’s version of Las Vegas, it offers travelers casinos, live entertainment, great restaurants with more fun attractions at the Steel Pier and the only helicopter tour at the Jersey Shore.
Frenchtown is a vibrant community full of Victorian architecture, art and culture, located along the banks of the Delaware River. Vasser recommends a visit during Frenchtown Riverfest. “There are all kinds of street fair activities along the river,” he said.
The Cape May County Park & Zoo is home to more than 500 different animals, including African lions, American black bears, snow leopards, and ring-tailed lemurs. The zoo has playgrounds for children of all ages and both places are free to the public. “It’s really one of the best-kept secrets in the area,” Wieland said.
Over the past decade, Asbury Park has become a creative hub and music mecca with iconic landmarks such as The Stone Pony, Asbury Lanes and Silverball Retro Arcade. Asbury Park combines gaming, bowling, dining, live entertainment, and of course, coastal swimming and surfing.
Adventure Aquarium features the largest collection of sharks on the East Coast and protects more than 8,000 aquatic species, including penguins and stingrays. Visitors can interact with hundreds of sea creatures in the touch tanks. “It’s a favorite with kids of all ages, especially if you’re looking for an indoor activity,” says Wieland.
The shores of Long Beach Island are particularly beautiful. In addition to the scenic Atlantic Ocean coastline, vacationers also go for the water sports, charming towns like Barnegat Light and the laid-back lifestyle.
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Best Places to Visit in NJ from Travel & Leisure 2024
