New Jersey may be one of the smallest of the US states, but it certainly packs a punch when it comes to awesome tourist attractions. Here are our Top 10 tourist attractions in New Jersey which you should get out and explore:
Famous throughout the country, and with a long history, Atlantic City and its Boardwalk are worth heading to for a day of simple shoreline pleasures or for its modern hedonistic side. Atlantic City somehow manages to balance it all, with relaxed paced rickshaws on one hand, and opulent casinos on the other. Whether you’re looking for beach life, shopping, nightlife, or a different attraction altogether, Atlantic City has it all.
New Jersey is renowned for being the birthplace of Thomas Edison. Living here, we tend to forget the importance and impact of this American on the globe and modern living. However, his former home, and indeed his laboratory, are accessible to visit. Here you’ll see a wealth of his breakthroughs from early movie cameras and sound recording, to even the very first batteries. What’s more, there are often interactive activities for children – what a fantastic educational boost!
Whether you’ve been before, or are a first time visitor, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is always worth a visit. With 70,000 acres to explore, there’s always a new spot to discover, but we highly recommend the 40-mile stretch of the Delaware River, complete with its cascading falls, which are protected and, as such, are staggeringly beautiful. There are a couple of visitor centers – at Millbrook Village and Kittatinny Point Visitor Center – which have both interesting things to look at, and great views. You could even head to the Minisink Archaeological site to get to grips with 10,000 years of history, or be more adventurous and explore the region’s kayaking, swimming, camping, and other outdoor pursuits.
Head down to the southernmost tip of New Jersey, on Delaware Bay, and you can explore this wonderful Cape. Of particular note is the ‘Old Victorian’ estate which is a perfect insight in to what this spot was like during the height of its life as a fashionable resort, now converted as a museum. An impressive six US presidents have had vacation homes here, and if nothing else, you should come for the beaches.
You don’t have to meet the stringent application procedure to come and explore the world famous university at Princeton. Wander the 1600-acre grounds and imagine yourself amongst the academics and indeed Albert Einstein, as you benefit from a student-led tour of the site. Whilst there, take the opportunity to head to the Princeton Battlefield State Park, the site of the 1777 Battle of Princeton.
The Adventure Aquarium, not far from Philadelphia’s downtown, is well worth a visit, particularly if you have kids in your party. There are an impressive 8500 marine animals in residence here, and the big pulls are the sharks, penguins, stingrays, and the fabulous sea turtles. It has an incredibly long shark bridge, or, if you dare, you can even put on a wetsuit and swim among them! What’s more, The Adventure Aquarium provides a rare opportunity to see hippos.
This rejuvenated urban state park, in the gaze of the Statue of Liberty herself, is well worth a visit when you’re in New Jersey. With great views over Liberty Island, Ellis Island, and the Upper New York Bay, it’s a great place to relax and unwind: a little spot of nature in its own right. It’s worth your while to visit Communipaw Cove, which is a tidal salt marsh which has been designated as a nature preserve. Also worth visiting are the numerous monuments and memorials such as Liberation and Empty Sky in honor of the Holocaust and 9/11 victims respectively. If you’re feeling active then Liberty State Park is great for cycling and kayaking.
New Jersey’s own Niagara! At Paterson Great Falls you’ll experience an intoxicating blend of waterfalls, impressive engineering, and ancient geology. This might be one of the country’s newest national parks, but it is well worth the visit. For the best views of the falls we suggest either Haines Overlook Park, or Mary Ellen Kramer Park, but of course don’t miss those from the footbridge over the falls itself.
Celebrating 25 years in 2017, the Grounds for Sculpture are an impressive and popular spot to explore in New Jersey. Art and nature come together to produce this memory-making park-museum in Hamilton. There is no doubting how impressive this place is, and the scale of the park itself is huge. US artists are the central focus here, but even those without an art interest will love the park for its wonderful landscaping. Don’t forget to book as due to its popularity they run a timed ticket system.
Last, but by no means least, a trip to New Jersey wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the US Navy’s most decorated ship. The Battleship New Jersey is astoundingly large, and is now floating as a museum and memorial on the Delaware. Make sure you book yourself on to a guided tour to ensure you don’t miss out of the impressive collection and display of artefacts which span the battleship’s life: from its launch in 1942 through to the Middle East conflict in the 1980s. Don’t miss out on a trip to the bridge, and if you have time, you can even book in to stay on board overnight.
Visit the Top Sites of New Jersey with Bergen Limos
With such a wealth of places to visit, with something for everyone, what are you waiting for? To make the most of your excursion, book a first-class limo with Bergen Limo and get out and explore our impressive State. If you’re wanting to show off our heritage, culture, and landscape to a larger group, then consider one of our Party Buses which make for a great occasion for corporate or leisure groups.