There is the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, the city of Boston and many other exciting places to see.
However, what about New Jersey? It’s on the US East Coast too!
It is heard throughout the states: New Jersey is the armpit of America. Well, many people give it a bad reputation when they have yet to step foot on its soil. For one, New Jersey’s location is close to many hot spot areas around the state.
There are shore points to the east, New York to the north and Philadelphia to the west. Second, it is known as “The Garden State.” Its agriculture is booming and there is rarely a town you can pass without having the opportunity to fill your kitchen with fresh grown vegetables and fruits.
In addition, when is the last time you visited a state with two different parts? I was born in North Jersey and half of my family still resides there.
While I was raised with North Jersey blood, I completed my college education in South Jersey – an entirely different atmosphere than I was used to in the north.
Therefore, New Jersey itself gives you two contrasting cultures to choose from located in just one state.
What Make New Jersey Special
North Jersey is its own entity. Just about every town is decorated with tall trees surrounding back roads and houses, and bustling small business owners are looking to provide its people with goodies.
It emulates a sense of family – men and women walking the sidewalks and kids playing in parks. As for me, driving into North Jersey gives me a sense of peace. People aren’t afraid to tell you how they feel. If you can handle that, then this is the right place for you.
Beaches and Iconic Boardwalks
New Jersey is a state in the north-eastern United States with 130 miles of Atlantic coastline. An English Channel Island inspired the state’s name. New Jersey beaches are plentiful, and each has their own set of attractions, ensuring there will be something for everyone.
With small seaside communities, sophisticated resort areas, and beaches geared for surfing, picnicking, or sunbathing, the white sand and blue seas of the Jersey Shore cater for varied interests. Some people boast that it is here you will find some of the best beaches in the country. Hand in hand with these popular beaches are the iconic shoreside promenades.
Boardwalk experiences may include games, carnival rides and salty taffy. And there is even more to see on the Jersey Shore if you have an interest in lighthouses. There are numerous historic ones along the coast, the most popular being the Cape May Lighthouse. Others to see include the East Point Lighthouse, The Twin Lights, and the Barnegat Lighthouse.
Nature-lovers Paradise
Perhaps you prefer chasing waterfalls rather than lighthouses? Throughout New Jersey, there are several waterfalls you may choose to visit. There are hiking paths and national parks nearby making them convenient and well worth the visit.
There's a reason New Jersey is known as "The Garden State," since it is home to more than 35 state parks and a dozen state forests. One of the highest waterfalls in the United States, the Paterson Great Falls, is in New Jersey. The Delaware Water Gap (DWG) is a year-round destination with approximately 150 miles of hiking and bicycling trails, boats, fishing, swimming holes and scenic drives available.
After taking in all this splendour, you may want to take a deep breath and relax at one of the many spas in the area. These offer a variety of services with different degrees of rejuvenation, and many boast jaw-dropping views of Manhattan.
Historical Interest
There are hundreds of historic homes to explore in New Jersey, many of which played an important role in the Revolutionary War.
The Harriet Tubman Museum which opened in 2020 honours this historical figure’s tenacity and contribution to the history of the United States. The New Jersey State Museum makes learning fun with everything from dinosaurs to colourful art to ancient antiquities and stargazing at the Planetarium.
Travelling and exploring history is such an important part of our journey as humans. Asbury Park is a must-see for music lovers, as not only has it been named the musical mecca of New Jersey, but it also boasts a fantastic annual line-up.
Thrill-seekers Heaven
Look no further than New Jersey if you're chasing a thrill. You can visit one of the state’s record-breaking amusement parks to get your adrenaline pumping.
Six Flags Great Adventure is in Jackson, New Jersey, and features a waterpark, a roller coaster with one of the tallest and fastest drops in the world and a "4D" coaster that debuted in 2016. In this downtime, you may want to visit and explore BonusFinder's review of the best online casinos in New Jersey.
At American Dream, you not only get stunning views of New York City’s skyline, but you can visit the Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park, DreamWorks Water Park, and the Observation Wheel.
Festivals
There are various festivals held in New Jersey throughout the year and surely one or more of these may pique your interest. The Festival of Ballooning sees up to 100 balloons taking to the air at once. There is also the International Kite Festival which is the largest of its type in North America.
During Patriots Week in Trenton, you can relive the history of the Revolutionary War. The festival takes place every December 26th – 31st and honours the state capital's crucial role in the American Revolution — the streets and buildings are still standing today as they were in 1776.
The Barefoot Country Music Fest and the Cherry Blossom Festival (featuring a 10K race, trolley rides, and Japanese cultural activities including origami, bonsai, ikebana, and martial arts) are just two others to mention in a list that is long and varied.
The joy of festivals is that there is always so much on offer and something for everyone, including even the pickiest of travellers.
Newark
The chances are if you are arriving to New Jersey by air, you will arrive into Newark Liberty International Airport.
Newark is one of the most populated cities in New Jersey with 300,000 inhabitants.
Newark is known as the Gateway City and it is one of the most popular transportation hubs in the United States, with a lot of people flying here before visiting New York.
If you plan to stay in Newark there are lots of entertainment options, check out this list of the best tourist attactions in Newark for inspiration.
Atlantic City
Atlantic City is where you can go to enjoy the beach by day and enjoy the nightlife with clubs and casinos in the evening. If you are looking for seasonal jobs in New Jersey, Atlantic City is one of the best places to find summer employment.
Cape May
Cape May is another wonderful destination in the area – the southernmost shore point in New Jersey. It is a quaint beach town with magnificent aesthetics and a relaxing feel.
South Jersey
As for South Jersey, you'll find it the complete opposite of the north.
With it being about 25 minutes from Philadelphia, it doesn’t have the true “Jersey” feel as much as the north emanates. Yes, there are still many farms and fresh produce available as it is still “The Garden State,” but it gives a different vibe. It’s a little more hip than the north.
There’s many little cafes to grab a quick bite to eat.
Don't Miss Out
When planning a trip to the U.S., most people often overlook New Jersey. Okay California has the weather, beaches and celeb lifestyle, and New York City, is New York City. But New Jersey also offers so much.
Since I am from New Jersey, I hear all the stereotypes from friends who aren’t from the state.
I hear it’s the dirtiest state, people can’t drive who are from Jersey and its people have no soul. Well, I’m here to tell you first hand that those are generalizations.
Every state has its dirty cities, many people can’t drive all over the United States and there is a mixture of people with and without souls all over the country.
All I know is, New Jersey is a completely underrated state and doesn’t get the positive attention it deserves. It is visually appealing with its vast nature and family oriented vibe on one end, and its hip culture and bustling beach towns on the other.
Do yourself a favor, and next time you’re planning a trip east – don’t overlook New Jersey.
If you would also like to see more of the region lots of group tours of the USA include New Jersey and popular east coast US destinations in itineraries.
By Davin Jurgensen
