5 reasons to visit New Jersey
Crammed between New York and Pennsylvania, New Jersey often gets overshadowed by its larger neighbours – but the Garden State offers great escapes for savvy travellers…
Besides Frank Sinatra, The Sopranos and Bruce Springsteen, New Jersey is best known for its 209km of coastline – which constitutes the iconic Jersey Shore – and for Atlantic City, one of the country’s most visited destinations due to its reputation as ‘the Las Vegas of the East.’ But there’s a lot more to discover than these headline attractions.
New Jersey is home to 36 state parks, 11 state forests, charming Victorian towns, historic lighthouses, rich history dating back to the birth of the nation, and fertile soil that gives life to an abundant wine country, fresh produce and award-winning restaurants in which to enjoy it all.
Some of New York City’s highlights are actually in northern New Jersey, including the majority of Ellis Island and the best views of the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan’s skyline. Even the NFL’s New York Jets and New York Giants (American football) teams play their home games in East Rutherford, NJ.
Here’s what you shouldn’t miss:
1. Revolutionary history
New Jersey is steeped in American history, particularly from the Revolutionary War era. Sites such as Morristown National Historical Park, Trenton Battle Monument and Washington Crossing State Park offer visitors a chance to walk in the footsteps of George Washington and the Continental Army. Morristown, the location of the army’s winter encampment, provides fascinating exhibits on the hardships of the soldiers. Meanwhile, Princeton Battlefield not offers insight into a key battle and boasts a location close to one of the most prestigious universities in the US.
2. A great outdoors
New Jersey is often thought of in terms of the suburban sprawl south of the Hudson River, but the state offers an array of outdoor attractions. The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is perfect for hiking, kayaking and camping. Visitors can explore miles of trails with views of waterfalls, forests and the river.
Meanwhile, the Pine Barrens, a vast coastal plain, offers secluded spots for canoeing, birdwatching, and even a chance to encounter the mythical Jersey Devil (a beast from folklore tales).
Beach lovers will find 209km of pristine coastline, with Cape May providing the perfect mix of Victorian charm and sandy shores, and Atlantic City home to the world’s longest, oldest boardwalk, dating back to 1870.
In spring, the Cherry Blossom Festival in Branch Brook Park, Newark, draws visitors from across the region to see over 5,000 cherry trees in bloom. In winter, Sussex County – which lies within the Kittatinny Mountains and forms part of the Appalachian Mountains range – offers skiing and snow sports less than 80km from NYC.
3. Vineyards and wineries
New Jersey’s terroir is similar to that of Bordeaux, and its burgeoning wine scene makes it a must-visit destination for any oenophile. NJ has over 50 wineries, many offering tours and tastings in picturesque settings. South Jersey’s Outer Coastal Plain AVA is particularly well-known for producing a variety of wines, including rich reds and crisp whites.
Highlights include the well-regarded wineries in Hammonton and Pittstown. Cape May County is also notable for its scenic vineyards producing award-winning wines.
4. Museums and culture
Discover Thomas Edison’s many inventions, from the lightbulb to motion pictures, at the Edison Memorial Tower and Museum. Explore world-class art at the Montclair Art Museum, known for its 18th and 19th-century American pieces and works by Indigenous creators, and the Princeton University Art Museum, home to over 72,000 items.
Enjoy award-winning plays at Princeton’s McCarter Theatre or explore innovation at Liberty Science Center in Jersey City. New for 2024, don’t miss the $75million Jean & Ric Edelman Fossil Park and Museum in Mantua Township, where visitors can unearth real fossils from an active research site and journey back to the age of dinosaurs with free-roaming virtual reality and full-scale sculptures.
5. Culinary excellence
There’s a reason it’s called the Garden State: New Jersey is home to more than 9,800 farms, collectively encompassing some 790,000 acres. Consequently, farm-to-fork dining is big in New Jersey, and the state’s foodie scene is booming, with local ingredients taking centre stage on menus across the state.
Certainly, New Jersey celebrates its heritage with some of the best pizza and pasta outside of Italy, but NJ’s dining scene is as diverse as its population: Lita in Aberdeen Township offers a modern take on Portuguese cuisine, blending traditional flavours with contemporary techniques; Gass & Main in Haddonfield is a modern American restaurant with rotating menus that focus on local, sustainable ingredients; while Korai Kitchen offers homestyle Bangladeshi dishes in the heart of Jersey City.
