Your ultimate guide to New Jersey (2024)

The views don’t get better than the views in Jersey City. It’s no surprise that this is one of New Jersey’s prime destination cities, offering stunning walks along the Hudson River and a center that lights up at night. Make sure you walk enough to build up an appetite, because the foodie offerings here are second to none. Head up to Hoboken, and grab a spot of lunch there, or on a warm day, take a picnic to a pier-park and check out Liberty State Park. In the evening, have dinner and drinks in the Old Town at Newark Avenue.

A must-see in Jersey City, Liberty State Park is iconic for a reason (and not just during Juneteenth and July 4). The park has a BBQ area and plenty of wide open space to pitch up for a picnic, and the views of the Statue of Liberty and New York City’s skyline are second to none. Often, there’s live music or day festivals here, and if you start here early, you can then go on to access Liberty Island and the Ellis Island Museum, as well as the 1889 train terminal, straight from Liberty State Park.

The one-time home of Frank Sinatra and Bruce Willis, Hoboken has now become a super-gentrified town within New Jersey. Consequently,property hereis super-expensive. But have a wander around and you'll see why. This is a beautiful suburb that sits serenely on the edge of the Hudson River. There are quirky local shops, great bars and quality restaurants. Saunter along Washington Street for most of these, but others can also be found on side roads and off streets.

The whole Highlands area of New Jersey, incorporating Sandy Hook Bay and Sandy Hook Beach, is a little like stepping back in time. Given its close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean means it offers incredible views of both the water and even of New York City and Long Island. It also means most of the houses here are lifted up on stilts and the ones that aren't already are having construction work done... to have them lifted up on stilts. It's not surprising, this area—as gorgeous as it is—is prone to severe flooding during storm season. But during the summer, this quaint seaside town is a delight to visit and the beach is well worth spending a day relaxing on.

Much of Newark is industrial and parts even look like they could be some Pennsylvania small steel mill town. But hidden around this part of New Jersey are some really great places to explore. And ironically, while some areas look like they're a little run down, there are other adjacent neighborhoods next door that represent the opposite end of the extreme. Both Liberty National Golf Club and Bayonne Golf Club are two of the most expensive golf clubs in the tri-state area. They even have their own dedicated ferry boats running from their own private jetties to Wall Street. And while you can't wander around the fairways, you can walk around much of the perfectly manucured course if you follow the Hudson River Waterfront Walk.

When it was opened in 1993, the Liberty Science Centerwas the largest planetarium in the Western Hemisphere and the world's fourth largest. This is an absolute must for any fan of science and the permanent exhibits include Skyscraper! Achievement and Impact—which isbelievedto be the most comprehensive exhibit on the topic of skyscrapers,Eat and Be Eaten—an exhibit of unusual live animals explores the predator-prey relationship andCommunication—a 7,000-square foot exhibit that explores human communication

Wandering the decks of this formidable World War II ship, put into service in 1942, it’s easy to get a sense of its history. During twilight adult tours, you’ll hear raucous tales (like that of a Playboy Bunny’s visit) while sipping grown-up beverages and watching the sun sink behind the Philadelphia skyline. Watch for beer garden and stargazing party events.

The AP revival is no longer a secret. That’s especially true with the opening of the Asbury Hotel, which has turned the head of global tastemakers. Hit the beach and see why Brooklynites keep moving here. Play retro pinball at the Silverball Museum. Then rock out at Asbury Park Yacht Club or sip beers in the sand at the Beach Bar.

From ghost towns and meandering rivers to stories of pirates, privateers and industrialists, the New Jersey Pine Barrens is a place where secrets hide amid the pines. On tours and hikes that take in attractions on both land and water, Pinelands Adventures brings the magic of the region to life. From long-gone ironworks to some of the nation’s most productive cranberry bogs, you’ll learn to read the forest and appreciate its deep history.

With the craft beer scene exploding, one brewery can seemingly run into the next. Not so here. Along the Surf & Sip Brew trail, you’ll meet the Long Beach Island region’s rising guard of brewers,surfers, makers and shakers.Paired with an app, the trail links taprooms and unique experiences; think stand-up paddle boarding, shore-inspired art and a surf museum. Uniting salt air, creativity and killer brews, it’s a relaxing way to savor the shore’s vibe.

With 127 miles of ocean coastline, Jersey used to be a rugged place. (Some say it still is.) At the Tuckerton Seaport Museum, the world of baymen and women comes to life, from clammers to boat-makers. Yet the seaport isn’t stuck in a time capsule. From yoga on the dock to food truck fests—one themed around bacon—it unites past and present along the creek. Visit the Union Market & Gallery for matcha lattes and indie art.

As night falls, turn out the lights and stare into the void for a moment. Then thank Thomas Edison for making affordable light bulbs part of the modern experience. Known as the 'Wizard of Menlo Park' Edison contributed to motion pictures and built the battery for the Model T, and that’s just scratching the surface. Touring his New Jersey lab, you’ll quickly understand why he kept a bed in his office. Watch Facebook for occasional live streams of wax cylinder recordings.