Things to Do in New Jersey: Top Attractions and Shore Sites

Quick answer

Visit the Jersey Shore between June and August for peak beach weather and boardwalk activity, or October for cheaper rates in Cape May. Prioritise Liberty State Park for NYC views without the Manhattan crowds and the Princeton University campus for Gothic architecture. Most beach tags cost $5 to $12 (£4 to £9), while state park entry is often free with paid parking around $7 (£5).

Northern New Jersey and Gateway Region

Liberty State Park

Located in Jersey City, this 1,212-acre park provides the closest views of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline. It is the only location in New Jersey with ferry service to Ellis Island and Liberty Island. The park features a two-mile promenade and the Empty Sky 9/11 Memorial.

• Worth the time: Exceptional skyline photography and the least congested ferry access to the Statue of Liberty.
• Ticket price: Free park entry; ferry tickets approx. $25 (£20).
• Best time of day: Early morning for ferry boarding or sunset for skyline views.
• Duration: 2-5 hours depending on ferry use.

Liberty Science Center

Situated within Liberty State Park, this center houses the Jennifer Chalsty Planetarium, the largest in the Western Hemisphere. It features 12 exhibition halls including a touch tunnel and live animal habitats.

• Worth the time: Interactive exhibits suitable for families and science enthusiasts.
• Ticket price: Approx. $30 (£24) for adults.
• Best time of day: Weekday mornings to avoid school groups.
• Duration: 3-4 hours.
• Skippable: Yes, if you are not travelling with children.

American Dream Mall

This massive complex in East Rutherford includes the Nickelodeon Universe theme park, DreamWorks Water Park, and Big SNOW, an indoor ski slope. It is accessible via the 355 bus from Port Authority Bus Terminal in NYC.

• Worth the time: Year-round climate-controlled entertainment during poor weather.
• Ticket price: Free entry to mall; attraction tickets range $60-$90 (£47-£70).
• Best time of day: Late afternoon on weekdays.
• Duration: 4-6 hours.
• Skippable: Yes, if you prefer outdoor activities or traditional sightseeing.

The Jersey Shore

Atlantic City Boardwalk

Established in 1870, this is the oldest boardwalk in the United States. It stretches for four miles, lined with casinos like the Borgata and Hard Rock, the Steel Pier amusement park, and local shops selling saltwater taffy.

• Worth the time: Iconic coastal Americana and legalised gambling.
• Ticket price: Free to walk; amusement rides and parking vary.
• Best time of day: Evening for the neon lights and pier activity.
• Duration: 3-5 hours.

Cape May Historic District

Located at the southern tip of the state, Cape May is a National Historic Landmark known for its concentration of Victorian houses. You can take a trolley tour or climb the 199 steps of the Cape May Lighthouse.

• Worth the time: High density of 19th-century architecture and clean, quiet beaches.
• Ticket price: Beach tags approx. $8 (£6); Lighthouse entry approx. $12 (£9).
• Best time of day: Morning for the lighthouse climb; late afternoon for garden walks.
• Duration: 1 full day.

Asbury Park

A coastal city known for its musical history, specifically The Stone Pony, where Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi performed early in their careers. The town features a restored boardwalk and the Silverball Retro Arcade.

• Worth the time: Superior dining and live music scene compared to other shore towns.
• Ticket price: Arcade passes approx. $15-$20 (£12-£16) per hour.
• Best time of day: Late afternoon and evening.
• Duration: 4 hours.

Central Jersey and Princeton

Grounds For Sculpture

Located in Hamilton, this 42-acre park and museum is built on the former site of the New Jersey State Fairgrounds. It contains over 270 large-scale contemporary sculptures set amongst manicured gardens and ponds.

• Worth the time: Unique integration of art and landscape; home to the famous Rat's Restaurant.
• Ticket price: Approx. $20 (£16); booking in advance is essential.
• Best time of day: Mid-morning to see the sun hitting the metallic sculptures.
• Duration: 3 hours.

Princeton University Campus

Established in 1746, the campus features collegiate Gothic architecture. Key sites include Nassau Hall, the University Chapel, and the Princeton University Art Museum (currently undergoing renovation, check official site for gallery updates).

• Worth the time: Historical significance and public access to world-class architecture.
• Ticket price: Free to walk the grounds.
• Best time of day: Morning to avoid students between classes.
• Duration: 2 hours.

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

Stretching along the border of New Jersey and Pennsylvania, this area offers hiking trails, including a section of the Appalachian Trail. Mount Tammany provides a steep climb with views over the river gap.

• Worth the time: Best hiking and natural scenery in the state.
• Ticket price: Free; some parking lots charge approx. $10 (£8) on weekends.
• Best time of day: Dawn to secure parking at the popular Dunnfield Creek lot.
• Duration: 4-6 hours.

Attraction Summary Table

Additional Highlights

Thomas Edison National Historical Park

Located in West Orange, this site includes Edison’s home, Glenmont, and his massive laboratory complex where the phonograph and motion picture camera were developed.

• Worth the time: Immense historical value for technology and history fans.
• Ticket price: Approx. $15 (£12).
• Best time of day: Morning for the lab tour.
• Duration: 3 hours.

Battleship New Jersey

Docked in Camden on the Delaware River, this is the US Navy's most decorated battleship. Self-guided tours take you through the bridge, the 16-inch gun turrets, and the mess deck.

• Worth the time: Interactive naval history and views across to Philadelphia.
• Ticket price: Approx. $30 (£24).
• Best time of day: Midday.
• Duration: 2-3 hours.
• Skippable: Yes, if you have already visited the Intrepid in NYC.

Common mistakes

• Underestimating the Shore traffic: Driving to the Jersey Shore on a Friday afternoon or returning on a Sunday evening during summer can result in 3-hour delays on the Garden State Parkway.
• Forgetting beach tags: Many New Jersey beaches require a paid "tag" or pass for entry during the summer season. You cannot simply walk onto the sand in places like Belmar or Ocean City without one.
• Assuming public transport covers everything: While NJ Transit trains serve the Northeast Corridor (Trenton to NYC) and the North Jersey Coast Line, reaching the Delaware Water Gap or specific sculpture parks requires a car.
• Only visiting the Boardwalks: The state has significant inland attractions like the Pine Barrens and historic revolutionary war sites in Morristown that are often overlooked.
• Neglecting to book ferry tickets: If you plan to see the Statue of Liberty from the NJ side, book your Statue City Cruises tickets weeks in advance, as they sell out frequently.

Plan your trip

Journey Planner simplifies your New Jersey itinerary by calculating travel times between the North Jersey Gateway and the Southern Shore. It integrates current NJ Transit schedules and provides weather-adjusted suggestions, ensuring you visit the Delaware Water Gap on clear days and the American Dream Mall when rain is forecast. The tool also provides a packing list including essentials like beach gear, comfortable hiking boots for the Appalachian Trail, and smart-casual attire for Princeton or upscale Atlantic City dining.

FAQ

What is the best month to visit the Jersey Shore? July and August offer the warmest water temperatures, typically around 22°C (72°F). However, September is often preferred by locals for smaller crowds and lower accommodation prices while the weather remains mild.

How do I get to New Jersey from New York City? Use NJ Transit trains from Pennsylvania Station or buses from the Port Authority Bus Terminal. The PATH train also connects Manhattan to Jersey City and Hoboken 24 hours a day.

Are New Jersey beaches free? Most Jersey Shore beaches require a daily or seasonal beach tag for everyone over the age of 12. Wildwood and Atlantic City are notable exceptions where the beaches are free to the public.

Is a car necessary for New Jersey? A car is recommended for exploring the southern shore, the Pine Barrens, and the northwest highlands. For cities like Jersey City, Hoboken, and Princeton, public transport is efficient and sufficient.