A must-visit destination for many, New Jersey is an East Coast state that many have on their bucket lists. With 130 miles of coastline, it’s easy to see why. As desirable of a place as it is, your vacation in New Jersey can go so many different ways depending on which city you plan on staying in; it’s all about planning things ahead of time. Gather your crew—be it your friends, family, or partner—create the perfect itinerary, and make your way to this idyllic destination. Good times await on the Jersey Shore!
1. Atlantic City
Atlantic City: America’s notorious Playground, how we love coming here on a girls’ trip! As the entertainment capital of New Jersey, this popular vacay spot will make you forget about online slots real money awaits you at the countless casinos—it’s one of the city’s biggest draws. Besides gambling to your heart’s desire, Atlantic City offers visitors a fun time thanks to its plethora of attractions. Top-notch galleries, captivating museums, shopping hotspots, and seasonal festivals lure in visitors annually. We don’t recommend planning a vacation here with your family, but if you go on a getaway with your BFFs or partner, Atlantic City will show you a good time.
2. Jersey City
Jersey City is where you’ll get a much-needed art fix. Culturally rich with a thriving art scene, this city boasts a number of attractions that you’ll love crossing off your itinerary. Check out the Jersey City Theater’s schedule before planning your vacation to attend a performance or two while you’re here. Or better yet, pay a visit to the Liberty Science Center and engage with interactive exhibits. Make sure to pay a visit to Liberty State Park as well. Situated across Liberty Island and Ellis Island, this landmark has hosted several festivals and performances throughout its existence. Whatever you do, don’t forget to pay your respects at the Empty Sky Memorial.
3. Princeton
If you ask us, we wouldn’t mind doing a bit of college town scouting on a vacation—it’s killing two birds with one stone. And what better place to do exactly that than Princeton? Home of the Ivy League Princeton University, this destination is precisely what you’d expect from a college town: monuments at every corner, parks in every neighborhood, old-timey charm at every shop. Unsurprisingly, Princeton offers plenty of outdoor activities to visitors. Expect to spend your days kayaking on the river, biking along the waterfront, and going on guided walking tours around town. And if you’d like to take a swing, you’ll be happy to know that Princeton has three championship golf courses.
4. Cape May
White-sand beaches, a long wooden boardwalk, postcard-perfect Victorian buildings—Cape May is truly a dream. Vacationing here is the creme de la creme of all getaways. As the proud home of the top beaches in the entire nation, Cape May offers a coastal escape many people dream of. Enjoy morning strolls by the promenade, listening to the crashing waves. During afternoons, splash around the beaches and bask in the scorching sun, working on your tan. Once you’ve had enough of the ocean, visit local attractions like the Emlen Physick Estate, the Historic Cold Spring Village, and the Nature Center of Cape May.
5. Wildwood
Another exciting coastal destination in New Jersey is none other than Wildwood. Offering pristine beaches, awesome attractions, and delicious eateries to every visitor, Wildwood exceeds all expectations when it comes to vacationing. There are many festivals taking place throughout the year that cater to people of all interests. You’ll encounter everything from motocross races and food festivals to parades and regular firework displays. The coolest thing about Wildwood is that it’s the ideal destination for any kind of getaway. Whether you wish to go on a solo adventure or plan a romantic escape with your boo, Wildwood won’t disappoint you at all.
6. Camden
Featuring an abundance of family-friendly spots and activities, Camden is the perfect choice when it comes to planning a vacay with the whole gang. Here, you’ll never have to worry about your kids getting bored or wanting to go home. Take your family to one of the most popular places in the city, the Adventure Aquarium, where they’ll meet playful penguins, hungry hippos, and spine-chilling sharks. Next, pay a visit to the USS New Jersey. Commonly referred to as Big J, this is an 887-foot long colossal attraction that’s the country’s most decorated battleship. And for an unforgettable experience, attend a concert at the Waterfront Music Pavilion and enjoy a fun family outing.
About the Author/s
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.
