bigtravelbuzzNew Jersey is a state located in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. It is bordered by New York to the north, Pennsylvania to the west, and Delaware to the south and east. Here are some things to know about New Jersey:
Attractions: New Jersey is home to a variety of attractions, including Atlantic City’s casinos and boardwalk, the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall in Philadelphia, the Jersey Shore’s beaches, and the Six Flags Great Adventure amusement park.
Cuisine: New Jersey is known for its diners, pizza, bagels, and tomato pies. It is also home to the famous pork roll, which is a type of breakfast meat commonly found in the state.
Sports: New Jersey has several professional sports teams, including the NFL’s New York Giants and New York Jets, the NHL’s New Jersey Devils, and the MLS’s New York Red Bulls.
Transportation: New Jersey has a variety of transportation options, including major airports such as Newark Liberty International Airport and Atlantic City International Airport, Amtrak and NJ Transit train service, and major highways such as the New Jersey Turnpike and the Garden State Parkway.
Climate: New Jersey has a humid subtropical climate in the southern part of the state and a humid continental climate in the northern part. Summers are typically hot and humid, while winters are cold and snowy.
History: New Jersey played an important role in the American Revolution, with major battles fought at Princeton and Monmouth. The state is also home to historic sites such as the Thomas Edison National Historical Park and the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration.
Overall, New Jersey offers a diverse range of attractions and experiences for visitors. Whether you’re interested in history, food, or outdoor recreation, there’s something for everyone in the Garden State.
Places to Visit in New Jersey
Here are some of the top places to visit in New Jersey:
Atlantic City: Known for its casinos, boardwalk, and beaches, Atlantic City is a popular destination for those looking for entertainment and relaxation.
Cape May: This charming seaside town is known for its Victorian architecture, beaches, and lighthouse. It’s a great place to enjoy the beach, go shopping, or take a guided tour of the historic homes.
Liberty State Park: Located in Jersey City, this park offers stunning views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Manhattan skyline. Visitors can also enjoy a picnic, go fishing, or take a ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
Princeton: Home to Princeton University, this charming town is known for its historic architecture, boutique shops, and restaurants. Visitors can also take a guided tour of the university campus and the Princeton Battlefield State Park.
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area: Located in the northwest part of the state, this park offers stunning views of the Delaware River and the surrounding mountains. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, camping, and swimming in the river.
Jersey Shore: The New Jersey coastline offers over 130 miles of beaches, boardwalks, and beach towns. Popular destinations include Wildwood, Ocean City, and Point Pleasant.
Six Flags Great Adventure: This amusement park located in Jackson is one of the largest in the country, featuring roller coasters, water rides, and live entertainment.
These are just a few of the many attractions and destinations in New Jersey. With its diverse range of offerings, there’s something for everyone in the Garden State.
Best Time To Visit New Jersey
The best time to visit New Jersey depends on your interests and what you want to do during your trip. Here’s an overview of the seasons and what they offer:
Spring (March to May): Spring is a beautiful time to visit New Jersey, as the weather starts to warm up and the flowers begin to bloom. This is a great time to visit parks and gardens, such as the Cherry Blossom Festival in Branch Brook Park.
Summer (June to August): Summer is the peak tourist season in New Jersey, as visitors flock to the beaches and boardwalks. This is a great time to enjoy outdoor activities such as swimming, surfing, and fishing.
Fall (September to November): Fall is a popular time to visit New Jersey, as the leaves change color and the weather cools down. This is a great time to go hiking or visit a pumpkin patch.
Winter (December to February): Winter can be cold and snowy in New Jersey, but it’s a great time to visit if you’re interested in winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding. The state also has several holiday-themed events and attractions, such as the Christmas Light Show at Skylands Stadium.
Overall, the best time to visit New Jersey depends on your interests and what you want to do during your trip. If you’re interested in outdoor activities and beach tourism, summer is the best time to visit. If you prefer cooler weather and fall foliage, fall is a great time to visit.
Things to Do in New Jersey
New Jersey offers a diverse range of activities for visitors. Here are some of the top things to do in the state:
Visit the beaches: New Jersey has over 130 miles of coastline with beautiful beaches, such as Cape May, Wildwood, and Atlantic City. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, surfing, and other water activities.
Explore the boardwalks: Many of the beach towns in New Jersey have boardwalks with amusement parks, shops, and restaurants. The Atlantic City boardwalk is a popular destination with its iconic Steel Pier and historic Absecon Lighthouse.
Visit the state parks: New Jersey has over 50 state parks with hiking trails, campsites, and other recreational activities. Some of the most popular parks include Liberty State Park, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, and Island Beach State Park.
Discover the museums: New Jersey has several museums and cultural attractions, such as the Liberty Science Center, Princeton University Art Museum, and the Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial.
Experience the nightlife: New Jersey has a vibrant nightlife scene with many bars, clubs, and music venues. Some of the top destinations include Atlantic City, Hoboken, and Asbury Park.
Attend a sporting event: New Jersey is home to several professional sports teams, including the New Jersey Devils (NHL), New York Giants and New York Jets (NFL), and the New Jersey Nets (NBA).
Visit historical sites: New Jersey played a significant role in the American Revolution and has several historic sites and landmarks. Some of the top destinations include the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Princeton Battlefield State Park.
These are just a few of the many things to do in New Jersey. With its diverse attractions and activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
How to get around in New Jersey
New Jersey has a variety of transportation options for getting around, including:
Car: New Jersey is well-connected by highways and roads, and having a car is the most common way to get around. You can rent a car from various companies or use ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft.
Train: New Jersey Transit is a commuter rail service that connects various parts of the state, as well as neighboring states like New York and Pennsylvania. You can use the NJ Transit website or app to plan your journey and purchase tickets.
Bus: New Jersey Transit also operates a bus service that covers much of the state, as well as some routes to neighboring states. You can use the NJ Transit website or app to plan your journey and purchase tickets.
Light Rail: New Jersey Transit also operates several light rail lines in the northern and central parts of the state. These lines are generally faster than buses and can be a good option for getting around in urban areas.
Bike: New Jersey has an extensive network of bike paths and lanes, which can be a great way to get around and explore the state’s many scenic areas.
Walking: Many towns and cities in New Jersey have pedestrian-friendly downtown areas, so walking can be a good option for short trips.
Overall, the best way to get around in New Jersey will depend on your specific needs and where you want to go. Consider the distance, time, and cost involved in each transportation option to determine the best mode of transportation for you.
Where to eat in New Jersey
New Jersey has a diverse culinary scene with many delicious and unique dining options. Here are some popular places to eat in New Jersey:
The Frog and The Peach (New Brunswick): A fine-dining restaurant that offers modern American cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients.
Maruca’s Tomato Pies (Seaside Heights): A family-owned pizzeria that has been serving up their famous tomato pies for over 60 years.
White Manna Hamburgers (Hackensack): A classic diner that is famous for their small, juicy burgers served on soft, steamed buns.
Porta (Jersey City): A trendy Italian restaurant and bar that offers wood-fired pizzas, small plates, and an extensive cocktail list.
Donkey’s Place (Camden): A long-standing institution that serves up their famous cheesesteaks on poppy seed rolls.
Hobby’s Delicatessen (Newark): A Jewish deli that has been serving up sandwiches, soups, and classic Jewish fare for over 50 years.
Carlo’s Bakery (Hoboken): A famous bakery that gained national attention from the TV show “Cake Boss”. They offer a variety of cakes, pastries, and desserts.
These are just a few options out of many great restaurants and eateries in New Jersey. The state offers a wide range of cuisines from all around the world, so you’re sure to find something to satisfy your cravings.
Famous street stalls in New Jersey
New Jersey has a thriving food scene with many famous street stalls and food trucks that offer delicious and unique cuisine. Here are some of the most popular street stalls in New Jersey:
The Halal Guys (Multiple locations): Originally a street cart in New York City, The Halal Guys have expanded to multiple locations in New Jersey, serving up their famous halal chicken and gyros.
Tony Boloney’s (Atlantic City): A food truck that offers creative and unique pizzas and sandwiches, like their “Fat Darrell” sandwich, which is a deep-fried sandwich with chicken fingers, mozzarella sticks, and french fries.
Rutt’s Hut (Clifton): A classic hot dog stand that has been around since 1928 and is known for their deep-fried hot dogs called “Rippers”.
Johnny’s Pork Roll (Red Bank): A food truck that specializes in New Jersey’s beloved breakfast meat, pork roll, serving it up in sandwiches, tacos, and even on donuts.
Surf and Turf Truck (Jersey City): A food truck that offers a variety of seafood and meat dishes, like lobster rolls, crab cakes, and steak sandwiches.
The Empanada Guy (Multiple locations): A food truck that serves up a variety of empanadas, including traditional flavors like beef and chicken, as well as unique flavors like bacon mac and cheese.
These are just a few examples of the many famous street stalls and food trucks in New Jersey. Many towns and cities in the state also have regular food truck festivals and events, where you can sample a variety of cuisines from different vendors.
Where to stay in New Jersey
Luxury accommodation
There are many luxury accommodations available in New Jersey, depending on your preferences and budget. Here are some options:
The Ritz-Carlton, Jersey City: This five-star hotel offers stunning views of the Manhattan skyline, a full-service spa, and elegant rooms and suites with marble bathrooms.
The Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, Atlantic City: This upscale casino resort features luxurious rooms and suites with floor-to-ceiling windows, a full-service spa, and a range of dining and entertainment options.
The Reeds at Shelter Haven, Stone Harbor: This boutique hotel on the Jersey Shore offers stylish rooms and suites with private balconies or patios, as well as a rooftop lounge and a private beach club.
The Ocean House, Cape May: This Victorian-style hotel is located just steps from the beach and features elegant rooms and suites with ocean views, a full-service spa, and a rooftop terrace.
The Westin Governor Morris, Morristown: This historic hotel offers modern amenities and luxurious rooms and suites with marble bathrooms and plush bedding. It also features a fitness center and a fine dining restaurant.
These are just a few examples of the many luxury accommodations available in New Jersey. Be sure to do your research and read reviews to find the perfect option for your needs and preferences.
Where to stay in New Jersey
Budget accommodation
New Jersey offers many budget-friendly accommodations, ranging from motels to hostels and budget hotels. Here are some options to consider:
Red Roof Inn, Edison: This budget hotel is conveniently located near major highways and offers clean and comfortable rooms at an affordable price.
Super 8 by Wyndham, Atlantic City: This budget hotel is located just a block away from the boardwalk and offers simple rooms with basic amenities.
HI New York City Hostel, Jersey City: This hostel is located in a vibrant neighborhood and offers dorm-style rooms and private rooms at an affordable price. It also features a shared kitchen and lounge area.
Motel 6, East Brunswick: This budget motel offers simple and functional rooms at an affordable price. It is conveniently located near major highways and restaurants.
Howard Johnson by Wyndham, Clifton: This budget hotel is located near major highways and attractions and offers clean and comfortable rooms at an affordable price.
These are just a few examples of the many budget-friendly accommodations available in New Jersey. Be sure to do your research and read reviews to find the perfect option for your needs and budget.
Travel Tips New Jersey
Here are some travel tips for visiting New Jersey:
Plan ahead: New Jersey is a popular destination for tourists, so it’s important to plan ahead and book your accommodations and activities in advance to avoid disappointment.
Rent a car: New Jersey is a driving state, so it’s recommended to rent a car for your trip. This will allow you to explore the state at your own pace and visit some of the off-the-beaten-path destinations.
Try the local cuisine: New Jersey is known for its diverse and delicious food, including famous dishes like Taylor Ham and tomato pies. Be sure to try some of the local specialties during your visit.
Visit the beaches: New Jersey is home to some of the most beautiful beaches on the East Coast, including Cape May, Wildwood, and Atlantic City. Be sure to pack your sunscreen and spend some time soaking up the sun.
Take a day trip to New York City: New Jersey is located just across the Hudson River from New York City, making it easy to take a day trip to the Big Apple. Take a train or ferry into the city and explore some of the famous attractions like the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, or Times Square.
Enjoy outdoor activities: New Jersey has plenty of outdoor activities to offer, from hiking and biking to fishing and camping. Visit one of the state parks or nature reserves to experience the natural beauty of the state.
Check the weather: New Jersey experiences all four seasons, so be sure to check the weather before your trip and pack accordingly.
Be mindful of traffic: New Jersey is known for its traffic, especially during rush hour and on weekends. Be sure to plan your travel times accordingly to avoid getting stuck in traffic.
Be respectful: New Jersey is a diverse state with a rich cultural heritage, so be sure to be respectful of the local customs and traditions during your visit.
Have fun: New Jersey is a fun and exciting destination with plenty to offer, so be sure to enjoy yourself and make the most of your trip!