New Jersey
15 Best Places To Visit In New Jersey, According To Local Experts
Bordered by New York to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, Delaware to the south, and Pennsylvania to the west, New Jersey stretches 150 miles (241 km) from top to bottom. And while some may joke that it’s just one big highway, residents and return visitors know of its many charms. The Garden State has something for just about every type of traveller (not to mention some great places to live), whether you prefer the sandy beaches and Victorian homes of Cape May, the nostalgic fun of the Ocean City Boardwalk, or the live entertainment in Atlantic City. We talked to insiders to get the scoop on the best places to visit in New Jersey.
These are the best places to visit in New Jersey
Ocean City Boardwalk
“The Ocean City Boardwalk is a famous promenade that’s been a source of entertainment for more than 100 years,” says Diane Wieland, chairperson of Southern Shore Region DMO. The wooden walkway has amusement rides for all ages, mini golf, arcade games, souvenir and sweet shops, and iconic boardwalk eats — hot dogs, burgers, fries, pizza, and soft serve.
Cape May
Situated at the tip of the Cape May peninsula, Cape May boasts sandy beaches, historic trolley rides, a striped lighthouse, and Victorian architecture. More than just a summer destination, the charming Jersey Shore town gets into the spirit for all the seasons — especially the holidays with festive decorations, tree lighting ceremonies, and a vendor village at Congress Hall.
Morey’s Piers & Beachfront Water Parks
For summertime fun, look no further than Morey’s Piers & Beachfront Water Parks. “Families can spend the entire day on more than 100 rides, splashing around the two water parks right on the beach, and lounging in private cabanas,” says Jeffrey Vasser, executive director, the New Jersey Division of Travel & Tourism.
Wildwoods Boardwalk
In a state known for its seaside amusements, the Wildwoods Boardwalk stands out from the pack. Composed of more than 70,000 wooden planks, the 38-block oceanfront stretch draws crowds with everything from amusement piers featuring rides and games galore to water parks to classic eateries and shopping.
Wildwood’s Doo Wop Motel District
“Walking around Wildwood’s Doo Wop Motel District is like being transported to the 1950s,” says Vasser. Dotted along the two-mile (3 km) stretch between Atlantic and Ocean Avenues sits the largest concentration of mid-century motels in the country. “It’s really neat to see all the neon signs and retro details.”
American Dream
“American Dream is, quite literally, an indoor vacation one-stop shop that’s open year-round,” raves Vasser. From the Nickelodeon Universe theme park and the DreamWorks Water Park to skiing at Big Snow and surf lessons at Skudin Surf to the hundreds of stores (??it’s the second-largest shopping mall in the United States) and restaurants, it provides endless fun for the whole family.
Lambertville
Founded in 1705, Lambertville brings history to life through its well-preserved federal townhouses, Victorian homes, antique shops, restored 19th-century train depot, and the James Wilson Marshall House. “The charming town also supplies family-owned wineries and photogenic vantage points such as Goat Hill Overlook,” adds Vasser.
Beneduce Vineyards
“Most people don’t realize New Jersey is home to more than 50 wineries,” says Vasser. “One of my favourites, Beneduce Vineyards, has great wine and fun year-round events such as live music and food trucks on Saturdays.” Plus, it’s located less than 75 minutes from New York City and Philadelphia.
Grounds for Sculpture
Located on the former site of Trenton Speedway, Grounds for Sculpture is a 42-acre sculpture park and museum. Visitors can spend the day ogling art and grabbing a bite at the restaurant. The Hamilton cultural institution also hosts special events such as after-dark light and sound experiences in partnership with Klip Collective and the upcoming Def Poetry Jam Reunion.
Atlantic City
Approximately two hours from the Big Apple, Atlantic City — the East Coast’s answer to Las Vegas — dazzles visitors with its casinos, live entertainment, glitzy hotels, and big-name restaurants like Nobu. Steel Pier offers games, entertainment, boardwalk fare, an observation wheel with sweeping views, and the only helicopter ride at the Jersey Shore.
Frenchtown
Nestled along the banks of the Delaware River in Hunterdon County, Frenchtown is a vibrant community with plenty of Victorian architecture, art, and culture to keep travellers entertained year-round. Vasser suggests visiting over Labor Day weekend because that’s when Frenchtown Riverfest takes place. “There are all kinds of street fair activities along the river,” he says.
Cape May County Park & Zoo
Located in the Cape May Court House section of Middle Township, the Cape May County Park & Zoo houses more than 550 different animals and is free to the public. There are also awesome playgrounds for kids of all ages just outside the entrance. “It’s truly one of the best-kept secrets in the area,” says Wieland.
Asbury Park
Over the last decade, Asbury Park has become a creative hub and music mecca. There are so many venues to catch a show. Wieland recommends The Stone Pony, which is best known for launching the career of Bruce Springsteen. Asbury Lanes combines bowling, dining, and live entertainment. To admire eye-catching artwork, head to the boardwalk. The Wooden Walls Project collaborates with artists to turn blank walls into colourful photo ops.
Adventure Aquarium
Adventure Aquarium protects more than 8,500 aquatic species, including penguins, turtles, stingrays, and the largest collection of sharks on the East Coast. It also gives visitors the chance to interact with hundreds of sea creatures at the touch tanks. “It’s a favourite for kids of all ages, especially if you’re looking for an indoor activity,” says Wieland.
Long Beach Island
With 130 miles ( 209 km) of Atlantic Ocean real estate, there’s no shortage of beautiful beaches in the Garden State. But the shores of Long Beach Island are particularly lovely. Besides its scenic Atlantic Ocean coastline, vacationers go for water sports, charming towns like Barnegat Light, and a laid-back lifestyle.
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This story first appeared on travelandleisure.com
What To Do, Where To Stay And What To Eat: The Ultimate NYC Itinerary
Written By
Lindsay Cohn
A black bear was spotted in the area of Frederick Court in Princeton on Saturday night, according to an alert issued to residents. A bear was also spotted May 15 in the area of Heather Lane between Cherry Valley Road and Great Road. It is unclear whether the latest sighting is the same bear.
Residents are advised not to approach the bear and to remain indoors if they see it.
According to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Division of Fish and Wildlife, black bears are common in parts of New Jersey, and they sometimes travel through residential neighborhoods as part of their natural movement patterns.
Residents should not leave food or garbage outdoors because bears can quickly become attracted to human food sources. Bears may eat garbage, pet food, birdseed, and other easily accessible items. Bears that gain access to food in residential neighborhoods may lose their fear of people and repeatedly return to the area. Some nuisance bears eventually must be trapped.
State wildlife officials urged residents in bear-prone areas to take precautions to reduce the chances of attracting bears.
Recommended precautions from the The information was provided by the NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife include:
- Use certified bear-resistant garbage containers.
- Store garbage in containers with tight-fitting lids.
- Keep garbage in a secure location until the morning of pickup.
- Do not feed bears.
- Do not approach bears.
- Do not run from bears because running may trigger a chase response.
- Avoid direct eye contact with bears.
- Remain calm and slowly back away if encountering a bear.
- Make noise by yelling, clapping, singing, or using an air horn.
- Make yourself appear larger by waving your arms or lifting a jacket overhead.
- Stay together if you are in a group.
- Make sure the bear has an escape route.
Officials also advised residents to watch for warning behaviors from bears, including huffing sounds, jaw popping, and swatting at the ground, which can indicate the animal feels threatened.
Bears may stand on their hind legs to get a better view or detect scents in the air, which is not always considered threatening behavior.
Residents can report black bear damage or nuisance behavior to the NJDEP’s 24-hour hotline at 1-877-WARN-DEP, or 1-877-927-6337.
Tuesday, May 17, 1977 ― 49 Years Ago
Worldwide shortages of oil could cripple the global economy by the early 1980s if nations do not immediately pivot toward conservation and alternative energy. That was the stark warning issued on the front page of the Asbury Park Press on this date from the Workshop on Alternative Energy Strategies, a respected international think tank, as reported by the Associated Press.
Organized in 1974 by Carroll L. Wilson, a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the 35-member panel of government and business leaders concluded that the supply gap would likely reach a critical breaking point between 1985 and 1995, the AP wrote. While the experts suggested that aggressive conservation efforts might push the crisis as far back as 2010, the consensus was that the era of abundant, cheap energy was over.
2 Murderers Escape From Marlboro Psychiatric Hospital
MARLBORO ― Two convicted murderers escaped early this morning from the Rahway Prison Unit located on the grounds of Marlboro Psychiatric Hospital, according to township police.
Raymond Bukowski of Plainfield, serving up to 25 years for murder and armed robbery, and Nicholas Gallicchio of Newark, serving up to 30 years for murder, were both reported missing at 1:30 a.m. today; police said.
Mayor Arthur Goldzweig, who has previously asked the state to close the prison unit here, said early today that the township will now seek a court order to close it.
The mayor, who is a Democratic candidate for state Assembly, said he will also ask the governor to provide immediate additional security at the prison unit, either through the New Jersey State Police or with increased security staff.
The Marlboro Township Police Department did not release details early today on how the murderers got out of the unit. Three other prisoners have escaped from the hospital grounds recently.
Jordan Drops Governor Bid; To Back Byrne
TRENTON ― Jersey City Mayor Paul T. Jordan yesterday withdrew as a candidate for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination and endorsed Gov. Brendan T. Byrne as the party’s standard-bearer.
Previously, Jordan said Byrne’s nomination would be a “disaster” and that New Jerseyans would breathe a “collective sigh of relief” if the governor did not run for re-election.
Jordan, whose withdrawal from the primary election race came after the one-sided defeat of his candidate in the Jersey City mayoral election last week, said he will now campaign actively for Byrne.
Byrne, through a spokesman, welcomed the endorsement, saying that Jordan’s philosophy closely paralleled his own.
Richard Coffee, Byrne’s campaign director, said the move “projects the governor as the solid front-runner” in the Democratic primary field.
Fire Damages 2 Stores in Monmouth Mall
EATONTOWN ― Firemen battled a smoldering, smoky blaze at the Monmouth Mall for nearly two hours last night and into this morning.
Fire Chief Joseph Gaetano of the Eatontown Fire Department said the blaze was confined to rear portions of the Rite Aid Pharmacy and the Puppy Love Pet Shop in the northwest section of the main level of the mall.
He said this morning it still had not been determined whether the fire started inside or outside the drug store, although most of the fire damage was located in the storeroom of the pharmacy.
All animals in the pet shop, including a prize monkey and cockatoo, were rescued by firemen who groped through thick smoke in the store.
Several firemen were treated at the scene for smoke inhalation by the Eatontown First Aid Squad, said Assistant Fire Chief William Stalfa.
MANALPAN, N.J. – A little more than 3 miles west of the site of the Revolutionary War Battle of Monmouth lies Knob Hill Golf Club, a hidden gem among the Shore’s treasure chest of renowned courses.
A rolling par-70, 6408-yard course with its own unique charm and history, the semi-private club stands out among the area’s top-tier private and nationally acclaimed public courses by providing member and public access throughout the week.
This season, two redesigned holes – Nos. 16 and 17 – present new challenges with an aim to improve the course optics and experience and for all comers.
“We are always looking for ways to reinvest in and enhance the course,” said Director of Golf Lou Kubisa. “We understand fees are going up all over and this is an opportunity for us to show we are committed to the membership and public golfers that play here. That’s our niche. We all do a very good job of managing the experience and conditions for our members and the public. This shows our commitment and we are really happy with the way everything turned out.”
The overarching goal with the redesign was to create more playable space on the 16th hole and to keep golfers’ focus on the course away from other holes and activity outside the existing property lines. That also led to changes for the 17th green and resulted in both holes being more isolated from each other and from the environment beyond the boundaries.
Members got their first swings at the new holes on the morning of May 2. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive.
“I love it! I parred them both,” said Colts Neck resident and long-time member Gene Maresca. “It took a little longer than expected with the rough winter but everything came out great.”
“I didn’t play them very well today but I love the aesthetics of both,” said Plainsboro resident and member Len Bellezza. “On 16 there used to be a lot of trees up the right side and it seems the wind is always blowing left to right there so most people would slice into the trees. Now the trees are out and it’s uphill so it plays much longer and it’s wide. It’s beautiful.”
The redesign was something Kubisa had been thinking about for some time. The project went into motion last fall with an eye toward early spring finish. The extreme cold and winter storms pushed construction back several weeks to the early May opening.
“As a golf professional here, I always wanted to enhance the 16th hole,” said Kubisa. “It was kind of a claustrophobic tee shot with trees along the boundary. So we shifted everything toward the center of the course rather than along the edges.”
Tasked with creating more space on the par-5 16th while keeping golfers’ sightlines focused on the course and away from property edge, architect Jim Ryan also repositioned the 17th green to accommodate the change. The major changes stemmed from lowering 16’s tee boxes, shifting its fairway left toward the interior of the course and building up its boundaries, resulting in an entirely new, somewhat isolating experience for golfers.
The repositioned and still reachable 275- to 300-yard par-4 17th hole also features new green-surrounding amphitheater mounds. Designer Ryan aimed to keep the hole’s driveability by rewarding golfers for carrying the now green-fronting water hazard with embankments designed to gently coax wide shots back on the green. It worked.
“I love 17,” said member Anthony Parrente from Jackson. “I hit a cut on the right side above the bunker, hit the hill and it rolls down to five feet of the hole.”
Originally designed by Marc McCumber and opened in 1998, Knob Hill consistently ranks near the top of NJ’s semi-private courses given its challenging layout, excellent condition and scenery, placing 2nd in NBC Golf Pass and Golf Choice rankings for 2026. The clubhouse and the Sycamore Grille restaurant are open to the public throughout the year, featuring comedy shows, live music, trivia, wine tastings and theme nights.
The course history before Knob Hill’s opening in 1998 remains sketchy with speculation and searches dating it to post-WWII golfing boom of the 1950s and 1960s, akin to the Monmouth County-owned Hominy Hill course.
The club’s logo and restaurant Sycamore Grille are a tribute to the 185+ year-old sycamore tree outside the clubhouse with an old metal “Hole 14” this-way arrow sign embedded in its trunk. The historic tree draws flocks of tourists year-round.
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