Things to do & places to visit in New Jersey, United States

Whether you are looking for sun-drenched beaches or outdoor activities in beautiful countryside, New Jersey has plenty to offer. Those who love the great outdoors should head for the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, which runs along the Delaware River for forty miles. Here you can go rock climbing, canoeing, kayaking or fishing, or simply admire the stunning waterfalls. There is a huge range of hiking trails to choose from as well as historic sites to visit. In winter, you can enjoy cross-country skiing near Blue Mountain Lakes, and birdwatchers might be lucky enough to catch sight of bald eagles. If you are looking for a change, visit one of New Jersey's eleven lighthouses that are open to public, such as the one in Cape May. For art and history enthusiasts, New Jersey State Museum in Trenton has historic artifacts and American fine art from the nineteenth century to the present day as well as a Planetarium.

New Jersey #34 destination in United States 2023. The average rating score is 4.31 based on 129.3k traveler reviews, of 2.618 attractions. Timezone: America/New_York, current date and time: Friday, April 19, 2024, 16:14.

Top things to do (44)

Top destinations in New Jersey 100

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Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Grounds For Sculpture (1.938 reviews)
- Amazing covid safe garden
Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Parks

The perfect day trip! Grounds For Sculpture (GFS), located in Hamilton, New Jersey (midway between Philadelphia and New York), is a forty-two acre not-for-profit sculpture park and arboretum founded by Seward Johnson. Its collection features more than 270 contemporary sculptures by renowned and emerging artists. Rotating exhibitions in six indoor galleries. With rich educational offerings, a robust schedule of performing arts, and fun family events, the park is open year-round. Shopping and dining options complement every visit. Members receive free admission year-round plus a host of other benefits. For hours, admission prices, membership information, and a calendar of events, visit us online at http://www.groundsforsculpture.org. See more..
5.0 Cape May County Park & Zoo (1.630 reviews)
- Awesome Zoo
Friday: 10:00 AM - 3:30 PM Spent 2-3 hours Zoos

Have a wild time as you explore more than 85 acres of beautifully maintained exhibits. With 200 different species of mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles and approximately 500 animals, you're sure to see something new. The Cape May County Zoo is open 364 days a year (closed Christmas). Summer Hours: 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Winter Hours: 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. beginning November 2nd. No admission fee. That's right! The zoo is free of charge! Donations are GREATLY appreciated! Join the FUN, where the admission is always FREE! See more..
5.0 Pinelands Adventures (1.187 reviews)
- Another Great Adventure on the Water!
Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Eco Tours • Hiking & Camping Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Self-Guided Tours & Rentals • Kayaking & Canoeing

Last year we could only come with 16 due to Covid (see last year's review). This year I organized a Meetup group of 32! We did the same Batso River trip. Allsion was great again giving me a web link so that everyone could pay themselves and made sure everyone signed their waivers and was flexible with replacements of a couple of people who dropped out last minute. Two kayakers had difficulty with the current and the multiple bends and the debris in the river but eventually figured it out. We stopped at the beach for lunch and even though the weather was not as good as last year we had an unforgettable experience. One of us had a drone and took some great pictures, some of which I will add. See more..
5.0 Bury The Hatchet Old Bridge - Axe Throwing (1.023 reviews)
- Great evening
Friday: 2:30 PM - 11:30 PM Spent 2-3 hours Game & Entertainment Centers

*Hours subject to change* Competitive axe throwing is a well known Canadian past time that's becoming increasingly popular in the United States. Simply put, it's like playing a game of darts, except with axes! At Bury The Hatchet you'll experience the thrill of launching an axe at a wooden target in a safe and fun environment. You and your best mates will spend two hours becoming intimate with a 1.5lb piece of whirling wood and metal as you learn, practice, and then finally square off toe-to-toe in a group tournament. See more..
5.0 Princeton University (1.004 reviews)
- Chancellor Green Library at Princeton University is Stunning!
Educational sites

The ivy league campus is ideal for a stroll, where some interesting buildings may be visited. See more..
5.0 Amazing Escape Room Freehold (988 reviews)
- Fun and Challenging
Friday: 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Escape Games

*Hours subject to change* Guests work together to solve problems, uncover clues, and crack codes in order to progress as a team. You and your team have 60 minutes to escape the room. Each room has a storyline that you’ll be introduced to upon entering, along with basic instructions on what you’ll need to uncover to escape. See more..
5.0 Bury the Hatchet Paramus - Axe Throwing (965 reviews)
- We got great support from the staff. With young children the whole experience is scary but the staff were great. They al
Friday: 12:15 PM - 10:15 PM Spent 1-2 hours Game & Entertainment Centers

*Hours subject to change* Experience the thrill of throwing an axe at a wooden target at Bury The Hatchet. All of our indoor axe throwing ranges have multiple lanes, where customers get a one of a kind experience in a fun urban setting. In between turns you can watch from the sidelines and enjoy a drink with your friends. See more..
5.0 Bury The Hatchet Cherry Hill - Axe Throwing (958 reviews)
- What a good time
Friday: 12:15 PM - 11:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Game & Entertainment Centers

*Hours subject to change* Competitive axe throwing is a well known Canadian past time that's becoming increasingly popular in the United States. Simply put, it's like playing a game of darts, except with axes! At Bury The Hatchet you'll experience the thrill of launching an axe at a wooden target in a safe and fun environment. You and your best mates will spend two hours becoming intimate with a 1.5lb piece of whirling wood and metal as you learn, practice, and then finally square off toe-to-toe in a group tournament. See more..
5.0 Princeton Tour Company (817 reviews)
- Our Walking Tour of Princeton
Friday: 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM Cultural Tours • Ghost & Vampire Tours • Historical & Heritage Tours • Literary, Art & Music Tours • Walking Tours

We loved the tour. Jennifer made us almost forget the heat (and it was hot). She has a great demeanor, presenting the information using relatable vernacular and she was so funny. Loved her. Did not think we would learn so much about Princeton but we sure did. If all of the guides are like her then this company is truly blessed. And if not, I hope a lot of tours are given by Jennifer. See more..
5.0 Amazing Escape Room Princeton (752 reviews)
- Medium room
Friday: 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Escape Games

*Hours subject to change* Guests work together to solve problems, uncover clues, and crack codes in order to progress as a team. You and your team have 60 minutes to escape the room. Each room has a storyline that you’ll be introduced to upon entering, along with basic instructions on what you’ll need to uncover to escape. See more..
5.0 Princeton University Art Museum (730 reviews)
- a truly memorable experience
Temporarily closed - Closed until further notice Art Museums

The Princeton University Art Museum is one of the nation's finest art museums, housing collections of over 72 ,000 works of art spanning 5,000 years of world history and all the world's major cultures. The Museum also presents special exhibitions and educational programs throughout the year. Admission is free. The main Museum building is closed for construction of our new Museum, designed by architect Sir David Adjaye and anticipated to open in late 2024. While we build a new Art Museum for Princeton, visit us downtown–in two galleries that feature changing exhibitions and in our retail store, which offers handcrafted, artisanal works and much more. See more..
5.0 Lakota Wolf Preserve (668 reviews)
- Fun and extremely informative!
Nature & Wildlife Areas

After visiting our local zoo and loving the few wolves there that were sleeping, I took my little grandchildren to Lakota, mostly to observe the wolves. They were a little disappointed not to be able to touch these (although we knew they are wild animals, and even our pet dogs nip sometimes). They got quite a kick out of the united howling, and how the beautiful wolves come to Jim, the owner of the preserve and our guide, for snacks. It was a bit cold so the children got antsy during some of the educational experience. As much as we loved learning about the wolves, maybe that could've been done as we're walking deeper into the preserve. Very reasonably-priced, hard to figure how the could afford the lovingly immaculate upkeep on what the visitors pay, even with government subsidies. Well worth the visit; we hope to return this Spring or next. See more..
5.0 Jersey Shore Alpacas (660 reviews)
- Absolutely worth the visit!
Farms

IMPORTANT: OPEN BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. PLEASE DO NOT CONTACT US FOR AVAILABILITY WITHOUT VISITING OUR WEBSITE FIRST for complete schedule information. Closed Sundays. Again, OPEN BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. Fleece and Fun for Everyone! Jersey Shore Alpacas is a small, friendly farm located in Green Creek, just north of Cape May, NJ (about 3 hours from NYC). Please see our website for more information on visiting the farm. :) You'll love meeting our curious alpacas and browsing in our shop for soft, warm alpaca clothing and cuddly toys! We also carry more than 20 different types of alpaca yarn from Blue Sky Fibers, Alpaca Yarn Company, and farm yarn (when available). We also host occasional adult craft classes in knitting, needle felting, and wet felting! Hope to see you soon! See more..
5.0 Hoboken Waterfront Walkway (636 reviews)
- Don't miss this view!
Friday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Scenic Walking Areas

This view never gets old. We only get to visit here every couple years but visitors that come to NYC never get to see this spectacular view of the city from Hoboken. After a great meal in Hoboken, this was a great walk to end a wonderful evening. The city of Hoboken has done a great job with this river walk. See more..
4.5 Cape May Beach (2.248 reviews)
- Beachy times
Beaches

Nestled in New Jersey’s southernmost point, Cape May is one of America’s oldest seaside resorts and a popular summer getaway. Its beach, running parallel to Beach Avenue, draws travelers for its unobstructed Atlantic Ocean views, lined with ornate Victorian mansions, and bustling shops and eateries. During peak season from Memorial Day through summer, you will need a beach tag to enter, which can be purchased at the beach entrance or City Hall. You can get a daily tag or a seasonal tag, and they serve as great souvenirs for your visit, too. Explore the rest of Cape May on a guided trolley tour and learn more about the backstories of this historic area. – Tripadvisor See more..
4.5 Cape May Lighthouse (2.143 reviews)
- Hawk Watch and Great Sunrise Photography Spot
Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • Lighthouses

The 1859 Cape May Lighthouse is fully restored and visitors can climb 199 steps to the top for a breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay. The original Oil Storage Building is accessible and houses a Museum Shop and accessible displays. Open daily from April through November and weekends in the shoulder seasons. Evening trolley tours and Full Moon Climbs offered during the summer season. The Cape May Lighthouse has been restored and is managed by the non-profit Cape May MAC (Museums Arts Culture). While located at Cape May Point State Park, it is not affiliated with State Park System. The State Park is open sunrise to sunset and offers many opportunities for nature lovers, including the Hawk Watch platform and well-marked nature trails. Summertime programming is offered to introduce visitors to the history of the Lighthouse and is free of charge. The beach is free but swimming is not allowed. The park is “carry in, carry out;” please do not litter. See more..
4.5 Wildwood Beach (1.916 reviews)
- Beautiful Beach!
Beaches

This beach has clean, expansive shores that stretch for five miles across the shores of Wildwood. Here, you can go surfing, boogie boarding, kayaking, and even dolphin or whale watching when the season is right. Get on a dolphin or whale-watching tour of Cape May for the best chance of spotting them. The best part? The beach is completely free to enter, unlike many other New Jersey beaches. You can also check out Wildwood's award-winning boardwalk, enjoy the thrilling amusement parks at Morey’s Piers, or get drenched at the high-octane Splash Zone Water Park. – Tripadvisor See more..
4.5 Ocean City Boardwalk (1.896 reviews)
- A Favorite Place
Spent More than 3 hours Piers & Boardwalks

With its quaint storefronts, amusement rides and Music Pier, Ocean City is everything you'd expect from the real Jersey shore. This family-friendly town boasts a two-mile boardwalk dotted with amusements, pizza parlors, and seaside stores. See more..
4.5 Morey's Piers and Beachfront Water Parks (1.729 reviews)
- Super unique attractions and friendly employees!
Friday: 12:00 PM - 12:00 AM Spent More than 3 hours Amusement & Theme Parks • Water Parks

Morey’s Piers, located on the boardwalk in the Wildwoods, New Jersey is a classic seaside amusement park, family owned and operated since 1969. Voted the second best seaside amusement park in the world by Amusement Today, Morey’s Piers has over 100 rides and attractions spanning over eighteen acres along six beach blocks and includes three amusement piers and two beachfront waterparks. Convenient to the major population centers of the Northeast, yet a world apart, Morey’s Piers along with Morey Resorts combines the pure joy of an amusement park, the sights and sounds of a classic boardwalk, outstanding accommodations, together with the rhythm of beach life. Visit them at Surfside Pier, featuring the Ocean Oasis Waterpark and Beach Club at 25th Avenue, Mariner’s Landing Pier, featuring Raging Waters Waterpark at Schellenger Avenue, and Adventure Pier at Spencer Avenue. See more..
4.5 The Mills at Jersey Gardens (1.587 reviews)
- Good outlets
Friday: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Shopping Malls

Welcome to The Mills at Jersey Gardens, New Jersey's largest outlet and value retail center with over 200 stores all under one roof! The mall is a shopper's paradise anchored by top outlets including Bloomingdale's The Outlet Store, Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th, Burlington Coat Factory, Marshall's, Sephora, Bed Bath & Beyond and more. Shop for amazing values at the best brand outlets including Michael Kors, Coach, True Religion, Nautica, PUMA, Kate Spade, and Guess. The center also offers the largest Tommy Hilfiger in the US and a 20-screen AMC Theatres featuring IMAX. With daily transportation from both the Port Authority Bus Terminal, the center is a great day-trip out of the hustle and bustle of New York City and features tax-free shopping on clothes and shoes! Enjoy great dining at Johnny Rockets, Chili's and Applebee's. Stop by Simon Guest Services for our 2023 Coupon Book for even more savings! See more..
4.5 Liberty State Park (1.498 reviews)
- Huge but pretty
Friday: 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM State Parks

We used liberty state park to access the Statue city cruises' ferry to the Statue of Liberty's, Liberty Island. GPS. Gets you to the state park just fine, but once in the park, it leads you to the visitor center, which opened at 8:00 a.m., luckily for us. The young man was frei fly and helpful. He pointed us in the right direction. The state park is huge and we easily could have missed out 9:00 a.m. ferry traversing the long and plentiful roads of the park. If you are going for a scheduled ferry, arrive early to figure out where to go. Liberty State Park was beautiful and had lots of great views of New York and Lady Liberty. See more..
4.5 The Quarter at Tropicana (1.302 reviews)
- A great place for shopping & eating
Shopping Malls

Popular casino offers the "Turf Club," which features thoroughbred and standard-bred horse racing from major racetracks around the country. See more..
4.5 Willow Creek Winery (1.162 reviews)
- A Summer Oasis
Friday: 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Wineries & Vineyards

Stunning Fifty Acre winery and farm. Open every day at noon for outdoor dining. Fire Pit Friday with live music 6-9pm. Full farm-to-table grill menu, reservations strongly suggested. Gorgeous gardens. The only winery and tasting room on Cape May Island. Just a short bike ride, walk or drive from all Cape May beaches and attractions. See more..
4.5 Amazing Escape Room (997 reviews)
- SO FUN!
Friday: 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Escape Games

*Hours subject to change* Guests work together to solve problems, uncover clues, and crack codes in order to progress as a team. You and your team have 60 minutes to escape the room. Each room has a storyline that you’ll be introduced to upon entering, along with basic instructions on what you’ll need to uncover to escape. See more..
4.5 Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum (939 reviews)
- Worth the trip!
Friday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums • History Museums

Naval Air Station Wildwood Foundation is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to restore Hangar #1 at the Cape May Airport, Cape May County, New Jersey, into an aircraft museum honoring the Navy airmen who died while training during World War II. Hangar # 1 was listed onto the National Register of Historic Places in September of 1997. Naval Air station (NAS) Wildwood was commissioned on April 1, 1943. The site served as an active dive-bomber squadron training facility from 1943 to 1945. Aircraft stationed at NAS Wildwood included TBM Avengers, Douglas Dauntlesses, Vought Corsairs and Curtiss Helldivers. Forty-two airmen perished while training at NAS Wildwood during World War II. In June 1997, NASW Foundation purchased Hangar #1 at the Cape May Airport. The 92,000 square-foot all-wooden structure was in a state of disrepair and required extensive renovation. Under the stewardship of NASW Foundation, the hangar was listed on the New Jersey and National Registers of Historic Places at the National Significance Level. NAS Wildwood Aviation Museum now boasts over 26 aircraft displays as well as exhibits of military memorabilia, engines, photographs and more. Additionally, the Franklin Institute of Philadelphia has provided NAS Wildwood with a wealth of interactive exhibits that allow visitors to discover the science of flight. The museum also features a library, food vending area as well as a recently expanded gift shop. In its role as a community resource, NAS Wildwood Aviation Museum regularly hosts activities including fly-ins, aviation festivals, big band concerts, swing dances, veterans’ ceremonies, historical lectures, school field trips and senior tours. See more..
4.5 Ocean City Beach (938 reviews)
- Enjoyable time at the beach
Neighborhoods

I had never been to Ocean City, NJ before. We arrived about 10 am and we were happy to find parking lots right next to the beach where for $20 we could park all day. We then walked down the boardwalk to what looked like a good spot on the beach. We paid for a day pass and got down to relaxing. We rented an umbrella and 2 beach chairs for $20 which the guy set up for us. The day was very relaxing. The beach got busy but never to the point of being crowded. The water was chilly and the life guards were very attentive. There were plenty of bathrooms available on the boardwalk which were clean. The boardwalk was very clean and enjoyable. Almost everyone followed the rules for wearing masks when supposed to, so it was safe too. I didn’t realize the beach was a “dry” beach. That undoubtedly contributed to the family friendly atmosphere of the area. Overall, I highly recommend this beach town. Safe, clean, organized, enjoyable and relaxing. See more..
4.5 Turtle Back Zoo (862 reviews)
- Great zoo
Friday: 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM Zoos

The best part of this zoo is that most of the animals are very active, not just sleeping all day. We saw giraffes walking around, monkeys swinging, a cougar jumped down from a high rock then let out a roar. The black bear walked back and forth right in front of the glass. The penguins walked and swam. We also got to pet stingrays. We spent about 3 hours and covered pretty much the whole zoo. There is food available for purchase and plenty of picnic tables if you bring your own. Bathrooms were clean. There is also a train ride that runs parallel to the reservoir next door. It takes about 10 minutes and it’s free (we went on twice). Parking is free. See more..
4.5 Emlen Physick Estate (708 reviews)
- Eloquent Ellie
Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • History Museums

March Tour Times: Friday: 1:45pm Saturday: 12:30pm, 1:45pm Sunday: 1:45pm The 1879 Emlen Physick Estate is Cape May's only Victorian house museum. Designed by renowned American architect Frank Furness, the home has been fully restored. Its 15 rooms open a window into Victorian times in Cape May. Guided and self-guided tours are offered. Each year, a new theme is interpreted in the museum, which has been restored and is operated by the non-profit Cape May MAC (Museums Arts Culture). The organization also offers guided daytime and evening trolley tours of Cape May, as well as the Cape May Lighthouse and the World War II Lookout Tower. Check website for more information. See more..
4.5 Bury The Hatchet Bloomfield - Axe Throwing (695 reviews)
- So Much Fun!!!
Friday: 12:00 PM - 11:15 PM Spent 2-3 hours Bowling Alleys • Shooting Ranges • Sports Complexes

*Hours subject to change* Competitive axe throwing is a well known Canadian past time that's becoming increasingly popular in the United States. Simply put, it's like playing a game of darts, except with axes! At Bury The Hatchet you'll experience the thrill of launching an axe at a wooden target in a safe and fun environment. You and your best mates will spend two hours becoming intimate with a 1.5lb piece of whirling wood and metal as you learn, practice, and then finally square off toe-to-toe in a group tournament. See more..
4.5 Cape May Winery & Vineyard (673 reviews)
- Pleasant Local Wine Tasting
Friday: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Wineries & Vineyards

Here at the Cape May Winery, we pride ourselves on maintaining a family-owned and operated business that provides our customers with quality wines, exceptional service, and a relaxing atmosphere that makes everyone feel a part of our family after the first sip! The Cape May Winery’s journey began in 1989 with the planting of the first vines in Cape May County which started our Townbank Vineyard. Today, we grow 11 different varietals across 4 vineyards totaling 26 acres. As you can imagine, a lot has happened over the years! We invite you to be a part of our story during your next visit to Cape May and take a journey all your own through one of our tastings or tours. Wander through the many different rooms that make up the winery, explore our beautiful grounds, and and enjoy tapas from our kitchen all while discovering your own passion for wine. Cheers! See more..