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New Jersey

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Sunrise glows at the Atlantic seashore at Marine St. in Beach Haven, New Jersey.

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Overview

Everything you've seen on TV, from the McMansions of Real Housewives of New Jersey to the thick accents of The Sopranos, is at least partially true. But Jersey (natives lose the 'New') is at least as well defined by its high-tech and banking headquarters, and a quarter of it is lush farmland (hence the Garden State nickname) and pine forests. And on the 127 miles of beautiful beaches, you'll find, yes, the guidos and guidettes of Jersey Shore, but also many other oceanfront towns, each with a distinct character.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Emilio Carranza Memorial

    Emilio Carranza Memorial

    New Jersey

    This bizarre snippet of history, emblazoned with an Aztec eagle, juts 10ft out of the ground on the site Mexican pilot Emilio Carranza, attempting to…

  • Batsto Village

    Batsto Village

    New Jersey

    This 18th-century village is an open-air museum that introduces the bog-iron industry, and also has a nature center. Guided tours ($3) of the central…

  • Atsion Mansion

    Atsion Mansion

    New Jersey

    This 14-room Greek Revival–style mansion along the Mullica River has been restored to its 1826 glory (no running water or central heat!). Samuel Richards,…

  • Battleship New Jersey

    Battleship New Jersey

    New Jersey

    Take a self-guided tour of the most decorated battleship in the US. Nicknamed the 'Black Dragon,' the battleship's guns were able to shoot 23 miles. On…

  • Whitesbog Village

    Whitesbog Village

    New Jersey

    Visit one of New Jersey's first cranberry bogs, and the place where the highbush blueberry was cultivated. Nature trails wind through the property.

  • Adventure Aquarium

    Adventure Aquarium

    New Jersey

    Home to over 8500 aquatic creatures from sea turtles to zebra sharks, this is one of the largest aquariums in the US. As well as myriad fish you can also…

  • St Vladimir Russian Orthodox Church

    St Vladimir Russian Orthodox Church

    New Jersey

    Driving through the Pines, this majestic structure seems to pop up out of nowhere. It's a functioning parish, so not for sightseers, but worth a gander…

  • Pinelands National Reserve

    Pinelands National Reserve

    New Jersey

    Better known as the Pine Barrens, this area of sandy-soil forest and bog covers almost a quarter of New Jersey.

Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Best Things to Do

From Atlantic City’s beaches to Jersey City’s eats and Delaware Water Gap’s natural wonders, New Jersey offers a different brand of adventure.

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Best Time to Visit

Whether you’re seeking beachy summers, colorful autumns, festive winters or unexpected springs, the Garden State is always ready to play host.

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Free Things to Do

From a record-setting waterfall to a whimsical wooded trail touched by a bit of magic, here are 15 of the best things to do in New Jersey without paying a cent.

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Best Road Trips

The most refreshing, quirky and interesting sights in the Garden State aren't off I-95.

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