Best places to travel to in New Jersey

Delaware River Region From the time you first seehow the game is played at the Sandcastle Stadium at
the gold dome of the Statehouse in Trenton, to theBader Field.
moment you ride white water as you tube down theFor the high rollers and the beach strollers, the
Delaware River, you'll know that history, fun andGreater Atlantic City Region is "Always Turned On".
nature have come together to make for aShore Get the best of all possible worlds in the Shore
spectacular vacation.Region. First, there's all that swimming, surfing, fishing,
This is a great year to explore history.water sports, strolling and sunbathing along miles of
We're celebrating the 225th anniversary of thepristine beaches. But you are never far from
American Revolution. Stand on the spot whereincredible food, a stellar cultural event, or even a walk
George Washington stood after crossing thethrough history.
Delaware River that fateful Christmas Eve, tour theAll along the coastline, are quaint fishing villages,
restored Old Barracks in Trenton, and relive theexciting boardwalks that light up with amusement
Battles of Trenton and Princeton. And while you're inrides and shopping opportunities.
Princeton, stop in at Nassau Hall, where theIf "bait and tackle" is your game, surf, bay and river
Continental Congress met.fishing abounds from Sandy Hook to Holgate at the
Experience history first hand at the Rankokus Indiantip of Long Beach Island. Nearby are some of the
Reservation in Rancocas, or in Lawnside, the state'sbest restaurants in New Jersey-many specializing in
first African-American incorporated community.the fresh "catch of the day." For even more action,
Tour the historic town of Batsto, a faithfullycheer on your favorite horse at Monmouth Park in
preserved 19th century town where craftspeople stillOceanport, or the Freehold Raceway in Freehold. If
live and work.thunder under the hood is more appealing, then Old
Honor those who fought for liberty with a visit toBridge Raceway Park in Englishtown, or Wall
the USS Battleship New Jersey at its new berth onTownship's Wall Stadium, or the New Egypt
the Camden Waterfront.Speedway in New Egypt has just what you're looking
The Arts also reign supreme in the Delaware Riverfor to rev your engines, or root for the local pro
Region. The Patriots Theater at the Trenton Warbaseball team, the Lakewood Blueclaws.
Memorial echoes with concerts. Hamilton's GroundsScream with excitement or jump for joy at Six Flags
For Sculpture is a magical walk among stone, bronze,Great Adventure Theme Park.
marble, steel, granite, concrete and wood forms,And when you've recovered from the roller coasters
where live peacocks roam the grounds. Beand drive-through Wild Safari Animal Park, test the
entertained at Camden's South Jersey Performingwild waters at Hurricane Harbor Water Park.
Arts Center and Princeton's Tony Award-winningSample the concerts and music at the Great
McCarter Theatre, host to drama, dance and music.Auditorium in Ocean Grove, or catch some
Headline entertainment reigns supreme at theoutstanding entertainment at Red Bank's Count Basie
Tweeter Center on Camden's waterfront.Theatre. See headline performers at the PNC Bank
Perhaps nowhere is the primeval majesty of natureArts Center in Holmdel, or the live Saturday night
more evident than within the one million acres of thebluegrass, country and folk concerts at Waretown's
legendary Pine Barrens, the largest tract of openAlbert Music Hall. Don't miss the summer stock charm
space on the Mid-Atlantic coast and home to moreof a classic full stage musical at Beach Haven's
than 1,000 species of plants and animals.Surflight Theatre, a professional show at the historic
There's more nature to discover at AdventureStrand Theatre in Lakewood, Two River Theater in
Aquarium on the Camden Waterfront, with nearlyRed Bank or at the Fine Arts Center in Toms River.
200,000 sq. ft.You can enjoy the "night" sounds and camp out
of sea life and wildlife. Visitors can explore the Westunder the stars at any one of the dozens of
African River Experience featuring hippopotamuses,campgrounds and parks located throughout the
crocodiles, porcupines and over 20 species of Africanregion. For daytime solitude try walking one of the
birds in a free-flight aviary, be surrounded by sharkslongest natural dune barrier beaches in the northeast
in a suspended 40-foot walk-through tunnel, discoverat Island Beach State Park.
the wonders of the deep sea in the Jules VerneHunt for bargains at the Englishtown Flea Market
Gallery, visit the brand new 4D Theatre and have anAuction or Jackson Outlet Village. Search for the
once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to “Swim withspecial memento at a gallery of New Jersey artists
the Sharks.” For more excitement, play balland craftsmen or find that special treasure in an
with the Trenton Thunder or the Camdenantique shop.
Riversharks. For hard-riding excitement, take theWith everything from seaside thrills to amusement
whole family to enjoy the daredevil events atpark chills, you won't run out of fun and excitement
Cowtown Rodeo in Pilesgrove, the largest weeklyin the Shore Region.
rodeo on the East Coast. Yah-hoo! Here's a regionSkyland Region In the rolling hills of New Jersey's
that really puts the "garden" in the Garden State.Skylands, visitors can spy baldeagles, retrace
You'll find dozens of "pick-your-own farms-fill aWashington's footsteps and soar in a hot air
basket or two as you stroll among rows of sweetballoon-all just a short drive away. Fairs and festivals
corn, blueberries, peaches or tomatoes, orare celebrated in quaint canal towns and in majestic
experience 1900-era farming at the Howell Livingfields. Be awestruck at the annual New Jersey
Historical Farm in Titusville.Festival of Ballooning in July, when hundreds of
The Delaware River Region will make for a trulycolorful hot air balloons fill the sky. Excitement is the
historic visit to New Jersey.watchword in Lambertville, during April's annual Shad
Gateway Region Gateway to Freedom: The StatueFest. There are also plenty of enchanting places for
of Liberty and Ellis Island As the "Gateway tothe young or young at heart at the Space Farms
Freedom" this region has become known the worldZoo and Museum in Beemerville or the Land of Make
over as the home of Liberty State Park and EllisBelieve in Hope.
Island, the "new beginning" for millions of immigrants.To be or not to be? That and many more
The people of this historic and bustling regionquestions-plus a few laughs-are raised in classic
represent the myriad of cultures that arecomedies and dramas at the New Jersey
represented in the museums, the arts, theShakespeare Festival in Madison.
restaurants and the vibrancy of the cities and towns.Or catch a music festival at the restored 19th
You will always feel welcome in the Gateway Region.Century Waterloo Village, where you can also
Start your visit at Liberty State Park, in Jersey City,experience a historic grist mill, apothecary shop, and a
which overlooks the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island200-year-old way of life.
and features the Historic Central Railroad of NewNo visit to the Skylands would be complete without a
Jersey Terminal. There are acres of open park landvisit to the Morristown National Historic Park, the site
to stroll along the Hudson River or have a quiet picnic.of George Washington's headquarters in 1779-80,
Then, you can expand your mind at the Libertywhere his troops spent the bone-chilling winter of
Science Center with the nation's largest IMAX(r)1779 at Jockey Hollow.
Dome Theatre.If it's the call of the wild you seek, you'll never find it
Cultural diversity from art to artifact fills Tenafly'swilder than the Delaware Water Gap National
African Art Museum, the Zimmerli Art Museum inRecreation Area, Kittatinny Mountains, or the Camp
New Brunswick, and the Newark Museum. For aTaylor Campground in Columbia. Nearby, you can
different display of beauty, Branch Brook Park withobserve the natural habitat of wolves at the Lakota
its cherry blossoms and the Presby Memorial IrisWolf Preserve.
Gardens in Upper Montclair should not be missed.Some prefer to see the Skylands on their own
Cheer for your favorite team at the Meadowlands,power-hiking power. Wind your way through 50 miles
whether it be for the NFL Jets or Giants; the NBA'sof wilderness on the Sussex Branch and Paulinskill
New Jersey Nets or the NHL's New Jersey Devils.Valley trails in Sussex and Warren counties, or tackle
Don't miss the thunderous action of thepart of the 70 miles of Appalachian Trail. You can
thoroughbreds at the Meadowlands Racetrack. Inwatch winter turn to "winner" with perfect conditions
fact, the Meadowlands Complex is full of sports andfor snowboarding, downhill or cross-country skiing at
entertainment, with restaurants, shopping centersMountain Creek, Hidden Valley and High Point State
and activities for everyone.Park.
When the roar of the crowds fades away, naturalFor an underground view, the Franklin Mineral Museum
beauty comes to the fore at the Great Falls ofaffords a unique subterranean perspective on its
Paterson, where you feel the refreshing sprays andunderground mine tour. Brilliant fluorescent minerals
watch torrents of water plunge 77 feet into itsare on display in Ogdensburg's Sterling Hill Mining
stone chasm.Museum.
The Gateway Region also offers many uniqueIf exploring stores is more your style, Frenchtown
shopping possibilities. In addition to malls and outlets,and Chester offer lovely old-fashioned streets lined
many towns offer traditional downtown shopping inwith antique stores and galleries, while Lambertville
places like Millburn, Montclair, Ridgewood, Summit,features eclectic art and antique galleries. And don't
Westfield and Hoboken.forget the outlets at Flemington! Visiting the
For evenings filled with music, laughter, drama andSkylands, you'll feel as energized and free as the
song, there's Millburn's renowned Paper Mill Playhouse,hawks circling gracefully overhead.
the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark,Southern Shore Region Nestled between the
and Englewood's John Harms Center for theDelaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, the Southern
Performing Arts. New Brunswick showcasesShore Region is the perfect setting for boardwalk
entertainers from all over the world at the Statestrolls, afternoon teas, reliving history, and creating
Theater, and the award-winning George Streetfantastic vacation memories.
Playhouse keeps audiences applauding.Travel back through time as you walk through the
The Gateway Region is always waiting to greet you,historic streets of Cape May, lined with colorful and
as it has greeted millions of visitors throughoutauthentically restored Victorian homes. Walking and
history. You'll definitely want to stay awhile.trolley tours are available of this National Historic
Greater Atlantic City Region With the warm sunLandmark City. The 1850's era in Cape May County
shining all day and the neon glittering at night, thehas been recreated at Historic Cold Spring Village, an
Greater Atlantic City Region is one of New Jersey'soutdoor living history museum. Enjoy Ocean City's Inn
brightest stars.to Inn tour, or revel in Wildwood's Doo-Wop
Atlantic City began as the town with the world's firstarchitecture with neon lights and plastic palm trees.
and most famous boardwalk.Not to be outdone, in Cumberland County, the
Today it’s "Always Turned On," withBridgeton Historical District is New Jersey's largest,
24-hour gaming excitement in any of the 12 casinofeaturing 2,200 Colonial, Victorian and Federalist
resorts, headline entertainment, five-star dining, greatbuildings. For a glimpse of life as a 17th Century
shopping and amusements galore.Swedish settler, visit the New Sweden Farmstead
Outside the casinos, four-miles of boardwalk,Museum in Bridgeton.
saltwater taffy, and rolling chairs make a trip to thePicturesque towns like Ocean City, Wildwood, and
beach a pleasure any time of the year. Rides, shops,Cape May line the Atlantic Ocean, and you can enjoy
amusements and entertainment piers make thethe sun, sand, and swimming in beautiful clear blue
boardwalk an attraction unto itself. Walk, jog or bikewaters. The boardwalks are a hub of activity with
along-or step onto the beach for some shell collecting.merry-go-rounds, water parks, lightning fast roller
Don't forget to try a box of saltwater taffy or a bagcoasters and seven-story-high Ferris wheels.
of fresh roasted peanuts, both of which areMaritime adventures await on board New Jersey's tall
boardwalk gourmet food.ship, the A.J. Meerwald, a restored 115-foot schooner.
For the wild and unusual, visit Ripley's Believe It orDay sailors help haul and furl the sails as the schooner
Not! Museum. The most unusual museum of all istravels Delaware Bay. Nearby, be sure and visit the
"Lucy the Elephant" in Margate-a museum inside of apicturesque East Point Lighthouse in Heislerville.
gigantic colorful pachyderm. Steep yourself in theThis region is a nature-lovers paradise, perfect for
past and future at The Atlantic City Art Center andboating, camping, hiking, and of course, birding. The
Historical Museum at Garden Pier. More history awaitsWorld Series of Birding in Cape May challenges birders
along the waterfront in Somers Point, and at theto count as many species as possible in a 24-hour
Towne of Historic Smithville, where you can alsoperiod. Nearby, in Cumberland County, bald eagles,
browse through 60 colonial-era shops.great blue herons, and osprey are just some of the
Oceanville's Noyes Museum features exceptionalbirds that can be found in spots like Turkey Point,
American Art and the artful craft of vintage duckthe Maurice River, and Stow Creek.
decoys.Then, spend an afternoon at the Glasstown Arts
To experience birds of a real feather, wanderDistrict in Millville, where more than 100 member
through the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlifeartists showcase their works in displays, exhibits and
Refuge. The Ocean Life Center will bring youjuried art shows.
up-to-date on all the creatures under the sea.For great shopping, explore Dutch Neck Village with
Experience one of Atlantic City's most popular spots,its unique shops and restaurants, or visit the museum
the Absecon Lighthouse.shops at Wheaton Village, featuring the Museum of
This 171-foot tower, built in 1857, has attractedAmerican Glass, where you can find exquisite
thousands of visitors to climb the 228 steps. Thisglassware. No shopping spree is complete without a
view from New Jersey's tallest lighthouse should notstop at the Cumberland Mall in Vineland, or the
be missed.Washington Street Mall in Cape May! From the
Witness a sports extravaganza at the newlysun-kissed beach days of summer, to the
renovated and Historic Boardwalk Hall, host tocuddle-by-the-fireplace evenings of winter, New
professional boxing and hockey and a myriad ofJersey's Southern Shore Region is the perfect place
family shows and concerts. The region's minor-leagueto build tomorrow's vacation memories...today.
baseball team, the Atlantic City Surf, will show you