11 Places to Go in New Jersey
Planing a quick weekend getaway from New Jersey? What fun! From Atlantic beaches at sunset to countryside garden walks, The Garden State has given us plenty to choose from to explore while living on the East Coast for 10 years.
This is exactly why I decided to share my favourite things in New Jersey so that you can use my guide as an inspiration to plan your own road trip. Here are my top getaways I hope you’ll love for your next dreamy 48 hour weekend or a longer road trip.
- Places on the Jersey Shore
- - #1. Wildwood - #2. Cape May - #3. Red Bank - #4. The Atlantic Highlands -
- Day Trips in Central Jersey
- - #5. Princeton - #6. Stockton and Woolverton Inn - #7. Lambertville
- Places in North Jersey (NYC Metro & Nearby)
- - #8. Morristown - #9. Montclair - #10. Jersey City
- NJ For Foodies
- - #11. Wayne NJ and Chengdu 23
Best Places to Visit on the Jersey Shore
When people ask me where to go in New Jersey, the Jersey Shore instantly pops to mind. Without a doubt some of the most relaxing weekend spots can be found here.
Wildwood
This is one of my favorite places to visit in New Jersey when I'm in the mood for a lively boardwalk and beaches (of course!). In addition, Jersey Shore is easy to get to, whether we drive in or take affordable public transportation from New York City (about 2.5 hours from NYC!)
You can spend the morning on the beach, enjoying the boardwalk energy all around you. For lunch, head to Dogtooth Bar & Grill for a casual meal.
After a relaxing afternoon on the beach, we then headed out for dinner at Poppi’s Brick Oven Pizza & Kitchen. I think they serve one of the best NJ pizzas ever.
Need a place to stay? We checked into the 2-star Starlux Boutique Hotel for two care-free days.
The next morning was all about Uncle Bill’s Pancake House, my favorite breakfast spot. You get stacks of pancakes for an affordable price that let you fuel up on the cheap for a day at the beach.
Cape May
Even more famous Jersey Shore beach town is Cape May, just 20 minutes south from Wildwood along the shore. Here you'll find beautiful beaches, historic homes, and great food as well.
The town is very walkable but I recommend wearing comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and arriving early (especially on the weekend). I have to warn you that parking can fill up quickly in the summer. But once you park you can relax because the beach, cute shops, and local cafes are close together.
I think that the Victorian architecture all over town is beautiful. In addition, if you are in the mood for shopping, Washington Street Mall sells all sorts of items. Sunset Beach is also a must—visit, especially at sunset. This beach especiallu lives up to its name with fantastic Jersey Shore sunsets!
On our first visit, we joined a guided tour to better understand the town’s history and make sure we didn’t miss anything important. But because the town is small, you can easily explore it on your own.
Local tip:
Cape May is especially popular for weddings in the spring. Check out The Shore Club, a family-friendly golf club with a Grand Ballroom that can be booked for special events.
What I loved best:
Birdwatching at Cape May Point State Park, with its lighthouse and ocean views was my personal highlight. I instantly thought our journey was worth it!
My second favorite was the Emlen Physick Estate ($20 adult admission), a grand 1879 mansion that is now a museum.
Red Bank
Much closer to NYC than Wildwood and Cape May, I thought this town was one of the best New Jersey day trips we've taken since living on the East Coast.
In fact, it took us only about an hour by train from New York City. We started in the walkable downtown packed with independent shops, restaurants, and music venues.
Next, I admired the restored Count Basie Center for the Arts. If you are still in town in the evening, you can attend a world-class performance right in the heart of town, a real standout.
What I loved best:
On our spring getaway, I adored the riverfront parks in Red Bank (my favorite highlight!)
The Atlantic Highlands
This is one of my favorite places to visit in New Jersey because of how easy it made it to relax. We especially love the incredible views of the New York City skyline from The Atlantic Highlands.
Visiting The Atlantic Highlands on a day trip from NYC truly felt like we discovered a hidden gem just an hour from NYC by car. It's even faster if you take Seastreak Ferry (about 45 minutes, $24 one way)!. We often did this because driving out of the city can be stressful.
First, I loved exploring the historic Victorian homes, then browsed the local farmers’ market, and finally enjoyed a stroll along the marina before lunch.
In the afternoon, we hiked down a trail in the nearby Hartshorne Woods Park.
What I loved best:
My favorite meal was at laid-back On the Deck Restaurant & Bar overlooking the marina.
A downside? I found that Atlantic Highlands isn’t without rough edges. Some storefronts on First Avenue stand empty.
Turning your day trip into a romantic weekend getaway? 3-star Blue Bay Inn is for you.
Best Day Trips in Central Jersey
Beyond the beaches, there are so many NJ cities and towns to discover. You'll find this part of the state full of history, great restaurants and scenic landscapes. Here are my favorites that I hope you'll enjoy visiting.
Princeton
I have to admit that before visiting, I mostly knew Princeton as the home of the famous Ivy League university. But first things first, what I love most about Princeton is how easy it is to get to. From New York City, you can take a NJ Transit train from Penn Station directly to Princeton Junction in about an hour. Then transfer to the short train that takes you straight into town.
If you enjoy museums, the Princeton University Art Museum should be your fist stop. It’s completely free. You can see an impressive collection ranging from ancient artifacts to modern art. It’s an easy way to spend an hour or two, especially on a hot or rainy day.
If you hare here for just a day, head downtown and have lunch (or coffee) on Nassau Street.
What I loved best:
If the weather’s nice, I recommend a walk through Princeton Battlefield State Park or along Lake Carnegie.
3-star Nassau Inn ($209, historic inn dating back to 1756, right on the square) is a romantic weekend idea.
Stockton and Woolverton Inn
This is a cool side trip from Princeton (or a romantic weekend getaway in New Jersey), just 35 minutes by car. Stockton, NJ is a historic Delaware River town where you can visit the 19th-century Prallsville Mills, and hike in the D&R Canal State Park.
We loved staying at Woolverton Inn. It's a serene countryside retreat that really lets you recharge over the weekend.
Mornings began with breakfast by the fire (fresh-baked scones, local honey, and great coffee!). Our days were spent wandering along the Delaware & Raritan Canal Towpath, crossing over to nearby Lambertville and New Hope for art galleries, antique shops, and riverside cafes.
To book, check availability or prices for Woolverton Inn
Lambertville
Less than 10 minutes from our previous stop in Stockton, Lambertville has a coold downtown, and a lovely path for walking along the river.
For me, Golden Nugget Flea Market is a must visit, usually open on Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday (Outdoor hours: 6AM to 4PM; Shops: 8AM to 4PM).
What I loved best:
We paused at the historic James Wilson Marshall House. He was the discoverer of gold in California.
Best Places to Visit in North Jersey (NYC Metro & Nearby)
I'm most familiar with this area because of visiting my in-laws over the years. You can go birdwatching, hiking, and eat great food too.
Morristown
Ready for a walkable, history-filled escape? Check out Morristown, a real standout perfect for a road trip stop! I know this town well (my in-laws used to live here) and for me it's still a special place to visit.
After an easy and cheap train ride on NJ Transit, our first stop was Morristown National Historical Park, which preserves George Washington’s 1779–80 winter encampment at Jockey Hollow. It's over 1,600 acres of preserved land with reconstructed soldier huts and trails so we only got to see the parts closest to the parking lot.
We also toured the Ford Mansion (1774), Washington’s headquarters during that brutal winter. Admission was $7, and after soaking up the history, we spent a comfortable night at the Hyatt Regency Morristown ($189, modern and central).
What I loved best:
Dinner at 1776 Morristown was amazing and my personal highlight - I had Sea Bass with laksa curry, asian vegetables and scallions!
Montclair
Tucked at the base of the Watchung Mountains, this lively township is one of the most underrated gems we've discovered and one of the best places to visit in New Jersy.
Only about a 45-minute drive west of New York City, staying here feels like stepping into a town where history and modern life mingle gracefully. We parked downtown on Bloomfield Avenue, grabbed coffee at a local café, and browsed the local boutiques. I recommend Greek Taverna on Bloomfield Avenue for dinner, a great Greek dining experience in Montclair that mixes classic comfort Greek dishes with elevated preparations.
What I loved best:
Montclair's walkable downtown hums with culture, boutiques, and a sophisticated food scene, while the nearby hills open into sweeping views of Manhattan’s skyline, my personal highlight (just 12 miles away!).
We checked into The George for the night, a boutique hotel in a restored 1902 mansion ($235, chic and cozy).
Jersey City
Located just across the Hudson River near Manhattan, it’s one of the most affordable and exciting city escapes.
First thing we did was walk along the waterfront, which honestly felt like pure magic. The skyline views were spectacular and underrated!
After that we grabbed coffee at a small hidden gem café near Exchange Place.It was one of those simple experiences that ends up being your favorite part of the weekend.
We spent the afternoon exploring Liberty State Park which is close to downtown and very peaceful. Seeing the Statue of Liberty so close was amazing and kind of unreal.
We relaxed a bit before heading out for dinner because Jersey City has some of the best food.
Have lunch at Orale Mexican Kitchen, a real standout!
What I loved best:
Joining the Beyond the Plate Food Tour and sampling local favorites was my personal highlight.
My Favorite Culinary Weekend Getaways
You may not think of New Jersey as a culinary destination but I can assure you, while living in NYC for 10 years, we've found some incredible gems just across the state lines.
Wayne NJ and Chengdu 23
If you’re obsessed with bold, authentic Sichuan flavors (spicy, and deeply comforting at the same time) like we are, this is the best place for you.
Tucked right into the heart of Wayne, I found it to be an easy escape from Manhattan (just under an hour from our apartment), making it a perfect spot for a deliciously relaxed date night outside the city.
The moment you walk in, you’re greeted by a cozy, bustling dining room filled with warmth, delicious aromas, and that irresistible energy only a beloved neighborhood spot can create. I loved how every table feels lively, every dish arriving with a sense of excitement, like you’re about to taste something truly special (which you are!).
The menu is incredible, packed with authentic Sichuan classics that are both fiery and beautifully balanced. It’s the kind of meal you think about for days after.
What I loved best:
For me, this was one of the best places to visit in New Jersey for foodies because it was relaxing and delicious!
I loved how close it is to Wayne’s shops and cafés, which turns dinner here into a full, fun little outing, like a mini weekend getaway without having to do much planning.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
5. If you are planning to visit more than three national parks in the next 12 months, we've found that buying the America the Beautiful Pass is cost effective.
