- Where is Princeton located?
- Princeton is a small city in New Jersey.
- It is one of the world’s most famous college towns.
- What is Princeton known for?
- Princeton was established in 1675 near the banks of the Delaware River.
- It became a place of high-quality education with the completion of Nassau Hall in 1754.
- What are some things to do in Princeton?
- Stroll along the downtown Nassau Street.
- Dine at great restaurants.
- Visit the historic Palmer Square.
- Explore the Princeton University Art Museum.
- Watch a show at the McCarter Theater.
- Listen to the Westminster Choir.
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1. Princeton University Art Museum
The Princeton University Art Museum is recognized as one of the best small museums in the world, with over 92,000 art pieces from all over the world, ranging from ancient to modern. Only a small part of the collection (about five percent) is displayed at any given time in one of the 26 galleries. Every season, one or more of the gallery collections rotates and goes on display.
In addition to a permanent collection, the museum shows temporary exhibitions such as "The City Lost & Found: Capturing New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles, 1960-1980" three times a year. Many of the art pieces in the museum are scanned and are available for viewing online. The Princeton University Art Museum is one of the top Princeton attractions. There are free museum tours every Saturday and Sunday.
McCormick Hall, Princeton, NJ, 08544, 609-258-3788
2. McCarter Theatre Center for the Performing Arts
With more than 200 performances every year in theatre, music, dance, and all kinds of special event, McCarter Theatre Center for the Performing Arts is one of the most active American cultural centers. McCarter provides culture and entertainment to the largely local audience of more than 200,000 people from New Jersey’s twenty-one counties, as well as theatre lovers from New York, Pennsylvania, and other states. It is the only professional producing theatre in the country that is also a presenter of the diverse performing arts.
McCarter was established in 1930, and ever since, they have had strong commitment to introducing new works to the theatre, reimagining classical repertoire and attracting the best performing artists of the world to Central New Jersey. McCarter has highly active community and school education programs that have achieved wide acclaim for their high quality, diversity, and originality.
91 University Pl, Princeton, NJ 08540, 609-258-2787
3. Princeton Battlefield State Park
The woods and fields about a mile from modern day Princeton University served as the site of one of the fiercest battles during the American Revolution in 1777. The battle ended when American troops commanded by General George Washington defeated British Regulars. The Battle of Princeton marked Washington’s first victory against the British. An old oak, today called the Mercer Oak, stood in the middle of the battlefield near the spot where General Hugh Mercer was wounded during the battle. He died nine days later in the Clarke House.
The house, built by Thomas Clarke, stands today as witness to the fierce fighting, and it is filled with war exhibits and furniture pieces from the period. Besides the battlefield, Mercer Oak, and the Clarke House, Princeton Battlefield State Park contains the Ionic Colonnade designed by the architect Thomas U. Walter, as well as a stone patio that marks the graves of American and British soldiers who died in the battle.
Princeton Battlefield State Park, 500 Mercer Rd, Princeton, NJ 08540
4. Delaware & Raritan State Park
The Delaware & Raritan Canal was built across New Jersey during the early nineteenth century to provide a safe and efficient route for moving cargo between New York and Philadelphia. Today, about 70 miles of the canal and its tributaries form a park that is one of the most popular New Jersey spots for canoeing, hiking, jogging, bicycling, horseback riding, and fishing.
For nature lovers and bird watchers, there are about 160 species of birds in this verdant and important wildlife corridor. History buffs will appreciate the picturesque 19th century wooden bridges, bridge tender houses, various locks (or what is left of them), cobblestone spillways, and stone-arched culverts.
145 Mapleton Rd, Princeton, NJ 08540, 609-924-5705
5. Princeton Battle Monument
Located at the end of Princeton’s Nassau Street in the Historic Princeton and inspired by the carvings on the Parisian Arc de Triomphe, a magnificent 50 feet tall sculpture of General George Washington is surrounded by a lovely park. The Princeton Battle Monument depicts General Washington leading his troops into the victorious battle.
The monument, designed by Frederick MacMonnies and Thomas Hastings, was completed in 1922. The path that leads to the monument is lined with cherry trees that are a truly spectacular sight when in full bloom. The beautiful park contains several notable sculptures such as the bust of Albert Einstein, who lived in Princeton until his death, The Newspaper Reader by J. Seward Johnson Jr., and the bell of the USS Princeton.
Princeton Borough Hall, Princeton, NJ
6. Morven Museum and Garden
Morven Museum and Garden is a historic 18th-century house built by the prominent lawyer Richard Stockton in 1750 for his family. Stockton was one of the signatories of the Declaration of Independence. The house, which is today a National Historic Landmark, served as the New Jersey Governor’s Mansion from 1944 until 1981.
The house, which contains a significant collection of fine and decorative arts, and the surrounding gardens comprise a museum depicting the history of the respected New Jersey family and an important period of history and cultural heritage for New Jersey. Morven hosts frequent exhibitions and special events. Morven Museum and Garden is one of the best things to do in Princeton, New Jersey.
55 Stockton St, Princeton, NJ 08540, 609-924-8144 ext. 106
7. Lake Carnegie
The uses for Lake Carnegie are as unique as its history. A former member of the Princeton Varsity Crew Team, Howard R. Butler, was painting a portrait of Andrew Carnegie in the area. Butler told Carnegie of the team’s predicament of rowing through a narrow canal, piquing Carnegie’s interest. He funded the purchase of the surrounding properties to construct a lake, one that would take three years to complete.
Over a century later, Lake Carnegie is privately owned by Princeton University and is used by its rowing team. The grounds are open to the public, and visitors can spend their time ice skating, taking a stroll, or picnicking. The lake is home to a variety of fish such as bass, carp, catfish, and trout, making it an excellent spot for fishing.
Carnegie Lake, New Jersey 08540
8. Nassau Hall
Currently the center of Princeton University’s administrative offices, Nassau Hall plays an important role in national history. Other than featuring student and faculty residence, a library, classrooms, and a chapel, it also housed American and British soldiers during the American Revolutionary War.
Architecture aficionados marvel as the mixed styles of three architects, Robert Smith, Benjamin Latrobe, and John Notman, are made visible from the towers to the floors and exterior walls. Designated as a National Historic Landmark by the U.S. Department of the Interior in 1960, visitors can meander through halls that once welcomed the New Jersey Legislature, the Congress of the Confederation, and the first United States President, George Washington.
Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08542, 609-258-3056
9. Terhune Orchards & Winery
Only a few minutes outside of historic Princeton you will find rolling hills, orchards bursting with fruits, cows and horses peacefully grazing, and rows and rows of grapes ready to be turned into great wines. Passing through Princeton and not visiting the most popular of the neighboring farms – Terhune Orchards & Winery – is just not an option.
Everyone has heard about their delicious apple pies and cider, but there is much more you can do there, especially if you are visiting with the kids: you can pick your own apples and pumpkins, play with farm animals, visit the Farm Store, and, of course, stock up on their apple pies.
330 Cold Soil Rd, Princeton, NJ 08540, 609-924-2310
10. Marquand Park
A family favorite, Marquand Park is a lovely place to spend an evening exploring the nature in Princeton. The 17-acre park and arboretum offer a variety of recreational experiences, from walking the paved trails to playing in the playground or at the baseball field. There are benches and picnic tables scattered throughout the park, encouraging visitors to pack a picnic basket.
The hallmark of Marquand Park is its trees – over 140 different native and exotic specimens can be found in this historic preserve of trees and woodlands. The varied collection reflects the tastes of previous owners, as Marquand Park was originally the landscaped garden of a 19th century estate.
Lovers Ln, Princeton, NJ 08540, 609-921-9480
Best Time to Visit
Places to Stay
Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and blooming flowers.
Nassau Inn – A historic hotel in the heart of downtown Princeton.
Visit Princeton University – Walk through the picturesque Ivy League campus.
Summer (June-August) – Warm weather, perfect for outdoor activities.
The Peacock Inn – A boutique hotel with fine dining and luxurious accommodations.
Kayak on Carnegie Lake – Enjoy a peaceful paddle with beautiful scenery.
Fall (September-November) – Crisp air and vibrant fall foliage.
Hyatt Regency Princeton – A modern stay with great amenities.
Explore the Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park – Hike or bike through colorful autumn landscapes.
Winter (December-February) – Cold and cozy, with festive holiday charm.
Princeton Marriott at Forrestal – A peaceful retreat with a spa and indoor pool.
Ice Skate at Palmer Square – Enjoy seasonal ice skating in a charming downtown setting.
Map:
Plan Your Trip
Table of Contents:
- 1. Princeton University Art Museum
- 2. McCarter Theatre Center for the Performing Arts
- 3. Princeton Battlefield State Park
- 4. Delaware & Raritan State Park
- 5. Princeton Battle Monument
- 6. Morven Museum and Garden
- 7. Lake Carnegie
- 8. Nassau Hall
- 9. Terhune Orchards & Winery
- 10. Marquand Park