Looking for ivy-covered architecture, rich history, and sophisticated charm? Head to Princeton! Home to the renowned Princeton University, this Central Jersey gem offers walkable streets, lush gardens, museums, upscale dining, and Revolutionary War sites. Whether you're exploring campus or relaxing in a café, Princeton blends intellectual culture with small-town beauty.
Princeton, NJ Highlights:
- For Families: Visit the Princeton University Art Museum – Free and family-friendly, with a world-class collection of art from ancient to modern times.
- For Outdoor Enthusiasts: Walk or bike the D&R Canal Trail – Scenic towpath perfect for recreation alongside the canal and through wooded areas.
- For Kids: Discover Morven Museum & Garden – Tour the historic governor’s mansion and stroll through peaceful gardens with kid-friendly events.
- For an Adventure: Paddle on Carnegie Lake – Rent a canoe or kayak and enjoy peaceful water surrounded by trees and Princeton scenery.
- For Shoppers: Browse Palmer Square – Elegant mix of shops, boutiques, cafés, and upscale dining steps from the university campus.
Best Time to Visit Princeton, NJ
The best time to visit Princeton is in the spring and fall (April–June and September–October), when the campus and gardens are in full bloom or dressed in vibrant autumn colors. Summers are great for outdoor dining and events, while the winter holidays bring charm to Palmer Square with lights and shopping.
How to Get to Princeton, NJ
- By Train: Take NJ Transit’s Northeast Corridor line to Princeton Junction, then transfer to the “Dinky” shuttle train to Princeton Station.
- By Car: Easily accessible via Route 1, I-295, or the NJ Turnpike. It's about 1 hour from NYC and Philadelphia.
- By Air: Fly into Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), about 45 minutes to 1 hour away by car or train.
Where to Stay in Princeton, NJ
- Nassau Inn – Historic hotel located in Palmer Square with cozy rooms, a pub, and walkable access to attractions.
- Hyatt Regency Princeton – Modern amenities with a pool and scenic location near Carnegie Lake and Route 1.
- The Peacock Inn – Luxury boutique inn with fine dining, elegant décor, and personalized service in a historic setting.
Best Things to Do in Princeton, NJ
⮕ Princeton University Art Museum
Admire diverse collections and explore global art on an easy cultural trip.
© 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
⮕ McCarter Theatre Center for the Performing Arts
Watch acclaimed plays and enjoy an exciting night of live performance.
© Courtesy of andrys lukowski - Fotolia.com
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
Princeton Parks
⮕ Princeton Battlefield State Park
Walk historic grounds and learn about Revolutionary War sights on a quick visit.
© Courtesy of jonbilous - Fotolia.com
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
⮕ Delaware & Raritan State Park
Bike scenic trails and enjoy a peaceful weekend nature escape.
© Courtesy of Erin Cadigan - Fotolia.com
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
Recommended Attractions
⮕ Princeton Battle Monument
Look at detailed carvings and admire this unusual tribute to American history.
© Courtesy of leekris - Fotolia.com
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
⮕ Morven Museum and Garden
Explore elegant rooms and stroll through spring blooms at this historic attraction.
© 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
⮕ Lake Carnegie
Row the calm waters or enjoy a romantic lakeside walk.
© Courtesy of eqroy- Fotolia.com
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
⮕ Nassau Hall
See Princeton’s oldest building and discover key sights in college history.
© Courtesy of Izzat Bahadirov- Fotolia.com
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
Attractions for Couples
⮕ Terhune Orchards & Winery
Pick fresh fruit and savor wine on a family-friendly fall trip.
© 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
⮕ Marquand Park
Stroll shady paths and enjoy an affordable outing with kids.
© Courtesy of Michael - Fotolia.com
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
Where to Eat in Princeton, NJ
- Elements – Upscale modern American cuisine with seasonal tasting menus in a sleek setting.
- Blue Point Grill – Popular seafood destination with fresh oysters, fish, and a lively atmosphere.
- Teresa Caffe – Rustic Italian dining with homemade pasta, pizza, and a stylish ambiance on Palmer Square.
If you are interested in local events:
- Communiversity ArtsFest (April) – A lively spring street festival with local artists, food vendors, and performances hosted by the university and town.
- Princeton Festival (June) – Classical music, opera, and jazz performances in venues across town and campus.
- Palmer Square Tree Lighting (November) – Kick off the holiday season with caroling, festivities, and a magical light display.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Princeton, New Jersey:
- Grounds For Sculpture (Hamilton) – Stunning outdoor sculpture park and museum set in landscaped gardens (30 min).
- Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park Trail – Perfect for walking, biking, or birdwatching along historic waterways (various access points nearby).
- Hopewell (20 min) – Quaint nearby town with antique shops, scenic farmland, and craft breweries.
- Washington Crossing State Park (30 min) – See where George Washington crossed the Delaware and hike riverside trails.
- Lambertville & New Hope (30 min) – Twin towns on the Delaware River known for shopping, art galleries, and riverfront dining.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- 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.
At a Glance:
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. |
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