When it comes to planning a trip to the USA, most international tourists choose New York, California, Florida, or Las Vegas as their holiday destination. But if you’re looking to spend a few days in a place that has a diverse landscape, a vibrant beach culture, and a wealth of attractions, consider booking a flight to New Jersey. Over the years, the Garden State has become more popular among travelers, and according to the New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism, NJ welcomed over 120 million tourists in 2023, and visitor volume is expected to reach 130 billion in 2026.
New Jersey has something fun for everybody, with lots of opportunities for adventure and countless places to make unforgettable memories. Whether you’re going to the Garden State for a family trip, a honeymoon, or a vacation with friends, here are some fun things to do to make the most of your stay.
Spend a Day at the Beach
New Jersey is famous for its beaches, and in the summer, city folk from New York and Pennsylvania often head to NJ beaches to escape the sweltering heat. The state has over 60 designated beaches, and 12 of them are public and free of charge, so those who are looking to save some money on badges and tags have lots of options to have some fun in the sun. For those traveling with kids, check out Ocean City, which has eight miles of beach and a fantastic boardwalk filled with carnival rides, arcades, and shops.
If you prefer a beach with a relaxing vibe, head to Lavalette Beach where you’ll see people enjoying all sorts of seaside activities, from swimming, sunbathing, beach volleyball, and building sand castles. Meanwhile, if you want to spend a few days in a beach town, consider staying at Cape May, which has 16 beaches. These beaches require tags though, and they range from $5 to $15 per day. Some hotels will throw them in during your stay, so check out which hotels in Jersey City are offering this perk.
Enjoy Nature
If you love unspoiled nature views, New Jersey is the place to be. Head to Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park and enjoy gazing at the 77-foot high waterfall, which is right on the Passaic River. There are also some dog-friendly hiking trails at this park, perfect for an active day with your pup.
Those who love visiting beautifully cultivated flower gardens should definitely go to the New Jersey Botanical Garden. Check out the Lilac Garden on the East Lawn to see a huge collection of lilac varieties, then head to the Rhododendron Garden to see hostas, rhododendrons and azaleas. They also have an Annual Garden, a Wildflower Garden, and a Perennial Garden, so you can easily spend a whole afternoon touring this place.
Indulge Your Inner Child
New Jersey has lots of attractions where you can indulge your inner child. Spend a day at the Six Flags Great Adventure Theme Park and scream your heart out while riding the rollercoasters. Six Flags also has an adjacent water park and a drive-thru safari, but keep in mind that you’ll need to pay separate fees to access these attractions.
If you’re a fan of marine animals, head to the Adventure Aquarium and pet small sharks at the Touch-A-Shark tank. You can als see the smallest penguins in the world at the Little Blue Beach, and marvel at all sorts of aquatic animals at the Shark Tunner, Shark Realm, and Ocean Realm. If you visit from Feb. 21 to March 16, you’ll get the opportunity to watch a magical mermaid show, featuring mermaids exploring the Shark Realm and having meet and greets the Stingray Beach Club.
The Garden State is one of the best US destinations to visit with family and friends. Consider the places and attractions mentioned above for your trip, and experience the best of New Jersey during your stay.
