10 Spots in New Jersey We’re Especially Thankful for This Year

New Jersey may be known for its population density and high cost of living, but the Garden State also has plenty to offer visitors and locals alike. Indeed, New Jersey is packed with beautiful nature, charming towns, historical landmarks, and culturally rich destinations. Here, we rounded up 10 of the best places to visit in New Jersey, which remind us just how special the state truly is.

1. Liberty State Park in Jersey City

Liberty State Park makes full use of New Jersey’s proximity to New York City. The 1,200-acre waterfront gem offers breathtaking views of Manhattan, the Hudson River, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island. Visitors can stroll the two-mile promenade, have a picnic overlooking the skyline, or catch outdoor performances in the warmer months. If you’re in the mood for an adventure, you can hop on a ferry to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. The park is also home to the historic Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal and the "Empty Sky" 9/11 Memorial.

2. Cape May’s Historic District

A world away from Jersey City’s skyline views, Cape May offers Victorian charm straight out of a storybook. Stroll past gingerbread-trimmed houses, browse boutique shops, visit the iconic lighthouse, and breathe in the coastal air from the promenade. As America’s oldest seaside resort, Cape May has enchanted generations, and it remains one of the state’s most beloved destinations to this day.

3. Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

In the mood for a nature escape? Head to the Delaware Water Gap, one of New Jersey’s most breathtaking landscapes. Scenic waterfalls, forests, mountains, and overlooks make it a paradise for outdoor lovers. Visitors can hike along the various paths (including portions of the Appalachian Trail), canoe down the Delaware River, and soak in the tranquility of the recreation area.

4. Asbury Park Boardwalk

New Jersey locals know there’s nothing quite like the Asbury Park Boardwalk. It buzzes with seaside nostalgia, including quirky shops, street murals, live music, and classic boardwalk treats—funnel cakes, anyone? If you’re not relaxing on the sand, you can check out historic landmarks like the Paramount Theater and Convention Hall. Another hotspot is The Stone Pony, where Bruce Springsteen performed early in his career.

5. The Red Mill Museum Village in Clinton 

This iconic Central Jersey landmark might just be the most photographed place in the state. The bright-red 19th-century mill sits along the South Branch of the Raritan River, and it’s especially stunning during snowy winters and golden autumn days. The museum village preserves the region’s industrial past with its historic gristmill, schoolhouse, blacksmith shop, and adjacent limestone quarry. Visitors to Clinton can explore the 10-acre complex or attend events such as art shows, music festivals, craft fairs, and the annual Winter Village.

6. Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton 

Grounds For Sculpture is a 42-acre outdoor museum and sculpture park in Hamilton, New Jersey. Visitors can admire nearly 300 contemporary sculptures while wandering through the lush gardens, with indoor galleries offering even more to explore. Every season brings new colors and perspectives, making it one of New Jersey’s most popular day trip destinations.

7. Island Beach State Park

Along this 10-mile stretch of pristine shoreline, you won’t find high rises or boardwalk crowds—just rolling dunes, maritime forests, and quiet beaches. Island Beach State Park is one of the most undeveloped stretches of the Jersey Shore. It's also a haven for wildlife, including New Jersey’s largest colony of nesting ospreys. 

8. Paterson Great Falls National Historic Park

Located in Paterson, New Jersey’s third-largest city, Great Falls plunges 77 feet into the Passaic River, making it one of the most powerful waterfalls east of the Mississippi. Paterson's history is as remarkable as its natural beauty: It was America’s first planned industrial city, envisioned by Alexander Hamilton, and for decades it produced silk, textiles, locomotives, and even aircraft engines.

9. Princeton University Campus

Princeton University looks like the textbook definition of an Ivy League campus with stone buildings, Gothic archways, and tree-lined walkways. Visitors can admire landmarks such as Nassau Hall and the Princeton University Chapel, then wander into the downtown area. Nassau Street’s indie bookstores, cafés, boutiques, and restaurants make it a charming college town. All in all, Princeton is perfect for a day trip!

10. The Pine Barrens

The New Jersey Pinelands National Reserve, also known as the Pine Barrens, covers about one million  acres. The sprawling landscape consists of pine forests, hiking trails, cranberry bogs, cedar swamps, unique flora, and other natural wonders. It’s also the home of rich folklore, including the infamous Jersey Devil. We’re immensely grateful for its depth and beauty in the heart of the Garden State. 

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