Best New Jersey Tours & Trips

New Jersey Travel Information

New Jersey, known as the Garden State, offers an abundance of natural beauty and unique experiences. A fulfilling New Jersey tour allows you to explore everything from the sandy beaches of the Jersey Shore to the sprawling American Dream mall. Planning a trip to New Jersey provides access to culture, nature, and tax-free shopping on clothing. This guide outlines the logistics, best times to visit, and the most efficient ways to explore the state.

Best Time to Visit New Jersey

Top New Jersey Cities & Attractions

Jersey City — Located directly across the Hudson River from Manhattan, Jersey City offers some of the most impressive skyline views of New York without the crowds. It serves as a primary transit hub and a convenient base for travelers who want easy access to the metropolitan area.

Highlights: Liberty State Park is a popular destination in Jersey City, serving as an urban oasis that includes the historic Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal. From here, you can board ferries to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

Atlantic City — Atlantic City is New Jersey's renowned entertainment hub, boasting a vibrant nightlife. Home to the world's longest boardwalk, it's the ultimate destination for those seeking thrills and fun.

Highlights: Walk the historic wooden Boardwalk, which stretches four miles along the Atlantic Ocean. Stop at the Steel Pier for classic amusement rides extending over the water or visit the Absecon Lighthouse, New Jersey's tallest lighthouse.

Princeton — Princeton boasts the prestigious Ivy League, where one can immerse oneself in a rich academic atmosphere and historical culture. Combined with its Gothic architecture, it offers a stark contrast to Atlantic City.

Highlights: Tour the Princeton University campus to view Nassau Hall, where the Continental Congress once met. Stroll through Palmer Square for upscale dining and boutique shopping in a charming village setting. History buffs should also visit Princeton Battlefield State Park, the site of a pivotal victory for George Washington during the Revolutionary War.

Cape May — Cape May, located at the southernmost tip of New Jersey, is one of America's oldest seaside resorts. Here, visitors can admire numerous well-preserved Victorian-era buildings and experience beach life.

Highlights: Take a trolley tour to view the "Painted Ladies", Victorian homes famous for their elaborate gingerbread trim and colorful facades. Climb the 199 steps of the Cape May Lighthouse for panoramic views of Delaware Bay. Nature enthusiasts should head to Cape May Point State Park, a world-renowned spot for birdwatching during migration seasons.

How to Get Around New Jersey

New Jersey has a well-developed infrastructure, making it relatively easy to explore with a wide range of transportation options.

Public Transportation: For tourists, the Northeast Corridor Line is the most practical route. It runs from Trenton up through Princeton, Newark Airport, and into New York Penn Station. It is efficient for visiting Princeton University or getting to Manhattan. The PATH train connects Jersey City to the World Trade Center and Midtown Manhattan, operating 24 hours a day.

Driving: The two main arteries are the New Jersey Turnpike (I-95), which runs diagonally for fast travel between Delaware and New York, and the Garden State Parkway, which runs north-south along the coast, providing access to all shore points. We recommend having your E-ZPass ready, as many toll plazas now offer cashless service.

Bus Tours: For travelers who prefer convenience, New Jersey bus tours offer a stress-free way to explore. Many companies provide long-distance buses from Jersey City or Newark to destinations like Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and Amish Country. Ferries: NY Waterway and Seastreak ferries offer scenic transportation between New Jersey and Manhattan. While more expensive than the train, they provide excellent views and a comfortable ride, particularly from Weehawken, Jersey City, or the Highlands.

Popular Day Trips in New Jersey

If you wish to travel beyond New Jersey, the central location allows for excellent day trips that visitors to New Jersey can take advantage of.

Philadelphia: Accessible by train or bus in under 90 minutes from central NJ. Key sites include the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall.

Washington D.C.: A longer day trip (about 3–4 hours one way), but many bus operators offer early morning departures that allow for a full afternoon of sightseeing in the capital before returning.

Amish Country, Pennsylvania: Located west of New Jersey, Lancaster County offers a look into traditional Amish life with buggy rides and farm tours.

Niagara Falls: Rather than a day trip, a Niagara Falls tour from New Jersey is more suited for a weekend getaway, requiring approximately 6 to 7 hours by car. Take the Maid of the Mist boat tour and explore the Cave of the Winds.