If you know about ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ then you know about Meryl Streep. If you know about Meryl Streep, then you know her perfectly timed humor. If you know about New Jersey then congratulations, you know about the land she gets her quick wit from. And when it comes to travel, New Jersey is home to some of the best places to visit, with its unique blend of iconic attractions, historical sites, and endless entertainment.
New Jersey is the land of wonders. You shall find every site, every way of amusement. From the Atlantic Broadway, ostentatious casinos, and aging historical constructions to savory street delicacies, every nook of this city demands attention.
Just so you do not miss some remarkable places because some other hypnotizing activities engage you, this writer brings you a selected bunch of go-to lists.
◊ Beach & Boardwalk Fun:
1. Atlantic City Boardwalk:
If you aim to visit the most iconic and scenic places in New Jersey, you would be missing out if your plan does not include the Atlantic City Boardwalk. Atlantic is itself known to be a historically proactive city. The Atlantic City Boardwalk was the first ever Boardwalk to be built in the United States. It has stood as the backbone for the city’s bustling population and never lost its charm over the many decades.
This classic boardwalk offers an age-neutral environment. Whether you want a playground for your kids or if your old parents need to rest their knees, Atlantic City Boardwalk caters to you. It will keep the kids occupied with its amusement rides, arcade games, mini-golf, and plenty of food options.
- Timings: Open 24 hours, with some attractions open seasonally or at specific hours.
- Activities: Amusement rides, arcade games, mini-golf, dining, shopping.
- Prices: Entry to the Boardwalk is free, but individual rides and attractions range from $5 to $30.
2. Cape May:
Are you suddenly craving a quiet walk by the histories and long-gone ancestors’ legacies? This charming town boasts beautiful beaches, historic Victorian architecture, and a variety of family-friendly activities.
- Timings: Most attractions are open daily; some shops and restaurants may have seasonal hours.
- Activities: Beach relaxation, historic house tours, boutique shopping.
- Prices: Beach tags (summer season) cost around $6 daily, with historical tours priced between $10-$20.
3. Morey’s Piers & Beachfront Water Parks:
Is the scorching sun getting you? Want to feel water and slides and have some fun? This seaside amusement park is best places to visit, offering thrilling rides, water slides, and other attractions for all ages.
- Timings: Seasonal (generally April to October); hours vary by pier.
- Activities: Water slides, roller coasters, games.
- Prices: Day passes are around $40-$60.
◊ Thrilling Adventures
4. Six Flags Great Adventure:
What could wrap up your determined plan for fun better than roller coasters and animals? You could challenge your fears, be a daredevil, and zoom in the air with heads hanging. Does that terrify you? You will only know when you try. This theme park features thrilling roller coasters, water rides, and a safari park.
- Timings: Typically 10:30 am – 8:00 pm; varies by season.
- Activities: Roller coasters, safari drive-thru, live entertainment.
- Prices: Tickets range from $50-$80, with additional fees for parking and fast passes.
5. American Dream:
When the amusement parks don’t seem to finish in the city, just go to all of them. Missing out on fun isn’t fun at all. Take what the city gives you like a good ol ‘chap. This massive entertainment complex houses Nickelodeon Universe theme park, DreamWorks Water Park, and other attractions.
- Timings: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm, varies by attraction.
- Activities: Theme parks, water parks, indoor skiing.
- Prices: $40-$80 per attraction.
6. Liberty Science Center:
If Science calls your attention, there is nothing better to do with your time than strolling along the halls of this Science center. This interactive science center offers exhibits on space, technology, and the human body.
- Timings: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm daily.
- Activities: Exhibits, planetarium shows.
- Prices: General admission around $25-$30.
◊ Educational and Historical
7. Garden State Discovery Museum:
Science freaks! New Jersey has got you covered. This hands-on museum offers exhibits on science, technology, and engineering. It’s guaranteed to keep little kids busy with all the bones and dinosaurs.
- Timings: 9:30 am – 5:30 pm, weekends and special events.
- Activities: Hands-on science exhibits, dinosaur displays.
- Prices: Entry is typically $10-$15.
Also Read: 25 things to do in Orlando for a Budget-Friendly Trip
8. Historic Cold Spring Village:
If the city has its science, it has its history to present as well. Here, you could genuinely feel the evolution of this city. This living history museum offers a glimpse into life in the 18th and 19th centuries.
- Timings: Open May to September, 10:00 am – 4:30 pm.
- Activities: Period costume tours, craft demonstrations.
- Prices: Admission is $14-$20.
9. Grounds For Sculpture:
This writer thinks sculptures are a peculiar art form. Why is it that mere statues with sparse modesty are such beautiful creations? Nevermind. This outdoor sculpture park features works by renowned artists.
- Timings: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm daily, closed Mondays.
- Activities: Guided tours, exhibitions.
- Prices: Tickets cost $15-$25.
◊ Outdoor Adventures
10. Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area:
When your legs ache to walk the ridges of the mountaintops, if your belly rumbles for fresh fish, this place is your refuge. This park is one of the best places to visit since it offers hiking, camping, fishing, and other outdoor activities.
- Timings: Open year-round.
- Activities: Hiking, fishing, kayaking.
- Prices: Free entry; parking fees apply in some areas.
11. Liberty State Park:
This park offers stunning views of the New York City skyline, as well as playgrounds, picnic areas, and a ferry to the Statue of Liberty. Who doesn’t want to take selcas with The Statue of Liberty? With the twinkling beams of the cityscape, every moment ought to feel magical.
- Timings: 6:00 am – 10:00 pm daily.
- Activities: Picnics, Statue of Liberty ferry.
- Prices: Free entry; Statue ferry tickets are $18-$25.
12. High Point State Park:
This park is the highest point in New Jersey and offers hiking, camping, and scenic views. If trekking is your go-to, you have found yourself in the right place. A perfection, as hikers would agree.
- Timings: Sunrise to sunset.
- Activities: Hiking, camping.
- Prices: Entry is free; parking fees may apply in summer.
◊ Other Fun Places
13. Clementon Park and Splash World:
This amusement park offers rides, games, and a water park. Elementary availability, but each time you visit an amusement park, the enjoyment just improves with experience. Amusement parks are one thing that shall never go extinct.
- Timings: Seasonal, hours vary.
- Activities: Rides, water park.
- Prices: Tickets are $25-$35.
14. Medieval Times:
This dinner show is one of the best places to visit for a unique and entertaining experience for the whole family. It ensures you are glued to your seats, impatient and anxious with every move that is preceded or followed by the next.
- Timings: Evening shows; times vary.
- Activities: Dinner, live show.
- Prices: Tickets are about $50-$70.
15. Lucy the Elephant:
This historic landmark is a must-see for any family exploring the best places to visit in New Jersey. Nothing bombastic, just a serene place to breathe some uncontaminated air and spend a golden time with your loved ones.
- Timings: 10:00 am – 8:00 pm daily, with tours every 30 minutes.
- Activities: Tours of the historic structure.
- Prices: Tour tickets are around $10.
New Jersey is a city of enormous opportunity and intrigue, offering some of the best places to visit for any traveler. The scope for finding your best vacation shall only increase as you weave in and out through the exciting avenues it opens for you. Everything about New Jersey is adventure, historic, reverent, and worshipful. It is that compact city, blended in the most absolute ratios for all kinds of people.
The startling lights of the cityscape are a sight to punch in the back of your head, a permanent reminder when your mind thinks about the happy days you built in the city of life and hope. This writer hopes you can achieve what you love and know how to loosen up too because how else will you keep going?
