Welcome to New Jersey

Welcome to New Jersey, otherwise known as the Garden State. Here, slung between the major metropolitan centers of New York City and Philadelphia, lies a land of picturesque ocean beachfront and fertile inland farmland. It may be the fourth-smallest state in the country in terms of landmass, but New Jersey packs a weighty punch for tourists.

If you’re looking for a place to take in some world-class shows, gorge on gourmet dining, play some slots and roll some dice, you can head for the bright lights of Atlantic City. If you’re looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle, you can spend a weekend hopping up and down the 130-mile Jersey Shore, visiting 50-plus seaside resort towns, including Cape May, Asbury Park and Ocean City.

No matter where you decide to set up camp, be sure to pay a visit to Cape May County Park and Zoo. The 85-acre zoo is home to more than 550 animals representing 250 species.

A stroll through the grounds of world-famous Princeton University is another must. You can tag along on an official tour or wander the halls yourself, walking in the footsteps of famous alumni like F. Scott Fitzgerald, Jimmy Stewart and Michelle Obama.

Adventure

When you’re in New Jersey, fun in the sun typically means hitting the beach. And there’s a lot of beachfront in New Jersey—130 miles of sandy shoreline, to be exact. Set aside some time to lie back and relax, catch some rays, splash in the water or play a little beach volleyball.

Ocean City, the Wildwoods, Atlantic City and Cape May are among the most popular access points to the New Jersey beachfront. One of the most memorable spots is Barnegat Lighthouse State Park, situated on the northern tip of Long Beach Island. The park is home to one of the last remnants of maritime forest and features a one-fifth-mile Maritime Forest Trail that loops through the park.

In southern New Jersey, Cape May Point State Park is a popular spot for hiking, fishing, picnicking and birding. It’s home to the Cape May Point Natural Area, Cape May Lighthouse (climbing the 199 steps offers spectacular views of the peninsula) and an old World War II military bunker (complete with gun turrets).

To the southeast, visitors will discover seemingly endless wilderness in the Pine Barrens, part of the 1.1 million-acre Pinelands National Reserve, a swath of forested land that spans seven counties.