Welcome to New Jersey

From the mountainous hills of northern New Jersey to the waves crashing on its eastern shores, the Garden State soars with an unexpected amount of natural beauty. Inland, dense forests and pristine waterways serve as refuges from the hustle and bustle of big cities like Newark and Jersey City. From its start as one of the original Thirteen Colonies to its rise as a prime coastal getaway, pivotal history unfolded in this Mid-Atlantic state.

State Bird: Eastern Goldfinch

The Jersey Shore and Beyond

The Jersey Shore offers 141 miles of glorious Atlantic surf and sand. Experience the shore’s pristine natural state at Island Beach State Park, where swimming and surf fishing abound. Inland, the Division of Fish and Wildlife helps anglers hit the jackpot by stocking many rivers and lakes with trout. Top picks include the state’s largest lake, Lake Hopatcong in the north, and the Big Flat Brook, Rockaway River and Pequest River.

Two Natural Playgrounds

The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area on the northern border is a one-stop shop for the great outdoors, with hunting, fishing, boating, bicycling and more. Here, the pristine Middle Delaware National Scenic River meanders through wooded mountains, creating a 70,000-acre natural playground. Jutting into the Atlantic Ocean, the Sandy Hook unit of the Gateway National Recreation Area is another amazing option, with outdoor recreation along the coast. Visit beaches, salt marshes, trails and historic sites at Fort Hancock, home of the oldest working lighthouse in the nation.

Surprising Serenity

New Jersey is home to 72 miles of the Appalachian Trail, and day hikers won’t want to miss the section that runs through High Point State Park along the Kittatinny Mountain Ridge. Hike to the top of High Point Memorial, a striking granite obelisk, for seemingly infinite views of the surrounding Pocono and Catskill mountains. Visitors to New Jersey’s tranquil Pine Barrens region would never know they’re in the nation’s most densely populated state. Cyclists can explore scenic woodlands, cranberry and blueberry bogs, and cascading waterways along the 42-mile Pine Barrens River Ramble.

Cozy Coastal Towns and Magnificent Metro Areas

Dozens of charming seaside towns dot New Jersey’s Atlantic coast, offering classic boardwalks, public beaches and seaside fun. With colorful architecture dating to the Victorian era, Cape May showcases a delightful history to accompany its scenic views. For a more metropolitan experience, head into Newark, the state’s largest city and its cultural center. Explore world-class museums and enjoy the New Jersey Performing Arts Center. Visit Liberty State Park for epic views of the Statue of Liberty and New York City’s glittering skyline across New York Harbor, and honor the fallen at the Empty Sky 9/11 memorial.

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