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20 Best Things to Do in New Jersey

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Discover this state’s nature, history, food, shore, and a whole lot more. We’re pretty sure you’re gonna love the best things to do in New Jersey:

1. Try Water Sports at Jersey Shore

You already know what they say, the Jersey Shore is a wet and wild playground for all kinds of water sport. Catch the next big wave by surfing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding in Jersey Shore! You can also try even more thrilling activities such as ballooning, sailing, parachuting, and parasailing.

2. Discover the Marine World at Adventure Aquarium

Adventure Aquarium

Source: Adventure Aquarium

Check out more than 15,000 aquatic species throughout two million gallons of water. The Adventure Aquarium boasts the largest collection of sharks on the East Coast, including the only hammerhead shark on exhibit! Make sure to regularly check their website for updates on special events.

3. Have Fun at Morey’s Piers and Beachfront Water Parks

Thrilling rides will always have a place in a kid-at-heart. This is why visiting Morey’s Piers and Beachfront Water Parks is one of the best things to do in New Jersey. Nothing beats a classic seaside amusement park.

4. Play the Day Away at Hard Rock Hotel Casino Atlantic City

What do you say to world-class entertainment, delicious dining, casino gaming, and superb accommodations? Say YES!

5. Try Different Carnival Games at Steel Pier

Steel Pier

Source: Steel Pier | Cinema Treasures

The Steel Pier is an amusement park built on a pier of the boardwalk in Atlantic City. The place packs a lot of fun with its rides, boardwalk fare, games, and events! Not to mention, you get the best view in town.

6. Check out the Exhibits at Liberty Science Center

Browse through the exhibits and have an unforgettable learning experience! The Liberty Science Center is all about the power and promise of science and technology.

What to find here:

  • 12 museum exhibition halls
  • Live animal collection with 110 species
  • Aquariums
  • 3D theater
  • Live simulcast surgeries
  • Jennifer Chalsty Planetarium (Western Hemisphere’s biggest planetarium)

7. Take Photos of the Cape May Lighthouse

The Lighthouse can be found inside Cape May Point State Park. There are 199 steps on the spiral staircase, but you should know better than to climb in heels because the metal gridwork is open.

8. Ride the Kingda Ka

Kingda Ka Six Flags

Source: Kingda Ka | US Kings

The meaning of Kingda Ka is “Ride of Your Life” in Swahili. It’s only fitting that the steel roller coaster at Six Flags Great Adventure is named this way because you need to hold on for your dear life. The Kingda Ka is the world’s tallest roller coaster in the world and the second-fastest.

9. Try Camping at High Point

Go to High Point to get unobstructed views of the Pocono Mountains. This is known as the highest elevation in the state, and it has a peak elevation of 1,803 feet.

10. Tour the World War II Battleship at Battleship New Jersey

Welcome to one of the nation’s most decorated battleships. The USS New Jersey was built during World War II and was completed and commissioned in 1943. This battleship entered the active war zone during the war in 1944 under Admiral Raymond A. Spruance’s command.

11. Explore the Newark Museum

Newark Museum Exhibit

Source: Newark Museum

The state’s largest museum holds an extensive collection of American art, contemporary art, decorative arts, and arts of Asia, Africa, and the ancient world.

12. Discover the Palisades

Palisades New Jersey

Source: Palisades | Visit NJ

Do you want dramatic geologic features? Come and discover the Palisades. The destination features a line of cliffs along the lower Hudson River. It stretches north from New Jersey City about 20 miles to New York.

13. Take a Romantic Walk Down Sunset Beach

Capture an amazing sunset on film or in your hearts. Although, if you’re in a place as beautiful as this, you better use the opportunity to take a romantic walk with your lover.

14. Have a Good Time at Gillian’s Wonderland Pier

Gillian's Wonderland Pier by David Gillian

Source: Gillian’s Wonderland Pier | Carol Highsmith

Wait, another amusement park? New Jersey has a lot. Visit Gillian’s Wonderland Pier and be thrilled by the numerous rides for all ages. This place has over 35 rides and attractions, including the 141-foot Giant Wheel.

15. Go Breezewalking at Wawayanda State Park

There’s a good reason why hikers, campers, swimmers, and boaters are attracted to Wawayanda State Park. There are a lot of activities you can do here, such as conquering the steep mountains that challenge both casual and seasoned hikers.

Tips:

  • The trails can be used for hiking, biking, mountain biking, horseback riding.
  • Water is not available at campsites so it’s best to bring your own.
  • You can purchase firewood at the park office.

16. Go to the Garden State Discovery Museum

Garden State Discovery Museum

Source: Garden State Discovery Museum | Groupon

Are you ready to visit the ultimate play place? Take your kids to the Garden State Discovery Museum for an awesome time! You can spend the day touring the place or you can join the workshops.

Admission Rate: 
$15.95 + tax for adults and children 12 months and over
$14.95 + tax for seniors

17. Take a Historic Tour Around Batsto Village

Batsto Village

Source: Batsto Village | Julius

Okay, let’s talk about history! Batsto Village is a place where you can journey into the past. There are nearly two and a half centuries of American history available for all visitors to see. The admission to Batsto Village is free. But, there is a small fee if you decide to go on the mansion tour.

18. Be Amazed at Ripley’s Believe It or Not!

See unusual and strange exhibits that will wow, surprise, or shock you. Ripley’s Believe It or Not! also allows their visitors to test their abilities in the Vault Laser Maze Challenge. At Ripley’s Believe it or Not! you are in control of the oddities you see.

19. Appreciate Nature at Ramapo Valley County Reservation

The largest park in Bergen County is right on the edge of the Highlands Region. There is a nice variety of hiking trails for different hikers. You can even bring your dog.

20. Eat at the Boulevard Clams

Boulevard Clams

Source: Boulevard Clams

Eating is definitely one of the best things to do in New Jersey. While you’re there, visit the classic shore seafood shack, Boulevard Clams, for the freshest eats.

Now that you’ve read the best things to do in New Jersey, what’s your personal favorite?

A writer big on nature, travel, and dogs. If you can't find Errot with her furry pal, then she's probably out exploring.

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