Cape May Historic District
America's oldest seaside resort with 600+ Victorian homes, pristine beaches, and award-winning dining
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About New Jersey
Nicknamed the Garden State, New Jersey sits between New York City and Philadelphia, making it one of the most accessible and visited states in the nation. Its 130-mile Atlantic coastline spans historic Cape May, the wild dunes of Island Beach State Park, and the neon-lit Boardwalk of Atlantic City. The northern highlands and Delaware Water Gap offer hiking and paddling, while Princeton, Morristown, and Trenton anchor the state's deep Revolutionary War history. New Jersey's restaurant scene, shaped by waves of Italian, Jewish, Greek, Korean, and Latin American immigration, is among the most diverse in the country.
- Capital
- Trenton
- Largest city
- Newark
- Population
- 9.3 million
- Languages
- English, Spanish, Portuguese, Korean, Chinese, Italian
- Currency
- US Dollar
- Time zone
- Eastern Time (ET) — UTC-5 / UTC-4 (DST)
Explore New Jersey by topic
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
Best places to visit in New Jersey
The 4 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
Atlantic City Boardwalk
The world's first boardwalk (1870) lined with casinos, restaurants, and classic shore attractions
Liberty State Park
Stunning waterfront park with direct Statue of Liberty ferry access and NYC skyline views
Delaware Water Gap NRA
70,000-acre wilderness area along the Delaware River with waterfalls, hiking, and swimming holes
Recommended itineraries
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
5-Day New Jersey Explorer
- Day 1Arrive in New Jersey, explore city center
- Day 2Visit top attractions and museums
- Day 3Day trip to nearby highlights
- Day 4Local markets and hidden gems
- Day 5Final sightseeing, departure
7-Day Classic New Jersey
- Days 1-2New Jersey city highlights
- Days 3-4Regional exploration
- Days 5-6Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate New Jersey
- Days 1-3New Jersey comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12Southern attractions
- Days 13-14Return to New Jersey, departure
Where to stay in New Jersey
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Budget $85
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Mid-range $200
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Luxury $500
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
Congress Hall
Check rates on Booking.comBorgata Hotel Casino & Spa
Check rates on Booking.comCrystal Springs Resort
Check rates on Booking.comThe Westin Princeton at Forrestal Village
Check rates on Booking.comWhere to eat in New Jersey
Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
The Ryland Inn
Stage Left
Dock's Oyster House
Washington Inn
Rat's Restaurant
Scalini Fedeli
Getting around New Jersey
New Jersey is served by one of the most comprehensive public transit networks in the United States, centered on NJ Transit — which operates 12 rail lines, 3 light rail lines, and 250+ bus routes. The state's position between New York City and Philadelphia means travelers have two major transit hubs at their disposal. Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is NJ's primary air hub. A car is strongly recommended for the Jersey Shore, Pine Barrens, and rural highlands areas.
Budget breakdown
Daily spend by tier in USD, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $40 | $130 | $350 |
| Food (per day) | $25 | $45 | $100 |
| Transportation | $10 | $20 | $50 |
| Activities | $10 | $35 | $80 |
| Daily total | $85 | $200 | $500 |
Best time to visit New Jersey
Essential travel tips
- Buy NJ Transit tickets via the MyTix app before boarding trains
- Many Shore beaches require daily beach badges ($7–$10) — buy at the beach entrance booth
- Garden State Parkway and NJ Turnpike have tolls; EZPass saves money
- Book summer Shore accommodation 2–3 months in advance
Safety information
Purchase beach badges when required — unprotected beaches (without lifeguards) carry higher rip current risk
Lock your car and don't leave valuables visible — vehicle break-ins occur in Shore town parking areas
Use the NJ Transit MyTix app — having your ticket ready reduces interactions at busy stations
Monitor NJ weather forecasts during June–November hurricane season; nor'easters can develop quickly Oct–March
In Atlantic City, stick to the Boardwalk strip and casino areas; avoid walking south of the Revel blocks at night
When hiking in the Highlands or Pine Barrens, wear tick-repellent clothing and check for ticks after every outing
Frequently asked questions
Is New Jersey safe to visit in 2026?
New Jersey is generally safe for travelers. Shore towns, Princeton, Cape May, and the Highlands are very safe. Urban centers like Newark and Trenton have higher crime in specific neighborhoods; exercise normal precautions, stay in well-lit tourist areas, and avoid leaving valuables in cars. The primary hazard at beaches is rip currents — always swim near lifeguard stations.
Do I need a visa to visit New Jersey?
Entry requirements follow United States federal rules. Citizens of 42 countries can enter visa-free under the Visa Waiver Program (apply for ESTA at esta.cbp.dhs.gov before travel). All other nationalities require a US visa obtained in advance from a US embassy or consulate.
What currency is used in New Jersey?
The currency in New Jersey is the US Dollar (USD). ATMs are widely available throughout the state. Credit cards are accepted everywhere except some beach badge stands and local markets. Casino floor cash advances charge fees; use an ATM beforehand.
When is the best time to visit New Jersey beaches?
June to September is beach season, with July and August being peak months (warm water, full lifeguard coverage). Late May and early September offer warm weather with smaller crowds and lower prices. Most Shore beaches require a daily beach badge ($7–$10) purchased at the beach entrance.