New Jersey is a densely diverse Mid-Atlantic state known for its 130-mile Atlantic coastline, Victorian shore towns, the famous Jersey Shore boardwalks, and a rich Revolutionary War heritage. From the glittering casinos of Atlantic City and the genteel beauty of Cape May to the cultural buzz of Hoboken and the forests of the Pine Barrens, New Jersey packs extraordinary variety into one of the nation's smallest states.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Saltwater taffy (boardwalk original)
Price: $5–$15/lb
Where: Any Jersey Shore boardwalk shop; James' Salt Water Taffy in Atlantic City is iconic
Cape May diamonds (quartz crystals)
Price: Free–$25
Where: Cape May Point State Park beach (free) or Cape May gem shops on Washington St
NJ wine (Cape May Winery, Unionville Vineyards)
Price: $15–$45/bottle
Where: Winery tasting rooms or Total Wine & More (multiple NJ locations)
Springsteen memorabilia
Price: $15–$80
Where: Stone Pony gift shop (913 Ocean Ave, Asbury Park)
Pinelands cranberry products (jam, sauce, dried cranberries)
Price: $5–$18
Where: Chatsworth general store, Pinelands area farm stands
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Collingswood Farmers Market
South Jersey's best farmers market — 60+ vendors with fresh NJ produce, honey, cheese, bread, and artisan goods
Where: Collingswood
Hours: Saturdays 8am–noon (May–November)
Cape May Washington Street Mall
Pedestrian-only Victorian shopping street; boutiques, fudge shops, candy stores, and local gifts
Where: Cape May
Hours: Daily 10am–9pm (summer); reduced hours off-season
Lambertville Antique Mile
New Jersey's antique capital — 60+ dealers spanning American folk art, vintage jewelry, furniture, and estate finds
Where: Lambertville
Hours: Most shops open Thu–Mon 10am–5pm; closed Tue–Wed
Shopping districts
Neighbourhoods known for retail.
Asbury Park (Cookman Ave)
Indie boutiques, vintage clothing, surf shops, art galleries, and records — NJ's hippest shopping street
Princeton (Nassau Street)
University town bookshops, independent clothing boutiques, and specialty stores; Princeton Record Exchange is a must for vinyl lovers
Hoboken (Washington St)
Boutique clothing, specialty food shops, and personal care — upscale urban shopping with NYC proximity
Atlantic City Outlets (The Walk)
70 outlet stores between the bus terminal and casino district; Coach, Tommy Hilfiger, Polo Ralph Lauren at 25–65% below retail
Malls & modern shopping
Air-conditioned, international brands, and food courts.
The Mall at Short Hills
Hours: Mon–Sat 10am–9pm; Sun 11am–7pm
American Dream Mall
Hours: Mon–Sat 11am–9pm; Sun 11am–8pm
Freehold Raceway Mall
Hours: Mon–Sat 10am–9pm; Sun 11am–7pm
Bargaining tips
Negotiate like a local.
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Customs & restrictions
What you can and can't take home.
Items:
- Custom
- No sales tax on clothing and footwear under $110/item
- Detail
- NJ exempts most clothing and footwear under $110 from the 6.625% state sales tax — significant saving on clothing purchases
- Custom
- BYOB allowed at restaurants
- Detail
- Many NJ restaurants are unlicensed BYOB establishments; purchasing wine at a liquor store before dining saves $15–$40 per couple
- Custom
- Shore boardwalk shopping
- Detail
- Boardwalk shops in Atlantic City and Wildwood are open late (10pm–midnight in summer); prices for generic souvenirs are negotiable in bulk