Although one of the smallest states in the United States, New Jersey is home to many premier tourist attractions. From national parks with areas of outstanding natural beauty to excellent museums and historical places, New Jersey is well deserving of its nickname “The Garden State” for being a place worth taking time to explore and have to have an adventure.
Here’s a list of the top-rated places to visit in New Jersey:
1. Atlantic City and Boardwalk
Often called the Las Vegas of the East Coast, Atlantic City is one of the most well-known coastal resort cities in the United States, full of rich history, nightlife, a popular Boardwalk and even the inspiration for one of the most famous board games in the world.
Built in 1870, its famous Boardwalk is four miles long and the home of most of the city’s main attractions, from casinos to hotel resorts.
Although walking on the Boardwalk is still a must, you can now also rent bikes, take the electric tram, a rickshaw, scooters and more. Visit also the Steel Pier, an amusement park for guest both young and old, with a huge observation wheel. No worries about being uncomfortable while you ride it, since its gondolas are climate-controlled and very stable, offering tranquil and amazing views of the city and ocean.
While you're there, check out the Entrance to the Stars, with handprints of celebrities such as Frank Sinatra. This city is also home to several historical and cultural attractions.
2. Cape May
In the 18th century, Cape May earned its reputation as an attractive resort town as it was increasingly visited by the wealthy. It's located in Delaware Bay, and it has charming homes in a Victorian style that draw many tourists every year.
It was so successful that six US presidents had summer homes here, attracted by beautiful beaches, Cape May Point Lighthouse, and its many elegant Victorian-style holiday homes, one of the best examples being Emlen Physick Estate.
This 18-room mansion was built in 1879, is an excellent example of the American Stick Style of architecture and is now a museum.
3. Liberty State Park
Created from reclaimed land to give way for a park that stretches 1,212 waterside acres in the Upper New York Bay, Liberty State Park has one of the best views of Manhattan, Ellis Island, and Liberty Island, but that’s just half of what brings thousands of people each year to the site.
It’s also home to the Communipaw Cove, a salt marsh designated a nature preserve, as well as home to memorials and monuments. Among these is the Holocaust memorial “Liberation,” as well as “Empty Sky,” in remembrance of those New Jersey residents who died during the September 11 attacks, as well as in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing.
It also has recreational facilities, from fishing to picnic areas, kayaking, and cycling.
4. Thomas Edison National Historical Park
This Historic National Park is the site of the former laboratory and home of Thomas Edison. Within these two buildings, Thomas Edison experimented and invented objects such as the first ever batteries and first movie cameras and sound recording devices.
When you visit the park, it allows you to get a closer look at the labs as well as original objects used by Edison himself. His home is a 29-room mansion and has been maintained excellently. Tickets for tours of the estate are limited and should be booked in advance.
5. Princeton
This University is widely recognized, and the name of Princeton has many achievements that made a reputation of its university and research programs.
It was founded in 1756 which consists of an impressive 1,600 acres worth of grounds. The tours of the grounds, which last around an hour, are run by students of the university and are very informative and entertaining.
After hours of exploring New Jersey, you’d think you’re still fit to clean your home. Take a moment and relax after a tiring day of adventure with your family or friends when you take places to visit in New Jersey in summer. Hire a professional house cleaning service to take care of your cleaning needs.
