Things to Do in New Jersey — United States: Top Attractions, Tours & Tickets

#1Liberty State ParkMustGateway4.7(37,000)

This is New Jersey’s best waterfront setting for facing the Statue of Liberty and Lower Manhattan without committing to a New York itinerary. Use it for the promenade, skyline views, and as the practical launch point for ferries to Ellis Island and the statue.

2h FreeGo early on a clear weekday morning for easier parking and cleaner skyline views.

Pairs with: Thomas Edison National Historical Park · MetLife Stadium

#2Atlantic City Boardwalk (Tourist attraction)MustJersey Shore

Atlantic City’s boardwalk is the state’s most famous entertainment promenade: part casino corridor, part beach walk, and part spectacle. Walk it for the contrast between oceanfront scenery and resort excess, then decide whether gaming, shows, or dining merit more time.

2h FreeGo in the morning for a quieter walk, or early evening when the lights and energy are the point.

Pairs with: Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa · Ocean City Boardwalk

#3Princeton University Art MuseumMustDelaware River4.8(1,900)

The museum makes Princeton more than a campus walk, with a serious collection that rewards both art-focused visitors and curious first-timers. Combine it with an unhurried walk through the university grounds and downtown rather than rushing through between destinations.

2h FreeWeekday afternoons are generally calmer than weekend midday.

Pairs with: Grounds For Sculpture · BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham

#4Cape May Historic DistrictMustJersey Shore

Cape May is New Jersey’s most complete historic seaside town, where ornate houses, walkable streets, beaches, and restaurants make the destination greater than any one attraction. Give it at least an afternoon and evening, ideally with time to wander beyond the main commercial blocks.

4h FreeExplore early or around dusk; midday in summer is busiest and least comfortable for walking.

Pairs with: Cape May Lighthouse · Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum · Cape May County Park & Zoo

#5Grounds For SculptureMustDelaware River

This outdoor art park is one of the state’s most original cultural experiences, mixing landscaped grounds with playful and serious contemporary work. It is best enjoyed slowly and is a strong alternative to a city museum on a pleasant day.

3h Timed entryBook an opening or late-afternoon slot for quieter paths and better light.

Reserve timed admission in advance for weekends, holidays, and peak garden season.

Pairs with: Princeton University Art Museum · BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham

#6Delaware Water Gap National Recreation AreaMustSkylands

The Delaware Water Gap supplies the dramatic river, ridge, waterfall, and hiking scenery that coastal-focused New Jersey itineraries miss. Choose one hike, overlook, paddle, or waterfall area rather than attempting to cover the recreation area in a single rushed visit.

4h FreeStart early on weekends; trailheads, scenic pull-offs, and popular waterfall areas fill quickly.

Pairs with: Lakota Wolf Preserve · Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park

#7Six Flags Great AdventureShouldDelaware River4.4(52,000)

A major thrill-ride park and safari-style animal attraction, it is the state’s strongest choice for visitors building a day around rides rather than scenery or history. Treat it as a full-day commitment, not a quick stop between Shore destinations.

8h Book aheadArrive before opening and prioritize headline rides before midday queues build.

Buy online before arrival, especially for weekends and seasonal events; parking and add-ons can change the value of a ticket.

Pairs with: BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham · Grounds For Sculpture

#8Adventure Aquarium (Tourist attraction)ShouldDelaware River

This is the most substantial family indoor attraction on the Camden waterfront, with enough variety to justify a dedicated visit. It works particularly well paired with Philadelphia sightseeing or a waterfront walk rather than as a long detour from the Shore.

2.5h Timed entryTake the opening slot or visit later in the afternoon, when school-break crowds often thin.

Reserve a timed ticket online for weekends, school breaks, and rainy days.

Pairs with: Battleship New Jersey · Thomas Edison National Historical Park

#9Morey's Piers & Beachfront Water ParksShouldJersey Shore4.5(9,200)

Wildwood’s classic boardwalk amusement piers deliver the loud, nostalgic, ride-focused version of the Jersey Shore. Go after a beach day or make it an evening destination; it is more about atmosphere and rides than quiet seaside scenery.

4h Book aheadFor rides, arrive when the piers open; for atmosphere, go around sunset on a weekday.

Online ride or water-park passes are usually the better bet in peak season, especially for a full day.

Pairs with: Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum · Cape May Historic District

#10Cape May LighthouseShouldJersey Shore4.7(7,000)

The lighthouse is a compact but rewarding stop at Cape May Point, where the appeal is as much the coastal landscape and birdlife as the structure itself. Pair it with the historic town and nearby beach rather than making a special trip solely for the climb.

1h Walk upLate afternoon gives softer light and often a calmer feel than the middle of the day.

Entry is generally handled on site, but verify seasonal operating days before driving out.

Pairs with: Cape May Historic District · Cape May County Park & Zoo

#11BAPS Swaminarayan AkshardhamShouldDelaware River4.8(22,000)

This intricately crafted Hindu mandir is among the state’s most visually distinctive contemporary religious sites and rewards visitors who slow down to observe its detail. Visit respectfully, dress conservatively, and allow time for the grounds rather than treating it as a photo stop.

1.5h FreeWeekday mornings tend to be the quietest; check visitor rules and hours before going.

Pairs with: Grounds For Sculpture · Six Flags Great Adventure

#12Ocean City Boardwalk (Tourist attraction)ShouldJersey Shore

A more family-oriented boardwalk than Atlantic City or Wildwood, it combines beach access with classic snacks, games, and small-scale amusements. It is best for an easygoing evening stroll rather than a destination requiring a whole day.

2h FreeWalk or bike early in the day, before beach traffic and evening crowds arrive.

Pairs with: Storybook Land · Atlantic City Boardwalk (Tourist attraction)

#13Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation MuseumShouldJersey Shore4.8(1,900)

Set in a historic hangar, this museum is an unusually atmospheric aviation stop with enough substance for enthusiasts and families alike. It makes an excellent rainy-day complement to Wildwood’s piers and Cape May’s outdoor sights.

2h Walk upA midday visit is ideal when beaches and boardwalks are at their busiest.

Walk-up admission is usually practical, though check hours outside the main Shore season.

Pairs with: Morey's Piers & Beachfront Water Parks · Cape May Historic District

#14Thomas Edison National Historical ParkShouldGateway

Edison’s laboratory and home provide the state’s clearest major industrial-history experience, with the rare feeling of seeing invention in its working environment. It is especially worthwhile for visitors interested in technology, design, music, or American history.

2h Walk upWeekday mornings are best, particularly if you want to join a guided component.

Admission is generally straightforward, but check tour availability and operating days before visiting.

Pairs with: Essex County Turtle Back Zoo · Liberty State Park

#15Paterson Great Falls National Historical ParkShouldGateway

The falls are a striking urban natural landmark, and the surrounding national historical park explains why this landscape mattered to American industry. It is a compact, worthwhile stop that adds real texture to a North Jersey itinerary.

1.3h FreeVisit on a weekday morning for the clearest views and easiest parking.

Pairs with: Thomas Edison National Historical Park · Liberty State Park

#16Battleship New JerseyShouldDelaware River

Moored on the Camden waterfront, this battleship is one of the region’s most tangible military-history experiences and is far more immersive than a conventional naval display. Allow time for the self-guided route, particularly if you enjoy ships, engineering, or wartime history.

2.5h Timed entryChoose an early slot in warm weather; exposed decks can become uncomfortable by midday.

Book ahead for weekends and school breaks, especially if you want a guided or specialty tour.

Pairs with: Adventure Aquarium (Tourist attraction) · Thomas Edison National Historical Park

#17American Dream (Tourist attraction)If timeGateway

This vast entertainment complex is useful when weather is poor or when your group wants indoor rides, water attractions, shopping, and food in one place. It is not a cultural essential, so choose a specific attraction first rather than trying to see the whole complex.

Book aheadWeekday mornings are markedly easier for the major indoor attractions.

Reserve tickets separately for the specific park or activity you want, particularly on weekends and holidays.

Pairs with: MetLife Stadium · Liberty State Park

#18Cape May County Park & ZooIf timeJersey Shore4.8(18,000)

A notably good-value family stop with a relaxed park setting, this is more appealing than a typical roadside zoo if you are already staying around Cape May or the Wildwoods. It is best used as a daytime counterpoint to beach and boardwalk time.

2.5h FreeVisit near opening in summer, before the hottest part of the day.

Pairs with: Cape May Historic District · Cape May Lighthouse

#19Essex County Turtle Back ZooIf timeGateway4.6(15,000)

This well-regarded regional zoo is a strong family option, especially when paired with the adjacent South Mountain recreation area. It is less a statewide signature sight than a dependable outing for visitors based in North Jersey.

2.5h Book aheadBook the first available entry window for the coolest and least crowded visit.

Buy online in advance for weekends and school holidays, when entry windows can be busy.

Pairs with: Thomas Edison National Historical Park · Liberty State Park

#20Lakota Wolf PreserveIf timeSkylands4.8(1,800)

This small preserve offers guided viewing that gives a more thoughtful wildlife stop than a conventional zoo. Its appeal is specific and intimate, making it best for animal-minded visitors already exploring the Delaware Water Gap area.

1.5h Book aheadBook an early tour, especially in warm weather.

Reserve ahead for weekend tours and confirm the schedule, which is more limited than at a large zoo.

Pairs with: Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area · Grounds For Sculpture

#21MetLife StadiumNicheGateway4.5(28,000)

For sports and concert fans, this is the region’s marquee large-event venue and a recognizable Meadowlands landmark. It is worthwhile only when there is a game, concert, or special event that genuinely interests you.

Sells out — book weeks aheadUse public transport or prebook parking for major events rather than relying on a last-minute drive.

For major games and concerts, buy tickets and arrange transport well ahead; event-day traffic is a serious consideration.

Pairs with: American Dream · Liberty State Park

#22Storybook LandNicheJersey Shore4.8(3,800)

This is a charming, younger-child-focused theme park rather than a general-interest New Jersey essential. It is a smart pick for families with small children staying near the southern Shore, but most other travelers can skip it.

3.5h Book aheadOpening time is best for short ride lines and cooler temperatures.

Purchase online for busy weekends and holiday-themed evenings, which can fill up.

Pairs with: Ocean City Boardwalk (Tourist attraction) · Atlantic City Boardwalk (Tourist attraction)

#23Prudential CenterNicheGateway4.5(14,000)

Newark’s principal arena matters for an NHL game, a major concert, or an event tied to a specific visit. Without tickets, there is little reason to make it a standalone sightseeing stop.

Sells out — book weeks aheadArrive early on event nights to avoid the heaviest entry and parking rush.

Buy ahead for high-demand games and concerts, and check transit options before committing to a driving plan.

Pairs with: Thomas Edison National Historical Park · Liberty State Park

#24Borgata Hotel Casino & SpaNicheJersey Shore4.4(31,000)

Among Atlantic City’s casino resorts, Borgata is a polished choice for dining, nightlife, gambling, or a show. It is not a necessary sightseeing stop unless that resort experience is part of your trip.

3h FreeWeekday evenings are easier for dining and bars than Friday and Saturday nights.

Pairs with: Atlantic City Boardwalk (Tourist attraction) · Ocean City Boardwalk (Tourist attraction)