What are the attractive, popular, cool things to do in New Jersey? Situated on the East coast of the United States, New Jersey is a historic picturesque and culturally diverse state. As the Garden State, New Jersey is not only home to beautiful natural landscapes, but also rich in historic sites, recreational activities, and urban vitality. Whether you are a visitor, student, or long-term resident, you will find fun and adventure to suit your tastes. Now, let’s start exploring the best, attractive and unique things to do in NJ.
15 Attractive Things to Do in New Jersey
Things to Do in New Jersey - Outdoor & Nature
1. Have Fun Along The Boardwalk
Although walking on the Boardwalk in Atlantic City, New Jersey, is still a must thing to do, you can also choose to ride bikes, take the electric tram or scooters on it. The boardwalk is flat, the ocean view is scenic, and the sea breeze is exhilarating. During the summer months, cycling on boardwalk is limited, yet in other times, riding is more popular. Along the Boardwalk, there is also the Steel Pier deserved to visit, with a huge observation wheel, which is an amusement park for both young and old.
2. Enjoy The Cherry Blossoms
Seeing the beauty of the cherry blossoms at Branch Brook Park is one of an enjoyable things to do in NJ. For about two weeks in each April, cherry trees with pink-and-white bloom in Branch Brook Park becomes a beautiful part of New Jersey’s spring scenery. It is the largest concentration of cherry trees in the whole nation, with a 360-acre urban oasis across Newark and Belleville. Annual Cherry Blossom Festival is held in the first half of April. There is also a bike race, a fun-run race, as well as other entertainment, vendors and food trucks for people to take part in and enjoy. Or you can just follow your own step hanging around among the blossoming beauties.
3. Go Under The Sea and Touch Sharks
Are you dreaming of touching sharks, urchins, and other aquatic or semiaquatic animals? Camden’s Adventure Aquarium can make it come true. Camden’s Adventure Aquarium, on the Camden Waterfront, is with 8,000-square-foot, containing more than 15,000 aquaitic and semiaquatic animals for visitor to closer gaze and touch. Small fishes, like clownfish, are living just behind glass portholes, while larger water dwellers, like hammerheads, are swimming above and alongside you in the Shark Tunnel. Walking the rope bridge over shark-infested water, which is just inches over the sharks, or swimming with them, is the one of the most exciting adventures in NJ. Moreover, there are free daily shows and up-close animal experiences, all included in your Adventure Aquarium admission.
New Jersey Things to Do - Food & Drink
4. Dine in French Impressionist-Style Restaurant
Jump over Monet’s “Water Lily” bridge and having a meal in Rat’s Restaurant, which decorated like a French countryside tavern. The unique French menu, including trout amandine with almonds, roasted duck breast with sour cherries, is made up with the local New Jersey productions. Relaxing under the swaying willow trees along the pond and drinking the cocktails from Rat’s menu, all the troubles can be forgettable.
5. Taste The True Seafood
There are delicious meals directly from the sea in the Garden State. In other words, New Jersey offers a true seafood from the ocean. Eating the freshest seafood in the famous restaurant called “Battello” is one of the most attractive things to do in North Jersey. Delicious Italian/Seafood cuisine, and the stunning views of the Manhattan skyline make Battelo become more and more popular in both locals and visitors. Pignoli Crusted Halibut, Day Boat Sea Scallops, and Littleneck Clam Risotto are the signature dishes. Squid Ink Campanelle and Spaghetti con Vongole are the basic dishes and also well-tasted, deserved a try.
6. Drink An Apple
Ironbound Farm is a regenerative farm and cidery in Hunterdon County New Jersey, making drink an apple to be a unique things to do in NJ. This 108-acre farm’s tasting room and market are open all year round. Hard apple ciders and seltzers are the common types. Fortified ciders also contain the brandy, herbs, and botanicals. Besides, there are some ciders cocktails with cranberries or ginger from local farm.
Things to Do in New Jersey near Me - Shopping & Health
7. Shopping American Dream
If you have no idea what to do in NJ, going shopping is one of the best things to do that you shouldn’t miss. American Dream is a premiere retail and recreation center, bosting over 400 stores and attractions. It is located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, featuring an indoor theme park, ski slope, water park, and upscale luxury stores. There are multiple floors of clothing, shoes, and accessories, and it will take at least a whole day to visit all these stores. If you feel hungry, there are over 70 food options from fast-casual to fine dining waiting for you to explore. Hanging out at American Dreams is also the fun things to do with family in NJ, as there is a Legoland Discovery Center and many theme parks for adults and childrens to experience.
8. Relax at The Spa
Spa is a common activity, however, having a Spa in New Jersey is one of the interesting things to do, as there is a famous Spa club, which is called SoJo Spa. SoJo Spa offers an wonderful wellness experience. It is a new-concept Korean bath house, bringing you global spa cultures and treatments under one roof. The heated pools and therapeutic baths are open all year round, unique saunas and therapy rooms are also deserved a try, and there are also SoJo boutique hotels for you to explore. Relax, detox, and rejuvenate, all can be achieved in SoJo Spa Club.
Things to Do in NJ - Arts & Recreations
9. Appreciate Jersey City's Art Scene
Murals and street arts are the meaningful things to see in New Jersey USA. The Jersey City Mural Arts Program (JCMAP) is established by the Mayor’s Office, aiming for a citywide beautification effort. You can spend a whole day walking or driving around Jersey City, New Jersey, appreciating the murals and street arts. Moreover, JCMAP also sponsors Mural Art Festivals, inviting many street artists to join and create during the festival. Visitors can observe them in action and engage with their favorite artists, and the whole atmosphere is welcoming, friendly and vibrant.
10. Watching Cowtown Rodeo
If you’re traveling to New Jersey in the summer, you may even catch a rodeo performance. Most locals reflected that seeing the Cowtown Rodeo is one of the unique things to do in New Jersey summer, held in every weekend from annual May through September, and there are The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) hosts finals each year in December. During the rodeo, you can see bull riding, steer wrestling, saddle-bronc riding, bareback riding, team roping and barrel racing.
What to Do in New Jersey? - Sports & Games
11. Go Karting
Pursuing fast and furious? If yes, visiting New Jersey Motorsports Park in Millville is one of your top things to do in New Jersey. Have a brief overview of the kart, wear a helmet, neck brace, fireproof suit and gloves, and then go karting for 15-20 laps around the track. Tempest Raceway is considered one of the top outdoor karting complexes in the U.S., which includes two challenging tracks, Avenger and Liberator.
12. Attend Devils Games
The New Jersey Devils are a professional ice hockey team based in Newark, New Jersey. Nowadays, with a roster featuring emerging talents and seasoned veterans, each game promises excitement and competitive hockey. Attending a Devils game is also the things to do New Jersey during the day or at night, which offers an electrifying atmosphere, with fans cheering for their team and enjoying various in-arena experiences. Moreover, The Devils also host themed nights and special events throughout the season, enhancing the overall game-day experience.
Things to Do in New Jersey Today - History & Science
13. Reflect, Feel & Remember
Liberty State Park, located in Jersey City, New Jersey, is a stunning urban park that offers breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island. In the Liberty State park, visitors can enjoy recreational activities such as walking, biking, and fishing along the waterfront. Visitors can also take the ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, or boating and canoeing on the Hudson River and New York Bay. Additionally, the NJ Empty Sky 9/11 Memorial honors the victims of the September 11 attacks, where is also a place to quietly reflect, feel and remember.
14. Explore Science
Looking for cool, new, and fun things to do in NJ? Liberty Science Center has you covered. There are 12 exhibition halls inside Liberty Science Center, bringing you to visit numerous animals, challege climbing, navigate a dark maze, enjoy a cosmic joyride under an 89-foot dome screen. Moreover, there is Jack Horner’s Dino Dig exhibition during the summer. Both kids and adults can learn more science here, and almost everything in the 300,000-square-foot space is interactive, inspiring people’s curiosity and desire to explore science.
15. Feel Academic Atmosphere
Princeron University is the must see things in New Jersey. Nassau Hall is the oldest building on campus, a symbol of the university’s history. Princeton University Chapel is a magnificent building, decorated with stained glass and unique masonry. Princeton University Art Museum offers free admission and informative tours, and the Lake Carnegie provides a tranquile and beautiful natural areas for picnics and recreation activities.
How Can uhomes.com Help?
In addition to providing 15 things to do in NJ, uhomes.com offers a wide range of safe and cozy places to live in for students studying and working in New Jersey. With uhomes.com, you can easily find the right student housing for yourself. From the detailed apartments information, transparent price comparison, to 24/7 professional customer service, and simple room booking process, uhomes.com creates a worry-free living experience for students.
Conclusion on Things to Do in New Jersey
New Jersey is not only a place full of history and culture, but also a vibrant and fun destination. Whether you’re here to study, work, or visit, its natural beauty and urban vibrancy will make for an unforgettable experience. The above 15 things to do in New Jersey are all worth visiting, and no matter where you live or what season it is, there’s something to cater to everyone.
FAQs About Things to Do in New Jersey
What is New Jersey most popular for?
New Jersey is famous for the Jersey Shore which is a beautiful and legendary coastline with sandy beaches, vibrant boardwalks, and cool and lively atmosphere. Relaxing at the Jersey Shore has also been set as one of the best things to do in New Jersey for no matter visitors and residents. Along the Jersey Shore in NJ, people can enjoy the sunshine, sea breeze, surf, and entertainment.
Is New Jersey good for tourists?
Yes, New Jersey is considered as a nice destination for tourists, where containing a mix of beautiful nature, beaches, vibrant city life, outdoor activities, and historical sites, as well as easy access to nearby Philadelphia and New York City.
What's the coldest month in New Jersey?
January is the coldest month in New Jersey with the mean Temperature at 1 ℃. If you plan to visit New Jersey in Jaunuary, it’s better to wear warmer clothes, or to explore the fun indoor things to do in New Jersey.
