Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway or a family vacation, New Jersey offers couples and families a diverse range of options. Check into a historic golf hotel, head to Atlantic City, relax on the beaches of Cape May, or plan a stay at a quiet NJ inn or lodge for a weekend of spa treatments, sunbathing on the beach and great food. Here are 4 cool New Jersey vacation ideas.
1. Ocean City
Ocean City, NJ, is one of the prettiest and oldest places to visit in the Garden State, with one unfortunate caveat: It’s a dry town. Don’t let that deter you though, the spot is still one of the most popular weekend getaways from NYC. From oceanside to bayside, the town is bursting with amazing sights to see, as well as some of the best restaurants for delicious eats and the best candy stores to grab sweet treats. Bikes are a shore staple, and there is clearly no better way to travel—even if you’re not going anywhere in particular—than by riding a two-wheeler while enjoying the ocean views and fresh, salty-air along the way. Rent bikes and take a trek down the boardwalk or around town, and stop whenever you see something that strikes your fancy.
2. Princeton
Princeton is a small city in New Jersey and one of the world’s most famous college towns. Established in 1675 near the banks of the Delaware River, Princeton became the place of high-quality education with the completion of Nassau Hall in 1754. Stroll along the downtown Nassau Street, visit the historic Palmer Square, explore the Princeton University Art Museum, watch a show at the McCarter Theater, and listen to the Westminster Choir. This beautiful little city, with a population of around 30,000, has a beautiful sub-urban charm but is still located in the heart of New Jersey with New York City and Philadelphia just a short train ride away. Princeton Homes for Sale are booming at present, and this once genuinely quaint center of town, into a crowded faux-Colonial strip of upscale stores. The downtown area’s trendiness hit its apex this winter, perhaps, with the opening of no less than five coffee bars.
3. Atlantic City
Atlantic City is more than just casinos and fodder for Bruce Springsteen songs. Once referred to as “America’s Favorite Playground,” AC was best known in the 19th and early-20th century for being the resort destination for rich New Yorkers and Philadelphians. In the ‘70s, after the legalization of casino gambling, the city became the East Coast’s answer to Vegas. Even after the past few years of hardships, AC is still a unique and historical destination worthy of a visit.
You’ll want to get a look at the full boardwalk and everything it has to offer, but if you’re feeling especially lazy, hop on the boardwalk tram, which, for just $2.25, gets you a glimpse of The Tropicana, Steel Pier, and Boardwalk Hall and more iconic boardwalk spots. If you get distracted by all of Atlantic City’s other offerings, remember that AC is ultimately a shore town. Don’t forget to spend some time doing absolutely nothing but enjoying the beach.
