There’s a lot to love about New Jersey: the state’s rich history its diverse landscape and its close proximity to New York City.
And while it’s easy to spend your time in the Garden State exploring all that Newark and Jersey City have to offer there’s much more to see.
From the sandy shores of Cape May to the picturesque rolling hills of the Delaware Water Gap New Jersey is home to some of the most stunning scenery in the Northeast.
Here are 10 of the most beautiful places to add to your NJ bucket list.
1.
The Delaware Water Gap
The Delaware Water Gap is a 70000-acre park that stretches along the Delaware River between Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
The park is home to 40 miles of hiking trails making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
But even if you’re not the hiking type the Delaware Water Gap is worth a visit for its breathtaking views.
The best way to experience the park is by taking a scenic drive along Route 209 which runs along the river.
2.
Cape May
Cape May is a small beach town located at the southernmost tip of New Jersey.
The town is home to Victorian-style houses bed and breakfasts and a number of small shops and restaurants.
But the real draw of Cape May is its beautiful beaches.
Cape May Point State Park is a great spot for swimming sunbathing and fishing and the Cape May Lighthouse offers stunning views of the coastline.
3.
The New Jersey State Museum
The New Jersey State Museum is located in Trenton and is one of the largest museums in the state.
The museum houses a collection of art history and science exhibits as well as a planetarium and an IMAX theater.
The museum is also home to the largest Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton in the world making it a must-see for dinosaur lovers.
4.
The Jersey Shore
The Jersey Shore is a 130-mile stretch of coastline along the Atlantic Ocean.
The shore is home to a number of towns each with its own unique charm.
Asbury Park is a popular spot for live music while Seaside Heights is known for its boardwalk and amusement parks.
Long Branch is a great place to relax on the beach and Point Pleasant is perfect for fishing and crabbing.
5.
Liberty State Park
Liberty State Park is located in Jersey City and is one of the most popular parks in the state.
The park is home to a number of historical sites including the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
The park also offers stunning views of the New York City skyline.
6.
The batsto village
The Batsto Village is a historic site located in the Pinelands region of New Jersey.
The village was once a thriving iron-mining community and today it is home to a number of well-preserved buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries.
The village is also a popular spot for hiking biking and canoeing.
7.
The Great Falls of the Passaic River
The Great Falls of the Passaic River is a 77-foot waterfall located in Paterson.
The falls are the second-largest waterfall in New Jersey and are accessible via a number of hiking trails.
The falls are also a popular spot for fishing picnicking and kayaking.
8.
The Thomas Edison National Historical Park
The Thomas Edison National Historical Park is located in West Orange and is dedicated to the life and work of inventor Thomas Edison.
The park includes a number of buildings associated with Edison including his home and laboratory.
The park is also home to a museum with a number of interactive exhibits.
9.
The Princeton University campus
The Princeton University campus is located in the town of Princeton.
The campus is home to a number of historic buildings including Nassau Hall which is the oldest building on the campus.
The campus is also home to a number of libraries museums and art galleries.
10.
The Morris Canal
The Morris Canal is a historic waterway that runs through New Jersey.
The canal is 102 miles long and was once used to transport coal and iron from Pennsylvania to New York City.
Today the canal is a popular spot for fishing kayaking and hiking.