Irresistible Things to Do in New Jersey (Plus Where to Stay, Hidden Gems & Insider Travel Hacks)

Discover the top 10 must-do activities in New Jersey — including hidden gems, luxe stays, and travel tools to make your trip effortlessly unforgettable.

Welcome to Jersey, Baby!

If you think New Jersey is just highways, Bruce Springsteen, and diners (though we do have amazing diners), honey — you are seriously missing out. From beaches that could seduce a mermaid to charming small towns that belong on a postcard, Jersey is the cool, sassy little sister of the East Coast you didn’t know you needed.

Buckle up, because we’re about to spill the tea on the top 10 things to do in New Jersey. And because you deserve more than basic tourist traps, we’re sprinkling in some hidden gems, dreamy stays, and savvy travel tools to make your trip as smooth as your favorite karaoke playlist.

1. Stroll the Iconic Asbury Park Boardwalk

Yes, that Asbury Park — where Bruce Springsteen sang his way into rock 'n' roll history. Grab a slice from Tony's Sausage, Dogs, and Cheesesteaks, score vinyl at Holdfast Records, and snap a selfie with the legendary Tillie mural.

Pro Tip: Visit in September for fewer crowds but all the seaside charm.

2. Get Lost in Grounds For Sculpture

Imagine if your favorite art museum had a lovechild with an enchanted forest. Grounds For Sculpture in Hamilton boasts over 270 jaw-dropping sculptures spread across 42 manicured acres.

Travel Hack: Grab discounted tickets with [Tiqets](https://tiqets.tp.st/h8P2EGQI) and skip the lines like the VIP you are.

3. Ride the Waves at Cape May Beaches

Gorgeous Victorian homes, dolphin cruises, and sunsets that’ll make your Instagram followers drool. Cape May is pure coastal magic.

Where to Stay: Book a cozy B\&B via [Hotellook](https://hotellook.tp.st/eTR4sPTY) for best rates.

4. Chow Down in Hoboken

Birthplace of Frank Sinatra and home to serious foodie finds. Don’t miss Fiore’s House of Quality for a mozzarella sandwich that’ll haunt your dreams.

Hidden Gem: Secret speakeasy The Winston for craft cocktails.

5. Hit the Appalachian Trail

New Jersey’s 72 miles of the Appalachian Trail deliver waterfalls, pine forests, and Instagrammable overlooks. Hike the Pochuck Boardwalk for easy, stunning views.

Need a Ride? Book a private transfer via [GetTransfer](https://gettransfer.tp.st/7ugUWF39).

6. Discover Lambertville & New Hope

This artsy river town duo straddles Jersey and Pennsylvania. Expect antique shops, art galleries, and riverside brunch spots you’ll never want to leave.

Insider Stay: Book a rustic riverside cabin with [WeGoTrip](https://wegotrip.tp.st/YVL5ihrF).

7. Explore Liberty Science Center

Channel your inner nerd at Liberty Science Center in Jersey City. Check out the nation’s largest planetarium or walk through a pitch-black, pitch-perfect sensory tunnel.

Tickets? Yup — grab ‘em with [Tiqets](https://tiqets.tp.st/h8P2EGQI).

8. Stash Your Bags and Roam

Too early to check-in or waiting for a flight? Drop your bags with [Radical Storage](https://radicalstorage.tp.st/tIES5ra9) and hit the town unburdened.

9. Take a Bike Tour of the Jersey Shore

Because nothing screams Jersey summer like cruising the shore with the wind in your hair. Rent a bike through [BikesBooking](https://bikesbooking.tp.st/lzXnwZrC) and ride from Long Branch to Asbury.

10. Sail Away on a Private Charter

Splurge on a private yacht experience with [Searadar](https://searadar.tp.st/r6KgoTXH) and get those bougie boat selfies.

Pro Tip: Bring prosecco.

Where to Stay in New Jersey

From Victorian inns to luxe modern suites, New Jersey’s got it all. Compare rates and book your stay with [Hotellook](https://hotellook.tp.st/eTR4sPTY) and [WayAway](https://wayaway.tp.st/a3ky7N3D) for maximum savings.

Hidden Gems You’ll Brag About Later

* Batsto Village: An eerie 18th-century ironworks ghost town in the Pine Barrens.

* Sterling Hill Mining Museum: Go underground and see glowing fluorescent rocks.

* The Deserted Village of Feltville: Spooky, photogenic, and oh-so-haunted.

Don’t Forget These Travel Essentials

* Airport Transfers: [KiwiTaxi](https://kiwitaxi.tp.st/cI2Zkn9s) and [Intui Travel](https://intui.tp.st/XbIyNJNl)

* Rental Cars: [Qeeq](https://qeeq.tp.st/fZzvdFjb), [EconomyBookings](https://economybookings.tp.st/bRR16EhB)

* Travel Insurance: [VisitorsCoverage](https://visitorscoverage.tp.st/YjSIozxi)

* eSIMs for Data: [Airalo](https://airalo.tp.st/YSJ1DHLl) and [DrimSim](https://drimsim.tp.st/Y3raNHJt)

Ready to plan your trip? Book your website domain and create your travel blog with [Hostinger](https://hostinger.com?REFERRALCODE=PLTMISSYAIJA) — because your adventures deserve to be shared.

Disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links. That means if you click them and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It’s how I fund my next Jersey boardwalk ice cream cone.

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Catch you on the shore, babes!