New Jersey, United States: Best Things to Do - Top Picks

Are you ready to find the hidden gems and must-see spots in the Garden State? New Jersey is full of exciting experiences. You can enjoy thrilling theme parks, amazing wildlife, beautiful beaches, and top-notch entertainment. No matter if you love nature, adventure, or culture, there's something here for you.

Key Takeaways

• New Jersey has a wide range of attractions, from top theme parks to stunning natural spots.
• Check out the state's lively cities, like Newark and Atlantic City, for fun and culture.
• See the natural beauty of New Jersey's beaches, parks, and wildlife areas for outdoor fun.
• Dive into the state's rich history, from Ellis Island to Princeton University's historic sites.
• Feel the excitement of the Jersey Shore with its famous boardwalks, casinos, and parks.

Six Flags Great Adventure and Safari

Six Flags Great Adventure and Safari is in the heart of New Jersey. It's a top spot for fun, with thrilling rides, amazing safari experiences, and cool water park fun. It's a favorite for families and thrill-seekers, covering 510 acres.

Roller Coaster and Ride Excitement

The park is famous for its world-class roller coasters. Kingda Ka is the tallest and fastest in North America. The Jersey Devil Coaster is the tallest, fastest, and longest single-rail coaster. There are also rides for families, like the Enchanted Teacups and the Barnstormer, coming in summer 2023.

Safari Adventure and Wildlife Encounters

The Six Flags Safari Off-Road Adventure is a highlight. It's a 350-acre drive-through where you can see over 1,200 animals from six continents. You can see elephants, giraffes, lions, and bears up close.

Splash-Filled Fun at Hurricane Harbor

Hurricane Harbor water park is another great part of the park. It has water rides for all, from fast slides to a lazy river. It's perfect for cooling off after all the excitement.

At Six Flags Great Adventure and Safari, you can find everything from thrilling coasters to animal encounters and water fun. It's a top spot in New Jersey for unforgettable family memories.

"Visiting Six Flags Great Adventure is like stepping into a world of endless thrills and wonder. The park offers something for everyone, from the daring roller coaster enthusiasts to the animal-loving explorers. It's a true gem of the Garden State." - Sarah, New Jersey resident

Liberty State Park

Liberty State Park is a hidden treasure in New Jersey. It spans 1,212 acres and offers stunning views of the New York City skyline, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island.

Guests can enjoy a calm walk along the 2-mile Liberty Walk Promenade. Here, they can see the Hudson River and iconic landmarks. The park has large green areas, picnic spots, and a children's playground for a fun day outside.

The park also has the Empty Sky 9/11 Memorial, honoring New Jersey victims of 9/11. There's a Nature Interpretive Center and a 36-acre salt marsh for wildlife watching and learning.

Even though the ferry to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty is closed, the park's views are still amazing. Liberty State Park is a top spot for urban outdoor recreation in New Jersey.

"Liberty State Park offers a breathtaking backdrop for urban outdoor recreation, with unparalleled views of the New York City skyline, Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island."

American Dream Mall

Step into a world of endless fun at the American Dream Mall in New Jersey. This huge indoor spot has lots of attractions for all ages and interests.

Thrilling Rides and Aquatic Adventures

For those who love excitement, the Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park is a must-see. It has over 35 thrilling rides, including the world's steepest Shellraiser roller coaster. The DreamWorks Water Park, the biggest indoor waterpark in North America, offers an 81-degree wave pool and many slides and water activities.

Year-Round Winter Wonderland

The American Dream Mall is open all year. It has Big Snow, the first indoor ski and snowboard resort in North America. You can ski, snowboard, or just enjoy the snow without feeling cold.

Endless Exploration and Entertainment

The mall also has lots of other fun spots. There's the Tilt Museum with cool paradox exhibits, Angry Birds mini-golf, and the Sea Life Aquarium with over 3,000 marine creatures.

The American Dream Mall offers something for everyone. Whether you want a thrilling day or a calm day of exploring, you'll find it here.

Cape May County Park and Zoo

The Cape May County Park and Zoo is a top spot for nature lovers and animal fans. It's free to visit and covers 85 acres. Here, you can see many animals, from alpacas to snow leopards.

The zoo has lots of fun activities. You can take private tours to see animals up close. You can also adopt an animal to help with their care and get a special certificate.

The zoo's beautiful landscapes and trails are perfect for exploring. You can see birds and monkeys up close. It's a great place for learning and fun for all ages.

Looking for fun with your family or a chance to learn about animals? The Cape May County Park and Zoo is the place to go. It's free and full of amazing animals. Make memories with your loved ones here.

Jenkinson's Boardwalk and Aquarium

Jenkinson's Boardwalk and Aquarium in Point Pleasant Beach is a gem along the Jersey Shore. It's just an hour from New York City and Philadelphia. For over 30 years, it has brought joy with its boardwalk charm and endless fun.

Walk along the sandy beach, where lifeguards watch from 9:30am to 5:30pm. Enjoy Kohr's ice cream and fresh seafood. The aquarium is a must-see, with marine life like seals, sharks, penguins, and more. Admission is $10 for kids 3 and up, and $16 for adults.

The amusement park at Jenkinson's has rides for all ages. No more paper tickets; now, a card is used for each ride. You can buy unlimited ride wristbands or packages to make the most of your visit.

The boardwalk also has classic games like skeeball and basketball at four spots. Mini golf costs $9 for kids and $12.50 for adults.

Every Thursday, the boardwalk lights up with fireworks. The nearby downtown area has shops and restaurants for more fun.

Jenkinson's Boardwalk and Aquarium is perfect for fun, relaxation, or nostalgia. It's a family-friendly spot with amazing marine life and a timeless feel. It's a favorite for generations.

"Jenkinson's Boardwalk and Aquarium has been a staple for more than 30 years, offering a classic Jersey Shore experience that never gets old."

Adventure Aquarium

In the heart of Camden, New Jersey, the Adventure Aquarium is a top spot for those who love the sea. It's home to over 8,500 aquatic species. You'll see colorful fish, hippos, sea turtles, and many sharks.

The 81-foot Shark Bridge is a highlight. It lets you walk over a 550,000-gallon tank to see sharks up close. For a deeper dive, the shark tunnel surrounds you with these amazing creatures.

It's also home to Little Blue Penguins, a rare sight in the U.S. You can watch these cute birds and learn about their world.

The aquarium has more than just sharks, sea turtles, and penguins. There are interactive experiences, 3D movies, and touch pools. The KidZone is perfect for little ones. The Piranha Falls exhibit feels like a rainforest, with waterfalls and greenery.

For a close-up look at sharks, sea turtles, and penguins, visit the Adventure Aquarium in Camden, New Jersey. It's a great place to learn about and enjoy the wonders of the sea.

Sandy Hook

Sandy Hook is a special place in New Jersey, part of the Gateway National Recreation Center. It has beautiful beaches, peaceful hiking trails, and a lively maritime forest. This area is a treasure, letting visitors enjoy the Garden State's natural beauty.

The park has over seven miles of beaches. They are great for swimming, sunbathing, and finding interesting shells. Lifeguards watch over the beaches from 10 am to 6 pm during summer. There's also a five-mile paved trail for biking, running, and walking.

Nature lovers will love the park's wildlife. Sandy Hook is home to over 300 bird species, making it a top spot for birdwatching. The maritime forest is a special place where coastal and inland habitats meet. It's full of different plants and animals.

Sandy Hook is perfect for a relaxing beach day, a hike, or learning about its history and wildlife. It's a hidden gem in the Gateway National Recreation Center. Plan your visit to see the amazing sights Sandy Hook has to offer.

Turtle Back Zoo

The Turtle Back Zoo is in West Orange, New Jersey. It's a top spot for animal lovers and those who love adventure. The zoo has 140 animals from 40 species, showing the natural world from around the globe.

The African Adventure exhibit is a big hit. Here, you can see giraffes eating up to 75 pounds of food a day. The Sea Turtle Recovery facility helps these amazing sea creatures, with five tanks for their care.

The Butterfly Tent is a special place. For just $2, you can see these colorful insects up close. The Treetop Adventure Course is open weekends until November. It's for those who love a challenge, with a height and weight limit.

The zoo has lots of extras. You can park for free, rent strollers, and ride the choo-choo train. And don't forget to try the shaved ice to cool off.

At the Turtle Back Zoo, you can see many animal habitats. You can also try the Treetop Adventure Course or just enjoy the peaceful surroundings. It's a day full of adventure and learning.

The Turtle Back Zoo is in the South Mountain Reservation. It's a treasure in New Jersey, mixing wildlife, adventure, and fun for families.

New Jersey, United States: Best Things to Do - Top Picks

New Jersey is a top spot for travelers of all ages and interests. You can find everything from thrilling rides at Six Flags Great Adventure to the natural beauty of Sandy Hook. It's a place where everyone can find something fun to do.

At American Dream Mall, you can enjoy theme parks, water parks, and shopping all in one place. Don't miss the stunning views from Liberty State Park. It offers amazing views of Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty.

For classic boardwalk fun, visit Jenkinson's Boardwalk and Aquarium. Here, you can ride, play games, and see marine life up close. There are also family-friendly zoos and aquariums like Adventure Aquarium and Turtle Back Zoo for learning and fun.

Learn about New Jersey's history at Princeton University or at the many historic sites around the state. These sites show the state's important role in the Revolutionary War and the Industrial Revolution.

New Jersey has something for everyone, from adventures to cultural experiences. It's a memorable East Coast destination. Start planning your trip to the Garden State today.

New Jersey is full of attractions for a memorable visit. Whether you're looking for thrills, natural beauty, culture, or family fun, it's all here. Start planning your trip to the Garden State today.

Conclusion

New Jersey is a state full of attractions for all ages and interests. You can find thrilling rides at Six Flags Great Adventure or enjoy nature at Sandy Hook. The state also offers indoor fun at the American Dream Mall and scenic views at Liberty State Park.

With its 130-mile coastline, New Jersey is perfect for beach lovers. You can explore iconic boardwalks in Atlantic City and Asbury Park. The state's charm goes from Cape May's quaint towns to Jersey City's bustling life.

New Jersey has something for everyone, whether you want excitement, relaxation, or culture. Its close location to New York City makes it a great base for exploring the East Coast. So, get ready to explore the Garden State's wonders for an unforgettable trip.