New Jersey has a beautiful coastline, lovely natural areas, and interesting historical sites to visit on a trip to the state. In fact, there’s so much to do that you may want to make a New Jersey bucket list to help you keep track of everything.
In this article, we will share our favorite New Jersey bucket list ideas so you can get started making a list of your own.
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area has river valleys, hemlock forests, and rhododendron-filled ravines. There are lots of opportunities for outdoor recreation or relaxation, and there are historic villages to explore in the area as well.
Ellis Island | Statue of Liberty National Monument
You can board a boat that will take you to the Statue of Liberty National Monument, and then on to Ellis Island. Although the Statue of Liberty is in New York, Ellis Island is in both New York and New Jersey.
The island was once the gateway to the American Dream. Today, it holds the stories of the 12 million immigrants who landed here in search of a better life. Learn about these people at Ellis Island.
Gateway National Recreation Area
Green spaces, beaches, historic structures, and cultural landscapes come together to create the beautiful Gateway National Recreation Area. The area has military installations, wildlife refuges, and historical sites and offers exceptional views of the Manhattan skyline.
Lower Delaware National Wild and Scenic River
The Delaware River is the largest free-flowing river in the eastern United States. You can enjoy boating, fishing, biking, and touring the historical sites that are along a scenic drive near the river at the Lower Delaware National Wild and Scenic River park.
Morristown National Historical Park
Located where General Washington and his army spent the frigid winter of 1779 and 1780, Morristown National Historical Park is a fascinating historic place to visit. Learn about what these soldiers endured in their fight for freedom during one of the coldest winters in recorded New Jersey history.
New Jersey Pinelands National Reserve
New Jersey Pinelands National Reserve is the country’s first national reserve. Here you will find farms, forests, wetlands, and plenty of ways to enjoy the beauty of nature.
Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park
Paterson, New Jersey was America’s first planned industrial city. It was built in 1792 and centered around the beautiful Great Falls, which provided the power needed to run a mill. From this humble beginning rose industries that changed the history of the country. Visit the Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park to learn more.
Thomas Edison National Historical Park
Step back in time and pay a visit to Thomas Edison’s home and laboratory. See his inventions in action and get a feel for what life might have been like for this great mind at Thomas Edison National Historical Park.
National Trails
The National Park Service also maintains several trails that run through New Jersey. These share both beautiful scenery and interesting history lessons.
They include:
Stroll Grounds for Sculpture
A beautiful park in Hamilton, Grounds for Sculpture features plenty of wonderful art, well-manicured gardens, and even a cafe with delicious food. The park caters to those with disabilities via tours designed especially for those in wheelchairs, as well as touch tours for the blind. Additionally, the park offers special events throughout the year.
Snap a Photo of the Red Mill
The Red Mill is one of the most photographed spots in New Jersey. The mill is striking, and the scenery around it is equally beautiful. The mill is also a museum, and there is a quarry, a schoolhouse, a log cabin, and a blacksmith.
Get Hands-On at the Liberty Science Center
The Liberty Science Center is the ideal destination for families. Learn about various kinds of energy, explore the history of communication, and learn how animals hunt their prey at this museum.
Explore Atlantic City
Whether you prefer gaming, fine dining, shows, shopping, beaches, or amusement parks, there is something for you in Atlantic City. There are also lots of events and festivals in town – many of them free!
See the High Point Monument and View
High Point Monument is beautiful, and the view from the spot where it stands is incredible. This is the highest point in New Jersey, and if the sky is clear, you might see both New York and Pennsylvania from this beautiful spot.
Visit Liberty State Park
Liberty State Park has plenty of greenery, so it’s a great place to get your fill of nature. The location on the Hudson River means you have fantastic water views as well. Look across the water to admire Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, and be sure to spend some time at the 9/11 memorial within the park.
Spend Time in the Cape May Historic District
Easily one of the most quaint and adorable towns in the country, Cape May is a must-visit during your time in New Jersey. While you’re there, be sure to spend time in the town’s historic district. Enjoy the beautiful views, the classy Victorian architecture, and check out the Cape May Lighthouse and World War II Lookout Tower.
Check Out Cape May Zoo
An absolutely adorable little zoo, the Cape May Zoo is a great stop for anyone with kids (and plenty of adults, too!) The zoo features a surprising variety of animals considering its size, including our favorite: the red panda. Playgrounds are located right outside the zoo, as are some great picnic spots. The zoo also has free admission.
Learn at Battleship New Jersey
Battleship New Jersey is the most decorated battleship museum in the United States. The memorial and museum do an excellent job of presenting information on the USS New Jersey and the history surrounding it.
Gather Cape May Diamonds
Cape May’s Sunset Beach is the perfect place for a morning stroll or an afternoon nap. This beach also offers guests the opportunity to hunt for lovely little quartz pebbles known as Cape May Diamonds.
Have Fun at the Ocean City Boardwalk
The Ocean City Boardwalk is a 3-mile stretch of fun for everyone. Whether you choose to keep it simple with a stroll along the famous boardwalk or visit the carousel or Life-Saving Station Museum, you’re sure to have a good time at this bustling spot.
Befriend Wolves at the Lakota Wolf Preserve
Learn all about wolves and spend some time observing them at the Lakota Wolf Preserve. You can also see bobcats, lynx, and foxes at the preserve.
Get Fresh Air at Frelinghuysen Arboretum
Frelinghuysen Arboretum is gorgeous, and the staff and volunteers there do a wonderful job of educating guests about horticulture and the natural world. After strolling the grounds, be sure to stop by Matilda’s Cafe for a bite to eat!
Tour the Wallace House & Old Dutch Parsonage
The Wallace House is an amazing Georgian-style house. It was used by General Washington and his soldiers as a base from 1778 to 1789. If you enjoy history, you’re sure to love this stop, as well as its sister tour at the Old Dutch Parsonage.
Wander the Princeton University Art Museum
Art enthusiasts will appreciate the Princeton University Art Museum. This museum features ancient and modern art, and a little bit of everything in between. It’s the perfect place to discover an appreciation for art or expand your horizons, finding new pieces that you love.
Admire Emlen Physick Estate
The Ellen Physick Estate is a beautiful, historic Victorian mansion. Tour the home and learn all about Victorian architecture, home decor, and customs. You’ll also learn all about the Physick family and their household.
Dive Deep at Adventure Aquarium
An aquarium visit is fun for all ages, and Adventure Aquarium is a great addition to your New Jersey trip itinerary. The aquarium is located on the Camden waterfront and is home to more than 8,500 aquatic animals. Be sure to check out the great hammerhead sharks and the little blue penguins.
Time Travel at Historic Cold Spring Village
Historic Cold Spring Village is an excellent living history museum that allows you to imagine you’ve traveled back in time. Each historic building offers guests a different experience inside. The fiber arts demonstration, the tinsmith, the bakery, and the schoolhouse are especially interesting.
New Jersey is definitely a great place to visit, and you aren’t likely to run out of things to do while there. What you might run out of by the end of each day is energy, making comfortable lodging a necessity. Luckily, there are New Jersey RV rentals.
Staying in an RV during your time in New Jersey is a great option because you can move freely about the state, taking in all of the sights on your New Jersey bucket list and sleeping in a comfortable bed each evening.
