Things to Do in New Jersey

Liberty State Park, a revitalized urban area in Jersey City, is a departure spot for ferries to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Once an industrial area, the land has always been crucial for arrivals to the Big Apple: The 1,000-acre park has views of the New York City skyline, the Hudson River, and the Statue of Liberty.

Shop until you drop at the Mills at Jersey Gardens. Conveniently located close to New York City, the Mills at Jersey Gardens is the largest outlet mall in New Jersey, featuring over 200 stores offering deep discounts, tax-free shopping on clothing and shoes, a movie theater, and plenty of dining options.

Located inside the Trump Taj Mahal Hotel and Casino, the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Atlantic City has a lively patio situated right on the Atlantic City Boardwalk. Inside you'll find the classic American cuisine, cocktails, and music memorabilia that the Hard Rock Cafe chain is famous for. On the plate, the burgers, smokehouse ribs, salads, and locally inspired entrees are the stars, or simply grab a drink at the Gibson guitar-shaped bar.

Be sure to a look at the memorabilia wall and video exhibits, which showcase items such as costumes and musical instruments from legends like The Beatles, Grateful Dead, The Rolling Stones, and The Red Hot Chili Peppers. The Hard Rock Cafe is always playing great music on its sound system, but also frequently brings in local musicians to play live on stage. The whole cafe is considered to be one of the best party spots in Atlantic City.

Enjoy an exciting day of rides, animals, and fun at Six Flags Great Adventure & Safari. Spanning 510 acres (206 hectares, with both a theme park and a safari animal park, it’s one of the largest amusement parks in the world. Offering more than 100 rides and attractions, it’s an ideal destination for families and thrill seekers alike.

Enjoy all the fun and games of a classic seaside amusement park at Morey’s Piers and Beachfront Water Parks on the Jersey Shore. Spanning 18 acres (7.3 hectares and stretching for six beach blocks, Morey’s is made up of three amusement piers and two beachfront water parks, offering more than 130 rides and attractions.

New Jersey’s Cape Liberty Cruise Port serves as a gateway to New York City, which is located just across the Hudson River. Travel from the port to tour the city, visit its cultural institutions, and see a Broadway show. Cape Liberty is also a jumping-off point for a beach trips to the Jersey Shore and foliage tours in upstate New York.

Stay cool over the summer and enjoy thrilling rides at Clementon Park and Splash World. One of the oldest theme parks in the country, the park offers more than 25 rides and attractions across the amusement park and water park, including roller coasters, carnival rides, wave pools, waterslides, rapids, and adventure-play areas.

Step back in time to the “age of homespun” (1789-1840) at Historic Cold Spring Village. Spanning 30 acres (12 hectares), Cold Spring Village is the largest open-air living history museum in New Jersey. See history come to life through its 27 restored historic buildings, costumed interpreters, demonstrations, and interactive activities.

Few dinner shows compare to Medieval Times. The long-running attraction combines an 11th-century feast with an exciting family-friendly performance, complete with jousting and sword fights. Perfect for travelers looking for a not-so-typical night out, Medieval Times is a mix of fairy tale and spectacle.