Boost your mood with these top 5 ways to experience New Jersey’s destinations

Enjoy a good-for-the-soul, Garden State getaway, filled with beaches, outdoor adventure, family fun, unique cuisine, historic wonders and more!

New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism/for PhillyVoice

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Create your next escape in the feel-great state—New Jersey! Take a peek at these top five, something-for-everyone ways to boost your mood. Then, start planning your well-deserved vacation, long weekend or quick daytrip.

1. Dive into the world-famous Jersey Shore

Welcome to pure paradise: 130 miles of Atlantic coastline and beloved oceanside delights. White-sand beaches, beautiful barrier islands and bays, and charming towns provide ideal settings for an array of pursuits.

From Sandy Hook with its beckoning lighthouse and fort over 250 years old, down to Victorian-style Cape May—and lots in between—pinpoint your perfect spot among dozens of beaches.

Families treasure Long Beach Island. Surfers love Long Branch, Brigantine, Manasquan and Belmar. Catch some fishing in Island Beach State Park, or simply relax in laid-back Avalon and Ocean Grove.

Stroll the boardwalk, and enjoy rides, water parks, mini-golf, games and treats, at places like Seaside Heights, Point Pleasant Beach, Ocean City and Wildwood.

2. Explore the outdoors at your own pace

Find your path and harmonize with nature. Pick from peaceful gardens and arboretums and dozens of state parks, forests, recreation areas and historic sites run by the NJ Division of Parks & Forestry.

And did you know the National Park Service manages units throughout New Jersey? Embark on the 72-mile stretch of Appalachian Trail from High Point State Park (Sussex), Stokes State Forest (Branchville), Wawayanda State Park (Hewitt) and Worthington State Forest (Columbia).

3. Check out all-ages attractions

Family-friendly attractions encompass amusement parks, aquariums, arcades, zoos and much more.

In Jackson, find Six Flags Great Adventure. New in 2021: the Jersey Devil Coaster, the world's tallest, fastest, longest single rail coaster. Splash around Hurricane Harbor water park. At Wild Safari Drive-Thru Adventure, watch for 1,200 animals, including elephants, rhinos, tigers, giraffes and lions!

4. Go for the good-mood food and nightlife

Celebrate the Garden State’s many fabulous flavors, including farm-fresh fruits and veggies. Dine at distinctive restaurants serving local and global delicacies.

On the Anthony Bourdain Food Trail, trace the celebrity chef’s culinary roots, with ten stops spanning Fort Lee to Camden. Hit the town for unique cuisine and entertainment, in urban hotspots such as Atlantic City, Newark, Jersey City and Hoboken.

Tour and sample 200+ wineries, breweries and distilleries, pouring eclectic, award-winning beverages.

5. Discover amazing history, art and culture

Museums, galleries and sites statewide reveal a fascinating past. Dig deeper on trip itineraries that navigate New Jersey’s heart and soul.

Salute its pivotal role during the American Revolution and our nation’s legendary journey to victory. Honor inspiring lives on the Black Heritage Trail. Road trip on eight Scenic Byways, iconic routes leading you to authentic sights with scenic, natural, recreational, cultural, historic and archaeological significance.

You’ll find additional trip ideas, shopping and accommodations at visitnj.org. It’s where you can also download a free NJ travel guide or sign up for e-news from the New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism.