Places to Visit When in New Jersey
New Jersey, the Garden State, offers more than just the Jersey Shore and Atlantic City. From family-friendly attractions to scenic drives, the state is packed with history, culture, and unique landmarks. Whether you’re exploring in a car or an RV, you’ll find historic parks, quirky roadside attractions, and plenty of great places to eat along the way.
Northlandz
Home of the Great American Railway, Northlandz features 135 locomotives pulling thousands of railroad cars over eight miles of track. It holds the Guinness World Record for the largest model railroad in the world.
Yankee Doodle Tap Room
Located inside the historic Nassau Inn in Princeton, this English-style pub dates back to 1756. Visitors can enjoy 19 beers on tap, craft food selections, and a famous 13-foot Norman Rockwell mural.
Ellis Island Immigrant Hospital
Once the first public health hospital in the U.S., this historic site stands as a haunting reminder of its past, with peeling paint, worn floors, and over a million immigrant stories within its walls.
Lucy the Elephant
Built in 1882 in Margate City, Lucy is the world’s largest “elephant” at 65 feet tall and weighing 90 tons. Originally a publicity stunt, she remains a beloved New Jersey landmark.
Cowtown Rodeo
Located in Pilesgrove/Woodstown, Cowtown is the longest-running weekly rodeo in the United States, established in 1929. Visitors can watch top cowboys and cowgirls compete in a true Wild West experience.
Buttermilk Falls State Park
The tallest waterfall in New Jersey, Buttermilk Falls offers hiking, bird watching, and access to scenic areas like Hemlock Pond and Crater Lake.
Papa’s Tomato Pies
Opened in 1912, Papa’s is the oldest family-owned pizzeria in the U.S., serving authentic recipes passed down for generations.
Paranormal Museum & Bookstore
This small museum in Asbury Park features haunted objects, curiosities, and even a skull believed to be that of the Jersey Devil.
Silverball Museum Arcade
A retro arcade in Asbury Park with over 180 working pinball and arcade machines, offering an interactive look at gaming history.
Diggerland USA
The only construction-themed amusement park in the U.S., located in West Berlin. Visitors can ride and operate real construction equipment and enjoy themed attractions.
Thomas Edison National Historical Park
Explore the inventor’s home and laboratory in West Orange, where Edison developed many of his groundbreaking creations.
Birthplace of Baseball Monument
Located in Hoboken, this site honors the Knickerbocker Baseball Club, credited with shaping the rules of modern baseball in 1845.
Elsie’s – Home of the Pickle Sandwich
Since 1901, Elsie’s has been making unique sandwiches using pickles instead of bread, catering to keto and gluten-free diets.
Grounds For Sculpture
A 42-acre sculpture park in Hamilton featuring contemporary art, beautifully landscaped gardens, and a mission to promote appreciation for modern sculpture.
Fluorescent Rocks of Sterling Hill Mine
The Sterling Hill Mining Museum houses the world’s largest publicly displayed collection of fluorescent rocks, glowing in vibrant colors under black light.
