Share this article
Last updated 4 minutes ago
This summer, travelers seem to be falling in love with America’s stunning coastlines again, with international travel taking a back seat for the first time in years.
While the usual beach destinations of California, Florida, and Hawaii remain popular, another surprising state has made the list of America’s most popular beach getaways: New Jersey.
Most visitors to the Garden State (USA) are either thrill-seekers looking to experience the iconic Atlantic City, foodies wanting to explore the incredible food scene, or history buffs looking to gain insight into America’s fascinating past.
But the record 120.5 million tourists who visited New Jersey this year also enjoyed exploring another of the state’s jewels: its 130 miles (209 kilometers) of coastline.
Below you’ll find everything you need to know in case you need a pick-me-up this summer.
An often overlooked beach hub
New Jersey’s stunning coastline isn’t necessarily its best-known asset, so let’s dive right in to Cape May, a picturesque town on the southern tip of the state that will wow you with its well-preserved Victorian architecture and gentle, light-sand beaches.
There’s no better place to enjoy the natural beauty of the Atlantic coast: the beach itself is clean and quiet, and the views are simply stunning (especially at sunset).
If that’s not enough, you can enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience on one of the many whale watching tours in the area – luckily, summer is peak season for whale watching, so pack your binoculars.
Those interested in more energetic activities might prefer Long Beach Island.
Whether it’s surfing, kayaking or paddleboarding, don’t worry, the options are endless.
Beyond the stunning scenery
There’s no denying that New Jersey’s coastline is grossly underrated, but it’s easy to understand how beaches and natural scenery can sometimes take a back seat when it comes to a place rich in history and culture.
Remember – the iconic Ellis Island, home to the Statue of Liberty, is part of New Jersey, and the Ellis Island National Immigration Museum is an absolute must-see.
Other must-see attractions in New Jersey include the Battleship New Jersey, Thomas Edison National Historical Park, New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Newark Museum of Art, and Asbury Park.
Be sure to stop by Princeton as well.
Even if you’re not particularly interested in the historical or academic aspects, the stunning Gothic architecture and wonderful gardens alone make it worth a visit.
Memorable experiences
Looking for something even more exciting?
Why not check out New Jersey’s fantastic events calendar for the next few months?
Packed with festivals, hot air balloon tours, state fairs, seafood festivals and major sporting events, there’s never a dull moment this season.
If you’re having trouble deciding where to go first, my top recommendations are the QuickChek New Jersey Balloon Festival, State Fair Meadowlands, and the Snoop Dogg and Patti LaBelle concert in Atlantic City.
A safe place for solo and family travelers
Last but not least, New Jersey is one of the safest places to travel in the entire United States, and there’s plenty of data to back up that claim.
Forbes magazine ranked the state as the fifth safest in the country, and with a violent crime rate of just 0.2%, it’s easy to see why.
Another study conducted by Inner Body Research in 2023 listed New Jersey as the safest state in the country, not only having the lowest number of assaults, but also scoring lowest for human trafficking, kidnapping, and sexual assaults.
That’s why whether you’re a solo traveler looking for some peace and quiet or a family with young children who puts safety first, heading to New Jersey this summer is the right choice.
↓Make your trip more enjoyable↓
Sign up for Travel Off Path Premium today! No ads, VIP content, personal travel concierge, huge savings, daily deals, member forums, and more!
Subscribe for the latest posts
Enter your email address and get the latest travel news from Travel Off Path delivered straight to your inbox.
This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com.
The opinions expressed here are those of the author alone and not of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or any other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
