Central Jersey Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Princeton University Art Museum featuring religious aspects, interior views and art
Discover the sweeping sandy beaches, grand lighthouses, revolutionary history and many museums of this central region of New Jersey State.

Central Jersey stretches west from the rolling surf of the Atlantic to the capital city of Trenton bordering Pennsylvania. This central area offers many interesting things to see and do. Head to the beach, enjoy a museum or discover fascinating revolutionary history.

New Jersey is famed for its role in the U.S. Revolutionary War. It was on the soil of Princeton that one of the most decisive battles was fought. Visit the Princeton Battle Monument to pay respects to those who fought valiantly. The city offers architectural elegance and the grand buildings of the Ivy League university. Be sure to visit the Princeton University Art Museum for a fascinating selection of antiquities, Asian art and photography.

The Morven Museum and Garden adds to Princeton’s cultural appeal. This Colonial revival mansion with period rooms and beautiful gardens are among the region’s highlights. Get out into the fresh air at Institute Woods, where a pretty expanse of countryside offers opportunities for birdwatching and walking.

The long stretch of Central Jersey’s coastline is lined with attractive resorts. Despite damage suffered during Hurricane Sandy, the region has rebuilt and offers plenty of appeal. Head to Sandy Hook-Gateway National Recreation Area to discover the country’s oldest operating lighthouse, the Sandy Hook Lighthouse. See the Twin Lights of Navesink and spectacular views across the Bay of Sandy Hook to Manhattan in the distance.

On the western side of the state, the capital of Trenton is home to the New Jersey State Police Museum, filled with intriguing stories, guns and evidence of gruesome crimes. A short distance north is Washington Crossing State Park. Stop at the visitor center and historic buildings to learn about George Washington’s famous crossing of the Delaware River during the Revolutionary War.

Choose from several international airports. Philadelphia and Newark are the closest, but New York’s airports also offer easy connections. Whiz through the state on one of the main highways and enjoy the pretty pastoral landscape.

Where to stay in Central Jersey

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Princeton Junction

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Princeton Junction and surrounding area, you can visit Princeton University Stadium and McCarter Theatre.

Princeton Junction
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West Freehold

While West Freehold isn't home to many top sights, iPlay America and Freehold Raceway Mall are some notable places to visit nearby.

West Freehold
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South Side

You'll enjoy the restaurants and shopping in South Side. You might want to make time for a stop at Lehigh River or Delaware River.

South Side
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White Horse

While White Horse isn't home to many top sights, Grounds For Sculpture and CURE Insurance Arena are some notable places to visit nearby.

White Horse
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Yardville-Groveville

Yardville-Groveville might not have many top sights, but Grounds For Sculpture and The Record Collector are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Yardville-Groveville
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India Square

While there might not be top attractions in India Square, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Edison Memorial Tower and Woodbridge Center.

India Square
Red Roof Inn PLUS+ Newark Liberty Airport - Carteret
Red Roof Inn PLUS+ Newark Liberty Airport - Carteret
2.5 out of 5
1000 Roosevelt Ave, Carteret, NJ
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$137 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
NZ$137
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Carteret. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
5.8/10 (1,010 reviews)
Poor
"Did not real enjoy my stay because the curtains on my window were dirty, the microwave looks disgusting very old and my bed had the needle which is use to take blood sugars for diabetic patients underneath the sheets. Thank God it was not opened. The floor was a little dirty too."

Reviewed on 24 Mar. 2024

Red Roof Inn PLUS+ Newark Liberty Airport - Carteret
Radisson Hotel Freehold
Radisson Hotel Freehold
3.5 out of 5
50 Gibson Pl, Freehold, NJ
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$275 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
NZ$275
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Freehold. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,006 reviews)
"The staff was very friendly and helpful. There is so many shopping and food options within minutes of the hotel."

Reviewed on 24 Mar. 2024

Radisson Hotel Freehold
Hotel Executive Suites
Hotel Executive Suites
3.5 out of 5
30 Minue Street, Carteret, NJ
The price is NZ$181 per night from 14 Apr to 15 Apr
NZ$181
per night
14 Apr - 15 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Carteret. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
6.6/10 (1,078 reviews)
"Nice for the night"

Reviewed on 24 Mar. 2024

Hotel Executive Suites
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Posh Estates
Posh Estates
South Plainfield
Stay at this vacation home in South Plainfield. Enjoy WiFi, 4 bathrooms, and 7 bedrooms. Popular attractions Plainfield Country Club and Middlesex Mall are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
Good vibes
"The stay will was amazing as well as fhe accommodations!"

Reviewed on 25 Mar. 2024

Posh Estates
Newly Renovated 3 Bedroom Home in Ewing, NJ – Modern Comfort in a Prime Location
Newly Renovated 3 Bedroom Home in Ewing, NJ – Modern Comfort in a Prime Location
Trenton
Stay at this vacation home in Trenton. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and an onsite playground. Popular attractions Mill Hill Playhouse and Cadwalader Park ...
Newly Renovated 3 Bedroom Home in Ewing, NJ – Modern Comfort in a Prime Location
1897 MANSION 30 min to NYC Sleeps up to 26 with 12 bedrooms and 7 and 1/2 baths
1897 MANSION 30 min to NYC Sleeps up to 26 with 12 bedrooms and 7 and 1/2 baths
Plainfield
Stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Plainfield. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and an arcade/game room. Popular attractions Plainfield Country Club ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (9 reviews)
Great accommodation
"Excellent"

Reviewed on 17 Mar. 2024

1897 MANSION 30 min to NYC Sleeps up to 26 with 12 bedrooms and 7 and 1/2 baths
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Cities near Central Jersey