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9 Reasons to Spend a Week in New Jersey

If you’re planning a vacation, New Jersey may not be the first spot that you have in mind. First, compare and find cheap motels with Motel Matcher. Then, with that being said, in addition to cute, historic towns and great beaches, New Jersey is also known for its casinos. In this article, we will list some of our top reasons to visit this state that you may not have considered—with any luck, they’ll be helpful when you’re planning your next vacation with friends or family.

Keep reading to learn why you should be making New Jersey your next travel destination. 

9 reasons to visit New Jersey

New Jersey has great beaches

New Jersey has a lot of options to choose from besides the Jersey Shore, popularized by the hit reality TV show of the same name. Famous beaches include Cape May and Ocean Grove, which feature scenic towns with a variety of attractions. There are also a variety of resorts dotted along the state’s 130-some miles of coastline.

Access to New York City

Many parts of New Jersey are just a stone’s throw away from New York City, making the City That Never Sleeps easily accessible from cities like Hoboken and Jersey City. If you’re planning a trip to Manhattan but don’t want to spend Manhattan money—or your time located in the heart of the city’s hustle and bustle—New Jersey can be a quieter, mellower option that still lets you enjoy views of the city, which is only ever a taxi ride away.

New Jersey has a thriving music scene

Some of the most excellent musicians in American music history hail from this state. With the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Jon Bon Jovi, and Frank Sinatra all calling New Jersey their home state, it’s safe to say that it’s produced its fair share of music legends. The music scene in Jersey is still thriving, so you can be sure to catch a great show during your time there.

There are a lot of natural attractions

Despite some of the stereotypes you may have in your mind about New Jersey, this state is home to miles of forests and wildlife, including the Pine Barrens—a forest full of miles of protected pine trees. You can also branch out and visit some of the fantastic waterfalls or a wide variety of hiking trails. It may not be the most obvious pick for enjoying nature, but it’s actually one of the best you’ll find on the East Coast.

Dozens of cute historical towns

New Jersey is one of the oldest states in America. It has a rich, deep history that stretches all the way back to the earliest days of European presence in the continent and is home to some of the earliest British colonies. Because of this, there are plenty of towns with historical buildings and plenty of attractions, such as ghost tours, museums, and more. This makes New Jersey one of the best spots in America when it comes to experiencing some United States history.

Some of the best food you can find

New Jersey is a lot like New York City and other parts of the Northeast because there is a wide variety of fantastic food options. This is due to the high amount of diversity in the state—with groups from all across the world migrating to New Jersey in the late 19^th century, including Irish, Italians, Poles, Puerto Ricans, and people from countries all across the Near and Middle East, like Syria and Afghanistan.

All of these groups have contributed to New Jersey’s rich food culture—but another treat you can enjoy in this state is the classic, old-fashioned American diner. Because of its proximity to Philadelphia, it’s also known for its amazing Philly cheesesteak sandwiches.

The excellent beer and wine scene

New Jersey is home to some of the best wineries and craft breweries you’ll find on the Eastern Seaboard. Not only can you find some amazing options by attending tasting events at some of these locations — these beers and wines are also often available exclusively in New Jersey bars and restaurants, so you’re sure to find something you haven’t tried before. You’ll also enjoy lower prices than you’ll come across in places like Napa Valley, which is more typically known for its wine selections.

The kite and hot air balloon festivals

New Jersey is home to many festivals, but some of the best ones you’ll catch are the kite and hot air balloon festivals, which can be an excellent activity to enjoy with your family. The state is home to one of the biggest annual kite festivals globally, the International Kite Festival, which attracts thousands of visitors every year, making it the largest event of its kind anywhere in North America. 

For ballooning fans, the Annual QuickCheck’s Festival of Ballooning will celebrate its 40^th year in 2022 and will be complete with games, ballooning, and plenty of food and beverages to enjoy.

The casinos in New Jersey are almost as good as Vegas

Atlantic City has some of the best casinos, not just on the East Coast but in the country. There are plenty of resort casino options that provide luxury accommodations, fancy pools, excellent food, shows, and more—in addition to the vast number of games you can play, including slots, poker, blackjack, craps, and more. Though it may not be the first spot to come to mind if you’re looking to do a little gambling, it’s definitely one of the best you’ll find outside of Vegas.

Conclusion

With any luck, this list helped inspire you to explore everything that New Jersey has to offer. Despite its small size, this state is rich in just about everything you could want. From its deep and colorful history stretching back to the pilgrims, to more recent immigrants, to the food and music culture, to beaches, casinos, and more, you’re sure to find something fun to do. Consider making this your next destination for a family vacation or trip with friends—you won’t regret it!