Central Jersey Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

A large white house with a grey roof, surrounded by lush green grass and trees.
A statue of a robed figure in a museum.
A historic building with ivy-covered walls and a statue in front.
An art gallery with paintings on display.
A garden with a variety of plants, a statue, and a pond.

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.

APA Hotel Woodbridge

APA Hotel Woodbridge

4 out of 5
120 Wood Avenue South Iselin NJ
The price is £68 per night from 2 Sept to 3 Sept
£68
2 Sept - 3 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Iselin. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,871 reviews)
"Hotel was clean and very accessible. The room rates were to my liking. Staff were very friendly and accommodating. Plenty of parking if you are traveling by automobile."

Reviewed on 25 Aug 2026

APA Hotel Woodbridge
Hyatt Regency Princeton

Hyatt Regency Princeton

4 out of 5
102 Carnegie Ctr Princeton NJ
The price is £99 per night from 7 Sept to 8 Sept
£99
7 Sept - 8 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Princeton. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,406 reviews)
"Convenient location by the Universities. Festive atmosphere for Reunions. Spacious and clean hotel."

Reviewed on 25 Aug 2026

Hyatt Regency Princeton
The Garden Executive Hotel

The Garden Executive Hotel

3 out of 5
101 New World Way South Plainfield NJ
The price is £56 per night from 30 Aug to 31 Aug
£56
30 Aug - 31 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in South Plainfield. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.4/10 Very good! (1,046 reviews)
"I had a great stay I will be coming back"

Reviewed on 25 Aug 2026

The Garden Executive Hotel
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.
Romantic Herringbone Cottage - In Our Little English Village

Romantic Herringbone Cottage - In Our Little English Village

New Hope PA
Stay at this cottage in New Hope. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and patios. Popular attractions Peddler's Village and New Hope–Lambertville Bridge are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (139 reviews)
"The cottage and the property it is on has a very old and extremely interesting history! The hosts Kurt and his mother Eleanor welcomed us with an introduction and synopsis of the property! It’s only a two minute drive to the center of New Hope but the walk there via the canal trail is the best way ..."

Reviewed on 16 Aug 2026

Romantic Herringbone Cottage - In Our Little English Village
Private and Cozy 2 Bedroom House with Amenities!

Private and Cozy 2 Bedroom House with Amenities!

Union Township NJ
Stay at this holiday home in Hunterdon County. Enjoy laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions Pattenburg House & Restaurant and Hoffman Park ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (11 reviews)
"This was a great home base for our stay! We didn't spend much time at the house so size wasn't an issue, though the staircase was narrower than expected -just take a little extra care there. Mark was fantastic about communication and flexible check-in times, which we really appreciated. The one tricky ..."

Reviewed on 18 Aug 2026

Private and Cozy 2 Bedroom House with Amenities!
Charming 1-bedroom apartment on a quiet street, one mile from Princeton campus

Charming 1-bedroom apartment on a quiet street, one mile from Princeton campus

Princeton NJ
Stay at this apartment in Princeton. Enjoy laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions Delaware River Heritage Trail Lake Carnegie Trailhead ...
10/10 Exceptional! (7 reviews)
"A delightful property, immaculate and convenient. We’ll definitely stay again when visiting our daughter!"

Reviewed on 27 Jul 2026

Charming 1-bedroom apartment on a quiet street, one mile from Princeton campus
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.

Stay near popular Central Jersey attractions

Cities near Central Jersey

Explore a world of travel with Expedia