Central Jersey Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Morven which includes a house
Princeton University Art Museum featuring religious elements, art and interior views
Princeton University featuring a statue or sculpture, heritage architecture and a park
Princeton University Art Museum showing art and interior views as well as an individual male
Princeton University showing a fountain, street scenes and a park

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

Princeton which includes interior views, heritage elements and a church or cathedral

Princeton Center

If you're spending some time in Princeton Center, Palmer Square and Princeton Cemetery are top sights worth seeing.

Princeton Center
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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 University Square Shopping Center and Delaware River Heritage Trail Lake Carnegie Trailhead.

Princeton Junction
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West Freehold

4/5(1 area review)

If you're spending some time in West Freehold, iPlay America and Topgolf Swing Suite are top sights worth seeing.

West Freehold
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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 Thomas Edison Center at Menlo Park.

India Square
APA Hotel Woodbridge

APA Hotel Woodbridge

4 out of 5
120 Wood Avenue South, Iselin, NJ
The price is £92 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
£92
per night
24 Aug - 25 Aug
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Iselin. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,056 reviews)
Nice stay
"Everything was great! Carpets need updating and more toiletries for guests."

Reviewed on 1 Aug 2025

APA Hotel Woodbridge
Doubletree by Hilton Somerset Hotel and Conference Center

Doubletree by Hilton Somerset Hotel and Conference Center

4 out of 5
200 Atrium Dr, Somerset, NJ
The price is £102 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
£102
per night
10 Aug - 11 Aug
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Somerset. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,010 reviews)
"Nice staff. Great that they have an outdoor and indoor pool. Limited dining options."

Reviewed on 30 Jul 2025

Doubletree by Hilton Somerset Hotel and Conference Center
Hilton East Brunswick Hotel & Executive Meeting Center

Hilton East Brunswick Hotel & Executive Meeting Center

3.5 out of 5
3 Tower Center Blvd, East Brunswick, NJ
The price is £95 per night from 12 Aug to 13 Aug
£95
per night
12 Aug - 13 Aug
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in East Brunswick. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,005 reviews)
"It was out of the way and the parking per night I wasn’t expecting but overall it was an ok trip. Wish there was a more seamless walk from parking to the hotel."

Reviewed on 30 Jul 2025

Hilton East Brunswick Hotel & Executive Meeting Center
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 Toll Supported Bridge ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (104 reviews)
"Nice charming and historic setting with very gracious hosts."

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2025

Romantic Herringbone Cottage - In Our Little English Village
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, NJ
Stay at this family-friendly holiday home in Plainfield. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Plainfield Country Club and Ashbrook ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (30 reviews)
"It was exactly as described, very spacious and comfortable and a great kitchen with everything we needed to cook. Location is also close to some nice restaurants and a nice park."

Reviewed on 18 Jul 2025

1897 MANSION 30 min to NYC Sleeps up to 26 with 12 bedrooms and 7 and 1/2 baths
New Modern Ranch Close to it All

New Modern Ranch Close to it All

Piscataway, NJ
Stay at this holiday home in Piscataway. Enjoy laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions Middlesex Mall and Triple C Ranch and Nature Center ...
4/10 (1 review)
Convenient and in a quiet area
"Well-maintainedNice amenities"

Reviewed on 21 May 2025

New Modern Ranch Close to it All
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