Central Jersey, NJ

Travel Guide

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

Princeton Center

While visiting Princeton Center, you might make a stop by sights like Palmer Square and Princeton Cemetery.

Princeton Center
Fried bananas and ice cream

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

4.5/5(71 area reviews)

While visiting West Freehold, you might make a stop by sights like iPlay America and Topgolf Swing Suite.

West Freehold
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India Square

India Square might not have many top sights, but Edison Memorial Tower and Thomas Edison Center at Menlo Park are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

India Square
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Yardville-Groveville

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

Though Yardville-Groveville might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Grounds For Sculpture and The Record Collector.

Yardville-Groveville
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White Horse

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in White Horse and surrounding area, you can visit Grounds For Sculpture and CURE Insurance Arena.

White Horse
Delta Hotels by Marriott Woodbridge

Delta Hotels by Marriott Woodbridge

4 out of 5
515 US Hwy 1 South, Iselin, NJ
The price is NT$3,805 per night from Oct 2 to Oct 3
NT$3,805
NT$4,362 total
Oct 2 - Oct 3
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Iselin. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,017 reviews)
"Good place to stay with family and friends highly recommended. Will visit again."

Reviewed on 2025/9/22

Delta Hotels by Marriott Woodbridge
Holiday Inn Clark - Newark Area by IHG

Holiday Inn Clark - Newark Area by IHG

3 out of 5
36 Valley Rd, Clark, NJ
The price is NT$3,379 per night from Oct 19 to Oct 20
NT$3,379
NT$3,873 total
Oct 19 - Oct 20
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly hotel in Clark. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,018 reviews)
"Nice hotel"

Reviewed on 2025/9/24

Holiday Inn Clark - Newark Area by IHG
Econo Lodge Woodbridge

Econo Lodge Woodbridge

2 out of 5
893 Route 1 S, Iselin, NJ
The price is NT$2,427 per night from Oct 5 to Oct 6
NT$2,427
NT$2,782 total
Oct 5 - Oct 6
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Iselin. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the clean rooms and the property ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (243 reviews)
"It is a very nice 2* hotel, certainly a clean facility. Rooms are well kept, clean and comfortable. I didn't feel very safe as I kind of felt some shady people staying there. Overall a very good value for money. If I could afford higher per night, I might skip this location."

Reviewed on 2025/9/25

Econo Lodge Woodbridge
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.
Boardwalk Resorts - Flagship

Boardwalk Resorts - Flagship

3.5 out of 5
60 N Maine Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly condo in Atlantic City. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the ...
7.6/10 Good! (3,901 reviews)
"Good"

Reviewed on 2025/9/7

Boardwalk Resorts - Flagship
Legacy Vacation Resorts Brigantine Beach

Legacy Vacation Resorts Brigantine Beach

3 out of 5
1400 Ocean Avenue, Brigantine, NJ
Stay at this 3-star beach aparthotel in Brigantine. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,717 reviews)
"This was a truly unique stay—a hotel that has retained much of its historic charm with some modern conveniences. It was not crowded, was quiet and relaxing. All staff were friendly and accommodating. Every room has a view of the shore. Our room was larger than anticipated—2 full rooms with ample ..."

Reviewed on 2025/9/16

Legacy Vacation Resorts Brigantine Beach
Marriott's Fairway Villas

Marriott's Fairway Villas

3 out of 5
500 East Fairway Lane, Absecon, NJ
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified vacation home in Absecon. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and 3 hot tubs. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (769 reviews)
"It was so much better than I expected the staff was great and the place was beautiful!"

Reviewed on 2025/9/22

Marriott's Fairway Villas
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.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Central Jersey