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

Nassau street in Princeton. Spring 2015

Princeton Center

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

Princeton Center
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New Brunswick City Center

While visiting New Brunswick City Center, you might make a stop by sights like New Brunswick Performing Arts Center and George St - Monument Square.

New Brunswick City Center
Drone of Epic Sunset in New Jersey Suburbs Homes

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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West Carteret

While West Carteret might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Carteret Performing Arts and Events Center and Union County Performing Arts Center.

West Carteret
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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
Embassy Suites by Hilton Piscataway Somerset

Embassy Suites by Hilton Piscataway Somerset

3.5 out of 5
121 Centennial Ave Piscataway NJ
The price is NT$3,511 per night from Mar 17 to Mar 18
NT$3,511
NT$4,024 total
Mar 17 - Mar 18
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Piscataway. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,137 reviews)
Beds are comfortable. I always sleep so good. Breakfast varieties are thumbs up, love the made to order options. Front desk staff are always pleasant.

Reviewed on 2026/3/14

Embassy Suites by Hilton Piscataway Somerset
Red Roof PLUS+ Woodbridge - Carteret

Red Roof PLUS+ Woodbridge - Carteret

2.5 out of 5
1000 Roosevelt Ave Carteret NJ
The price is NT$2,381 per night from Mar 16 to Mar 17
NT$2,381
NT$2,729 total
Mar 16 - Mar 17
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Carteret. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
6.2/10 (1,209 reviews)
The lobby smelled like cat urine as well as the main stairs The gentleman at the front desk didn’t disclose that the TV was out in the whole building they illegally charge you tax on your deposit and the taxes are not refunded I was placed on the second floor when my wife was visibly unable to walk ...

Reviewed on 2026/3/10

Red Roof PLUS+ Woodbridge - Carteret
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 NT$2,879 per night from Mar 29 to Mar 30
NT$2,879
NT$3,300 total
Mar 29 - Mar 30
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in East Brunswick. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,025 reviews)
Room was outdated. Wallpaper peeling in some areas. Found hair in the shower. Also beware there are hidden fees . It costs 20$ a day to park and there is a 50$ charge/hold added to your stay that is not including in the information on Expedia. The front desk blamed that information not being shared ...

Reviewed on 2026/3/15

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.
Boardwalk Resorts - Flagship

Boardwalk Resorts - Flagship

3.5 out of 5
60 N Maine Avenue Atlantic City NJ
Book a stay at this business-friendly condo in Atlantic City. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful ...
Boardwalk Resorts - Flagship
Marriott's Fairway Villas

Marriott's Fairway Villas

3 out of 5
500 East Fairway Lane Absecon NJ
Book a stay at this golf condo in Absecon. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and 3 hot tubs. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (828 reviews)
Everything was great. Room was clean and close to all amenities. Would recommend to anyone

Reviewed on 2026/3/9

Marriott's Fairway Villas
Coastal Estate

Coastal Estate

2 out of 5
756 U.S. 9 Cape May NJ
Stay at this aparthotel in Cape May. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Wildwood Boardwalk and Washington Street Mall are ...
9/10 Wonderful! (55 reviews)
Adorable cottage! Very clean. Relaxing, cozy vibe! Convenient location!

Reviewed on 2026/2/22

Coastal Estate
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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