This realistic List of Best Places to Visit in New Jersey helps you plan an adventure in “The Garden State”.

New Jersey is a Northeastern US state. It is part of both NYC and Philadelphia metropolitan areas. Visitors come to the Garden State to enjoy its nature, historical monuments, and industrial landmarks.

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New Jersey is the state of extremes. It one of the smallest states by area. Yet, the Garden State ranks 11th in population.

As a result, New Jersey is a state with the highest population density. Only District of Columbia ranks higher in a combined list of U.S. states and territories.

New Jersey’s small area, high population density, and industrial heritage might give you a wrong idea about this state. You might feel that there is not much to see in the Garden State.

But you could not be more wrong in this assessment. You just need to know what spots to explore. This List of the Best Places to Visit in New Jersey aims to uncover the top destinations.

1. Waterloo Village

Waterloo Village Historic Site claims the top spot on the List of the Best Places to Visit in New Jersey. This park offers a great combination of historic houses, engineering wonders, and scenic views.

The village is in Byram Township in North Jersey, just off Interstate Highway I-80. It takes about 45 minutes to reach Waterloo Village from Newark by car.

This site is a collection of 22 historic buildings along the Morris Canal and the Musconetcong River. The buildings range from church, tavern, and store to residences, carriage houses, and mills.

Most buildings date back to mid 19th century around the time when the Morris Canal was completed. Yet, there are a few houses that go back over 250 years.

Waterloo Village has a spacious parking lot and free admission. You could easily spend a few hours wandering the village streets and exploring its historic houses.

There is plenty to see in Waterloo Village during every season. But if you stop by the park on a summer weekend, you could go inside a few of the buildings.

Park volunteers will educate you about the life of the villagers. You could see a Canal Boat, Mill Wheel, and a handful of other exhibits in the Canal Museum.

Waterloo Village is also a great place to enjoy spring blossom and fall foliage. It is quite easy to capture colorful reflections in the water.

You could also rent a kayak to explore the Musconetcong River and the Morris Canal in the summer. It is not quite like the natural springs in Florida. But it is still a great way to see more of Waterloo Village.

2. Delaware Water Gap

Delaware Water Gap is one of the two National Recreation Areas in the state of New Jersey. Located in North Jersey along the state line with Pennsylvania, it is a great place to reconnect with nature.

The sights you could visit in this park differ between the two states. Delaware Water Gap in Pennsylvania is a place to see waterfalls and historic mansions.

But you should not overlook Buttermilk Falls on the Jersey side. This waterfall drops 85 ft (26 m). It might not sound like a lot. But Buttermilk Falls are the highest waterfall in New Jersey.

It is also far easier to see the iconic Gap from the Garden State. You just need to pull over at Kittatinny Point next to Interstate Highway I-80.

A short but strenuous uphill hike on the Mt Tammany Trail reveals a stunning gap in the Kittatinny Mountains. Amazing views of Arrow Island and the Delaware River below are worth the effort.

If you are looking for longer hikes, check out the Appalachian Trail. This 2,190-mi (3,525-km) trail passes through Delaware Water Gap. You could hike its 28-mi (45-km) section through the park.

It is free to visit Delaware Water Gap unless you stop by any of the river beaches. Turtle Beach is on the Jersey side and will cost you $10 per car from April to October.

3. Ramapo Mountain

Ramapo Mountain State Forest is another amazing North Jersey destination. This forest has a solid collection of hiking trails that cover 30 miles (48 km).

You could choose to hike along the mountain creek to Ramapo Lake. Or take a stroll through the forest to the large boulders and islands.

But as beautiful as the lake and the creek are, they are not the main sights in Ramapo Mountain. Most people come to this state forest to see Van Slyke Castle ruins.

Van Slyke Castle was a historic mansion on top of the mountain. After a fire destroyed the house, its ruins were vandalized. The structures like Ramapo Water Tower still give you an idea of their former glory.

A hike to the ruins involves a strenuous uphill section. You will be hiking on a rocky and uneven path. This hike could test your limits and abilities. Take your time to make it back safely.

The ruins are not the only reason to hike in this state forest. Gorgeous views of Midtown Manhattan await anyone who climbed to the top of Ramapo Mountain.

The ruins, views, and trails make Ramapo Mountain one of the best places to visit in New Jersey. It is hard to beat such a versatile combination of sights.

4. High Point

High Point State Park is a beautiful park in the Tri States Area near Delaware Water Gap. You would need to drive for nearly 90 minutes each way to reach this park from Newark.

The name of the park is very descriptive. It is, in fact, the highest point in the state. As a result, you should expect panoramic views from the Kittatinny Mountain Ridge.

The park has amazing views of the Delaware River, Delaware Water Gap, and surrounding areas of Pennsylvania and North Jersey. Prepare for strong winds while visiting this park.

The park sights have been predictable so far. But there is one thing in High Point State Park you probably did not see coming. High Point Monument is a 220-ft (67-m) structure that dates back to 1930.

This monument looks just like Washington Monument in DC and Bunker Hill Monument in Boston, Massachusetts. But you probably would not expect a similar structure in the middle of rural North Jersey.

The park does not charge entrance fees as of now. But you would need to pay $1 per person to climb 291 flights of stairs. This experience is not for the faint of heart. The entire core of the monument is hollow.

5. Ringwood Manor

Ringwood Manor is a great house museum to visit in New Jersey. The mansion is just south of the state line with New York and west of Interstate Highway I-287.

This 51-room house dates back to 1807. It is one of the oldest house museums in the United States alongside the Nichols House in Boston, Massachusetts.

Many people visit Ringwood Manor to put its paranormal claims to test. This part makes this mansion similar to Winchester Mystery House in San Jose, California.

But there are other, much better reasons to visit Ringwood Manor. The mansion tours take between 75 and 90 minutes. Yet, they cost just $10 per adult. It is much cheaper than most U.S. house museums.

You will go through a good number of the mansion’s rooms. Knowledgable guides will tell you about the long history of the house and its residents.

You should also explore the grounds of Ringwood Manor. The Carriage House, Blacksmith’s Shop, Ornamental Well, mortars, and pillars round up an eventful visit.

6. Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty is a symbol of the United States. This landmark claims the top spot on most lists of best places to visit in NYC and New Jersey. But there are a few issues when visiting this monument.

Overcrowding is the main challenge when visiting the Statue of Liberty. You will find yourself in a crowd as soon as you go through security before boarding a ferry.

The crowd will be even larger as you walk around the Pedestal. People will be in your pictures no matter when you visit the Statue of Liberty.

Unless you get a reservation to visit the Crown, you might be better off enjoying the Statue from afar. Liberty State Park in New Jersey is a perfect place to see the statue from the back.

You could also take a ferry to The Battery or Governors Island in New York. Both parks would give you a clear yet somewhat distant view of the Statue.

7. Ellis Island

Ellis Island was the main gateway to the United States for 12 million immigrants. This New York Harbor island housed an immigration station between 1892 and 1954.

A large number of immigrants arriving in USA by ocean ships had to clear customs and immigration on Ellis Island. This process took countless hours and forever changed the lives of millions.

You could see Ellis Island from Liberty State Park in mainland New Jersey. But you would need to board a ferry to reach the buildings on the island.

The former immigration station became a museum after the station closed. You could walk the halls of the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration now.

See the passenger records and items that tell the story of immigration to the United States. A journey back in time could help you understand the challenges this ocean voyage presented.

8. Morristown

Morristown National Historical Park is a nice place to visit in New Jersey for history lovers. Thanks to its location just off Interstate Highway I-287, this park is an easy addition to a NJ trip.

The park consists of four units. You could visit Ford Mansion, Jockey Hollow, Fort Nonsense, and Cross Estate. Ford Mansion was Washington’s Headquarters during the Revolutionary War in 1779 and 1780.

This fact makes Ford Mansion similar to the Longfellow House in Cambridge, Massachusetts. That house served as the headquarters between 1775 and 1776.

Jockey Hollow was a winter home for many soldiers during the American Revolutionary War. You could see the replica huts at the Grand Parade. Visit the Wick House and Garden and learn about local crafts.

Fort Nonsense has the best name of all four units. Yet, there is little to see there outside of a cannon and a few information boards. Enjoy a panorama of Morristown below.

Stop by the Cross Estate to admire beautiful gardens, 1905 mansion, and stone water tower. It is best to visit this unit in the spring and summer.

The park is a fantastic destination during fall foliage. Stop by any of the units in October to enjoy vibrant fall colors. You could spend hours enjoying the trails in the fall.

9. Hoboken

Hoboken is a city in New Jersey that directly overlooks Manhattan. Visitors come to Hoboken to enjoy “The Big Apple” views for afar or start a trip across the Hudson River.

Manhattan Borough of New York City connects with the State of New Jersey via two tunnels and a bridge. All of these roads charge toll when you drive from New Jersey to New York.

If you prefer to see the NYC skyline without paying $15+ per car, Hoboken is the right place to visit. It has plenty of viewpoints and historic landmarks.

Head to the Castle Point Lookout for amazing views. You will see Empire State Building, Little Island Park, and One World Trade Center. Continue on the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway to Pier A Park.

You could then take a lunch break at one of the Hoboken restaurants. There are also options if you would like to visit NYC via public transport.

Consider boarding a ferry to Battery Park City. Or take a train to NYC at Hoboken Train station. Even if you do not plan on crossing the Hudson River, historic Lackawanna Railroad Terminal is worth a stop.

10. Gateway

Gateway National Recreation Area is a massive park that has three units in two states. Both Jamaica Bay and Staten Island Units are in New York City. But Sandy Hook Unit is in New Jersey.

The unit is on the same name rugged peninsula in Middletown Township. There are a handful of places to see in Sandy Hook. You could tour the Sandy Hook Lighthouse and the nearby Twin Lights.

Military history lovers would enjoy Fort Hancock Historic Post and various gun batteries. Most of these gun batteries date back to mid 20th century.

A scenic overlook has nice views of Staten Island, Brighton Beach, and Lower Manhattan skyscrapers in a distance. Lower Bay and Breezy Point will be on full display.

Sandy Hook in Gateway National Recreation Area is a popular beach destination in the summer. Locals head to Sandy Hook Beaches A to I to enjoy the cool waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

11. Speedwell Lake

Speedwell Lake Park is a small but scenic destination near Parsippany-Troy Hills and Morristown. As the name suggests, this park is centered around a lake.

Its 0.4-mi (0.6-km) waterfront paved trail is a popular destination among the locals. You will see people walking, running, and riding on this path every day.

Yet, the park offers so much more than just a paved trail. It is easy to be mesmerized by a semicircular stone dam on the Whippany River. Its creation brought Speedwell Lake to life.

This dam was integral for the nearby factory. The 19th-century Factory Building was the first place where telegraph was demonstrated to the public.

It is now a great place to learn about the history of telegraph. You could explore the factory exhibits and see a water wheel in action.

Speedwell Lake Park is a great place to catch fall foliage each October. Come to this park to capture amazing colors and their reflections in the still waters.

12. New Jersey Botanical Garden

New Jersey Botanical Garden is another attraction in Ringwood State Park. On the surface, this garden has everything to be among the top destinations in New Jersey.

Native and exotic plants? Check. Beautiful and accessible grounds? Check. A historic mansion? Check. Free admission? Check. But a visit to this botanical garden could be far less pleasant in reality.

Unless you visit the garden in the spring or early summer, there will be few plants in bloom. You will be walking among the flowerless plants and leafless trees for a good part of the year.

The beautiful grounds have few paved or gravel paths. You will find yourself walking on a green lawn during most of your visit. Parts of it get quite muddy and unpleasant to walk on.

The historic mansion is a hotel. You could only tour its interior on a few select days a month. Otherwise, you would need to book a stay at The Castle at Skylands Manor to go inside.

Free admission might also turn out to be not so “free”. The garden hosts a handful of festival and events throughout the year. A parking fee applies during these events.

It covers the parking lots A, B, and C and street parking along Honeysuckle Lane. The only free lot is so far that you need to take a shuttle to the garden. This could be a problem for families with small kids.

Nevertheless, you should consider visiting New Jersey Botanical Garden in the middle of spring. The beauty of the spring blossom could help deal with the park’s shortcomings.

13. Hurd Park

Hurd Park in Dover, New Jersey is a small neighborhood park. It rarely makes any list of the best places to visit in the state. In fact, most people would have difficulty finding this park.

At first, you might not find much to see in Hurd Park. A gravel path goes around the park. Jackson Brook is flowing through it. And a pedestrian bridge connects its banks.

But there is a good reason to visit this hidden gem. An alley of cherry trees makes Hurd Park an amazing spot to see cherry blossom.

Head there every April to see pink and white flowers. You would be surprised by how busy this park gets. A small parking lot fits just half a dozen cars. Yet, large crowds will be taking pictures in the alley.

You would need to be in the park early on a weekday. It is one of the few ways to capture the beauty of this park without the crowds.

14. Silas Condict

Silas Condict County Park is another one of New Jersey destinations that you have likely never heard of. This neighborhood park is in Kinnelon Borough, northwest of Wayne, New Jersey.

The park has a handful of hiking trails of varying difficulty. The trail around Cantys Lake is partially paved and stroller friendly. As you go further towards the dam and Trout Brook, the trail becomes more rocky.

The Casino is another reason to stop by Silas Condict County Park. This restored stone building used to be a popular place during the Prohibition Era.

It is not worth going out of your way to visit Silas Condict County Park. But the park is just a short detour from Paterson Hamburg Turnpike. This free park off the beaten path could be a surprising destination.

15. Paterson Great Falls

Paterson Great Falls is another National Historical Park among the best destinations to visit in New Jersey. This park shows a combination of scenic falls and industrial mills.

You could enjoy a powerful waterfall that flows into a rocky gorge. It looks more like Kolugljufur Canyon in Northern Iceland than any other waterfall in New Jersey.

A metal walking bridge adds a rustic feel to the park. A nearby hydroelectric power station places you in the Land of Fire and Ice and not in the Garden State.

The park is right off Interstate Highway I-80 in the center of Patterson, New Jersey. It should be a no-brainer addition to any New Jersey itinerary. Yet, the reality is quite different.

The Walking Bridge over the Falls has been closed indefinitely. Until the bridge is replaced you could only see the falls from the Observation Deck further away.

In addition, Patterson continuously scores within top 5 of the most dangerous cities in the state. The city might not be too welcoming to visitors. Be aware of your surroundings and leave valuables at home.

16. Fort Lee

Fort Lee Historic Park rounds up the List of the Best Places to Visit in New Jersey. You might feel that this park deserves a higher spot, similar to the Statue of Liberty and Patterson Great Falls.

In the end, this park has scenic cliff-top vistas with remarkable views of Upper Manhattan just like Hoboken. The George Washington Bridge, the only bridge between NJ and NYC, is also on full display.

You will find reconstructed buildings at Fort Lee than are nowhere to be seen at Fort Nonsense. From army barracks to cannons, Fort Lee makes a great effort to show the life during the Revolutionary War.

Despite all these efforts, Fort Lee falls short to secure a higher spot on this list. There is a parking fee of $1.5 per hour on weekdays and $2.5 per hour on weekends.

Yet, it is hard to justify paying this fee. The area of the fort is quite small. You will need less than 15 minutes to see all buildings and the main viewpoints. That includes a stop at the Visitor Center.

The near presence of the George Washington Bridge and Interstate Highway I-95 also presents some challenges. A constant noise from the road will be there no matter when you visit Fort Lee.

Takeaways: Best Places to Visit in New Jersey

New Jersey is an underrated state to visit in the Northeast. A lot of people fly to Newark Liberty Airport just to visit New York City. You should not make the same mistake.

New Jersey has a great number of best places to visit. From Waterloo Village and Ringwood Manor to Morristown and Speedwell Lake Park, this state is full of historic landmarks.

You should not overlook the natural wonders of New Jersey. Delaware Water Gap, Ramapo Mountain, and High Point have great trails and even better views.

And if you ever feel like visiting New York City, head to Liberty State Park, Hoboken, or Fort Lee. You could enjoy the skyline views without the traffic, crowds, and tolls.

Take a look at this Video List of the Best Places to Visit in New Jersey. And visit the YouTube channel for the latest videos.

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