Destinations
Introduction
Despite being the most densely populated state in the nation, New Jersey is well known for its lively beach towns and wealth of natural sites. While it is very industrialized and urban, its nickname ‘The Garden State’ still rings true as over a quarter of its territory is covered in pristine farms and fields.
Set in the Mid-Atlantic region of the US, it is bordered by New York, Delaware, and Pennsylvania. While fertile river valleys run through the state, the wild Appalachian Mountains lie in the north with the vast forests of the Pine Barrens also coating much of its landmass. Besides being bounded by the Delaware River and Delaware Bay, New Jersey boasts a beautiful stretch of Atlantic Ocean coastline with Jersey Shore’s wonderful white sand beaches lying the whole way along.
While the suburbs and satellite cities surrounding Philadelphia and New York City can respectively be found in the west and north, the main places to head are either Atlantic City or Jersey City. Whereas the former has exquisite casinos, resorts, and beaches for you to enjoy, the latter is home to a huge historic downtown and waterfront area.
The capital Newark also attracts lots of people due to its burgeoning arts and culture scene as does Princeton which has a very youthful and energetic feel thanks to the Ivy-League university’s sizable student population.
Away from its cities and beaches, New Jersey also has a myriad of amazing outdoor activities and recreation opportunities to indulge in. Aside from swimming or sailing at either Lake Hopatcong or Island Beach State Park, you can camp and raft at the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area or hike amidst the Appalachians.