Central Jersey, NJ

Travel Guide
Princeton University Art Museum showing art, religious aspects and interior views
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

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 Princeton University Stadium.

Princeton Junction
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South Side

You'll enjoy the restaurants and shopping in South Side. You might want to make time for a stop at Lehigh River or Delaware River.

South Side
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West Freehold

4.5/5(71 area reviews)

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in West Freehold and surrounding area, you can visit iPlay America and Freehold Raceway Mall.

West Freehold
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India Square

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

India Square
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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
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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 Sayen House and Gardens.

Yardville-Groveville
Red Roof Inn PLUS+ Newark Liberty Airport - Carteret
Red Roof Inn PLUS+ Newark Liberty Airport - Carteret
2.5 out of 5
1000 Roosevelt Ave, Carteret, NJ
The price is $96 per night from Jun 2 to Jun 3
$96
$111 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 2 - Jun 3
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Carteret. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our ...
5.6/10 (1,002 reviews)
"The staff is very polite, respectful, and helpful. The hotel is close to the freeway and major roads . The rooms are clean with good microwaves and mini refrigerators. Overall, a great experience for travelers."

Reviewed on May 23, 2024

Red Roof Inn PLUS+ Newark Liberty Airport - Carteret
Hotel Executive Suites
Hotel Executive Suites
3.5 out of 5
30 Minue Street, Carteret, NJ
The price is $90 per night from Jun 2 to Jun 3
$90
$103 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 2 - Jun 3
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Carteret. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
6.6/10 (1,093 reviews)
"Friendly staff, plenty of parking, nice lobby. Room was clean and bed was comfortable. But the noise from the turnpike is VERY loud, and interfered with my sleep. Perhaps the rooms on the other side of the hotel are quieter, but mine overlooked the highway and the trucks could be heard all night ..."

Reviewed on May 28, 2024

Hotel Executive Suites
Radisson Hotel Freehold
Radisson Hotel Freehold
3.5 out of 5
50 Gibson Pl, Freehold, NJ
The price is $170 per night from Jun 3 to Jun 4
$170
$195 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 3 - Jun 4
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Freehold. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,004 reviews)
"The room is nice"

Reviewed on May 30, 2024

Radisson Hotel Freehold
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.
Updated, beautiful, downtown Princeton home.
Updated, beautiful, downtown Princeton home.
Princeton
Stay at this vacation home in Princeton. Enjoy free WiFi, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Princeton Township Hall and Princeton Cemetery ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (13 reviews)
Great Place/Great Location
"There were six of us ladies driving to NYC and it was the perfect place to stay and break up our drive. Plenty of room for everyone and a great restaurant down the street. I'd stay again."

Reviewed on Apr 4, 2024

Updated, beautiful, downtown Princeton home.
Walk to downtown New Hope
Walk to downtown New Hope
New Hope
Stay at this cottage in New Hope. Enjoy a garden, patios, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Peddler's Village and New Hope-Lambertville Toll ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (75 reviews)
Charming spot
"This charming little cottage is a perfect place to stay. Close to town, walking trails and private"

Reviewed on Feb 15, 2024

Walk to downtown New Hope
Stunning Luxury villa nearby downtown Princeton, NJ
Stunning Luxury villa nearby downtown Princeton, NJ
Princeton
Stay at this villa in Princeton. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Delaware River Heritage Trail Rocky Hill Trailhead ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
Zen oasis
"This beautifully-appointed, spacious home provides a zen oasis amidst a calm and pastoral setting. Bobby was an incredibly thoughtful and responsive host. Perfection!"

Reviewed on May 28, 2024

Stunning Luxury villa nearby downtown Princeton, NJ
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