Central Jersey Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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

Princeton Center

If you're spending some time in Princeton Center, Palmer Square and Princeton Public Library are top sights worth seeing.

Princeton Center
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Yardville-Groveville

Yardville-Groveville might not have many top sights, but Grounds For Sculpture and Regal Independence Plaza are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Yardville-Groveville
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West Freehold

If you're spending some time in West Freehold, iPlay America and Topgolf Swing Suite are top sights worth seeing.

West Freehold
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India Square

While there might not be top attractions in India Square, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Edison Memorial Tower and Woodbridge Center.

India Square
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White Horse

While White Horse isn't home to many top sights, Regal Independence Plaza and Grounds For Sculpture are some notable places to visit nearby.

White Horse
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West Carteret

When in West Carteret, you can plan a visit to Carteret Performing Arts and Events Center and Woodbridge Center, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

West Carteret
APA Hotel Woodbridge

APA Hotel Woodbridge

4 out of 5
120 Wood Avenue South Iselin NJ
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$151 per night from 18 Dec to 19 Dec
AU$151
18 Dec - 19 Dec
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Iselin. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,229 reviews)
I enjoyed my stay. I was able to relax. I felt like I was on vacation. Staff was nice. Looking forward to staying there again.

Reviewed on 4 Dec 2025

APA Hotel Woodbridge
Red Roof PLUS+ Newark Liberty Airport - Carteret

Red Roof PLUS+ Newark Liberty Airport - Carteret

2.5 out of 5
1000 Roosevelt Ave Carteret NJ
The price is AU$128 per night from 4 Jan to 5 Jan
AU$128
4 Jan - 5 Jan 2026
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Carteret. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
6.2/10 (1,162 reviews)
Good

Reviewed on 29 Nov 2025

Red Roof PLUS+ Newark Liberty Airport - Carteret
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 AU$192 per night from 21 Dec to 22 Dec
AU$192
21 Dec - 22 Dec
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in Clark. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,016 reviews)
Friendly staff, clean room, excellent location

Reviewed on 29 Nov 2025

Holiday Inn Clark - Newark Area by IHG
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.
Mountain side house with game room, hot tub, firepit 1 mile from Lambertville

Mountain side house with game room, hot tub, firepit 1 mile from Lambertville

Lambertville NJ
Stay at this holiday home in Lambertville. Enjoy laundry facilities, patios and an in-room coffee maker. Popular attractions Peddler's Village and Haas Gallery ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (53 reviews)
Had everything we needed in terms of space/beds/toiletries/kitchen supplies etc. Some of the faucets were a bit wonky but we figured it out or there were instructions. Finding the house was a bit challenging and the driveway is steep but we found it since it was still daytime. Might be harder for ...

Reviewed on 20 Nov 2025

Mountain side house with game room, hot tub, firepit 1 mile from Lambertville
Romantic Herringbone Cottage - In Our Little English Village

Romantic Herringbone Cottage - In Our Little English Village

New Hope PA
Stay at this cottage in New Hope. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and patios. Popular attractions Peddler's Village and New Hope-Lambertville Toll Supported Bridge ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (113 reviews)
Beauty property A

Reviewed on 29 Nov 2025

Romantic Herringbone Cottage - In Our Little English Village
New Modern Ranch Close to it All

New Modern Ranch Close to it All

Piscataway NJ
Stay at this holiday home in Piscataway. Enjoy laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions Middlesex Mall and Washington Rock State Park are ...
6.6/10 (4 reviews)
Convenient and in a quiet area
Well-maintainedNice amenities

Reviewed on 21 May 2025

New Modern Ranch Close to it All
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

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