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

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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 Delaware River Heritage Trail Lake Carnegie Trailhead.

Princeton Junction
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 Cemetery are top sights worth seeing.

Princeton Center
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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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Yardville-Groveville

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

Yardville-Groveville
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White Horse

While White Horse isn't home to many top sights, Grounds For Sculpture and CURE Insurance Arena are some notable places to visit nearby.

White Horse
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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 Thomas Edison Center at Menlo Park.

India Square
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 AU$193 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
AU$193
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in East Brunswick. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,012 reviews)
Solo-cation Bliss
"I absolutely enjoyed my stay, I wish I had more time so that I could’ve taken advantage of all the amenities from the in-house rest , Starbucks, and the pool. My room was spacious, definitely enough space for 2-3 people. All of the staff that I interacted with was courteous, helpful, and friendly. ..."

Reviewed on 14 Aug. 2025

Hilton East Brunswick Hotel & Executive Meeting Center
Hyatt Regency Princeton

Hyatt Regency Princeton

4 out of 5
102 Carnegie Ctr, Princeton, NJ
The price is AU$202 per night from 29 Aug to 30 Aug
AU$202
29 Aug - 30 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Princeton. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,021 reviews)
"Breakfast buffet was great add on. Hotel had a beautiful lobby area, very safe area."

Reviewed on 17 Aug. 2025

Hyatt Regency Princeton
Doubletree by Hilton Somerset Hotel and Conference Center

Doubletree by Hilton Somerset Hotel and Conference Center

4 out of 5
200 Atrium Dr, Somerset, NJ
The price is AU$211 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
AU$211
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Somerset. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
"There was a constant drug smell in the parking lot. A refrigerator would have been helpful in the rooms. The exterior of the building was dirty and the overall cleanliness of the property was questionable."

Reviewed on 11 Aug. 2025

Doubletree by Hilton Somerset Hotel and Conference 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.
Romantic Herringbone Cottage - In Our Little English Village

Romantic Herringbone Cottage - In Our Little English Village

New Hope
Stay at this cottage in New Hope. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Peddler's Village and New Hope-Lambertville Toll Supported Bridge ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (105 reviews)
"The cottage was very sweet and the hosts were great to work with. We would stay here again."

Reviewed on 3 Aug. 2025

Romantic Herringbone Cottage - In Our Little English Village
Romantic Gothic Cottage - In Our Little English Village

Romantic Gothic Cottage - In Our Little English Village

New Hope
Stay at this cottage in New Hope. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Peddler's Village and New Hope-Lambertville Toll Supported ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (124 reviews)
"Fun little getaway tucked in a private property. Our hosts were very nice. Would recommend to anyone wanting a place near New Hope."

Reviewed on 14 Aug. 2025

Romantic Gothic Cottage - In Our Little English Village
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
Stay at this vacation home in Lambertville. Enjoy laundry facilities, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Peddler's Village and Haas Gallery ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (46 reviews)
"The setting was perfect for our family and friends. Plenty of space for people."

Reviewed on 28 Jul. 2025

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