Why visit New Jersey?
Long overshadowed by its imposing New York neighbour, New Jersey is establishing itself as a destination in its own right for travellers seeking authenticity. This state, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean for over 200 kilometres, reveals an unexpected character made up of elegant beach towns, little-known vineyards and a food scene that rivals Manhattan’s.
From the Victorian splendour of Cape May — the only seaside resort designated a National Historic Landmark — to the vibrant boardwalks of Asbury Park, and the dizzying panoramas from Jersey City over the Manhattan skyline, each coastal town tells a different story. New Jersey is that human-scale America where luxury is lived without ostentation.
The Jersey Shore: far more than a beach
The Jersey Shore stretches over 200 kilometres of Atlantic coastline, punctuated by seaside resorts of singular charm. Cape May, at the southern tip, enchants with its hundreds of pastel-coloured Victorian houses, lush gardens and iconic lighthouse. It is also one of the best birdwatching spots on the East Coast, a paradise for nature lovers.
Further north, Asbury Park embodies the Shore’s renaissance. A former Bruce Springsteen haunt, this town has reinvented itself as a trendy destination where art galleries sit alongside farm-to-table restaurants and craft cocktail bars. The historic boardwalk, dotted with murals, pulses with infectious creative energy.
Between the two, Long Beach Island offers 30 kilometres of pristine sand in a family-friendly, unspoilt atmosphere. This is where East Coast families have come for generations, staying in driftwood cottages facing the ocean.
Jersey City: Manhattan without the price tag
Across the Hudson, Jersey City has transformed into one of the most dynamic cities on the East Coast. The waterfront offers breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline, while the Newport and Arts District neighbourhoods compete with galleries, fusion restaurants and artisan markets.
Just minutes from Manhattan via the PATH train, Jersey City offers the luxury of a daily view of the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty, upscale hotels at far more accessible rates, and a multicultural food scene driven by the greatest ethnic diversity in the entire country. Little India, Filipino Town, the trattorias of neighbouring Hoboken — every neighbourhood is a journey within the journey.
When to visit New Jersey?
The best period runs from May to October, with a beach-season peak from June to August. Summer at the Shore is an institution: pleasant temperatures (25–31 °C), swimmable waters and a festive atmosphere. But early autumn (September–October) may be the most appealing season, with a spectacular Indian summer, thinning crowds and the blazing foliage of the Delaware Water Gap.
In winter, Jersey City remains a viable urban destination thanks to its proximity to Manhattan, while Cape May dons a wintry charm with its Victorian Christmas light displays — an event that has become a cult favourite on the East Coast.
An underrated gastronomy
New Jersey cuisine reflects its diversity. The diners — the state has more than any other in the US — are a local institution with their generous portions and retro ambience. But it is the new cuisine that is turning heads: chefs trained in New York are opening their own tables here, drawn by lower rents and exceptional local produce.
Cape May has become a foodie hotspot with award-winning seafood restaurants and vineyards producing excellent whites. In Jersey City, the multicultural street food scene rivals Brooklyn’s, from the samosas of Newark Avenue to the tacos of Hoboken.
Nature and wide open spaces
Despite its urban reputation, New Jersey is nicknamed the Garden State for good reason. The Pine Barrens, a vast expanse of pine forest and peat bogs designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, covers nearly a quarter of the state. The Delaware Water Gap offers spectacular hiking trails through the Appalachians, with waterfalls and breathtaking viewpoints over the valley.
For birdwatching enthusiasts, Cape May is recognised as one of the ten best observation sites in the world, with spectacular raptor and shorebird migrations every autumn.
Practical information
New Jersey is ideally accessible via Newark Airport (EWR) and JFK. Jersey City is connected to Manhattan in 15 minutes by the PATH train. To explore the Shore and the countryside, a rental car is essential. NJ Transit connects the main coastal towns in summer. The currency is the US dollar, and the time zone is EST (UTC−5). EU and UK citizens benefit from the ESTA programme for tourist stays of up to 90 days.
