Central Jersey, NJ

Travel Guide

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

Princeton Center

While visiting Princeton Center, you might make a stop by sights like Palmer Square and Princeton Cemetery.

Princeton Center
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 Delaware River Heritage Trail Lake Carnegie Trailhead.

Princeton Junction
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West Freehold

4.5/5(71 area reviews)

While visiting West Freehold, you might make a stop by sights like iPlay America and Topgolf Swing Suite.

West Freehold
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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 The Record Collector.

Yardville-Groveville
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India Square

India Square might not have many top sights, but Edison Memorial Tower and Thomas Edison Center at Menlo Park 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
APA Hotel Woodbridge

APA Hotel Woodbridge

4 out of 5
120 Wood Avenue South, Iselin, NJ
The price is ¥14,495 per night from Sep 24 to Sep 25
¥14,495
¥16,616 total
Sep 24 - Sep 25
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Iselin. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,113 reviews)
"The bed is a bit soft but good overall"

Reviewed on Sep 10, 2025

APA Hotel Woodbridge
Hyatt Regency Princeton

Hyatt Regency Princeton

4 out of 5
102 Carnegie Ctr, Princeton, NJ
The price is ¥16,894 per night from Sep 28 to Sep 29
¥16,894
¥19,365 total
Sep 28 - Sep 29
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! (1,000 reviews)
Drop off son for college
"Our day was very nice. We dropped off our son to start school at Princeton. We will stay again once we head back to the New Jersey Princeton area."

Reviewed on Sep 8, 2025

Hyatt Regency Princeton
Crowne Plaza Edison by IHG

Crowne Plaza Edison by IHG

4 out of 5
2055 Lincoln Hwy, Edison, NJ
The price is ¥16,245 per night from Oct 1 to Oct 2
¥16,245
¥18,620 total
Oct 1 - Oct 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Edison. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (572 reviews)
"Very nice person working the hotel ,respect and clean and safe"

Reviewed on Sep 6, 2025

Crowne Plaza Edison 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.
New Modern Ranch Close to it All

New Modern Ranch Close to it All

Piscataway
Stay at this vacation home in Piscataway. Enjoy laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions Middlesex Mall and Triple C Ranch and Nature Center ...
6.6/10 (4 reviews)
Convenient and in a quiet area
"Well-maintainedNice amenities"

Reviewed on May 21, 2025

New Modern Ranch Close to it All
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 Aug 14, 2025

Romantic Gothic Cottage - In Our Little English Village
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! (106 reviews)
"Great location. Quiet and peaceful setting in unique artist colony. Fascinating history given by owners which we enjoyed hearing about!"

Reviewed on Sep 5, 2025

Romantic Herringbone Cottage - In Our Little English Village
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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Things to do

Cities near Central Jersey