Central Jersey, NJ

Travel Guide

Morven showing a house
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

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

Nassau street in Princeton. Spring 2015

Princeton Center

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

Princeton Center
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New Brunswick City Center

While visiting New Brunswick City Center, you might make a stop by sights like New Brunswick Performing Arts Center and George St - Monument Square.

New Brunswick City Center
Drone of Epic Sunset in New Jersey Suburbs Homes

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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West Carteret

While West Carteret might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Carteret Performing Arts and Events Center and Union County Performing Arts Center.

West Carteret
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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
Embassy Suites by Hilton Piscataway Somerset

Embassy Suites by Hilton Piscataway Somerset

3.5 out of 5
121 Centennial Ave Piscataway NJ
The price is ¥16,690 per night from Mar 29 to Mar 30
¥16,690
¥19,130 total
Mar 29 - Mar 30
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Piscataway. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,132 reviews)
Overall had a marvelous stay the hotel.

Reviewed on Mar 9, 2026

Embassy Suites by Hilton Piscataway Somerset
Red Roof PLUS+ Woodbridge - Carteret

Red Roof PLUS+ Woodbridge - Carteret

2.5 out of 5
1000 Roosevelt Ave Carteret NJ
The price is ¥11,733 per night from Mar 15 to Mar 16
¥11,733
¥13,449 total
Mar 15 - Mar 16
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Carteret. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
6.2/10 (1,208 reviews)
We stayed here the night before our cruise. It smelled like straight cigarettes and was absolutely disgusting. I will NEVER stay at a Red Roof Inn again!

Reviewed on Mar 6, 2026

Red Roof PLUS+ Woodbridge - Carteret
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 ¥14,187 per night from Mar 29 to Mar 30
¥14,187
¥16,263 total
Mar 29 - Mar 30
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in East Brunswick. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,025 reviews)
Badly needs renovation

Reviewed on Mar 9, 2026

Hilton East Brunswick Hotel & Executive Meeting 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 PA
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! (120 reviews)
Very welcoming host. Quaint cottage very close to local activities/dining.

Reviewed on Mar 3, 2026

Romantic Herringbone Cottage - In Our Little English Village
Charming 2-bedroom Twin private house in serene Milford

Charming 2-bedroom Twin private house in serene Milford

Milford NJ
Stay at this apartment in Milford. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Holland Highlands and Gravel Hill Preserve ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (9 reviews)
The host was very communicative and accommodating. It’s a great location, right next door to the little York restaurant and tavern, and driving distance from Frenchtown and Milford. Lots to do. I will stay again.

Reviewed on Jan 12, 2026

Charming 2-bedroom Twin private house in serene Milford
Unique Luxury Central Historic Landmark Home

Unique Luxury Central Historic Landmark Home

Lambertville NJ
Stay at this vacation home in Lambertville. Enjoy a garden, balconies, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Peddler's Village and James W. Marshall ...
10/10 Exceptional! (3 reviews)
This was the most incredible rental we’ve ever stayed in. The beautiful and historic home was so comfortable, tastefully decorated, spacious, stocked with thoughtful amenities like snacks, coffee, and drinks. You feel like you’re walking into a friends home the way the host makes you feel. He was ...

Reviewed on Feb 10, 2026

Unique Luxury Central Historic Landmark Home
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

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