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
Default Image

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
Default Image

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
Default Image

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
Default Image

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 Woodbridge Center.

West Carteret
DoubleTree by Hilton Princeton

DoubleTree by Hilton Princeton

4 out of 5
4355 US Highway 1 at Ridge Rd. Princeton NJ
The price is ¥13,408 per night from Feb 15 to Feb 16
¥13,408
¥15,368 total
Feb 15 - Feb 16
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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,008 reviews)
YES

Reviewed on Feb 2, 2026

DoubleTree by Hilton Princeton
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 ¥11,558 per night from Feb 9 to Feb 10
¥11,558
¥13,248 total
Feb 9 - Feb 10
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Carteret. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our ...
6.2/10 (1,203 reviews)
All good.

Reviewed on Feb 7, 2026

Red Roof PLUS+ Newark Liberty Airport - Carteret
MHO Hotel Bordentown

MHO Hotel Bordentown

2 out of 5
187 US 130 and 206 Bordentown NJ
The price is ¥9,948 per night from Feb 9 to Feb 10
¥9,948
¥11,403 total
Feb 9 - Feb 10
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Bordentown. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,004 reviews)
The room was clean. The staff was helpful and courteous.

Reviewed on Feb 4, 2026

MHO Hotel Bordentown
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! (117 reviews)
The hosts are amazing! Super friendly and I felt so safe traveling solo. It was well below freezing but I was warm and cozy. Having the ac hitting the couch was my favorite spot in the house. I can’t wait to come back in the spring to walk in the canal trail (which is so close to this property).

Reviewed on Feb 5, 2026

Romantic Herringbone Cottage - In Our Little English Village
Main Street Livin’

Main Street Livin’

Flemington NJ
Stay at this vacation home in Flemington. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Famous Trials Theater and Liberty Village Premium ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (56 reviews)
We had a great stay! The house is very beautiful and has everything you could possible need. We were fortunate to have some beautiful weather and enjoyed sitting out on the great front and back porches. Flemington is a cute little town and there is several restaurants in walking distance. Would definitely ...

Reviewed on Nov 3, 2025

Main Street Livin’
1897 MANSION 30 min to NYC Sleeps up to 26 with 12 bedrooms and 7 and 1/2 baths

1897 MANSION 30 min to NYC Sleeps up to 26 with 12 bedrooms and 7 and 1/2 baths

Plainfield NJ
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Plainfield. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Plainfield Country Club ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (36 reviews)
First let me say that Steve is top tier! He's very considerate and goes above and beyond to make your stay a very pleasant one. The mansion is an ageless beauty! I had my 46th birthday gathering here and my friends and family had an amazing time.

Reviewed on Jan 28, 2026

1897 MANSION 30 min to NYC Sleeps up to 26 with 12 bedrooms and 7 and 1/2 baths
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

Explore a world of travel with Expedia