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 Public Library.

Princeton Center
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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 Regal Independence Plaza.

Yardville-Groveville
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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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India Square

India Square might not have many top sights, but Edison Memorial Tower and Woodbridge Center 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 Regal Independence Plaza and Grounds For Sculpture.

White Horse
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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 Woodbridge Center.

West Carteret
APA Hotel Woodbridge

APA Hotel Woodbridge

4 out of 5
120 Wood Avenue South Iselin NJ
The price is ¥13,440 per night from Jan 6 to Jan 7
¥13,440
¥15,405 total
Jan 6 - Jan 7, 2026
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this 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! (1,229 reviews)
I enjoyed my stay. I was able to relax. I felt like I was on vacation. Staff was nice. Looking forward to staying there again.

Reviewed on Dec 4, 2025

APA Hotel Woodbridge
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 ¥11,536 per night from Jan 5 to Jan 6
¥11,536
¥13,224 total
Jan 5 - Jan 6, 2026
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 (1,150 reviews)
Good

Reviewed on Nov 29, 2025

Red Roof PLUS+ Newark Liberty Airport - Carteret
Holiday Inn Clark - Newark Area by IHG

Holiday Inn Clark - Newark Area by IHG

3 out of 5
36 Valley Rd Clark NJ
The price is ¥17,219 per night from Dec 22 to Dec 23
¥17,219
¥19,738 total
Dec 22 - Dec 23
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Clark. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
Good

Reviewed on Dec 3, 2025

Holiday Inn Clark - Newark Area 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.
Romantic Gothic Cottage - In Our Little English Village

Romantic Gothic Cottage - In Our Little English Village

New Hope PA
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! (130 reviews)
Clean,Warm and wonderful, IF you like rustic and cozy. wonderful hosts

Reviewed on Nov 7, 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 NJ
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! (53 reviews)
We stayed here for my daughter’s wedding. Perfect for multiple guests. Main living space is great for entertaining We did not use hot tub or outdoor space, but it looked lovely. We had no little ones, but nice space for them as well .The faucet in the downstairs powder room leaks, so you may want ...

Reviewed on Nov 10, 2025

Mountain side house with game room, hot tub, firepit 1 mile from Lambertville
New Modern Ranch Close to it All

New Modern Ranch Close to it All

Piscataway NJ
Stay at this vacation home in Piscataway. Enjoy laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions Middlesex Mall and Washington Rock State Park are ...
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
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