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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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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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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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
Delta Hotels by Marriott Woodbridge

Delta Hotels by Marriott Woodbridge

4 out of 5
515 US Hwy 1 South, Iselin, NJ
The price is ¥19,780 per night from Oct 2 to Oct 3
¥19,780
per night
Oct 2 - Oct 3
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Iselin. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,017 reviews)
"Good place to stay with family and friends highly recommended. Will visit again."

Reviewed on Sep 22, 2025

Delta Hotels by Marriott Woodbridge
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 ¥16,385 per night from Oct 19 to Oct 20
¥16,385
per night
Oct 19 - Oct 20
Stay at this 3-star 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! (1,011 reviews)
"Good place to stay"

Reviewed on Sep 17, 2025

Holiday Inn Clark - Newark Area by IHG
MHO Hotel Bordentown

MHO Hotel Bordentown

2 out of 5
187 US 130 and 206, Bordentown, NJ
The price is ¥9,465 per night from Sep 25 to Sep 26
¥9,465
per night
Sep 25 - Sep 26
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! (1,000 reviews)
Great Stay 👍 👌
"Clean place and the staff is friendly and helpful the prices are lower then other places in town"

Reviewed on Sep 21, 2025

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
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! (108 reviews)
"The hosts are charming and the property is stoked in history. The property is convenient to several nearby towns along the Delaware river. Very nice rustic decor."

Reviewed on Sep 10, 2025

Romantic Herringbone Cottage - In Our Little English Village
Lovely garden cottage, short walk to town and steps to canal path.

Lovely garden cottage, short walk to town and steps to canal path.

Lambertville, NJ
Stay at this vacation home in Lambertville. Enjoy laundry facilities, patios, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Peddler's Village and James W. Marshall ...
Lovely garden cottage, short walk to town and steps to canal path.
Spacious, artist-designed apartment in 1890s chocolate factory. DOG FRIENDLY!

Spacious, artist-designed apartment in 1890s chocolate factory. DOG FRIENDLY!

Hopewell
Stay at this condo in Hopewell. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Sourland Mountain Preserve and Inverness Neighborhood ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (11 reviews)
"Susan is super sweet! The property is so charming!"

Reviewed on Aug 23, 2025

Spacious, artist-designed apartment in 1890s chocolate factory. DOG FRIENDLY!
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