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

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
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
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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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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
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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
APA Hotel Woodbridge
APA Hotel Woodbridge
4 out of 5
120 Wood Avenue South, Iselin, NJ
The price is ¥15,492 per night from Jul 1 to Jul 2
¥15,492
¥17,758 total
Jul 1 - Jul 2
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! (1,010 reviews)
"It was great I will recommend this hotel to anyone"

Reviewed on Jun 26, 2025

APA Hotel Woodbridge
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 ¥15,861 per night from Jul 7 to Jul 8
¥15,861
¥18,180 total
Jul 7 - Jul 8
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in East Brunswick. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,007 reviews)
"Great hotel, feels like I’m not on the middle of New Jersey"

Reviewed on Jun 28, 2025

Hilton East Brunswick Hotel & Executive Meeting Center
Hyatt Regency Princeton
Hyatt Regency Princeton
4 out of 5
102 Carnegie Ctr, Princeton, NJ
The price is ¥18,631 per night from Jul 25 to Jul 26
¥18,631
¥21,356 total
Jul 25 - Jul 26
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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,006 reviews)
"Good"

Reviewed on Jun 27, 2025

Hyatt Regency Princeton
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.
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
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! (27 reviews)
Excellent Stay
"The house was great, everyone was very accommodating!"

Reviewed on Jun 5, 2025

1897 MANSION 30 min to NYC Sleeps up to 26 with 12 bedrooms and 7 and 1/2 baths
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 Circle Playhouse and Middlesex Mall are located ...
4/10 (1 review)
Convenient and in a quiet area
"Well-maintainedNice amenities"

Reviewed on May 21, 2025

New Modern Ranch Close to it All
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! (103 reviews)
Quaint cottage
"Enjoyed our time here. Hosts extremely friendly and helpful. Loved walking the canal."

Reviewed on May 4, 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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Cities near Central Jersey