Best New Jersey Vacations

With the raging popularity of shows like the Jersey Shore combined with more than a few more-respectable celebrities who hail from New Jersey, more travelers than ever are considering a trip to The Garden State. With it's lovely coastal area, close proximity to cultural venues, and friendly communities, New Jersey vacations a wonderful choice for a weekend getaway or a much longer stay. If you're planning a family vacation to this exciting area, add these things to do in New Jersey to your itinerary.

Hit the Casino, The Beach, or the Boardwalk

The most famous area in New Jersey could very well be Atlantic City. This exciting destination offers a little something for everyone. Try your luck at the tables, work on your tan on the beach, or do a little people watching on the famous Atlantic City Boardwalk . As you roam the streets, notice the familiar street names; Monopoly, an equally famous board-game, was modeled after this famous resort city.

Although Atlantic City is filled with high-rise hotels above the flashy casinos, this is no place for the typical family. Instead of trying to keep track of everyone in this hectic atmosphere, book a vacation rental home instead. This plan will put you close to all the action while providing some peace and quiet when you really need it.

While you're in Atlantic City, don't miss these popular things to do in New Jersey:

• Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum - While the building itself is hard enough to believe (it looks like it's in the middle of a demolition - on purpose, of course), you'll find even more surprises waiting for you on the inside this popular attraction.
• Trump Taj Mahal - Even if you're not the gambling type, this opulent casino deserves at least a walk-through.
• Steel Pier - As you exit the Taj Mahal, enter Atlantic City's most exciting amusement area complete with carnival rides, fair food favorites, and a huge go-cart track.

Beaches, Beaches, and More Beaches!

New Jersey vacations are thriving with tourists in the summertime, and that's thanks to its huge selection of beaches.

Top beach towns in Jersey Shore include, but are hardly limited to:

• Long Beach Island vacation rentals
• Manasquan
• Point Pleasant Beach

As for the South Shore , you have even more beach rental options:

• Ocean City
• Wildwood
• Cape May

New Jersey State Parks

When deciding on New Jersey things to do, you can't go wrong with one of the lovely state parks. Choose one or more of these beautiful natural areas to visit during your trip:

• Kittatinny Valley State Park - Visitors to this state park can hike or cycle along the converted railway beds and view the scenic lime outcroppings. If you have a small boat, you can launch it from one of the ramps located conveniently along the shores of this park's many lakes.
• High Point State Park - This park has truly earned its name. If you ascend to the "highest point" at 1,803 feet above see level, you can enjoy the expansive view of the surrounding area including farms, lakes, and hillsides.
• Liberty State Park - Located right across the water from New York City (in Jersey City), this park offers concerts with a natural backdrop, including the Manhattan skyline, plus ferry rides to the Statue of Liberty on Ellis Island.

Princeton University

If you have children, it's never too early to plan for college. New Jersey is home to Princeton, one of the most prestigious universities in the nation. The earliest buildings were constructed in the mid-1700s; even if you aren't interested in sending the kids to Princeton, this example of colonial architecture is worth a visit and a place on your things to do in New Jersey list.

With vibrant beach-front areas, lovely state parks, ivy-league colleges, and more to offer the curious visitor, it's no wonder that New Jersey sees its fair share of tourists each year. Which of these New Jersey vacations will you choose?