Central Jersey Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Central Jersey
Central Jersey
Central Jersey
Central Jersey
Central Jersey

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 Center

Princeton Center

If you're spending some time in Princeton Center, Palmer Square and Princeton Cemetery are top sights worth seeing.

Princeton Center
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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(1 area review)

If you're spending some time in West Freehold, iPlay America and Topgolf Swing Suite are top sights worth seeing.

West Freehold
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White Horse

While White Horse isn't home to many top sights, Grounds For Sculpture and CURE Insurance Arena are some notable places to visit nearby.

White Horse
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Yardville-Groveville

Yardville-Groveville might not have many top sights, but Grounds For Sculpture and Chesterfield Township Municipal Building are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Yardville-Groveville
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West Carteret

When in West Carteret, you can plan a visit to Carteret Performing Arts and Events Center and Union County Performing Arts Center, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

West Carteret
Embassy Suites by Hilton Piscataway Somerset

Embassy Suites by Hilton Piscataway Somerset

3.5 out of 5
121 Centennial Ave Piscataway NJ
The price is Rp1.950.980 per night from 4 May to 5 May
Rp1.950.980
Rp2.236.311 total
4 May - 5 May
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Piscataway. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,167 reviews)
The breakfast was good ,romm was clean... very nice place

Reviewed on 1 Apr 2026

Embassy Suites by Hilton Piscataway Somerset
Red Roof PLUS+ Woodbridge - Carteret

Red Roof PLUS+ Woodbridge - Carteret

2.5 out of 5
1000 Roosevelt Ave Carteret NJ
The price is Rp1.105.411 per night from 5 Apr to 6 Apr
Rp1.105.411
Rp1.267.076 total
5 Apr - 6 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Carteret. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
6.2/10 (1,218 reviews)
Horrific smell in the hotel room, dead cockroaches and stains on the towel . Said it was a non smoking hotel and the hallways smelt like cigarettes.

Reviewed on 1 Apr 2026

Red Roof PLUS+ Woodbridge - Carteret
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 Rp2.077.304 per night from 4 May to 5 May
Rp2.077.304
Rp2.381.110 total
4 May - 5 May
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in East Brunswick. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,045 reviews)
Very clean!

Reviewed on 3 Apr 2026

Hilton East Brunswick Hotel & Executive Meeting Center
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.
Landing Apartments New York 

Landing Apartments New York 

3 out of 5
100 River Park Drive Raritan NJ
Stay at this apartment in Raritan. Enjoy an outdoor pool, a fitness centre and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions The Wallace House and Duke Farms are ...
Landing Apartments New York 
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

Things to do

Cities near Central Jersey