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

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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
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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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
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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
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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₩151,710 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
₩151,710
₩173,898 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
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! (1,005 reviews)
"The hotel has a traditional or classic atmosphere. The staff is nice. My 3 starts is because it was a little outdated and the parking lot was scary, dirty, old and urgently needs a renovation"

Reviewed on Aug 22, 2025

Hilton East Brunswick Hotel & Executive Meeting Center
Doubletree by Hilton Somerset Hotel and Conference Center

Doubletree by Hilton Somerset Hotel and Conference Center

4 out of 5
200 Atrium Dr, Somerset, NJ
The price is ₩165,393 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
₩165,393
₩189,582 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Somerset. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,007 reviews)
"Nice clean spacious rooms, indoor hot tub semi permanently closed it seems, nice outdoor ground and pool area"

Reviewed on Aug 19, 2025

Doubletree by Hilton Somerset Hotel and Conference Center
Hyatt Regency Princeton

Hyatt Regency Princeton

4 out of 5
102 Carnegie Ctr, Princeton, NJ
The price is ₩222,756 per night from Sep 12 to Sep 13
₩222,756
₩255,334 total
Sep 12 - Sep 13
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,005 reviews)
"The property is situated in a location that makes access to downtown Princeton easy while not being directly "in the thick of it". Very corporate focused and a great option for professionals who have business in the area."

Reviewed on Aug 19, 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.
Jersey Home w/ Private In-ground Pool & Hot Tub!

Jersey Home w/ Private In-ground Pool & Hot Tub!

3 out of 5
Jackson
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly cottage in Jackson. Enjoy free parking, a pool table, and patios. Popular attractions John F Johnson Junior Memorial Park ...
Jersey Home w/ Private In-ground Pool & Hot Tub!
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