New Jersey is often overshadowed by its more famous neighbor, but those who do make the effort to cross the Hudson are treated to a treasure trove of surprises. Buzzy Jersey City has transformed itself in recent years, with trend-setting eateries and bars seemingly popping up on every corner. They don't call this the Garden State for nothing. Outside the metropolis, more than a quarter of the area is farmland, while the rest is made up of miles of sandy beaches and pine forests. The great outdoors here woos travelers with scenic hiking trails and mountain biking routes.
New Jersey has an array of historic sites to explore on your trip. Vacation rentals are available near fascinating locations like the Atlantic City Boardwalk, a legendary waterfront entertainment hub with shops and restaurants, and the Absecon Lighthouse, a history museum and lighthouse with sweeping views of the water. You'll also enjoy the Thomas Edison National Historic Park, the home and laboratory of the American inventor with historical artifacts and archives.
Let's start with a biggie. Not many know this, but the Statue of Liberty actually lies within the border of New Jersey, meaning the sight of this magnificent 19th-century gift from France is just as good from the shores of this state. Talking about shores, down in Cape May, the country's oldest seaside resort, you'll find a series of beautiful beaches overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Newark Museum is the largest in the state and houses a particularly fascinating collection of African artifacts. Have you got the kids in tow? They'll love getting up close to the 8,000 marine creatures at the Adventure Aquarium.
If you head down to the Henry Hudson Trail, you'll find a 22-mile path built over several former railroad lines. Here, you can pass some seriously scenic parts of the state on the back of bicycles. It might not be the first place that springs to mind, but the Jersey Shore has got some of the best Atlantic swells along the Eastern Seaboard. Grab yourself a rental board and hit the water to practice your pop ups. There are few things better than kicking back on the banks of one of New Jersey's lakes to fish for your supper.
Jersey City buzzes year-round, but the rest of the state is decidedly quiet during the winter months. As the snows thaw, the spring can see some pleasantly warm weather, perfect for challenging outdoor hikes. Summer sees the biggest influx of travelers, particularly along the coast, where families come to escape the humid city and cool off in the sea. If you're planning to nab a New Jersey vacation rental between July and August, try to book up as early as possible. As the year ticks through to fall, travelers begin to return home and you can benefit from a dip in rental prices.
Whether you're looking for exciting outdoor activities or just want to appreciate the scenery, New Jersey is a great place to get outside. These are some of the area's most eye-catching natural features, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city center:
The Jersey Shore beaches are a popular spot for vacationers in the Northeast and around the country. Vacation rentals are available near places like Sunset Beach, a scenic beach with the submerged ruins of the SS Atlantus, and Wildwood, a resort city with sandy beaches and a lively boardwalk. Ocean City is a family-friendly beach destination with state parks and a boardwalk.
Fly into Newark Liberty Intl. Airport (EWR), the closest airport, located 45.3 mi (72.9 km) from the city center. If you can't find a flight that works for your travel itinerary, you could book a flight to Belmar, NJ (BLM-Monmouth Executive), which is 17.2 mi (27.7 km) away.
If you're traveling by train, Trenton Hamilton Station, Princeton Junction Station and Trenton Transit Center are the main stations in the area. You can get around New Jersey by jumping on the metro at Military Park Station, Washington Street Station or NJPAC - Center Street Station.
Clock off on Friday and forget about deadlines and spreadsheets. Enjoy a couple of days of rest and relaxation — with a side order of adventure — at one of these sought-after weekend getaways in New Jersey:
Easy to keep clean and tidy and with everything you need within arm's reach, studio apartments are a terrific choice if you're traveling alone or with your significant other. If you're on the lookout for someplace small and comfy to call home for a few nights, take a look at these studio apartments for rent in New Jersey:
Swap the run-of-the-mill hotel experience for the comfort and privacy of your own place. Even if you only have a few days up your sleeve, you'll find short-term rentals in New Jersey that feel like a home away from home. Here's a sample of them:
If you're looking to impress your someone special, take them someplace special! Organize a romantic weekend getaway in New Jersey at one of these retreats and let love blossom:
With space, character and loads of style, mansions offer a taste of something unique. If you think your crew deserves a taste of the high life, you'll want to check out these mansions for rent in New Jersey:
If your idea of a dream trip away is to bring along all your friends, you're going to need a whole lot of space. Luckily, there are many vacation rentals in New Jersey that are designed for large groups, starting with these sprawling sensations:
In New Jersey, you'll find lots of house rentals where a pool day can be every day. Having a splashing great time will be your only priority at one of these top-rated escapes:
Maybe you're organizing a trip to celebrate a special event, or reuniting with relatives you haven't seen in far too long. Whatever the reason, you're going to need lots of space. One of our large family vacation rentals in New Jersey could be just the thing:
Toast some s'mores and enjoy a game of charades. These cabin rentals in New Jersey are terrific bases to reunite with the family:
For more options, use the search bar at the top of the page and adjust the filters to find the New Jersey vacation rental that's perfect for your needs.
Go for a dip first thing in the morning, noon or late at night — it's up to you when you stay in one of our New Jersey rentals with an indoor pool. Best of all, there's room for your entire gang to join in all the fun.
Want to see some more options? Check out the search bar at the top of the page, adjust the filters to find the New Jersey vacation rental that's perfect for your needs and book in your perfect stay today.