Central Jersey

Travel 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

While visiting Princeton Center, you might make a stop by sights like Palmer Square and Princeton Cemetery.

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 Kilmer Square.

New Brunswick City Center
Drone of Epic Sunset in New Jersey Suburbs Homes

West Freehold

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

Though Yardville-Groveville might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Chesterfield Township Municipal Building and Grounds For Sculpture.

Yardville-Groveville
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West Carteret

While West Carteret might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Carteret Performing Arts and Events Center and Woodbridge Center.

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 CA $160 per night from Apr 19 to Apr 20
CA $160
CA $183 total
Apr 19 - Apr 20
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Piscataway. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,175 reviews)
Rooms were clean and the staff were nice

Reviewed on Apr 5, 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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is CA $91 per night from Apr 8 to Apr 9
CA $91
CA $104 total
Apr 8 - Apr 9
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Carteret. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
6.2/10 (1,221 reviews)
It is literally just somewhere to stay on a budget. Not the cleanest.

Reviewed on Apr 4, 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 CA $170 per night from Apr 20 to Apr 21
CA $170
CA $195 total
Apr 20 - Apr 21
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in East Brunswick. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,050 reviews)
Over priced for older hotel definitely needs updated.

Reviewed on Apr 3, 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.
Romantic Herringbone Cottage - In Our Little English Village

Romantic Herringbone Cottage - In Our Little English Village

New Hope PA
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 ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (124 reviews)
As seen in the picture, the cottage we stayed in was very clean and well taken care of. It was a great weekend getaway

Reviewed on Apr 5, 2026

Romantic Herringbone Cottage - In Our Little English Village
Romantic Gothic Cottage - In Our Little English Village

Romantic Gothic Cottage - In Our Little English Village

New Hope PA
Stay at this cottage in New Hope. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Peddler's Village and New Hope-Lambertville Toll Supported ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (163 reviews)
Hosts were welcoming & personable. We were guided through the property & was told about the history of the village. This beautifully maintained, quaint cottage was a magical place to stay and an easy commute to New Hope/Lambertville. It was a pleasure!!

Reviewed on Mar 3, 2026

Romantic Gothic Cottage - In Our Little English Village
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 NJ
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Plainfield. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and a pool table. Popular attractions Plainfield Country ...
10/10 Exceptional! (38 reviews)
Great house. Perfect for a big group of people. We arrived with some issues but the home owner helped immediately. Will stay again if we happen to be back in the area again. Bare bone house so make sure to bring necessities.

Reviewed on Feb 12, 2026

1897 MANSION 30 min to NYC Sleeps up to 26 with 12 bedrooms and 7 and 1/2 baths
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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