- 1 Pinelands National Reserve Blueberries...cranberries...crisp pine forests...mysterious groves of dwarf trees...tree frogs and the Jersey Devil all love the Pinelands—or the Pine Barrens as many people call it. This is the first National Reserve in the United States, encompassing approximately 1.1 million acres (22% of New Jersey's land area). It is the largest body of open space on the Mid-Atlantic seaboard between Richmond and Boston. In 1983 the area was designated a U.S. Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO and in 1988 it was recognized as a International Biosphere Reserve. Scores of tea-colored man-made lakes dot this unique landscape, which is blessed with orchids, carnivorous plants and pygmy pines. 39 species of mammals, 299 Bird, 59 reptile and amphibian species and 91 fish species have been identified as living within the Pinelands including 43 animal species listed as threatened or endangered by the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife. Multiple counties in South Jersey.
- 2 Cape May More Victorian than Queen Victoria, Cape May is the oldest seashore resort in the United States. Cape May is host to 20 million visitors annually, and according to the National Historic Landmarks program, "With over 600 summer homes, hotels and commercial structures, this venerable seashore resort has one of the largest collections of 19th century frame buildings remaining in the United States." The Cape May Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts operates the Emlen Physick Estate, a Victorian house museum. Visitors can take a walking or trolley tour of the Victorian homes or spend the night in one of the beautiful bed & breakfasts. Don't be surprised to see dolphins jumping out of the water where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean. Congress Hall is another centerpiece that deserves a visit. The Washington Street Mall offers shoppers an outdoor pedestrian shopping experience. Cape May is a year-round resort, becoming a charming Christmas village in the winter. Other gems of Cape May architecture include: The Albert Stevens Inn; Angel of the Sea Hotel; Ashley Rose Victorian Inn; Beesley House; Belvedere Condos; Celtic Inn; The Chalfonte Hotel; Congress Place; Delsea Hotel; Dormer House; Dr. Henry L. Hunt House; Fairthorne Bed & Breakfast; Franklin Hughes House; The Goodman House; The Henry Sawyer Inn; The Inn on the Ocean; The Inn of Cape May; John Wesley Inn; The Joseph Hall House; Judson Bennett House; King's Cottage; Leith Hall; The Linda Lee Bed & Breakfast; Mainstay Inn; The Mason Cottage Bed & Breakfast; Mooring Guest House; Morning Star Villa; Poor Richard's Inn; Prickly Pear Cottage; The Stockton Cottages; Sugar Plum Cottage; Summer Cottage Inn; The Queen Victoria Bed & Breakfast.
- 3 Atlantic City Boardwalk The longest boardwalk in the world. Built in 1870, it is also the world's first boardwalk. According to Forbes, the Atlantic City Boardwalk is the 25th most visited tourist destination in America. The Steel Pier is the home of an amusement park. The Garden Pier is now home to the Atlantic City Historical Society and an Arts Center. The New Jersey Korean War Memorial is located along the boardwalk. Also, most of the casinos in the city are located along the Boardwalk. Atlantic City.
- 4 Princeton University One of only eight colleges in the Ivy League and the number 1 ranked university in the United States according to U.S. News and World Report. Notable landmarks include the Firestone Library, Nassau Hall, Lake Carnegie, Princeton Stadium, Prospect Gardens, and the newest wonder is Frank Gehry's Lewis Science Library. From July to October 1783, Princeton University was the capital of the United States and Nassau Hall was home to the entire American government. Perhaps the best way to enjoy the University is to just take a simple stroll through the campus and enjoy the ivy-clad gothic buildings, sculpture and gardens. Princeton Boro and Princeton Township.
- 5 Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area Part of the National Park Service, and shared with Pennsylvania, this vast park preserves almost 70,000 acres of land along the Delaware River. It is the 16th most visited tourist destination in America, according to Forbes. On the New Jersey side you can visit the following: Peter's Valley Craft Education Center. Walpack Valley Environmental Education Center. River Bend Group Campground. Millbrook Village. Watergate Recreation Site. Depew Recreation Site. Mohican Outdoor Center. Upper Yards Creek Reservoir. There are several beautiful waterfalls, including Factory Falls and Buttermilk Falls. Mount Tammany is considered by many to to have the most beautiful view in New Jersey from its summit 1,527 feet high.
- 6 Island Beach State Park The largest reserve of undeveloped barrier island in New Jersey and one of the largest in the United States. The park contains close to ten miles of sandy beach, an extensive shoreline along Barnegat Bay, dense maritime forests, rolling sand dunes, and tidal marshes. Island Beach is also home to semi-friendly foxes (Don't be fooled, they just covet your McNuggets. They are foxes after all), ospreys and more than 400 species of plants. Berkeley.
- 7 Six Flags Great Adventure and Wild Safari/Hurricane Harbor Great Adventure has some of the highest rated roller coasters: Kingda Ka, the world's highest roller coaster (also, until recently, it was the world's fastest); El Toro; Nitro; Superman: Ultimate Flight; The Dark Knight; Bizarro—the first floorless roller coaster in the world (originally named Medusa). Fright Fest is a Halloween-themed festival held in October. Hurricane Harbor is a 45 acre tropical themed water park, which includes: Hurricane Mountain water slide. Bada Bing, Bada Bang, Bada Boom! water slide. Boreas, Eurus, Zephyrus and Nortus water slide. Blue Lagoon Wave Pool. Cannonball, Wahini and Jurahnimo Falls water slides. Discovery Bay for little children. Jackson.
- 8 Liberty State Park You can access the ferry to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. Liberty Walk is a riverside promenade that stretches 1.3 miles, almost the entire length of the park. Liberation Monument by noted sculptor Nathan Rappaport. Liberty Landing Marina. New York Waterway ferries connect passengers to the North Cove Yacht Harbor in New York City and Sandy Hook in Monmouth County. Interpretive Center (designed by celebrity architect Michael Graves) and the Salt Marsh Natural Area. The historic CRRNJ Terminal was built in 1889. More than 8 million immigrants first stepped foot into the mainland of the United States through this beautiful building on their way to an American future. The Columbus Monument was a gift from Italy to the United States as part of the Columbus Quincentennial Celebration. Jersey City.
- 9 Sandy Hook A barrier peninsula approximately 7 miles in length, Sandy Hook is a part of the Gateway National Recreation Area. The prime attractions are the beaches, but history buffs can tour old Nike missile sites, visit Battery Potter and Battery Gunnison, learn at the History House on the restored Officer's Row and climb Sandy Hook Lighthouse. Surf fishing is a popular with anglers, and night fishing passes are available for purchase. There is a 5 mile long multi-use pathway for walkers, bikers and rollerbladers. Birding opportunities include Plum Island, the Spermaceti Cove boardwalk, Horseshoe Cove salt marsh, North Pond and the New Jersey Audubon Society Sandy Hook Bird Observatory. Middletown.
- 10 Delsea A large region of various protected lands and small, isolated communities with a maritime history. Delsea straddles the northeast shore of Delaware Bay. Salem, Cumberland and Cape May counties.
By EJS Photos 
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