New Jersey may be known as “The Garden State,” but don’t be fooled into thinking this is only a warm weather destination. New Jersey offers year-round experiences in art, science, history, and oceanside relaxation. Whether your group wants to hit the jackpot at casinos, explore big cities, or relax while listening to the waves, New Jersey offers a variety of activities, attractions, and entertainment.
Spring
Adult group tours can find plenty of fun in Atlantic City’s dazzling hotels and casinos. Beat the summer crowds and head over to the world’s first boardwalk, where groups will be entertained by live music, mini-golf, and plenty of shopping. While in town, visit the Atlantic City Aquarium and the Atlantic City Ballet, as well as climb aboard The Wheel, a 227-foot observation wheel, for panoramic views of the city and the sea. Take in the Atlantic City skyline (and maybe spot a dolphin!) onboard an Atlantic City Cruises vessel.
Credit: Cape May County, NJ Department of Tourism
Summer
Breathe in the ocean air in Cape May, the southernmost seaside town in New Jersey. This charming area is home to the United States’ oldest seaside resort, food tours, and art galleries. Learn more about the Atlantic Coast’s wildlife at the Cape May Whale Watch & Research Center and search for the state seashell, the knobbed whelk, on the beach. In town, groups can tour the Victorian-era Emlen Physick Estate and wander down Washington Street, a pedestrian-friendly promenade with plenty of shops to peruse.
Fall
New Jersey is the site of many historic moments in American history, and autumn is a wonderful time to reflect on the state’s contributions. The New Jersey State Museum in Trenton contains fossils, Civil War flags, 9/11 artifacts, and other important demonstrations and discussions of New Jersey history. Visit Barclay Farmstead, built in 1816, which is now a living history museum that illustrates the history of life in rural New Jersey. Military history buffs will be interested in the grounds of Monmouth Battlefield State Park and Princeton Battlefield State Park.
Credit: Liberty Science Center
Winter
Group travel is the perfect way to infuse light and life into cold winter days. In Mulberry Commons park in Newark, the annual Newark Winter Village offers a mix of self-directed and communal activities for travelers. Ice skating, go-karts, and a holiday marketplace with snacks and gifts entertain groups for hours. Don’t forget to take a group photo with the giant polar bear statue before heading to the nearby Newark Museum of Art, where groups will discover artistic wonders from across the seven continents. In Jersey City, visit the country’s largest planetarium at the Liberty Science Center.
Written by Katherine Lawless
Main Image: Atlantic City skyline; Credit: Fish Hard Events
