New Jersey Region

Across the Hudson from Manhattan, Newark serves travelers via EWR; the Ironbound’s Portuguese and Spanish restaurants, the Newark Museum and riverfront parks draw food lovers and cultural visitors.

Trenton draws history-minded visitors to the New Jersey State House, the Old Barracks Museum and modest riverfront walks; it’s also a practical stop between Philadelphia and the Jersey Shore.

Along the salted boardwalk, Atlantic City advertises casinos and live shows but also draws beachgoers, amusement rides on Steel Pier, salt-water taffy stalls, outlet shopping, and quick trips to the Edwin B. Forsythe Refuge for birdwatching.

Menlo Park’s laboratories are the draw: tour Thomas Edison’s workshop and nearby historic sites, then follow Oak Tree Road for packed South Asian restaurants and bakeries. Practical travel: easy commuter links to New York and suburban shopping centers.

Wildwood’s boardwalk rings with arcades, saltwater taffy stands and amusement piers. Families come for wide beaches, classic Doo-Wop motels, evening carnival lights and fishing from the long wooden piers.