7 South Jersey Places Ranked Among Best Places to Visit in NJ

The Summer of 2024 is almost here!

If you're looking to plan a weekend getaway in New Jersey state to save some money, you might want to check out one of these 7 South Jersey places that Travel & Leisure named among the best places to visit in New Jersey.

Many people come and visit Atlantic City, which has lots of things to do. We spent most of our time in the casinos at a show, a local restaurant or on the boardwalk when we head into the city.

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Even though visiting Atlantic City is great and it's on the top of most tourists' list of places to visit, New Jersey also offers other great places to see down here in the Southern part of the state.

While Atlantic City made the list, coming in at No. 10 there were some other great spots that you can check out this summer like the Ocean City Boardwalk.

Approximately two hours from the Big Apple, Atlantic City — the East Coast's answer to Las Vegas — dazzles visitors with its casinos, live entertainment, glitzy hotels, and big-name restaurants like Nobu. While Steel Pier offers games, entertainment, boardwalk fare, an observation wheel with sweeping views, and the only helicopter ride at the Jersey Shore.

The Ocean City boardwalk was the No. 1 attraction according to the list and its hard to argue with that. Food, rides, plenty of shopping and more make it a must-see attraction in New Jersey.

“The Ocean City Boardwalk is a famous promenade that’s been a source of entertainment for more than 100 years,” says Diane Wieland, chairperson of Southern Shore Region DMO. The wooden walkway has amusement rides for all ages, mini golf, arcade games, souvenir and sweet shops, and iconic boardwalk eats — hot dogs, burgers, fries, pizza, and soft serve.

Wildwood's boardwalk also made the list, which has a ton of attractions and games, coming in at No. 4 on the list.

In a state known for its seaside amusements, the Wildwoods Boardwalk stands out from the pack. Composed of more than 70,000 wooden planks, the 38-block oceanfront stretch draws crowds with everything from amusement piers featuring rides and games galore to water parks to classic eateries and shopping.

Wildwood was well represented, with Morey's Piers and the Doo Wop Motel District, which is a strip of motels along Ocean Avenue in Wildwood Crest making the list.

For summertime fun, look no further than Morey's Piers & Beachfront Water Parks. “Families can spend the entire day on more than 100 rides, splashing around the two water parks right on the beach, and lounging in private cabanas,” says Jeffrey Vasser, executive director, New Jersey Division of Travel & Tourism
“Walking around Wildwood’s Doo Wop Motel District is like being transported to the 1950s,” says Vasser. Dotted along the two-mile stretch between Atlantic and Ocean Avenues sits the largest concentration of mid-century motels in the country. “It’s really neat to see all the neon signs and retro details.”

Cape May is a favorite spot for many visitors, with Washington Street, the beaches and great bars and restaurants all through the town.

Situated at the tip of the Cape May peninsula, Cape May boasts sandy beaches, historic trolley rides, a striped lighthouse, and Victorian architecture. More than just a summer destination, the charming Jersey Shore town gets into the spirit for all the seasons — especially the holidays with festive decorations, tree lighting ceremonies, and a vendor village at Congress Hall.

Travel & Leisure Names Top 15 Places To Visit In New Jersey with 7 South Jersey Spots making the list!

Boardwalk, Ocean City
Cape May
Morey’s Piers, Wildwood
Boardwalk, Wildwood
Doo Wop Motel District, Wildwood
American Dream, East Rutherford
Lambertville
Beneduce Vineyards, Pittstown
Grounds for Sculpture, Hamilton
Atlantic City
Frenchtown
Cape May County Park & Zoo, Cape May
Asbury Park
Adventure Aquarium, Camden
Long Beach Island

At No. 12 on the list is the Cape May County Park & Zoo, which is an underrated spot down the parkway to spend the day.

Located in the Cape May Court House section of Middle Township, the Cape May County Park & Zoo houses more than 550 different animals and is free to the public. There are also awesome playgrounds for kids of all ages just outside the entrance. "It's truly one of the best-kept secrets in the area," says Wieland.