New Jersey might be famous for being the garden state, but there is also a lot of life after dark. Now that the sun has set, there is never a dull moment from the casinos of Atlantic City to the bars and restaurants in Hoboken. Whether you are going on a date or going out on a spree with friends, this guide will point you to the places in New Jersey that are fun, have good food and where you can even hope to win a jackpot at a casino.
New Jersey has quite a lot of entertainment to offer to people, so it is worth checking out. The state has some great theaters and concert halls that feature local and touring performers. Here are a few popular spots:
Prudential Center: Right in downtown Newark, this high-quality venue is where you will watch concerts, sporting events, and other performances. Billboard magazine even has it ranked among the best in the country.
PNC Bank Arts Center: This outdoor amphitheater in Holmdel is one of the most popular venues for summer concerts and such performers as Bruce Springsteen and Beyoncé were here.
State Theatre New Jersey: This gem in New Brunswick, built in 1921, offers a range of performances from Broadway shows to comedy acts.
Besides these big venues, there are plenty of smaller bars and clubs with live music, karaoke nights, and more fun options.
Atlantic City is the gem of New Jersey's casino scene, giving visitors a taste of the gambling thrill in a lively setting. With its fancy casinos lining the famous Boardwalk, there are plenty of chances to hit the jackpot or test your luck with a variety of table games and slots.
The Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa and Caesars Atlantic City are two top picks, known for their fancy gaming floors and awesome amenities. Whether you're a pro or just after some fun and excitement, New Jersey's casinos offer a memorable time, where fortunes can change with a spin or a flip.
Beyond the casinos, Atlantic City has lots more to offer, like top-notch restaurants, shopping, and a buzzing nightlife. Families can enjoy amusement rides on the Boardwalk or visit the iconic Steel Pier for games and shows. The city also hosts a bunch of events throughout the year, including festivals, concerts, and sports events.
But New Jersey's casino fun isn't just in Atlantic City. You can find gaming spots elsewhere in the state too. In East Rutherford, Meadowlands Racetrack has horse racing and sports betting, while Monmouth Park in Oceanport is a hit for horse racing fans. Plus, there are several smaller casinos and racetracks around the state, offering even more gaming fun.
New Jersey is famous for its lively music scene and rich history of talented musicians. The state covers all genres, from rock and hip-hop to jazz and blues, with icons like Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi, Whitney Houston, and Queen Latifah calling the Garden State home.
The live music scene here is booming too, with everything from cozy pubs to big concert halls. The legendary Stone Pony in Asbury Park has seen countless famous bands and artists, making it a must-see for music fans. Other hot spots include Starland Ballroom in Sayreville and Wellmont Theater in Montclair.
Beyond the major venues, New Jersey hosts plenty of local music festivals, featuring both seasoned and new artists. Some of the favorites are the Asbury Park Music and Film Festival, All Points West Music & Arts Festival, and the Montclair Jazz Festival.
New Jersey's spot near the Atlantic Ocean and its varied landscape makes it a perfect playground for outdoor and sports lovers. The state offers loads of activities, from swimming, surfing, and fishing to hiking, camping, and skiing.
One of the top spots in New Jersey is the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. This massive 70,000-acre park offers breathtaking views of waterfalls, rivers, and mountains—ideal for hiking and camping adventures.
If you're after more thrill-packed activities, New Jersey has you covered too. Action Park in Vernon Township is one of the top water parks in the country, packed with rides and attractions. Other adventure favorites include Mountain Creek and Six Flags Great Adventure.
Sports fans will feel right at home in New Jersey, which hosts several pro sports teams. The New York Giants and New York Jets both play at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, and the New Jersey Devils hit the ice at the Prudential Center in Newark. Plus, there are plenty of minor league baseball teams across the state, offering fun and affordable entertainment for families.
New Jersey's diverse population brings a lively shopping and dining scene, offering everything from high-end boutiques to local mom-and-pop shops. Some favorite shopping spots are the upscale Mall at Short Hills, the massive American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, and Jersey Gardens Outlet Mall in Elizabeth.
When it comes to food, New Jersey is famous for its variety. Thanks to the state's large Italian-American community, there's no shortage of authentic Italian restaurants, especially in Hoboken's historic town. Plus, you'll find a wide range of international cuisines, like Indian, Mexican, and Asian.
For those who love food with a twist, New Jersey hosts some awesome food festivals, like the Atlantic City Seafood Festival and the Red Bank Food & Wine Walk. And you can't leave the state without trying some of its famous eats, like pork rolls, tomato pie, and saltwater taffy.
New Jersey is rich in arts and culture, with a thriving community of artists, musicians, and performers. Some notable institutions include the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark, which hosts a variety of concerts and shows throughout the year, and the Newark Museum, which features an impressive collection of art and artifacts from around the world.
In addition to these larger institutions, there are also many small galleries and live music venues scattered throughout the state. The Asbury Park Boardwalk is known for its vibrant music scene, while towns like Lambertville are home to numerous art galleries showcasing local talent.
As you can see, New Jersey's got a bit of everything for everyone. Whether you're into nature, beaches, shopping, or food, this state has you covered. Plus, with New York and Philadelphia just nearby, there's always something new to check out. So, when you're planning an East Coast trip, don't skip the Garden State – come see what New Jersey has to offer!
