New Jersey

Many visitors to the United States drive through New Jersey on their way to somewhere else, and from a car window the state can seem a bit grim. Crowded highways slice through the suburban sprawl of New York and Philadelphia, with the occasional oil refinery or airport providing an unwelcome variation on the suburban theme. Beyond the highways and the strip malls, however, New Jersey offers surprising natural beauty and a variety of interesting destinations.

New Jersey's most impressive feature is its shoreline on the Atlantic Ocean. With over 120 miles of white sand beaches, the 'Jersey shore' provides a relaxing weekend retreat from the hustle and bustle of the great Northeastern cities. In summer, the northern beaches are filled with New Yorkers escaping the heat, while Philadelphians crowd the southern coast. Jersey shore towns cater to every class and taste, from the tacky delirium of the Wildwoods to the patrician grace of Bay Head.

Although Atlantic City is on the Jersey shore, it is a world apart. If gambling is your game, Atlantic City is a gold-plated paradise of the senses. Twelve casinos provide cheap buffets, free drinks and countless ways to lose your money.

Between the suburbs and the shore, New Jersey is filled with farms, forests and quiet colonial villages. South Jersey is famous for its excellent tomatoes and quiet pine forests, while the farms in the northwestern part of the state are known for their gentle hills and well-bred horses. In the middle of the state, Princeton is home to the world famous university, and is one of the most attractive and vibrant small towns in the Northeast.