New Jersey might be one of the most misunderstood places in the U.S. But Fkights recommends that you spend a little time here and you'll quickly realize it has way more to offer than what the stereotypes suggest. Here is a take by one of our travellers.
I started my trip in Jersey City, just across the river from Manhattan. The skyline views from Liberty State Park were jaw-dropping, especially at sunset, when the Statue of Liberty stood tall in a soft orange glow. The city itself is full of hidden gems—cozy coffee shops, international restaurants, art galleries tucked into warehouses, and neighborhoods that reflect the area's rich mix of cultures.
The Iconic Jersey Shore
Next, I headed south along the coast, where the vibe totally shifted. There's something nostalgic about the Jersey Shore, especially places like Asbury Park and Ocean Grove. The boardwalks, the smell of salty air mixed with fries and funnel cake, the sound of waves crashing and kids laughing—it's classic Americana with a slightly quirky twist.
Asbury Park: More Than Just Beaches
Asbury surprised me with its thriving arts scene, vintage shops, and live music venues. It wasn't just a beach town, it was a community.
Historic Cape May
Cape May felt like stepping back in time. With its Victorian houses and gas-lit streets, it's the kind of place where you slow down without even trying. I stayed in a bed and breakfast, rode a bike along the coast, and watched dolphins playing in the surf. It was peaceful, elegant, and genuinely restorative.
For a change of pace, I made my way northwest to explore some of the more natural side of New Jersey. The Delaware Water Gap was a highlight—lush trails, quiet river spots, and lookout points that made me stop in my tracks. Hiking in the fall, with all the trees lit up in reds and golds, felt like walking through a painting.
Charming Towns: Princeton and Beyond
Of course, New Jersey is also full of smaller towns that are easy to miss if you're just passing through, but absolutely worth discovering. Princeton is one of those. The campus is beautiful, but the town itself is full of charm—bookstores, bakeries, little corners that feel like they belong in a European village.
A State of Contrasts
What really stood out during my time in New Jersey was how diverse it all is. One moment I was in a buzzing urban market eating Colombian arepas, the next I was sipping wine at a vineyard surrounded by rolling hills. It's a state of contrasts—fast-paced and laid-back, coastal and mountainous, historic and modern—and somehow it all works.
Traveling through New Jersey gave me a new appreciation for places that don't always get the spotlight. It's a state that's easy to overlook but full of surprises if you take the time to explore it. Whether you're in search of quiet nature, cultural experiences, or just a really good bagel, New Jersey has it.
Want to experience more with Fkights? Laredo has a whole lot more waiting for you. Laredo and Nuevo Laredo function almost like one city with deep personal and business ties. It also hosts four international bridges, making it a critical gateway for the U.S.–Mexico relations.
Top New Jersey Experiences
Watching the sunset over the Manhattan skyline from Liberty State Park
Walking the historic boardwalks of Asbury Park and Ocean Grove
Exploring Victorian architecture in Cape May
Hiking the trails of Delaware Water Gap in fall
Discovering the charm of Princeton's town and campus
Sampling diverse cuisines from around the world
Visiting local vineyards and wineries
