Outsiders may regard New Jersey as an extension of the New York City and Philadelphia areas, but New Jerseyans know that the state has its own unique identity. Thanks to plentiful recreational, cultural and history activities, there’s no need to venture outside New Jersey. These six activities are among the most popular in the state.

Spend a Day or Week at the Beach

With 130 miles of shoreline and 44 beaches, New Jersey is the vacation spot of choice for New Jersey residents and out-of-state visitors alike. During the off-season, beach replenishment projects ensure that summer visitors will have plenty of space to spread out their towels, umbrellas and chairs.

Although everyone has their own opinions regarding what makes a beach ideal, these spots regularly appear on lists of the best beaches in the state:

• Cape May
• Avalon
• Long Beach Island
• Lavallette
• Belmar
• Spring Lake
• Stone Harbor
• Asbury Park
• Point Pleasant
• Sea Girt
• Ocean City
• Sandy Hook
• Bradley Beach

Visit a Museum

New Jersey celebrates the state’s contributions to science, art, industry and culture with museums of every size. The New Jersey State Museum and Planetarium in Trenton features science, history and art collections.  Sterling Hill Mining Museum in Ogdensburg not only offers exhibits on zinc mining but also takes visitors deep inside a mine.

Other museums worth a visit include the African American Heritage Museum of South Jersey, Princeton University Art Museum, the Liberty Science Center and the Battleship New Jersey. VisitNJ.com offers a full list of New Jersey museums.

Enjoy a Little Outdoor Recreation

There’s more to New Jersey than just its beaches. Golf courses, sports fields, lakes and parks offer ample opportunity to enjoy nature and get a little exercise at the same time. New Jersey is home to 51 state parks and recreation areas offering a variety of activities, including swimming, fishing, boating, hiking, snowmobiling, cross country skiing, golf, camping, picnicking, in-line skating, horseback riding and mountain biking.

Turn Back Time with a Trip to an Historic Site

As one of the 13 original colonies, New Jersey is particularly rich in history. In fact, George Washington prepared for battle at what is now Sourland Mountain Preserve and made Morristown, NJ, his winter headquarters during the Revolutionary War. Locally, the Princeton Battlefield State Park and The Old Barracks Museum in Trenton provide an in-depth look at the battles fought in our area and the harsh conditions troop faced.  The Historic Village at Allaire, Washington Crossing State Park, Grover Cleveland Birthplace and Batsto Village are among the New Jersey sites you’ll want to check out if you’re a history buff.

Be a Thrill Seeker

Amusement parks, water parks and other attractions in the state offer the ideal diversion when you’re craving a little excitement. The New Jersey Devil Coaster, scheduled to open this summer at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, will be the worlds’ tallest, fastest single rail roller coaster. If you’d rather not dangle upside down 13 stories above the ground, the park offers plenty of rides that provide milder thrills.

Other New Jersey amusement parks and attractions you’ll want to add to your list of places to visit include:

• Diggerland: Kids and adults drive or ride tractors, excavators and other heavy machinery at this construction-themed amusement park.
• Land of Make Believe: Land of Make Believe offers fun for the entire family with whimsical rides for young visitors and thrill rides for teens and adults.
• iFLY Paramus: Experience the fun of sky diving without any of the risk. During the indoor experience, you’ll “fly” several feet off the ground in a wind tunnel.
• Amusement Piers: A staple of many New Jersey beach towns, amusement piers and parks are particularly popular during the evening hours.

Try an Offbeat Adventure

The most memorable experiences are often a little unusual. These New Jersey attractions are must-sees if you’re looking for an out-of-the-ordinary experience.

• Insectropolis: Insectropolis, located in Toms River, celebrates creepy, crawls bugs with exhibits and hands-on experiences.
• Lucy the Elephant: A visit to Margate wouldn’t be complete without a stop at Lucy the Elephant. Visitors enjoy impressive views of the beach after climbing to the top of the six-story elephant via a spiral staircase.
• Ghosts of Cape May Trolley Tour: You’ll visit the ghosts favorite haunts and learn about Cape May’s history during this spooky trolley tour.
• Breakfast in the Sky: Enjoy a one-hour gourmet breakfast on a Ferris wheel at Wildwood’s Morey’s Piers and Water Parks. The breakfasts are only offered in July and August and sell out quickly.

When you live in Central New Jersey, none of these activities are ever farther than a few hours away. The four-bedroom, 2.5 executive homes at Country Classics at Hillsborough offer convenient access to local highways and the features and amenities discerning buyers want in a new home. Contact us for information about  becoming a homeowner during our final phase of construction.