The Garden State is having a moment – and you’ll want to be there for it.
New Jersey has always punched above its weight. Sandwiched between New York and Philly, the Garden State is stepping into the spotlight in 2025 with festival headliners, luxury hotel openings, foodie firepower and cultural icons worth flying across the Atlantic for. Whether you’re after beachside escapism, family-friendly fun or a bite of bold, inventive cuisine, you’ll find it in NJ.
Here are 10 top reasons to visit New Jersey in 2025:
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1. Barefoot Country Music Fest: Sand, Sun & Superstar Sounds (19–22 June 2025)
Get ready for boots in the sand and chart-toppers on the speakers - Barefoot Country Music Fest is back for its fifth year, and it’s bringing serious star power to the Jersey Shore. Set on the beaches of Wildwood, this four-day oceanside celebration welcomes a powerhouse 2025 lineup featuring Jason Aldean, Lainey Wilson, Jelly Roll, Jordan Davis, and a special reunion set from Rascal Flatts. Rising stars Megan Moroney and Ella Langley round out the bill. With five stages and a beachside boardwalk, it's where country music meets coastal cool.
2. Countryside Bliss at the New Pendry Natirar
In need of a countryside reset? The newly opened Pendry Natirar in Somerset County is your answer. Just an hour from New York City but a world away from the bustle, this historic 1912 estate now offers a refined escape with Tudor architecture, a full-service spa, and seasonal garden-to-table dining at Ninety Acres. Wander among its manicured hills, sip wine under the stars, and reconnect with nature in the most luxurious way. This is English manor house meets American hospitality - with fire pits, cocktails and soul-soothing quiet.
3. America’s 250th Countdown Begins Here
2025 marks New Jersey’s 238th birthday and the official lead-up to America’s 250th anniversary in 2026. The state - steeped in Revolutionary War history - is celebrating with re-enactments, museum exhibitions, and heritage trails. Visit Fort Lee Historic Park to see a reconstructed war encampment, or head to Union County’s “Four Centuries in a Weekend” in October to explore more than 30 historic sites brought to life with actors, artefacts and storytelling.
4. Art & Legacy in Princeton
There’s never been a better time to visit Princeton. In autumn 2025, the Princeton University Art Museum unveils its stunning new building - a modern architectural icon packed with immersive exhibitions, digital experiences, and family-friendly art programming. Just a few blocks away, the Paul Robeson House opens in April, honouring the legendary singer, actor, scholar and civil rights activist who was born in Princeton. Together, they bring art and history to life in one of the East Coast’s most elegant university towns.
5. Culinary Buzz: Morimoto in Montclair + James Beard Nominees Across the State
Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto brings his signature East-meets-West style to Montclair in 2025 with a sleek new sushi restaurant that promises to be a culinary destination. But that’s just the beginning. New Jersey’s dining scene is on fire, with a wave of James Beard Award semifinalists shaking things up—like Korai Kitchen (Bangladeshi) in Jersey City and Lita (Portuguese) in Aberdeen Township. For food lovers, it’s a tasty twist on American cuisine that’s fresh, diverse and totally unexpected.
6. Atlantic City Levels Up: New Hotels, Dining & Revamped Aquarium
The Seahaus Hotel, opening early 2025, will bring sleek oceanfront style to Atlantic City with 105 contemporary rooms, a pool, and three destination restaurants. Meanwhile, a Monopoly-themed hotel is set to break ground - fitting for the birthplace of the classic board game. Add in the reopening of the Atlantic City Aquarium—newly renovated with interactive marine exhibits perfect for families - and you’ve got an exciting refresh of one of America’s most iconic seaside playgrounds.
7. Dig for Dinosaurs at Edelman Fossil Park Museum
Families take note: this is not your average day out. Opening in March 2025, the Edelman Fossil Park & Museum invites visitors to dig up real dinosaur fossils, explore interactive exhibits, and even watch paleontologists in action. Kids (and grown-ups) can get hands-on with science, history, and natural wonder. Located in Mantua Township, this new museum is set to be one of America’s most exciting educational attractions.
8. Jersey City’s Art Fair 14C Returns (8–11 May)
If you’re the type to build an itinerary around bold art and buzzing neighbourhoods, don’t miss Art Fair 14C. This international contemporary art festival in Jersey City brings together emerging and established creatives, with galleries, installations and pop-up exhibitions that feel more Berlin warehouse than East Coast suburb. It’s cool, it’s edgy, and it’s right across the river from Manhattan.
9. Family Fun at American Dream’s Sesame Street Experience
Near Newark Airport, American Dream - one of the USA’s biggest entertainment malls - is now home to a Sesame Street Learn & Play Experience, opened in late 2024. Kids can meet their favourite fuzzy friends and engage in hands-on learning activities, games and sensory experiences. With indoor skiing, theme parks and shopping under one roof, it’s a crowd-pleaser just 15 minutes from Manhattan.
10. A Passport to New Jersey’s Great Outdoors
Explore forests, beaches, and battlefields with New Jersey’s Parks Passport programme. Collect stamps, earn rewards and uncover hidden gems across state parks - like Monmouth Battlefield, which comes alive in June with an immersive Revolutionary War re-enactment. It's a choose-your-own-adventure kind of summer, whether you’re into hiking, history, or just a great picnic spot.
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Getting There:
Fly direct to Newark Liberty International Airport from London, Dublin, Manchester and more. From there, New Jersey’s beaches, cities and scenic escapes are all within easy reach.
Plan Your Trip:
Download the free New Jersey 2025 Official Travel Guide at
www.visitnj.org.
Posted by: New Jersey Division of Tourism
Posted on: 10/04/2025