The state of New Jersey is often overlooked in favour of its bigger neighbour, New York City. However, New Jersey arguably has everything New York City has, but for a lower price and without as much hassle. There are a million and one ways to have fun on a night out in New Jersey, whether you want to have a sophisticated girl’s night out at a cocktail bar, a romantic date night or a fun night watching the game with the boys.
Whether you have lived in New Jersey all your life or you are just starting to plan your visit to the Garden State, our guide to the best nights out in New Jersey will help you discover someplace new and give you inspiration for your next night on the town.
Bright city lights
New Jersey is home to a multitude of small, quaint towns along with some of the biggest cities in the country. Jersey City and Newark are bustling metropolises where you can always find something new and have a fun adventure. Jersey City is located on the Hudson River and faces New York City. A walk in Liberty State Park before dinner is the perfect way to begin a romantic date – the walk will treat you to views of the Manhattan skyline, Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty.
Newark is near to Jersey City and is situated on the waterfront. Newark features the lovely Riverfront Park, a performing arts centre and a series of museums. This waterfront city is something of a hidden gem and definitely worth visiting for an evening of exploration and culture.
Walk the boardwalk
A walk along the
Atlantic City boardwalk is an unmissable New Jersey experience. Ambling along the boardwalk day or night, you will feel like you have travelled back in time to simpler days. Whether you want to spend your day sunning at the beach, enjoying the local casinos, or people watching at the boardwalk, you are sure to enjoy your time in the bustling streets of Atlantic City.
Ocean City is also a great destination for families as it has a
popular pier and amusement park called Gillian’s Wonderland Pier, which has a number of attractions, including a giant Ferris wheel, roller coasters, a hall of mirrors and rides for little children. Playland’s Castaway Cove also features a number of roller coasters and mini golf.
Casino nights
Every state has its own regulations when it comes to gambling and New Jersey is no different. Thankfully, this state has relaxed its restrictions on gambling and punters can now enjoy the best online casinos that the web has to offer.
As the number of online casinos has grown in recent years, so has the quality of online casinos and gambling apps. You can now
explore a vast array of different online platforms and apps that have a variety of games available in NJ, helpful support options and generous registration offers. If you are visiting New Jersey, you should consider trying some of the top online gambling sites and apps available, and enjoy the thrill of the casino from the comfort of your sofa or hotel lobby.
Along with the boardwalk in Atlantic City, there are several famous casinos to visit. If you would like to have a fun and exciting casino night, you can hop between the casinos, bars and restaurants that populate the Atlantic City boardwalk area.
Going gourmet
If you are looking for a truly gourmet experience in New Jersey, you will not be disappointed by its vibrant culinary scene – the innovative restaurant Bohemia has even earned a coveted Michelin star. Along with Bohemia, there is no shortage of fine dining options, including Cafe Matisse, Fascino, Elements, and Laboratorio Kitchen.
These restaurants rival the best meals you can find in New York City and will excite even the most sophisticated foodies. Just make sure you book far enough in advance to secure your seat, as it can be difficult to make reservations at some of these incredibly popular spots.
A quiet night at the beach
If you have enjoyed a few wild nights out, why not consider ending your trip to New Jersey with a quiet night at the beach? Ocean City New Jersey is located on New Jersey’s sun-soaked coast and features rolling beaches along with a vibrant boardwalk dotted with shops, restaurants and bars.
Traveling to the south of Ocean City, you will encounter
Corson’s Inlet State Park, a lovely park that features pristine dunes and wetlands, which are a favourite of shorebirds and other fauna.