Best New Jersey Attraction (2017)

Located on the Asbury Park Boardwalk, the Silverball Museum maintains a collection of some 200 classic pinball machines manufactured between 1950 and today. Visitors also enjoy classic 80s video games, air hockey, skee ball and a cafe serving boardwalk treats.
Photo courtesy of Rob DiCaterino / Flickr

In Camden, N.J., just across the Delaware River from Philadelphia, sits our nation's largest and most decorated battleship, the USS New Jersey. Fully-restored, this battleship-turned-museum welcomes visitors of all ages to climb ladders, crawl through passageways and experience things just as the crew did when it was operational.
Photo courtesy of Battleship New Jersey Museum & Memorial

Occupying the former New Jersey fairgrounds, the 42-acre Grounds for Sculpture maintains an ever-evolving collection of contemporary outdoor sculptures, as well as rotating exhibitions in six indoor galleries. 
Photo courtesy of John Donges / Flickr

The boardwalk in Wildwoods, N.J. stretches for 38 blocks and is packed with shops, restaurants, bars, water parks and an amusement pier with some 100 rides and attractions.
Photo courtesy of Greater Wildwoods Tourism Authority

At the heart of one of New Jersey's most vibrant cities sits Pier 13, extending into the Hudson River with views of the New York City skyline. This backyard of Hoboken features food trucks, water sports and a full event calendar with everything from concerts to movie nights.
Photo courtesy of Bill Benzon / Flickr

Cape May is all about migration, and it has a reputation as one of the best migration observation spots on the east coast for good reason. In autumn, Cape May Point becomes a prime hawk migration site where the birds are nearly always visible. Fall is also a great time to spot migrating songbirds, while the focus shifts to shorebirds in spring.
Photo courtesy of fishhawk / Flickr

One of the state's quirkier attractions, Lucy the Elephant was built in 1881 by a local real estate developer hoping to attract potential buyers to his land. Standing six stories tall and weighing 90 tons, Lucy is a National Historic Landmark, the world's largest elephant and one of America's oldest roadside attractions
Photo courtesy of Adam Moss / Flickr

At the Cape May County Park & Zoo, travelers can observe some 250 species of animals, including red pandas, flamingos, lions, giraffes and snow leopards. Highlights include a raised boardwalk through the African savanna, a reptile house, aviary and numerous picnic areas, playgrounds and recreational trails in the surrounding park. 
Photo courtesy of Jim, the Photographer / Flickr

In 1791 the town of Paterson was established as the nation's first planned industrial city. The mills powered by the Great Falls and the Passaic River would power the production of cotton, silk, paper, airplanes and locomotives. The history of this town that helped change the face of America comes alive on self-guided tours and ranger-led programs.
Photo courtesy of NPS Photo

At Thomas Edison National Historical Park, visitors can explore the home and laboratory of America's greatest inventor. A highlight of the park is the Black Maria, the world's first motion picture studio.
Photo courtesy of NPS Photo