New Jersey Has More to Explore Than You Expect
Curious about what you'll do when you live in New Jersey? If you like the idea of sipping wine in Cape May, kayaking through the Pine Barrens, and walking the oceanfront boardwalks, New Jersey is calling you home! This list of fun things to do will take you from lighthouse climbs to diner neon and give you a sampling of New Jersey's rich history and coastal culture.



Diane, Our Local Expert Guiding Your Move
Diane has been rooted in New Jersey since day one and has lived everywhere from Hillside to Elizabeth to Springfield before landing in Fanwood. When she and her family moved into their current place, she was very pregnant and still refused to stop lifting boxes or scrubbing things because she wanted it done right. She is the kind of New Jerseyan who can talk about Revolutionary War history, walk you through Duke Gardens, or recommend the best apple picking without checking a map. Her food loyalties are fierce, especially when it comes to pork roll on a hard roll with melted cheese, though she will happily join any naming debate. She is a lifelong reader who once tried to leave the library with more books than her card allowed. She even crossed paths with Sinatra during an honorary degree event at Stevens. At Snappy Scout she brings sharp local insight with a Jersey wink.
Read moreWritten with local insight from Snappy Scout relocation experts
What Will You Do in New Jersey?
From weekend adventures to iconic road trips, here's how locals spend their time off.
Go Outside & Hike
Climb Mount Tammany in Delaware Water Gap, via Red Dot Trail
Spend Time on the Water cooling off
Paddle Barnegat Bay by Island Beach State Park
This is what locals do on the weekends
Hit Asbury Park boardwalk, live music at The Stone Pony
This is the Iconic Road Trip to take
Cape May is pastel Victorian, Sunset Beach, then fine dining
This is the scenic ride for you
Palisades Interstate Parkway, sweeping Hudson River overlooks and cliff pullouts
Maybe you should go chasing waterfalls
Gawk at Paterson Great Falls thundering through the city
For the Sports Fans
Catch New Jersey Devils hockey at Prudential Center in Newark or the Jets or Giants at Giants Stadium
Underground Adventure
Rain or shine? Tour Sterling Hill Mine's fluorescent wonders in Ogdensburg
When You’re tired of crowds and need to get away
Paddle Wading River through Pine Barrens, Wharton State Forest
Pick your own farm to table fare
Fill baskets with apples at Alstede Farms in Chester
Hidden Gem Spotlight
The Delaware & Raritan Canal, which connects the Delaware and Raritan Rivers (no surprise there) is a great place to canoe or kayak and the towpath is nice place to walk and ride bikes. Great for all fitness levels because it's flat.
And in the spring, visit the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark. Absolutely gorgeous cathedral and there are more cherry blossoms in nearby Branch Brook Park than in Japan.


— Diane Briante
New Jersey Local Expert


Ready to See If New Jersey Fits You?
Compare cities, check the routes, or head back to the full New Jersey guide for the bigger picture.