Atlantic City & Other New Jersey Tourist Traps, Plus Alternatives

Abstract

• Uncover underrated alternate options to well-liked sights in New Jersey; skip NJ vacationer traps like Lucy The Elephant, Journey Aquarium, and Liberty Science Heart.
• Try cheaper, less-crowded, and extra attention-grabbing various sights in New Jersey like Menlo Park, SeaQuest, or Naval Air Station.
• Contemplate exploring underrated spots in NJ like Allaire State Park, Bello’s Pub, and Avon Boardwalk for a greater expertise with decrease costs and fewer crowds.

Bordered on its north and east by the state of New York and its expensive cities by the water, New Jersey draws over 114.6 million visitors annually, making it one of the vital well-liked vacationer locations within the nation. Nonetheless, simply because it’s in the top five happiest states in the US doesn’t imply a few of its most famous landmarks, sights, and actions aren’t overrated, and subsequently not a perfect selection for guests quick on time – and cash.

Certain, many vacationers would think about neighboring New York City’s tourist traps and alternatives to be of prime curiosity, seeing because it’s among the many most visited cities on the East Coast. Nonetheless, New Jersey has its personal overcrowded and expensive sights as effectively (plus loads of higher, distinctive choices as an alternative). Listed here are numerous widespread vacationer traps in New Jersey to skip and alternate options to go to as an alternative, the latter of that are usuallycheaper, lesser-known, less-crowded, and extra attention-grabbing.

8 Skip: Lucy The Elephant, Margate

Extra attention-grabbing various: The world’s second-largest lightbulb at Menlo Park, Edison

Perched by the seaside in Josephine Harron Park, Lucy the Elephant is a six-story elephant-shaped constructing erected in 1881. It’s a extremely popular, however moderately overrated roadside attraction, drawing round 130,000 visitors annually.

A extra thrilling choice is to move to the situation that after housed Thomas Edison’s analysis lab and take a look at the enormous mild bulb close to Menlo Park Museum, erected in 1938. Contained in the tower, a light-weight is all the time stored on to honor the inventor.

The museum is ADA accessible and there’s free on-street parking.

7 Skip: Journey Aquarium, Camden

Much less-congested and cheaper various: SeaQuest, Woodbridge

Situated at Wiggins Waterfront Park in Camden, Adventure Aquarium could home 15,000 aquatic animals, however it’s all the time crowded, with lengthy traces, restricted capability, and admission fees starting at $27.99.

SeaQuest in Woodbridge could not rank amongst the world’s best aquariums, but it surely homes 1,200 animals and affords interactive experiences and feeding periods for an affordable payment, to not point out that the ambiance is extra laid-back than Journey Aquarium.

6 Skip: Krug’s Tavern On Wilson Avenue, Newark

Friendlier, cozier, and tastier various: Bello’s Pub and Grill on Market Road

Spending a couple of days in Newark is certain to be a bucket of enjoyable, with it being one of the vital attention-grabbing cities in the entire Backyard State, house to well-known eating places and bakeries.

Nonetheless, Krug’s Tavern, a popular joint since 1932, might be a tad overrated, and a few evaluations have referred to as it, “the state’s most overrated burger”.

Guests trying to deal with themselves to hearty American classics with attentive and well mannered service would possibly need to give the underrated Bello’s Pub and Grill a strive as an alternative. This family-owned bar was based in 1974 and affords 180 kinds of beer.

5 Skip: Liberty Science Heart, Jersey Metropolis

A less expensive instructional various: Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum, Cape Might

Jersey City offers plenty to do and see and could also be most recognized for its charming cultural variety and delectable eating scene. Nonetheless, it additionally options an overpriced and overrated attraction: the Liberty Science Center, an interactive venue situated on Jersey Metropolis Boulevard and with a same-day basic admission payment of $32.99 for adults and $27.99 for youngsters.

Visitors have complained about the cost in comparison with the supplied sights and actions, the lengthy traces for particular reveals, and the extra charges inside, to not point out the “mediocre” meals.

Situated on the Cape Might Airport, in a restored WWII coaching hangar, the Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum is a lesser-known however extra reasonably priced interactive and academic expertise, with frequent reveals, that can fascinate kids and adults alike.

4 Skip: Liberty State Park, Jersey Metropolis

A safer, less-crammed, and scenic various: Allaire State Park, Monmouth County

It goes with out saying that Liberty State Park supplies nice views of Manhattan’s skyline, drawing over 4 million guests yearly. Vacationers trying to unwind in a inexperienced house, nonetheless, would possibly discover the crowds overwhelming, and crimes like theft and assault occur all too typically within the space.

New Jersey boasts many comparatively secure state parks, some extra underrated than others. Allaire State Park, for example, consists of the Nineteenth-century Allaire Village and the winding Manasquan River, which is right for fishing and kayaking.

The world is peaceable, stress-free, and dotted with colourful wildflowers. Absolutely, this underrated piece of historical past and pure magnificence is value a better look.

Black bear sightings have been reported, and feeding them is each harmful and unlawful.

3 Skip: The Lobster Home, Cape Might

Much less-crammed various with good seafood in a historic constructing: Ocean 7

Per Thrillist, the most well-liked restaurant in Cape Might, The Lobster House, is New Jersey’s greatest vacationer lure. Overlooking Cape Might Harbor on Fisherman’s Wharf, the family-owned joint is all the time packed and thought of the world’s must-try seafood place.

Disappointed visitors have left evaluations like, “Horrible and overpriced,” “My Hen Parm was the worst,” “Our waitress was impolite,” and “Worst seafood meal ever.” That stated, The Lobster House does have plenty of positive reviews and 4 stars on Trip Advisor, so guests can strive it and determine for themselves if it is value it.

Established in 1894, Ocean 7 is a pleasant various; it is open all yr lengthy on the Victorian Inn of Cape Might and serves seasonal substances in a peaceful and nice setting.

The menu consists of calamari fries, pickle-brine wings, scallop fritters, contemporary oysters, crab muffins, and seared scallops.

2 Skip: Ocean Metropolis Boardwalk, Cape Might County

Elegant and fewer commercialized various: Avon Boardwalk, Avon-by-the-Sea

Based on an article on BestLife, naming the biggest tourist trap in every US state, New Jersey’s most designated place is Ocean City Boardwalk.

It might be a balanced mixture of old-school and fashionable, but it surely will get slammed in summer season and can be notorious for its “overpriced snacks” and “foolish” touristy t-shirts.

Lined with Victorian lamps, the Avon Boardwalk is not as well-liked because the one in Ocean Metropolis, however it’s a nice mixture of laidback and energetic, with elegant pavilions and benches, a clear seaside, and dwell leisure in summer season.

1 Skip: Atlantic Metropolis

Different: North Wildwood is much less crowded, cleaner, and extra family-friendly

Maybe the most important vacationer lure in New Jersey is Atlantic Metropolis, which is among the quite a few scenic but underrated casino alternatives to Las Vegas.

Though it is an excellent vacation spot for vacationers in search of sand, sea, and leisure, throughout the confines of the Backyard State itself, it’s thought of one of many many vacationer traps in New Jersey to keep away from as a result of it attracts huge crowds to its seaside resorts, boardwalk, playing spots, and cafés.

The gorgeous resort of North Wildwood is situated on the Jersey Shore in Cape Might County and affords a good gambling venue that doubles as an arcade, huge and nice sandy seashores, boardwalk amusement rides, and fishing alternatives.