New Jersey, the state right next to bustling New York, is often overlooked by tourists planning to explore the East Coast of the United States. However, if you’re seeking interesting destinations for a short trip, New Jersey holds countless delightful surprises. Beyond the world-famous Statue of Liberty, New Jersey boasts a stunningly long coastline, historic cities steeped in history, and vibrant entertainment areas. Join “Du lịch khắp thế gian” to discover ideal destinations for a short trip in New Jersey, promising memorable and diverse experiences.
Statue of Liberty – An American Icon
Speaking of New Jersey, the Statue of Liberty, an international symbol of freedom and democracy, is a must-mention. Although often recognized as a New York icon, Liberty Island, where the statue stands, is actually part of New Jersey. Therefore, New Jersey is one of the ideal starting points to explore this magnificent architectural work.
To reach the Statue of Liberty, you can choose to take a ferry from Liberty State Park in New Jersey. The ferry journey not only provides easy access to Liberty Island but also offers opportunities to admire panoramic views of New York Harbor and the magnificent Manhattan skyline. Upon setting foot on the island, you will be overwhelmed by the majestic and splendid beauty of the Statue of Liberty and can visit the Statue of Liberty Museum at the base of the monument to learn more about the history and significance of this structure.
Statue of Liberty
Liberty Island is not too large, and you can easily explore the entire island on foot. Strolling around, you’ll encounter lush green lawns, classic administrative buildings, and especially the historic Fort Wood, which once served as the foundation for the Statue of Liberty. From the island, you can also admire the stunning views of the New York skyline to the north.
For a more complete experience, you can purchase tickets to visit the crown of the Statue of Liberty. From above, you will witness panoramic views of New York Bay, Ellis Island, and the Manhattan skyline from a completely different perspective. However, the number of crown tickets is limited and often sells out quickly, so you should book in advance to ensure you have the chance to admire the view from above.
Statue of Liberty from below
As you walk around the island, don’t miss the chance to see five smaller statues, depicting historical figures who made significant contributions to the construction of the Statue of Liberty. These are Édouard René de Laboulaye, a French historian who initiated the idea of building the monument; Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, a talented sculptor who designed the statue; Gustave Eiffel, a talented engineer who designed the internal structure of the statue; Joseph Pulitzer, a famous journalist who called for fundraising to build the monument; and Emma Lazarus, an American poet, author of the poem inscribed on the pedestal.
The Statue of Liberty Museum is another interesting stop on Liberty Island. Here, you will see historical images and artifacts related to the construction and preservation of the monument. The museum displays large photos of the Gaget Gauthier workshop in Paris, where the statue was crafted, as well as images documenting the statue’s assembly in Paris. You can also learn about the Statue of Liberty’s color transformation over time, from its original copper color to the characteristic green due to oxidation.
New York City skyline from a distance
Ellis Island – Gateway to America
Located not far from Liberty Island is Ellis Island, a small island carrying a touching historical story. Ellis Island was once the largest immigration station in the United States from the late 19th to the mid-20th century, where millions of immigrants from around the world arrived to begin new lives in America. Today, Ellis Island is home to the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, a must-visit destination for those wanting to learn about the history of immigration in the United States.
The Ellis Island Immigration Museum vividly and realistically showcases the arduous and hopeful immigration process of millions of people. You will discover moving stories of immigrants, from their challenging sea voyages, strict inspection procedures at the immigration station, to new lives full of challenges and opportunities in a foreign land. The museum uses a variety of display methods, from images, artifacts, videos, to storytelling and historical reenactments, helping you gain a deeper understanding of the immense contributions of immigrants to the development of America.
Atlantic City – Beachfront Entertainment Hub
If you’re looking for a more vibrant and bustling destination, Atlantic City is a great choice for a short trip from New Jersey. This seaside city is famous for its luxurious casinos, upscale resorts, and beautiful long beaches. Atlantic City is known as the “Las Vegas of the East Coast,” where you can indulge in entertainment, recreation, and enjoy the lively atmosphere of a famous tourist city.
Besides entertainment and shopping, Atlantic City also has many interesting cultural and historical attractions. You can visit the Absecon Lighthouse, the tallest lighthouse in New Jersey, to admire panoramic views of the city and coastline from above. Or you can stroll along the Boardwalk, a famous seaside promenade, home to many shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
Princeton – Quaint University Town
In contrast to the bustle of Atlantic City, Princeton offers a more peaceful and historic atmosphere. This town is famous for Princeton University, one of the world’s leading universities. The Princeton University campus is an attractive destination with stunning Gothic architecture, lush green lawns, and a dignified academic atmosphere. You can visit the Princeton University Art Museum, one of the largest university art museums in the United States, or stroll along Nassau Street, the town’s main street, home to many shops, restaurants, and classic-style cafes.
Cape May – Jewel of the Coast
Cape May is a charming seaside town located at the southern tip of New Jersey. This town is famous for its unique Victorian architecture, colorful wooden houses, and fine white sand beaches. Cape May is known as the “Queen of the Seaside Resorts,” where you can enjoy the fresh sea air, visit historic homes, and savor fresh seafood.
Delaware Water Gap – Stunning Natural Scenery
If you love nature and outdoor activities, the Delaware Water Gap is a must-visit destination. The Delaware Water Gap is a beautiful gorge created by the Delaware River, located on the border between New Jersey and Pennsylvania. This area has many hiking trails with majestic natural landscapes, waterfalls, and lush green forests. You can hike, trek, kayak, or simply relax and enjoy the fresh air of nature.
Conclusion
New Jersey is not just a starting point to explore the Statue of Liberty, but also a diverse state with many attractive destinations for short trips. From bustling seaside cities like Atlantic City, historic university towns like Princeton, charming seaside resorts like Cape May, to majestic natural landscapes like the Delaware Water Gap, New Jersey promises to bring you rich and memorable travel experiences. Take the time to explore New Jersey, and you will be surprised by the beauty and diversity of this state.