Explore New Jersey is a leading independent news outlet and guide to events, lifestyle, arts, culture, and travel across the Garden State
Explore New Jersey is your source for everything happening in the Garden State including and not limited to live music year-round, theatre, stand-up comedy sing, hiking, beaches, rivers, mountains.”
New Jersey – Explore New Jersey, a leading independent guide to events, lifestyle, arts, culture, and travel across the Garden State, is proud to spotlight the state’s record-setting year for tourism in 2024, the forecast for 2025 and share its growing role as a trusted resource for visitors and locals alike.
According to the latest tourism report, New Jersey experienced historic growth last year, with visitor spending surpassing $50.6 billion for the first time. More than 123.7 million visitors explored the state in 2024, generating an $80.4 billion economic impact that rippled across industries and supported 507,833 jobs—accounting for 8.3% of New Jersey’s total employment. Visitor spending also contributed $5.4 billion in state and local taxes, representing a savings of approximately $1,545 per household.
Spending on food and beverage topped the growth charts, climbing to $14.2 billion, followed by lodging ($13.45 billion) and recreation ($6 billion). Regional leaders like Atlantic and Cape May counties continued to anchor New Jersey’s appeal, while projections for 2025 forecast an even stronger year, with 126.4 million visitors and $52.3 billion in visitor spending expected.
Major upcoming events—including the FIFA World Cup 2026™ and America’s 250th anniversary celebrations—are set to cement New Jersey’s position as a premier destination for global and national travelers.
At the center of this momentum, ExploreNewJersey.org serves as a vibrant hub for information on everything happening across the state. The platform connects audiences to New Jersey’s rich cultural offerings, from live music, theater, and festivals to outdoor adventures such as hiking, skiing, and beach activities. It also highlights the state’s booming craft beverage scene, featuring curated reviews and photography from local music events, festivals, restaurants, bars, sports bars, breweries, wineries, and vineyards.
Explore New Jersey further sets itself apart by blending tourism promotion with timely coverage of politics, sports, and lifestyle news, providing readers with a broader perspective than traditional travel sites. With an extensive directory featuring thousands of listings—from restaurants, bars, boutiques, and coffee shops to gyms, yoga studios, and entertainment venues—ExploreNewJersey.org offers a one-stop guide for discovering the state’s diverse experiences.
As the state’s premier tourism resource, Explore New Jersey complements other information available about New Jersey. However, it stands out as the most extensive and relevant source, not only up-to-date but often ahead of most news outlets worldwide, let alone within the state. The New Jersey Economic Development Authority benefits from Explore New Jersey offering an independent, wide-ranging perspective on the state’s cultural heartbeat.
For more information and the latest coverage on New Jersey’s events, attractions, and community happenings, visit the Explore New Jersey Travel Planning Section.
Wonders of New Jersey Travel Video by Trip Insight
