New Jersey is a state where history meets culture, where natural beauty blends with vibrant city life, and where festivals and events bring communities together week after week. While locals know the Garden State is packed with things to do year-round, visitors are often surprised by the sheer variety of attractions. From the scenic Jersey Shore to historic landmarks, world-class entertainment, and family-friendly fun, September is an especially exciting month to plan an outing.
Coastal attractions
No mention of New Jersey is complete without highlighting the iconic Jersey Shore. Stretching across miles of sandy coastline, it offers something for every traveler. Cape May is known for its Victorian charm and peaceful, seaside beauty, making it ideal for those who want to step back in time while enjoying modern amenities. Ocean City continues to hold its title as one of the state’s most family-friendly destinations, with a boardwalk full of rides, arcades, and eateries.
Atlantic City, of course, is the energetic heartbeat of the shore. Its world-famous boardwalk, originally opened in 1870, spans six miles and remains one of the premier destinations for entertainment, dining, and shopping on the East Coast. Further north, Barnegat Lighthouse State Park stands as a tranquil contrast. Visitors can climb the lighthouse, explore the maritime forest, or enjoy birdwatching along the water.
State parks and natural escapes
Nature lovers can find endless opportunities to explore in New Jersey’s state parks. Liberty State Park in Jersey City is a standout, with sweeping views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Manhattan skyline. It also houses the historic Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal, linking the park’s natural beauty to the state’s industrial and immigration past.
For those craving a wilderness escape, the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area provides one of the state’s most breathtaking outdoor experiences. Hike along wooded trails, kayak the Delaware River, or simply enjoy the scenery that has made the region a favorite for generations. In South Jersey, Wharton State Forest near Hammonton offers thousands of acres of hiking trails and the historic Batsto Village, a preserved 18th-century iron-making community.
Grounds For Sculpture in Hamilton blends art with nature, offering a 42-acre sculpture park and arboretum. The site features striking, large-scale art installations that make every visit unique and memorable.
History and museums
History buffs will feel at home in New Jersey. The Thomas Edison National Historical Park in West Orange preserves the lab and home of America’s most famous inventor. Visitors can see original artifacts, inventions, and the workshop where some of the world’s greatest ideas came to life.
In Camden, the Battleship New Jersey allows guests to step aboard the most decorated battleship in U.S. Naval history, exploring its decks and experiencing military life firsthand. Art lovers can spend hours at The Newark Museum of Art, the state’s largest museum, which houses extensive collections of American and decorative arts as well as a planetarium.
Morristown National Historical Park holds a special place in American history, preserving the site where George Washington’s Continental Army camped during the brutal winter of 1779–1780. Families can also head to the Cape May County Park & Zoo, a free attraction that provides a day of fun and discovery with a wide variety of animals.
Family fun and urban experiences
For hands-on learning and adventure, Liberty Science Center in Jersey City is one of the best interactive museums in the country, with four floors of exhibits, a planetarium, and an IMAX theater. American Dream in East Rutherford is the ultimate all-in-one entertainment destination, with an indoor ski slope, DreamWorks Water Park, Nickelodeon Universe theme park, and shopping options for every taste.
Six Flags Great Adventure & Safari in Jackson continues to thrill visitors with roller coasters, family rides, and a sprawling safari that lets guests see exotic animals up close. For those who prefer shopping, The Mills at Jersey Gardens in Elizabeth offers the largest outlet shopping in New Jersey with more than 200 stores.
This week’s events across the Garden State
September is one of the busiest months for community gatherings, concerts, and festivals in New Jersey. On Wednesday, September 17, Sun Island Supreme in Burlington hosts its weekly Games Night Out, while music fans can head to Whippany to see Baked Alaska perform at Alpha Wave Studios. The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey presents Romeo and Juliet in Madison, and the McCarter Theatre Center in Princeton welcomes audiences to I & You: The Musical. Over in Riverdale, the Borough Carnival kicks off at the National Guard Complex and runs through Sunday.
On Thursday, September 18, foodies can enjoy the Bergen Wine & Food Experience in River Vale, and West Orange celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with a community event at Town Hall. Classic car enthusiasts will flock to Wildwood for the Kustom Hot Rod and Muscle Car Show, while comedy lovers can catch Shuler King at NJPAC in Newark. The day also features the 37th Annual Roberto Clemente Gala in Somerset and Cruzin on the River Car & Motorcycle Cruise Nights in Burlington.
Friday, September 19 brings a packed calendar. NJPAC in Newark hosts The Witcher in Concert along with Kashmir, a Led Zeppelin tribute band. Oktoberfest begins at Behr Brewing in Cape May with OktoBEHRfest, while carnivals hosted by L.E.A.D. take place in Paramus and West Windsor. Comedy fans can attend the secret Don’t Tell Comedy Show in Keyport, and the XPoNential Music Festival opens at Wiggins Park Marina in Camden for a full weekend of live music. Lake Hopatcong also comes alive with its three-day Grand Prix powerboat races.
Saturday, September 20 adds even more excitement with fireworks closing out the 47th Annual Festival of the Sea in Point Pleasant Beach, a MasterChef All-Stars Live event in Morristown, and the Tri-State Sing Off! in Newark. For those looking for local brews, OktoBEHRfest continues in Cape May.
Sunday, September 21 wraps up the week with screenings at the New Jersey Film Festival, the final races of the Lake Hopatcong Grand Prix, and multiple concerts across the state.
New Jersey’s calendar is never empty, and there are countless ongoing shows, concerts, and fairs that keep the Garden State lively every day. For those planning ahead, the full roster of festivals, concerts, and cultural happenings can be found through the Explore New Jersey events directory, the ultimate guide to what’s happening across the state.
Whether it’s strolling historic streets, climbing a lighthouse, attending a Broadway-caliber play, or enjoying a waterfront festival, New Jersey is filled with opportunities to explore and experience something new. September’s lineup proves once again that the Garden State is not just a place to live—it’s a destination to discover.
