From glow-in-the-dark minerals deep underground to sculpture gardens, historic diners and sweeping waterfront parks, New Jersey offers a wide range of attractions that blend history, culture and outdoor experiences.
World Atlas ranked the eight best attractions to visit in New Jersey. How many have you seen before? Check out their list below.
Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton
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Set on 42 acres in Hamilton, Grounds For Sculpture features more than 300 contemporary sculptures and six indoor galleries showcasing rotating exhibits by emerging artists. Founded by sculptor and philanthropist J. Seward Johnson, the park was designed as an accessible space where art and nature intersect year-round.
Visitors wander through landscaped gardens, bamboo groves and wooded paths dotted with sculptures inspired by classical paintings, including scenes reminiscent of Monet. Peacocks roam the lawns, and more than 2,000 trees and diverse plantings have transformed the former New Jersey State Fairgrounds into a tranquil cultural retreat.
Sterling Hill Mining Museum in Ogdensburg
In Ogdensburg, the Sterling Hill Mining Museum offers guided tours through a former zinc mine, giving visitors a firsthand look at historic mining conditions, geology and equipment. Highlights include the miners’ Change House and rock and fossil centers.
The site is also home to the Thomas S. Warren Museum of Fluorescence, which features the world’s largest public display of fluorescent minerals. More than 700 glowing specimens fill four rooms, including a towering color wall where ultraviolet light reveals vivid greens, reds and blues.
Liberty State Park in Jersey City
Located along the Hudson River in Jersey City, Liberty State Park offers panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Beyond the scenery, the park is rich in history and memorials.
The restored Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal, built in 1889, stands as a reminder of the millions of immigrants who passed through. Nearby, the Empty Sky 9/11 Memorial honors nearly 750 New Jersey residents killed in the attacks with engraved stainless-steel walls aligned toward Ground Zero.
The park also features a two-mile promenade, marina, nature center and ferry access to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty.
White Manna Burgers in Hackensack
A New Jersey landmark, White Manna Burgers was introduced as the “Diner of the Future” at the 1939 World’s Fair before relocating to Hackensack in 1946. Known for its simple menu of sliders grilled with onions and cheese, the diner has earned national acclaim.
With just 13 stools, White Manna has been featured on food television shows and praised by critics, including Guy Fieri and the late Anthony Bourdain. The burgers are served on Martin’s potato rolls, making the stop a must for classic diner fans.
Liberty Science Center
Also located in Liberty State Park, Liberty Science Center spans 300,000 square feet and features 12 exhibition halls, live animal collections and interactive science experiences.
The center houses the largest planetarium in the Western Hemisphere, with an 89-foot dome offering immersive views of space. Wind simulators recreate hurricane- and tornado-force gusts, while dinosaur exhibits and 3D films engage younger visitors.
Holsten’s in Bloomfield
Opened in 1939, Holsten’s Brookdale Confectionery in Bloomfield is best known to television fans as the setting of the final scene of "The Sopranos," but it remains a family-friendly diner.
The soda fountain serves more than 20 flavors of homemade ice cream, along with milkshakes, sundaes and classic comfort food. A candy counter stocked with handmade chocolates adds to the nostalgic charm.
Paterson Great Falls
At the heart of Paterson, a 77-foot waterfall on the Passaic River anchors this national historical park. The site illustrates the role of water power in America’s first planned industrial city.
A historic power plant built into the cliffside still generates electricity, while walking bridges and guided tours provide close-up views of the falls and insight into their role in shaping Paterson’s economy.
Atlantic City boardwalk
Dating back to the 1870s, the Atlantic City Boardwalk remains one of the state’s most iconic attractions. Stretching along the oceanfront, it connects beaches, casinos, shops and family-friendly entertainment.
Visitors can ride the Ferris wheel at Steel Pier, watch saltwater taffy being pulled or take in concerts and events at Boardwalk Hall. The boardwalk continues to be a centerpiece of summer tourism and coastal nostalgia.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: These are the best attractions to visit in New Jersey, per World Atlas