A One-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary for Exploring New Jersey

  • 9:00 AM: Liberty State Park
    15 minutes (5.5 miles) from Newark Penn Station

    Start off the day by visiting Liberty State Park, a beautiful waterfront park located in Jersey City that offers excellent views of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline. Take a stroll along the Liberty Walk promenade or visit the Liberty Science Center.

  • 11:00 AM: Princeton University Art Museum
    1 hour (41 miles) from Liberty State Park

    Next, explore the Princeton University Art Museum, which features over 100,000 works of art from all over the world. Admission is free, making it a great option for those on a tight budget.

  • 1:00 PM: Washington Crossing State Park
    20 minutes (11 miles) from Princeton University Art Museum

    Take a step back in time by visiting Washington Crossing State Park, which commemorates George Washington's crossing of the Delaware River during the American Revolution. The park features walking trails, picnic areas, and a visitor center with historical exhibits.

  • 3:00 PM: Grounds for Sculpture
    30 minutes (16 miles) from Washington Crossing State Park

    End the day at Grounds for Sculpture, a 42-acre sculpture park and arboretum located in Hamilton. The park features over 270 sculptures, as well as beautiful gardens, water features, and a variety of dining options.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Liberty State Park (2 hours, Free)
  • Princeton University Art Museum (2 hours, Free)
  • Washington Crossing State Park (2 hours, Free)
  • Grounds for Sculpture (2 hours, $18 admission fee)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $18

Transportation

Since this itinerary covers a lot of ground, it's recommended that you rent a car to get around. The cost of a rental car varies depending on the type of car, but you can expect to pay around $50 for a compact car. Total travel time for this itinerary is approximately 4 hours, not including time spent at each attraction.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting some of the other great attractions in New Jersey, such as the Museum of Modern Art or the Newark Museum. Alternatively, if you have less time, consider dropping one of the attractions listed in the itinerary.

Airports

Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is the main airport in New Jersey, located in Newark about 14 miles southwest of New York City. It's a major hub for United Airlines and offers connections to many domestic and international destinations.

0