Welcome to the Garden State! On arrival, pick-up your car and head to Atlantic City, approx. 115 miles

As you get beyond the airport you will soon come to see where the nickname Garden State comes from. Travelling through areas of rich farmland for fruit and vegetables, you will appreciate the importance of this to the local economy and probably arrive hungry in Atlantic City! 

In AC, as it’s commonly known, you are surrounded by the neon lights and glitter of the hotels and casinos that support the city. Explore with a walk on the Atlantic City Boardwalk. The US version of Monopoly was based on the streets of Atlantic City, so any afficionados of the game, may recognise some of these!

Stay two nights in Atlantic City. 

Head down Highway 9 towards Cape May. The scenic drive will pass through some of the natural preserves and small islands before you reach Cape May. You will quickly understand why visitors flock to the Cape to enjoy the cool ocean breeze, walk the many trails and enjoy the natural beauty of the region. Take a stroll along the beach or the promenade where several rows of beautiful Victorian homes stand shoulder to shoulder. From Cape May several whale watching tours are available and you can also visit the Bird Observatory for some birdwatching. 

On your way back to 24 hour a day Atlantic City, make sure you stop for a photo with Lucy the Elephant, and then why not try your luck at one of the casinos, or shop and dine to your heart’s content. 

This morning's drive will take you to the birthplace of the Nation, Philadelphia. Make sure you visit the Liberty Bell Pavilion and Independence Hall, and then send your postcards from the Nation's oldest, still operating, post office, once managed by Benjamin Franklin himself. In the afternoon return into New Jersey, to the capitol of the state, Trenton. The region was first established by Quakers in the 17th century. The city was the site of the Battle of Trenton during the American Revolution in 1776 and General George Washington's first victory against the British. A visit to a capitol city is not complete without a visit to its State House, and the New Jersey State House is the third oldest running state house in the US, constructed in 1792. 

Princeton is the historic home of Ivy League Princeton University. Founded in 1746 as College of New Jersey, it is the fourth oldest university in the United States. Visit Nassau Hall at Princeton which served briefly as the United States Capitol building in 1783 for a period of 4 months.

Stay one night in Princeton 

A short drive today will take you to the Jersey Shore and Asbury Park. This community thrived during the 1920's all the way through the 1950's and became one of the most sought-after beach communities. A visit to the Paramount Theater and Convention Hall takes you back to the 1920's. Continue to the next beachside town of Long Branch 

Stay two nights in Long Branch

The beach resort, named for its location along a branch of a local river was also known as the favourite place to visits among seven past US Presidents and led to the creation of Seven Presidents Park and the Church of the Presidents, today local point of interest for visitors. The railroad originally connected Long Branch with cities like New York and Philadelphia to bring visitors here. The railroads were eventually replaced with the opening of the Garden State Parkway in the 1950's. 

Long a popular spot for surf, sun and shore fun, the town boasts some upscale beachside apartments, and premier shops and restaurants at Pier Village. During the summer, there are free weekly outdoor concerts and movies under the stars and you can also catch theatre performances by the New Jersey Repertory Company.

Elizabeth was founded in 1664 by English settlers and named after the wife of George Carteret, the proprietor of the colony of New Jersey. In 1789 George Washington left Elizabeth via boat to Manhattan to be inaugurated as United States President. Take a walk through Warinanco Park or hit the shops at the Mills at Jersey Gardens outlet mall. Continue to Jersey City this afternoon for your final two nights. If time allows, enjoy some of the local attractions or take the ferry across the river to Manhattan.

Stay two nights in Jersey City

Jersey City, founded by Dutch settlers in the 17th century, has grown into a centre of trade and finance and hence a world class city with a modern skyline. Less than a mile away from New York City, here you’ll find ethnically diverse cuisine, exciting cultural events, emerging art districts and a cosmopolitan way of life to rival that of its popular neighbour, as well as sports attractions and plenty of outdoor recreation. You can kayak, hike and jet-ski all from the downtown and riverfront area. Visit Liberty State Park and the moving Empty Sky 9/11 Memorial, New Jersey’s official memorial honouring the 746 state residents that lost their lives at the World Trade Center. Another stop is the Liberty Science Center, where a variety of exhibits are sure to amaze any age.