Beach Communities of New Jersey3 night hotel package from £348
Day 1: PHILADELPHIA ARRIVAL - CAPE MAY - ATLANTIC CITY
Your journey starts today with the drive from Philadelphia into the Garden State. New Jersey received this nickname when local farmers were promoting their state how fertile their land was for agriculture production including nurseries, sod, fruit, and vegetables. Today it adds about one billion dollars in state revenue. As you explore the State, you will also notice that New Jersey plays an important role to manufacturing, wholesale trade, transportation, hospitality and healthcare industries, just to name a few. Travel through some of this fertile land on your way to Cape May. Once in Cape May you will find yourself in one of the state's most popular coastal destinations. From nature preserves to whale watching or even as simple as walking the promenade, Cape May has it all. Many visitors spend the day relaxing on the beach and take in the cool ocean breeze or shop in some of the nicest artist boutiques. Enjoy what Cape May has to offer before heading northbound to another beach resort Atlantic City. Here you will be bedazzled by the neon lights and glitter of the hotel casino industry where chimes of slot machines and the excitement of blackjack and poker tables will keep you busy throughout the night. Enjoy the boardwalk for an evening stroll or visit the pier arcade where locals and visitors alike will fill their evening with entertainment.
Day 2: ATLANTIC CITY - ASBURY PARK - LONG BRANCH
Before leaving Atlantic City spend time in the morning strolling through the downtown district and pay close attention to some of the street names and buildings as Atlantic City is the city where the US version of Monopoly was based upon. The Absecon Lighthouse and museum is the state's tallest lighthouse standing at 171 feet and worthwhile a visit. Do not miss the old-fashioned Ice cream or the corndog on the Atlantic City Boardwalk. Continue your drive along the coast to Asbury Park and explore this historic city where the community thrived from the 1920's all the way through the 1950's and became one of the most sought-after beach communities. Today, some of those period pieces are still found in the community. A visit to the Paramount Theater and Convention Hall takes you back to the 1920's. Continue to the next beach community Long Branch. This beach resort was named for its location along a branch of a local river and was also known as the favorite place to visits among 7 past US Presidents who enjoyed the entertainment from local theatrical day performers hence the reason that over time the community created the Seven Presidents Park and the Church of the Presidents, today a local point of interest among visitors. The railroad had connected Long Branch with cities like New York and Philadelphia to take vacationers to this beach resort and in many cases beyond as well. The railroads were eventually replaced with the opening of the Garden State Parkway in the 1950's. As more visitors came with automobiles to Long Branch an influx of additional hotels and vacation homes were built to accommodate the need. The Pier Village is the result of this fast development within the city.
Day 3: LONG BRANCH - TRENTON - PRINCETON
This morning we will travel to the capitol of the state, Trenton. The region was first established by Quakers in the 17th century. Then British landowners, including William Trent started to buy and develop the area and first named it Trent-Towne which later became Trenton. The city was also 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 (not included). The New Jersey State House is the third oldest running state house in the US and constructed in 1792. May we also suggest a visit to the Old Barracks Museum (not included) to learn about the history of the military during the colonial days and how it played a significant role during the American Revolution? The last stretch for the day is driving a little bit further North to Princeton. A visit to historic downtown Princeton must include the university that carries the city's name. Princeton University is one of the top-rated Ivy League research institutions with an average endowment of thirty-seven billion dollars. Founded in 1746 as College of New Jersey, it is the fourth oldest university in the United States. A visit to its campus is not only historical but impressive as well. Do not forget to visit Nassau Hall at Princeton University which served briefly as the United States Capitol building in 1783 for a period of 4 months.
Day 4: PRINCETON - PHILADELPHIA DEPARTURE
The expedition of the historic New Jersey beach communities has come to an end. A short drive will take you back to Philadelphia where your adventure started. We wish you a save homebound journey.
