9 Places to Visit in Princeton, New Jersey
Princeton, NJ, is a picturesque city renowned for its rich history, education, and the arts. It is nearly equidistant between New York City and Philadelphia and easily accessible by car and train.
WalletHub.com has consistently ranked Princeton (most recently in 2022) on its “Best Small Cities” list based on affordability, economic strength, education and health, and quality of life. Princeton is home to the fourth oldest college in the U.S., the site of a pivotal Revolutionary War battle, and a perfect destination for an overnight stay. Its population (approximately 30,000) expands by another 5,000 when Princeton University is in session.
Here are nine places to consider exploring:
Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park
This linear park crosses several counties and extends 70 miles along the historic canal path. You can jog, hike, or bike along the trail or choose to kayak on the Delaware River.
Drumthwacket
The official residence of the Governor of New Jersey is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and named after a hero’s residence in a Sir Walter Scott historical novel. Guided tours are offered on most Wednesdays during the year. December holiday open house tours are on selected weekends. All tours require online registration.
Lake Carnegie
In 1906, this venue for Princeton University’s crew team was created with money donated by industrialist Andrew Carnegie. Swimming and gas–powered boats are not allowed, but it’s popular for kayaking and fishing. Ice skaters frequent the lake (in posted areas) when it freezes.
McCarter Theatre Center for the Performing Arts
This nationally recognized regional theater on Princeton University’s campus offers more than 200 events a year including theater, dance, and music. It produces new works and hosts existing productions, making it unique from most theaters.
Morven Museum and Garden
This house was built in the 1750s by a signer of the Declaration of Independence and it served as the state’s governor’s mansion for more than three decades (1944–81). A renovation in 1999 restored the building — which serves as a museum — and gardens to their historic features.
Princeton Battlefield State Park
Visit the site of a pivotal battle — and the first victory — for George Washington’s Continental Army, which routed British troops just 10 days after the famous night crossing of the Delaware River. The Clarke House, home to British troops, features exhibits and period pieces.
Princeton Garden Theatre
This non–profit theater’s program list includes major features, independent and foreign films, as well as classic and children’s movies.
Princeton University
Gothic architecture is abundant on the scenic Ivy League campus, which dates to 1756. The 173–foot Cleveland Tower, erected in memory of former U.S. President Grover Cleveland, is one of the largest carillons in the world. The public can walk around the campus and take a self–guided tour by texting “Princeton” to 58052.
Princeton University Chapel
The third largest university chapel in the world (according to Princeton) is nondenominational, seats 2,000 people, and draws comparisons to small medieval English cathedrals. One of the most interesting aspects of the chapel is the many Princetonians memorialized in more than 10,000 square feet of stained glass, wood engravings, and stonework.
References
By VacationIdea Staff, “25 Best Things to Do in Princeton, NJ,” https://vacationidea.com/destinations/best-things-to-do-in-princeton-nj.html
“Things to Do in Princeton,” https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g46756-Activities-Princeton_New_Jersey.html
By Kerry O’Brien, “20 Places You Should Definitely Visit In Princeton,” https://blog.funnewjersey.com/20-places-you-should-visit-in-princeton-nj , (January 16, 2023)
