What NOT to Do in New Jersey as a Tourist (Top Mistakes to Avoid!)

Transcript

00:00Planning a trip to New Jersey? Don't get caught making these classic tourist mistakes.

00:05Whether you're here for sun, sights, or snacks, I'm here to help you explore the real Jersey like

00:11a local. From navigating quirky roads to sampling iconic eats, let's uncover the top things you

00:18should absolutely not do in the Garden State. First up, one of the biggest blunders, thinking

00:23New Jersey is just New York's backyard. Sure, it's close by, but Jersey is a destination

00:29all its own. With dramatic beaches stretching for miles, scenic mountains ripe for exploring,

00:36charming small towns, and food you'll crave long after your trip, New Jersey brings a personality

00:41and culture you won't find anywhere else. Skip the detour mindset. Embrace Jersey on its own terms.

00:49Now, let's talk about those tricky town names. If you want to blend in, it pays to get your

00:54pronunciations right. For instance, it's pronounced New-erk, not New-ark. And for the locals,

01:02Bayonne is Bay-own, not Bay-on. Little details like these might seem small, but they're dead

01:09giveaways that you're not from around here. Nail the lingo, and you'll get nods of approval

01:14everywhere you go. A mistake you definitely don't want to make. Skipping the food scene.

01:20New Jersey is home to world-class diners, the never-ending Taylor ham versus pork roll debate,

01:26top-notch pizza, and bagels that give the best in New York a run for their money.

01:32Don't settle for another drive-thru burger. The joys of Jersey cuisine are found in the mom-and-pop

01:37spots, the corner pizzerias, and the old-school diners open all night. Take the time to explore.

01:43Here's a quirky one. Driving in New Jersey isn't quite like anywhere else. Welcome to the world of

01:49jug handles. Forget making a left turn from the left lane. Here, you'll loop right to go left with

01:55these signature exits. If you haven't read up on the system before hitting the road, you just might

02:01find yourself circling the same intersection over and over again. Do your homework to save yourself the

02:07headache. On the topic of highways, another unique Jersey feature? You don't pump your own gas.

02:14Attendants take care of your fill-up while you relax in the driver's seat. While tipping isn't

02:20mandatory, it's always appreciated, especially on a rainy or freezing day. A small kindness goes a long

02:27way in Jersey service culture. Don't only visit the Jersey Shore in summer. There's a lot more than

02:32beach season. Visit in the spring or fall for empty boardwalks, seasonal festivals, and some of

02:39Jersey's best seafood. Fewer crowds mean more room to explore and soak in those ocean breezes without

02:46the rush. It should go without saying, but here's a big one. Don't judge New Jersey by reality TV

02:52stereotypes. The TV show Jersey Shore is pure entertainment, not a documentary. Most locals don't

02:59fist pump on the boardwalk or sport big hair with attitude. Come with an open mind and discover

03:05authentic communities that have little in common with what you've seen on TV. Another common mistake,

03:12ignoring the gorgeous outdoors. While the turnpike and traffic might be famous, that's not all Jersey's

03:18about. Head west for hiking in the Delaware water gap, take in the rolling hills, or relax by a

03:24sparkling lake. New Jersey is a paradise for nature lovers. Don't miss this side of the state. Many

03:31travelers stick to big cities and miss out on the true charm in New Jersey's smaller towns. Explore

03:38spots like Princeton, Cape May, or Montclair for historic streets, unique shops, and perfect photo ops.

03:45Sometimes the magic happens far from the metro crowds. And above all, don't rush through. Jersey rewards

03:51those who slow down. So grab a local hoagie, browse a farmer's market, or stumble into a small town

03:57festival. The best moments here are often unplanned. Now you know what not to do in New Jersey. Share your

04:04own travel wins and fails below. And remember, here, the bagel to cream cheese ratio is practically a

04:10local law. Happy travels!