Sandwiched between New York City, Philadelphia, and the Atlantic Ocean, the Garden State is about much more than the reality TV and ridiculous accents.
It is the most densely populated state in the US, and not just because of its proximity to those big cities (but it doesn't hurt).
The Jersey Shore is one of the most popular reasons to visit. Atlantic City, Cape May, Wildwood, and Long Beach Island are just some of the big beach destinations in the southern part of the state. It is illegal to pump your own gas, diners are open 24 hours a day, and it is one of the only places to eat pork roll, a real delicacy.
So put on a Bruce Springsteen album and read the Matador articles about surfing, eating, and nude swimming in Jersey.
Boardwalks and roller coasters, too.
Good pizza is just the beginning.
Cross the velvet ropes and step right inside the artwork.
The best of the Atlantic Coast is steps away from each of these properties.