New Jersey, often overshadowed by its illustrious neighbor, New York, is a hidden gem brimming with a rich cinematic and literary history. From the urban allure of Jersey City to the quaint charm of Princeton, this Garden State has served as a backdrop for an array of famous films, books, and TV shows. If you’re a cinephile, bibliophile, or TV enthusiast, this comprehensive travel guide will take you on an unforgettable journey through New Jersey’s most iconic filming and setting locations.
Disclaimer: Always remember to check the current COVID-19 guidelines and restrictions for New Jersey before planning your visit.
New Jersey’s Cinematic Landscape: Famous Films Shot in New Jersey
New Jersey’s diverse landscapes and urban scenes have been the setting for numerous memorable films that have captivated audiences worldwide. These famous films shot in New Jersey have showcased the state’s unique character, from its bustling cities to its serene beaches and picturesque small towns.
Classic Films
- On the Waterfront (1954) – This Marlon Brando classic was filmed in Hoboken, New Jersey, showcasing the city’s gritty docklands and urban landscapes.
- The Amityville Horror (1979) – The infamous haunted house in this horror classic is actually located in Toms River, New Jersey, standing in for the real Amityville home in New York.
- Friday the 13th (1980) – The Camp Crystal Lake from this iconic horror film is actually Camp No-Be-Bo-Sco, a Boy Scout camp located in Hardwick, New Jersey.
Contemporary Films
- Garden State (2004) – This indie favorite, directed by and starring New Jersey native Zach Braff, was filmed in various locations across the state, including South Orange, Newark, and Tenafly.
- The Dark Knight Rises (2012) – Scenes from the final installment of Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy were filmed in Newark, showcasing the city’s striking architecture.
- Silver Linings Playbook (2012) – This critically acclaimed film starring Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence was shot in various locations around the state, including the historic Eagles stadium in Rutherford.
New Jersey on the Small Screen: TV Shows Set in New Jersey
New Jersey has also been the setting for several popular TV shows, offering a backdrop that ranges from suburban homes to gritty cityscapes.
- The Sopranos (1999-2007) – This critically acclaimed series was set and filmed in various locations throughout New Jersey, including Newark, Paterson, and the fictional North Caldwell.
- Boardwalk Empire (2010-2014) – Although primarily filmed in Brooklyn, this series is set in Atlantic City, New Jersey, during the Prohibition era.
- House (2004-2012) – The titular character’s hospital, Princeton-Plainsboro Teaching Hospital, is set in Princeton, New Jersey, lending an academic backdrop to this medical drama.
Animated Stories in the Garden State: Animated Films Set in New Jersey
The charm of New Jersey has also found its way into the world of animation, providing a setting for stories that capture the imagination of both children and adults alike.
- Over the Hedge (2006) – This family-friendly animated film is set in a suburban area of New Jersey, highlighting the state’s mix of urban development and wildlife.
- Monster House (2006) – While not explicitly stated, the setting of this animated horror-comedy film is reminiscent of a New Jersey suburb, with its tree-lined streets and detached houses.
- Beavis and Butt-Head Do America (1996) – In this animated feature, the titular characters mistakenly believe they’re traveling to Las Vegas, Nevada, but they’re actually heading to a fictional city in New Jersey.
New Jersey in Literature: Famous Books Set in New Jersey
Apart from films and TV shows, New Jersey has also been the setting for numerous literary masterpieces. These famous books set in New Jersey offer readers a taste of the state’s rich cultural and historical tapestry.
Classic Books
- Drown by Junot Diaz – This collection of short stories is set in the author’s hometown of Parlin, New Jersey, capturing the experience of Dominican immigrants.
- The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz – This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel is set in Paterson, New Jersey, following the life of a Dominican American boy.
- American Pastoral by Philip Roth – This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel is set in Newark, New Jersey, tracing the life of a successful Jewish American businessman and his family.
Contemporary Books
- The Plot Against America by Philip Roth – This alternative history novel is set in Newark, New Jersey, imagining an America where aviator-hero and isolationist Charles Lindbergh wins the 1940 presidential election.
- The Pine Barrens by John McPhee – This non-fiction book explores the history and ecology of New Jersey’s Pine Barrens, a vast undeveloped area covering seven counties.
- Fourth of July Creek by Smith Henderson – Set in the rural areas of New Jersey, this novel follows a social worker who becomes involved with a nearly feral boy living in the wilderness.
Exploring New Jersey’s Filming Locations – Where to Go
If you’re planning a trip to New Jersey, visiting some of the state’s famous filming locations should be on your itinerary. These locations offer a unique glimpse into the world of cinema and literature, allowing you to experience the settings of your favorite stories firsthand.
- Hoboken – Visit the locations where “On the Waterfront” was filmed and walk along the city’s picturesque waterfront with views of the Manhattan skyline.
- Camp No-Be-Bo-Sco – Visit the real-life Camp Crystal Lake from “Friday the 13th.” The camp is still operational and occasionally offers tours for fans of the film.
- Newark – Explore the city where scenes from “The Dark Knight Rises” and “The Sopranos” were filmed. Key sites include the Newark City Hall and the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart.
- Atlantic City – Walk along the boardwalk and visit the casinos that inspired the setting of “Boardwalk Empire.”
- Princeton University – Visit the beautiful campus that served as the setting for the hospital in “House.”
- Paterson – Explore the city that served as the backdrop for Junot Diaz’s novels and the TV series “The Sopranos.”
- Red Mill Museum, Clinton – Visit the iconic red mill that has been featured in numerous films and TV shows.
- Palisades Interstate Park – Visit the park where the car chase scene in “The Sopranos” was filmed.
Where to Sleep in New Jersey: From Budget to Luxury
New Jersey offers a wide range of accommodations to suit every budget and preference. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious stay or budget-friendly options, you’ll find something to suit your needs.
Budget Accommodations
- Seaside Park Motel, Seaside Park – This budget-friendly motel offers basic amenities and is conveniently located near the beach.
- Hudson Plaza Motel, Bayonne – Located near the Hudson River, this motel offers affordable rooms and easy access to public transportation.
- Knights Inn of Pine Brook, Pine Brook – This motel offers budget-friendly rooms and is located near several dining options.
Luxury Accommodations
- The Asbury Hotel, Asbury Park – This boutique hotel offers comfortable rooms, a rooftop bar, and a pool. It’s located near the beach and the famous Stone Pony venue.
- The George, Montclair – This luxury boutique hotel, owned by makeup mogul Bobbi Brown, offers stylish rooms in a beautiful setting.
- The Bernards Inn, Bernardsville – This historic inn offers luxury accommodations and a renowned on-site restaurant.
Where to Eat in New Jersey: From Budget Eats to Fine Dining
New Jersey’s culinary scene is as diverse as its cinematic landscape. From traditional diners to gourmet restaurants, the state offers a plethora of dining options.
Budget Eats
- White Manna, Hackensack – This iconic burger joint has been serving up sliders since the 1940s.
- Dickie Dee’s, Newark – A local favorite, this spot serves up Italian hot dogs, a unique New Jersey specialty.
- Maruca’s Tomato Pies, Seaside Heights – Located on the boardwalk, this place offers delicious pizza with a signature swirl of tomato sauce.
Fine Dining
- Razza, Jersey City – This renowned pizzeria has been lauded by critics for its artisanal pizzas and focus on locally sourced ingredients.
- Nicholas, Red Bank – One of New Jersey’s top-rated restaurants, Nicholas offers a gourmet dining experience with a focus on New American cuisine.
- The Ryland Inn, Whitehouse Station – Housed in a historic building, this restaurant offers farm-to-table dining with an emphasis on local ingredients.
Detailed Itinerary Day by Day: A Cinematic Journey Through New Jersey
To help you plan your trip, here’s a suggested itinerary that will take you to some of New Jersey’s most iconic filming locations and settings.
Day 1: North Jersey
- Start your day in Hoboken, exploring the locations from “On the Waterfront.”
- Head to Newark, where you can visit locations from “The Dark Knight Rises” and “The Sopranos.”
- Have lunch at Dickie Dee’s, trying their signature Italian hot dog.
- Drive to Paterson to visit locations from Junot Diaz’s novels and “The Sopranos.”
Day 2: Central Jersey
- Start your day in Princeton, visiting the university and the locations from “House.”
- Head to the Red Mill Museum in Clinton, a popular filming location.
- Have lunch at Maruca’s Tomato Pies in Seaside Heights.
- In the afternoon, visit Camp No-Be-Bo-Sco, the filming location for “Friday the 13th.”
Day 3: South Jersey
- Start your day in Atlantic City, exploring the boardwalk and casinos that inspired “Boardwalk Empire.”
- Have lunch at White House Subs, a local institution.
- In the afternoon, visit the town of Hammonton, the “Blueberry Capital of the World,” which has been featured in several films and TV shows.
The Lore of the Garden State: Cryptid Legends and Curiosities
New Jersey is not just famous for its cinematic and literary landscapes; it’s also known for its fascinating folklore and local legends.
The Pine Barrens, a vast wilderness area in southern New Jersey, is said to be home to the Jersey Devil, a legendary creature that has been a part of local folklore since the 18th century. There have been numerous reported sightings of the creature, which is often described as having hooves, wings, and a forked tail.
Another local legend is the tale of the Watcher House in Westfield. The current owners of this house have reportedly received mysterious letters from an individual known as “The Watcher,” who claims to be observing the house, as his family supposedly has done for decades.
Hidden Gems in New Jersey: Lesser-Known Filming Locations
While New Jersey’s famous filming locations often draw the crowds, there are several lesser-known spots that offer their own unique charm.
- Grover Cleveland Park, Essex Fells – This picturesque park was a filming location for the movie “The Station Agent.”
- Palmyra Cove Nature Park, Palmyra – This nature reserve was a filming location for the movie “The Happening.”
- Riverview-Fisk Park, Jersey City – This park offers stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and was featured in the film “The Royal Tenenbaums.”
Packing for Your New Jersey Adventure
When packing for your trip to New Jersey, consider the weather and your planned activities. If you’re visiting in the summer, pack lightweight clothing, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. For winter trips, bring warm clothing, such as a heavy coat, gloves, and a hat.
Regardless of the season, pack comfortable shoes for walking, a camera for capturing memories, and a portable charger for your electronic devices. Also, bring a water bottle to stay hydrated during your explorations.
Navigating New Jersey: Transportation Tips
New Jersey is well-served by public transportation, with an extensive network of buses and trains operated by NJ Transit. The state is also easily navigable by car, with major highways connecting different parts of the state.
Consider using ride-hailing apps like Uber or Lyft for convenient transportation within cities. If you’re planning to visit locations that are not easily accessible by public transport, consider renting a car.
Before your trip, familiarize yourself with the locations you plan to visit and plan your route accordingly. Always account for traffic, especially during rush hour in urban areas.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a movie buff, a bookworm, or a fan of TV shows, New Jersey offers a unique journey through the locations of your favorite stories. From the bustling streets of Newark to the tranquil wilderness of the Pine Barrens, there’s a cinematic or literary adventure waiting for you in the Garden State. So pack your bags, bring your camera, and get ready to step into the scenes of famous films shot in New Jersey!
