The 3 Best City Tours in New Jersey
New Jersey offers surprisingly diverse ways to explore and experience its close neighbor, New York City, plus unique adventures within its own cities. With proximity to Manhattan, access to private helicopter rides, innovative scavenger hunts, and themed zombie challenges, travelers can find unforgettable experiences that match their interests and pace. Whether you’re interested in soaring above the skyline at night or solving puzzles in historic Trenton, New Jersey’s tour options are worth considering.
What makes New Jersey especially appealing for city tours is its mix of urban excitement, small-town charm, and distinctive attractions. Instead of generic sightseeing buses, these experiences focus on immersive, personalized encounters—like flying high over landmarks or hunting for clues through city streets. This guide highlights the best options, helping you decide whether a high-flying adventure, a scavenger hunt, or a zombie-themed challenge fits your style.
Quick Overview
Below, you’ll find three standout tours in New Jersey, each offering a different way to explore. The New York City Private Tour by Plane at Night delivers an exclusive aerial view of Manhattan’s illuminated skyline. The Surf City Shuffle Scavenger Hunt provides a creative, interactive way to discover the Jersey Shore town of Surf City. Lastly, the Trenton City Scavenger Hunt Excursion by Zombie Scavengers turns history and fun into a survival game against zombie hordes. Now, let’s take a closer look at each.
1. New York City Private Tour by Plane at Night
This 45-minute private airplane tour offers a rare chance to see the NYC skyline from above after dark. Starting from Linden, New Jersey, the experience begins with a relaxed briefing before you board your small aircraft. From the sky, you’ll fly past iconic sights like the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, and Central Park. The highlight is orbiting the Statue of Liberty in a way most visitors never experience—an unmatched perspective of this symbol of freedom.
Flying at night, you’ll witness the city’s lights shimmering below, creating a magical view of Manhattan’s dense grid of skyscrapers. The tour also takes you past the Freedom Tower, providing a lower-altitude view that emphasizes its impressive height. The entire experience is intimate, with the pilot sharing insights into NYC’s landmarks, making each flight both scenic and educational.
Rated 5.0/5 based on 3 reviews, travelers comment on how this is a truly unforgettable way to experience NYC. The tour’s exclusivity and the chance to see landmarks like the Statue of Liberty from an unusual angle make it a step above typical sightseeing. At $239 per person, it’s an investment in a bucket-list experience that’s suited for couples, special occasions, or anyone wanting to see NYC from a fresh perspective.
Bottom Line: For those seeking a luxurious, personalized view of NYC’s skyline, this private night flight is hard to beat—just remember, it’s a short flight, but the memories last a lifetime.
2. Surf City Shuffle Scavenger Hunt
If you’re after a fun, interactive, and social way to explore the Jersey Shore town of Surf City, the Surf City Shuffle Scavenger Hunt is a creative choice. Priced at just $27 and lasting around 2 hours, this scavenger hunt adds a modern twist by using your phone and a live remote host. You’ll receive clues and challenges designed to encourage discovery and problem-solving, all while wandering the streets.
What makes this tour particularly unique is the personalized assistance from your remote host, who guides you through the hunt and keeps the challenge engaging. The scavenger hunt combines elements of a detective game, tour, and social experiment, making it suitable for friends, families, or couples. Along the way, you’ll uncover obscure sights, answer trivia, and perform quirky tasks that reveal the town’s hidden quirks.
While the rating is only 1.0/5 based on 1 review, the concept itself is innovative — a hands-on way to see Surf City beyond its surface. The tour’s affordability is a plus, especially if you’re interested in a lighthearted, engaging experience that breaks away from traditional sightseeing.
Bottom Line: For a low-cost, fun-filled way to explore Surf City with a tech-savvy twist, this scavenger hunt offers a memorable, interactive experience—just be prepared for mixed reviews.
3. Trenton City Scavenger Hunt Excursion by Zombie Scavengers
Looking for something totally different? The Trenton City Scavenger Hunt by Zombie Scavengers turns city exploration into a game of survival. For just $20 per group (up to 10 people), you’ll use an app to find items needed to survive a zombie apocalypse. The game is set in Trenton, and players must locate specific objects in any order, completing zombie-themed challenges for points.
What makes this tour stand out is its themed gameplay and social element. Your remote host offers support via chat, helping you strategize and keep the fun going. This experience is perfect for groups wanting a casual, active adventure that combines history, humor, and challenge. It’s designed for people comfortable with a fast-paced, game-like activity rather than traditional sightseeing.
While there are no reviews yet, the concept appeals to those who enjoy interactive, team-based activities with a pop culture twist. It’s a budget-friendly option for families, friends, or groups of coworkers looking for a memorable, playful way to explore Trenton.
Bottom Line: If you’re in the mood for an unconventional, zombie-themed scavenger hunt that mixes history with humor, this game is a great choice, especially for groups wanting fun competition.
How to Choose the Best City Tour in New Jersey
When deciding between these options, consider your budget, interests, and how much time you want to spend. The private airplane tour (NYC night flight) offers a luxurious, breathtaking perspective of NYC, perfect for special occasions or those craving a unique view. It’s best booked in advance and suited for travelers wanting a high-end experience.
The Surf City Shuffle scavenger hunt (scavenger hunt) appeals to those who enjoy interactive activities, especially if you’re traveling with friends or family and want something casual and fun without breaking the bank.
For groups interested in a lighthearted challenge with a zombie twist, the Trenton scavenger hunt (zombie scavenger hunt) is quick to book and perfect for a team-building day or a playful outing.
Booking early, especially for the private plane ride, is recommended. Also, consider the weather and your physical comfort levels—flying at night or doing outdoor scavenger hunts requires some planning.
Final Thoughts
New Jersey has a surprising variety of city tours, each with its own appeal. If soaring above Manhattan’s skyline is on your list, the New York City Private Tour by Plane at Night is hard to beat. For a creative, social exploration of Surf City, the scavenger hunt offers a modern twist. And if you want a fun, themed challenge, the zombie scavenger hunt in Trenton provides laughs and excitement.
Whether you seek a scenic flight, an interactive game, or an adventurous puzzle, these tours showcase the diversity of experiences available just across the river from New York City. Planning ahead and choosing the right activity can turn a simple trip into a memorable story—so don’t hesitate to book these experiences early to secure your spot.