Trip Ideas & Itineraries

We are ready to welcome you safely! 

The Princeton-Mercer Region has plenty of activities for individuals and families to explore safely, but where do you start? Try following some of our pre-planned travel guides to make sure your trip runs smoothly. Whether you are visiting for the day or planning a weekend getaway, we hope these trip ideas help!

Day Trip

Your Perfect Day Trip

9:00 AM – Grab a breakfast pastry at one of our many specialty cafes, like The Gingered Peach.

10:00 AM – Visit Grounds for Sculpture and their 42 acre outdoor sculpture park.

1:00 PM – Have lunch at Rats Restaurant, Mediterra, or Olives for a classic outdoor Princeton- Mercer experience.

2:00 PM – Stroll through Princeton University campus or take a guided outdoor tour with Princeton Tour Company.

3:00 PM – Enjoy afternoon ice cream at The Bent Spoon.

4:00 PM – Shop at Palmer Square’s world class stores and boutiques.

6:00 PM – Dinner awaits at one of the many outdoor dining restaurants in walking distance. Try The Peacock Inn or Yankee Doodle Tap Room.

7:00 PM – Enjoy the nightlife as you stroll through the illuminated fountains of Palmer Square and Scudder Plaza, where the monumental Fountain of Freedom sculpture lives.

3 Day Weekend Getaway

Friday Night

Arrive in Mercer County and check in to one of our picturesque boutique hotels like The Peacock Inn or Nassau Inn for a quintessential Princeton experience.

Stroll the shops and outdoor restaurants all through Palmer Square as you enjoy Princeton’s nightlife.

Saturday

Princeton University

Discover the historical grounds of Princeton University. The campus boasts jaw-dropping architecture, and the top-notch Princeton Art Museum, free to the public! Stroll the grounds for beautiful buildings, and picturesque gardens.

Delaware-Raritan Canal State Park or Mercer County Park

Spend some time outdoors on the Delaware-Raritan Canal or at Mercer County Park. Go hiking, boating, or picnicking with the family. You can rent bicycles and explore historic trails throughout both parks. Rentals are available at Princeton Canoe & Kayak Rental to utilize on the Canal. The kids can enjoy the playground, or take in the activities near Mercer Lake.

Sunday

Terhune Orchards

Whether you are looking for some fun with the family or some adult activities, Terhune Orchards has entertainment for all ages. You can pick your own fruits and vegetables or enjoy tastings at their winery! Don’t forget to have one of their famous apple cider donuts!

Grounds for Sculpture

Take a tour of the outdoor 42-acre public sculpture park located in Hamilton, NJ, only 20 minutes from downtown Princeton. Grounds For Sculpture is also a garden and arboretum, featuring paved terraces, pergolas, and courtyards with natural woodlands as well as pond groves of bamboo and two eateries. Rat’s Restaurant is famous for its delicious food and eclectic atmosphere, overlooking the sculptures and a lily pond inspired by the paintings of Claude Monet.