Looking for an exciting weekend of history, culture, and outdoor adventures? Princeton, New Jersey, has it all—and there’s no better place to settle in than the Nassau Inn. Set in the heart of the vibrant Palmer Square, this historic boutique hotel is the perfect home base for exploring everything this beautiful town has to offer.
The Nassau Inn has been a part of Princeton’s story since 1756, and it offers just the right mix of old-school charm and modern comfort. The cozy rooms, inviting common spaces, and legendary Yankee Doodle Tap Room make it feel like a home away from home. The best part? You’re steps away from trendy boutiques, restaurants, and the town’s namesake school.
Ready to dive into Princeton like a local? This 2-day itinerary is your guide to a fun-filled, stress-free weekend.
Getting Around Princeton, NJ
The closest airports are Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), both about an hour away by car. For this reason, it’s easiest to arrive by train or car. Take NJ Transit or Amtrak to Princeton Junction, then hop on the “Dinky” shuttle to the town center.
Once you arrive, getting around in Princeton is a breeze, thanks to its walkable downtown area. Use Princeton University’s free shuttle service, Tiger Transit, to navigate the campus and nearby neighborhoods. Prefer to bike around? Princeton’s bike-sharing program has stations all over town.
Day 1: Local History, Culture, and Art
Morning
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Jammin’ Crepes, just a five-minute walk from the Nassau Inn. The cozy counter-serve joint is a Princeton hotspot for its inventive crepes made with local ingredients. Dig into a sweet crepe like the Banana Cream Pie with homemade banana jam and salted caramel. Or, go savory with the Green Eggs and Ham topped with kale pesto. Pair your meal with a latte or hot tea to fuel up for an exciting day of exploring Princeton.
Next, head to Princeton University for a self-guided tour of one of the country’s oldest college campuses. Start by checking out the historic portraits inside Nassau Hall, the building that briefly served as the U.S. Capitol over 200 years ago. Explore the Prospect House gardens and admire the stone carvings of Alexander Hall. Don’t miss the Princeton University Chapel, a breathtaking Gothic structure with stained glass windows and a massive organ.
While Princeton University’s main art museum is closed for renovations, you can still visit downtown galleries like Art@Bainbridge and Art on Hulfish for a dose of culture. Discover contemporary mixed media and photography works at Art on Hulfish, or step inside a restored 18th-century home for a solo artist exhibit at Art@Bainbridge.
Afternoon
Enjoy a leisurely lunch at The Peacock Inn Restaurant. Savor dishes like the grilled steak frites, kale Caesar salad, or the signature Perch burger topped with balsamic bacon jam and gooey raclette cheese.
Embark on a tour of the Morven Museum & Garden, once the New Jersey Governor’s Mansion and the home of a Declaration of Independence signer. Discover rotating exhibits and fascinating galleries like The Struggle for Liberty and The American Spirit of Enterprise. Stroll through meticulously maintained gardens teeming with fruit trees, heirloom plants, fragrant herbs, and seasonal displays.
Keep your self-guided history tour going at Princeton Battlefield State Park. Walk the open fields and pay your respects at the Battle Monument and Colonnade. Don’t leave without visiting the Clarke House Museum to view items from the Revolutionary War, from period furnishings to military artifacts from the Battle of Princeton.
Evening
Up for a little souvenir shopping? There’s no better place to go than Palmer Square, home to many boutiques and specialty shops. Walk the tree-lined cobblestone paths and marvel at the Colonial Revival-style buildings. Find unique gifts at The Kiosk, Olsson’s Fine Foods, and Dandelion. For high-end clothing, visit Highbar Boutique, Nic + Zoe, or The Rain of Spain.
When it’s time for dinner, walking back to the Nassau Inn is a breeze—it’s smack-dab in the center of Palmer Square. The iconic Yankee Doodle Tap Room is steeped in history, from the Norman Rockwell mural to the table where Albert Einstein once carved his name.
Slide into a booth by the fireplace or sit at the bar where famous figures like Paul Revere once dined. Embrace the colonial tavern vibes and indulge in elevated comfort food like French onion soup, duck confit poutine, and Wagyu bison meatloaf.
Cap off the night with a world-class performance at McCarter Theatre Center, a Tony Award-winning regional theater. Whether you’re into plays, concerts, or dance recitals, there’s always something incredible to see. For a more laid-back option, soak up the Mediterranean ambiance and stylish interiors at Mediterra. Sip a glass of pinot or a craft cocktail while enjoying a live jazz performance.
Day 2: Outdoor Adventures and Farm-to-Table Dining
Morning
Kick things off at The Blue Bears Special Meals, a non-profit French café dedicated to providing employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Snag a table inside the relaxed café and treat yourself to a savory bacon and cheese quiche or a fresh, buttery croissant. Pair your breakfast with Lavazza coffee for the perfect morning pick-me-up.
After breakfast, head to the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park for a scenic walk or bike ride along the D&R Canal Towpath Trail. Bask in views of 19th-century bridges, cobblestone spillways, stone arches, and creeks. Alternatively, visit Marquand Park to see more than 170 types of trees, including rare ones like the Japanese Zelkova. Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere on a peaceful walk through shaded trails.
Wrap up your morning with a visit to Princeton Cemetery. Known as the “Westminster Abbey of the United States,” this cemetery is the final resting place of notable figures like Aaron Burr and Grover Cleveland. Pick up a map for a self-guided tour of its unique gravestones and epitaphs from different historical periods.
Afternoon
Refuel with a farm-to-table lunch at Agricola Eatery, a rustic-chic spot with a seasonal menu incorporating ingredients from nearby farms—including their own. Chow down on dishes like jerk shrimp tacos, a crispy chicken sandwich, or a grilled yellowfin tuna salad.
After lunch, venture out to Carnegie Lake to rent a kayak or paddleboard. The man-made lake was funded by famed industrialist Andrew Carnegie and is a popular rowing spot for Princeton University’s crew team. Sit back and relax on a slow-paced adventure surrounded by lush scenery and peaceful waters.
Then, pick your own apples and blueberries (during the season) at Terhune Orchards & Winery. Meet the friendly barnyard animals, listen to live music, and sip award-winning wines made from locally-grown grapes. Stop by the farm store to shop for fresh produce, baked goods, and jams.
Evening
For epic sunset views, an early evening trip to Mountain Lakes Preserve is a must. A local favorite among nature photographers, the area boasts two dazzling lakes and a myriad of forested trails with frequent wildlife sightings. On a clear day, walk the 2-mile loop trail and get ready for a show-stopping sunset you’ll never forget.
Craving fresh seafood? Make your way back to Nassau Street for dinner at Blue Point Grill. Admire the sea-inspired decor and embrace the warm, welcoming energy. Start with the oysters or fried shrimp dumplings, then dig into Maryland-style crab cakes or the Maine lobster.
Don’t forget to save room for dessert—you won’t want to miss out on The Bent Spoon. Located in Palmer Square, the shop is famous for its small-batch ice cream made with seasonal ingredients to reflect the flavors of New Jersey farms. Fall in love with rotating flavors like honey-vanilla marshmallow, dark chocolate orange, and mint cookie. Or, stick to a classic like vanilla bean and dress it up with homemade fudge or sea salt caramel.
