Thinking of an outdoor adventure near home? Why not try the Garden State? When it comes to adventures of the nature kind, New Jersey has some exciting finds to offer. It gives you and your family the same enjoyment without having to travel half way across the country. Whatever your taste for adventure is, New Jersey's diverse ecological wonders are sure to tickle your fancy.

One hundred twenty-seven miles of beach along the state coastline facing the Atlantic. Cargo ships aren't the only ones calling the beaches of New Jersey home. So does whales and dolphins. Take a boat ride and watch the whales frolic around in their natural habitat. Or why not take a snorkeling trip and swim with the dolphins while your at it. The saltwater activities also include camping out on the beach, surfing and fishing.

The animals in New Jersey's excellent wildlife are as amazing to watch as they are diverse. If you want to watch whales, there are boat tours which take you to experience these great mammals in the flesh. Or you can stop over one of the bird watching sites along the Atlantic City Flyway and take a refreshing look at herons, shore birds or the northern diamondback terrapin.

If you're of the camping type, Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge boasts 42,000 acres of pure woodlands adventures for the thrill seeker in all of us. Or take part in the daily wolf watches in Lakota Wolf Reserve in Camp Taylor. Get to know these misunderstood pack animals and experience the natural adventure of a lifetime in wide wild New Jersey.

When it starts snowing, you what that means. Skiing! So get your skis and head on out to the rolling mountains and ski resorts all abundant in New Jersey's adventure capital. Or just compete for salmons with the bears and fly fish your way to the record books during salmon season. The faded trails offer a great path to follow in your mountain bikes and take a breath of fresh New Jersey air.

New Jersey has always been just the center for commerce but you'll never know what the adventure opportunities it has until you try it. Get a dose of the Garden State's wild side and know the real meaning of the word adventure.