Places to Visit in New Jersey
As a New York resident, I spent more weekends than I can count road-tripping across New Jersey, visiting its charming beach towns, scenic mountain trails, and major cities. I've always loved the state’s mix of natural beauty, cultural richness, and quirky roadside gems. After narrowing it down, these were the standout places that I think you should visit on vacation. I think you’ll enjoy them too.
1. Montclair
Tucked at the base of the Watchung Mountains, Montclair is a lively township that blends tree-lined suburban charm with cosmopolitan energy. The town’s leafy streets and artsy vibe felt like a total shift from the city bustle.
We parked downtown on Bloomfield Avenue, grabbed coffee at a local café, and browsed boutiques. We checked into The George for the night, a boutique hotel in a restored 1902 mansion ($235, chic and cozy).
Montclair's walkable downtown hums with culture, boutiques, and a sophisticated food scene, while the nearby hills open into sweeping views of Manhattan’s skyline just 12 miles away.
Only about a 45-minute drive west of New York City, Montclair offers a striking contrast: timeless architecture, intimate neighborhoods, and a thriving arts community that feels worlds apart from the bustle of Manhattan. Staying here feels like stepping into a town where history and modern life mingle gracefully.
2. Princeton
From Montclair, we drove about 1 hour south to Princeton (population 30,000). The downtown felt like a postcard. Nassau Street was lined with cafés and bookstores. The Princeton University campus spread across 600 acres of Gothic spires and green lawns.
For the night, we stayed at the Nassau Inn ($209, historic inn dating back to 1756, right on the square). I wandered through Princeton’s enchanting downtown, explored the campus with its soaring spires and hidden courtyards, and felt the quiet hum of scholarly life that has flowed here for centuries.
Evenings were best spent meandering along Nassau Street, popping into indie bookstores, boutique shops, and cafés buzzing with students and locals. On a sunny afternoon, I sat by Lake Carnegie and watched rowers glide across the water, a serene counterpoint to the intellectual energy of the town.
3. Newark
After years of just flying in and out of Newark to my home in Manhattan, I decided to spend a night and take a closer look.
From the airport, it was just a 20-minute drive (12 miles) into downtown, where we stayed at the Courtyard by Marriott Newark Downtown ($165, walkable to the Prudential Center).
Newark moved fast. The train pulled in, brakes hissing, and the city wrapped around me before I had time to think. Brick, steel, murals on the walls. People rushing, music playing from open windows.
In Newark, you can visit the Newark Museum of Art, stroll through Branch Brook Park, catch a show at NJPAC, explore Ironbound’s dining scene, and tour the historic Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart.
Newark’s Ironbound district is famous for its incredible Portuguese, Spanish, and Brazilian restaurants, where sizzling seafood, grilled meats, and fresh pastries fill the streets with irresistible aromas.
4. Jersey City
We drove about 20 minutes east from Newark to Jersey City, the second-largest city in New Jersey.
The city is filled with character, from its eclectic neighborhoods and restored 19th-century rowhouses to murals splashed across walls in the Powerhouse Arts District. Our highlight was Liberty State Park (1,212 acres), with sweeping views of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
We walked around the Liberty Science Center ($30 admission) and then strolled along the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway.
The city hummed softly underfoot, street murals, bakery windows, old rails repurposed into sidewalks. On the Beyond the Plate Food Tour, I took my first bite of handmade empanada.
5. Clinton
I thought this charming river town was absolutely delightful, with its red-brick storefronts, Victorian houses, and tree-lined streets that wind gently toward the Raritan River. Clinton feels like a perfect postcard of small-town America, where history and scenery blend seamlessly in a walkable, storybook setting.
After just about an hour’s drive west from New York City (or a shorter hop from Newark) I arrived in a place that felt timeless and welcoming. The sound of water tumbling over the old dam and the sight of its graceful iron bridges immediately set the scene, reminding me of a slower pace and a bygone era.
During my visit, I strolled across the iconic iron bridge that frames the town’s most photographed view, explored the Red Mill Museum Village with its 19th-century industrial buildings, and browsed the galleries and boutiques that fill Main Street. I lingered by the river at Hunterdon Art Museum, housed in a striking stone mill, and took a peaceful walk along the nearby towpaths shaded by old trees.
6. Morristown
I know Morristown well (my in-laws used to have a house there) and every visit reminded me why this town holds such a special charm. With its leafy neighborhoods, handsome colonials, and vibrant town green, Morristown blends deep Revolutionary War history with a lively, modern energy.
From Clinton, we drove about 40 minutes east to Morristown (population 20,000). Our first stop was Morristown National Historical Park, which preserves George Washington’s 1779–80 winter encampment at Jockey Hollow.
It's over 1,600 acres of preserved land with reconstructed soldier huts and trails. We also toured the Ford Mansion (1774), Washington’s headquarters during that brutal winter. Admission was $7, and after soaking up the history, we walked the Morristown Green downtown before staying at the Hyatt Regency Morristown ($189, modern and central).
7. Red Bank
I thought Red Bank was an absolute delight—equal parts historic river town and lively cultural hub. Nestled along the Navesink River, this small city charms with its Victorian architecture, bustling streets, and an arts scene that far outshines its size. It has that perfect blend of old-fashioned character and modern vibrancy that makes every visit feel special.
Just under an hour by train from New York City, Red Bank is both an easy escape and a true destination in its own right. The walkable downtown is packed with independent shops, trendy restaurants, and live-music venues, all framed by the town’s turn-of-the-century brick buildings and leafy side streets.
During my time there, I explored the boutiques along Broad Street, lingered by the riverfront parks, and admired the restored Count Basie Center for the Arts, which brings world-class performances to the heart of town. The blend of history, culture, and waterfront scenery makes Red Bank feel both intimate and cosmopolitan at once.
8. Wildwood
I thought Wildwood was an exhilarating blend of retro charm and seaside fun, a place where the golden age of the Jersey Shore is still alive along its wide beaches and neon-lit boardwalk. Unlike quieter shore towns, Wildwood pulses with energy—colorful motels in mid-century “Doo Wop” style, classic amusement piers, and the unmistakable scent of boardwalk fries and funnel cakes drifting through the salty air.
About a 2.5-hour drive south from New York City (and just north of Cape May), Wildwood feels like a summer playground frozen in time yet buzzing with life. Its miles of powdery sand beaches stretch endlessly, offering room to swim, surf, or simply sink into a beach chair with the ocean breeze on your face.
Wildwood’s beach is massive (over 500 yards wide at low tide) and free (no beach badges required). We spent the afternoon on the 2.5-mile Wildwood Boardwalk, packed with arcades, shops, and rides. Dinner was boardwalk pizza, followed by a stay at Starlux Boutique Hotel ($185, retro 1960s vibe, pool included).
9. Cape May
From Wildwood, we drove about 20 minutes south to Cape May (population 3,100).
I thought Cape May was absolutely enchanting—a seaside town that feels like stepping into a living postcard with its grand Victorian homes, colorful “gingerbread” cottages, and wide, breezy avenues shaded by old trees.
There’s a timeless elegance here, softened by the rhythm of ocean waves and the easy charm of a community that has welcomed visitors for generations.
Perched at the very southern tip of New Jersey, Cape May is both America’s oldest seaside resort and one of its most picturesque. Just a short ferry ride from Delaware or a drive down the Garden State Parkway, it offers a mix of history, romance, and coastal beauty that makes every arrival feel like a true escape.
During my stay, I walked along the Promenade, the oceanfront boardwalk where Victorian lampposts glow at dusk, and explored the Washington Street Mall, a pedestrian stretch filled with boutiques, sweet shops, and outdoor cafés.
I toured the Emlen Physick Estate, a grand 1879 mansion turned museum, and admired the elegant rows of painted ladies that line the quiet streets. Birdwatching at Cape May Point State Park, with its lighthouse and sweeping ocean views, added another layer of charm to this peaceful seaside retreat.
10. Lambertville
I thought Lambertville was an absolute treasure—a riverside town that feels at once artistic, historic, and warmly inviting. Nestled on the Delaware River opposite New Hope, PA, it’s a place of narrow streets lined with 18th- and 19th-century homes, charming brick sidewalks, and an atmosphere that balances small-town intimacy with cosmopolitan flair.
Only about an hour and a half’s drive from New York City or Philadelphia, Lambertville offers a perfect escape into history and culture. Once a canal town, it has reinvented itself as a haven for artists, antique lovers, and food enthusiasts, all while keeping its vintage character intact.
During my visit, I wandered across the New Hope–Lambertville Bridge, taking in sweeping views of the Delaware River, and strolled Union and Bridge Streets, browsing antique shops, art galleries, and eclectic boutiques. I admired the elegant Victorian rowhouses and Federal-style homes, many lovingly restored, and paused at the historic James Wilson Marshall House, honoring the discoverer of gold in California.
11. Mindowaskin Park, Westfield, NJ
Just a 45-minute drive or train ride from NYC, I thought Mindowaskin Park was an absolute gem—a peaceful green oasis right in the heart of Westfield. With its graceful pond, arched footbridges, and leafy walking paths, the park feels like a timeless retreat where families, couples, and visitors can slow down and enjoy nature in the middle of town.
During my visit, I strolled along the winding paths, stopped to watch ducks gliding across the pond, and admired the fountains and gazebos that dot the landscape. Children played on the playground, joggers circled the trails, and the whole space buzzed with an easy, small-town warmth. The park also serves as a gateway to Westfield’s walkable downtown, making it a natural pause before or after browsing shops and cafés.
12. Asbury Park
I thought Asbury Park was one of the most fascinating towns on the Jersey Shore, equal parts retro boardwalk, artistic haven, and musical landmark. With its eclectic mix of Victorian architecture, vibrant murals, and oceanfront promenades, the town feels both nostalgic and freshly alive, a place where history and creativity intertwine.
Just about 60 miles south of New York City (around a 1.5-hour drive or direct train ride), Asbury Park has long been a beloved seaside escape.
During my visit, I wandered along the Asbury Park Boardwalk, and stopped at the restored Convention Hall and Paramount Theatre, both architectural icons. I spent time at Silverball Retro Arcade with my son, reliving the fun of classic pinball and arcade games.
13. Ocean City
I thought Ocean City was one of the most wholesome and welcoming seaside towns on the Jersey Shore—a true “family resort” with its wide beaches, lively boardwalk, and small-town charm. With its classic arcades, old-fashioned ice cream parlors, and the sound of carousel music floating through the air, it feels like stepping back into a simpler, more carefree era of summer vacations.
Just about 70 miles south of Philadelphia and a little over two hours from New York City, Ocean City has been drawing visitors since the late 1800s. Known for its dry-town tradition (no alcohol is sold here), it’s built its reputation as a clean, family-friendly destination that’s big on fun without losing its safe, relaxed atmosphere.
During my visit, I spent hours strolling the two-and-a-half-mile boardwalk, stopping at arcades, souvenir shops, and classic eateries, before heading onto the soft, sandy beaches for a swim. I admired the view from the top of the Ferris wheel at Gillian’s Wonderland Pier, kayaked along the back bays, and explored the nearby wetlands full of birdlife. The blend of natural beauty and nostalgic boardwalk fun made Ocean City feel both lively and peaceful.
Conclusion
The beauty of visiting New Jersey lies in its contrasts: bustling cultural hubs and peaceful small towns, oceanfront escapes and rolling countryside, historic landmarks and modern creativity. Every corner invites discovery, whether through food, architecture, art, or nature.
If you are like me and you can spend a longer time in the state, great. But if you have just a few days, pick a destination that calls to you and get to know them one at a time.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
