8 Offbeat New Jersey Towns To Visit In 2025

The state of New Jersey is often celebrated for its classic beach towns along the Jersey Shore—places where boardwalks bustle with shops selling T-shirts, fries, ice cream, and the iconic saltwater taffy. But beyond these nostalgic summer staples lie lesser-known destinations that offer a fresh take on the Garden State. From the rock-and-roll legacy of Asbury Park to the upscale shopping experience in Millburn, New Jersey, is full of surprises. Some towns share islands, others boast unexpected watersports, and all offer unique experiences that go far beyond the typical beach day. Whether you're planning a weekend escape or a longer adventure, these hidden gems are worth exploring.

Asbury Park

While many visitors flock to Asbury Park for its wide, scenic beaches, often ranked among the most beautiful in New Jersey, this coastal town offers far more than sun and sand. Asbury Park has earned international acclaim as a rock and roll haven, thanks in large part to The Stone Pony, a legendary music venue that has launched countless careers over the past 50 years. Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band famously graced its stage, and it continues to spotlight emerging talent and iconic acts alike.

But Asbury Park also has a spookier side. Tucked away downtown is The Paranormal Museum, a quirky and fascinating stop for those intrigued by the unexplained. Tours are typically private, limited to small groups, and must be booked in advance, adding to the eerie exclusivity. Beyond the museum, the town offers ghost tours and even a haunted pub crawl, inviting visitors to explore the supernatural history of both the boardwalk and the bustling downtown district. Whether you're a music lover, a beachgoer, or a seeker of the strange, Asbury Park delivers an experience unlike any other.

Belleville

In French, belle ville means "pretty city," and that's all this town needed to hear to name it. No wonder it is such a pretty town; it has more cherry blossom trees than those around the Tidal Basin in Washington, DC! Thus, Belleville calls itself the Cherry Blossom Capital of the US. Many episodes and parts of episodes of The Sopranos were filmed in Belleville. It is also the hometown of notables such as actor Joe Pesci, Pulitzer prize-winning author Russell Baker.

See the bronze "Victory" statue in front of Town Hall, built in 1887 to honor area veterans. Bellvue Park is a nearly 33-acre green space with a playground, several soccer and softball fields, and a jogging trail. It is planted with numerous native and rare trees that shield the park from the streets.

Millburn

Possessing the charm and beauty of a small town, with its quaint, local shops, along with the well-known, upscale Mall at Short Hills, makes Millburn a unique place to visit. Here you can find one-of-a-kind souvenirs in town, and just a short drive to the mall, stores such as Chanel and Louis Vuitton that you would find in NYC and other big cities. In fact, due to the town's proximity and accessibility to NYC, many Millburn residents commute to the city for work.

Millburn is also known for its Paper Mill Playhouse, which brings to its stage world-famous works like Disney's Little Mermaid, Bull Durham, and West Side Story. Also visit the Cora Hartshorn Arboretum and Bird Sanctuary, which has 150+ species of wildflowers plus hands-on community projects like FrogWatch and salamander monitoring.

Montclair

Can't make it to Cannes or Sundance? No worries, because the Montclair Film Festival, now in its 14th year, is recognized as among the best. It was named to Moviemaker Magazine's 2024 list of "50 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee." That's because the festival showcases talented filmmakers from all over in a vibrant atmosphere close to NYC, yet removed from it as well. This year's festival is October 17-26, 2025.

While in Montclair, check out Van Vleck House & Gardens, built in 1916 as a Mediterranean villa; the Avis Campbell Gardens; and the Montclair Art Museum's permanent and changing exhibits of Native American and American art, from painting to beadwork.

Avalon

A small, somewhat secluded beach town on Seven Mile Island, Avalon is an undiscovered gem for many people. The New Jersey coast has so many easily accessible beach towns that many do not think of taking a jaunt to the barrier island.

Once on the island, you can surf the waves by day and leisurely watch the sun go down, head out for dinner at family-friendly spots like Oceanside Seafood, or a date night at La Vecchia Fontana. For a break from the sun, duck into the Avalon History Center and see photos and items about the island. Charter a boat for fishing or take a dolphin cruise, or explore by bike on the bicycle trail along Dune Street.

Stone Harbor

If you visit Avalon, you must take the time to also visit Stone Harbor, or vice versa. Both share 7 Mile Island and are roughly three to four miles apart. Stone Harbor, on the south end of the island, is a more traditional-looking beach town, with older buildings harkening back to quaint, quiet beach vacations.

The Wetlands Institute is a must-see in Stone Harbor, and many visit the town just to see it. Through research, exhibits, and programs, the institute shares how we can protect and preserve the coastal ecosystem. Stone Harbor Museum is a fun, kid-friendly place to find out more about the town. Downtown has lots of boutiques, restaurants, cafes, and, of course, ice cream shops!

Lambertville

Situated along the Delaware River, Lambertville is often mentioned as one of the prettiest towns in the state. Many visitors are also drawn to the town as a haven for antiques and art. Check out The People's Store Antiques and Design Center, where 50 dealers display their items in the four-level store. Note that some stores accept cash only. The town also has numerous art galleries featuring local scenes as well as popular themes such as florals. Artists' Gallery represents 16 artists and features two each month.

Visit the Holcombe-Jimison Farmstead Museum for tours of the restored three-story barn and outbuildings on the first Sunday of the month (through October), and special events like the Antique Tractor-Truck-Car Show, the Craft Festival, and Christmas on the Farm. To enjoy the town for several days, consider staying at the elegant Lambertville House or Porches on the Towpath with individually designed rooms.

Hopatcong

Originally a summer hotel retreat, Hopatcong morphed into a popular summer destination along the lake and is now a year-round vacation spot. It all centers on Lake Hopatcong, the largest lake in the state at 2,500 acres. Boats can be rented around the lake, from sailboats and kayaks to pontoon boats and hydrobikes, and boaters can launch their watercraft as well. The lake even offers ice boating in the winter.

Fishing is available year-round; anglers catch catfish, perch, pickerel, largemouth bass, sunfish, and trout. For 2025, night fishing has been added (special permit required). Hopatcong State Park also offers volleyball, basketball, soccer fields, a playground, picnicking, grilling, and swimming in the designated area when lifeguards are present. To enjoy the lake for several days, check out the Whistling Swan Inn, a restored Victorian home with 10 antique-decorated rooms and a full breakfast buffet, in nearby Stanhope.

Conclusion

What a kaleidoscope of activities and curiosities you can find in New Jersey! From Montclair, recognized for having one of the best regional film festivals in the country, to Hopatcong, a water paradise on the state's largest freshwater lake, New Jersey's smaller towns have so much to offer. Conveniently bordering New York, Pennsylvania, and Delaware, New Jersey is also easily accessible from other northeast and mid-Atlantic states. If you can't decide which town will be your next getaway, that's easy. Many are an easy drive from another stellar town, so pick several!