9 Best Downtowns In New Jersey
In case you didn't already know, New Jersey doesn’t just do diners and shore days (though they're stunning). It also does downtowns impeccably, the kind where you can wander for hours. These main streets are packed with personality: historic buildings, sidewalk dining, indie shops, live music, and that contagious "let’s keep walking" energy.
And the best part? Each town has its own flavor. Morristown brings big-night-out vibes with festivals, music venues, and a downtown that stays buzzing. Red Bank pairs waterfront scenery with arts, shopping, and dinner spots that feel like they belong in a much bigger city. Whether you’re planning a day trip, a date night, or a weekend of low-effort exploring, New Jersey’s walkable downtowns are basically built for it.
Montclair
The township of Montclair boasts a vibrant urban suburb with numerous local restaurants, shops, and businesses on Bloomfield Avenue, and is a great place to enjoy the Queen Anne, Georgian, and Tudor architecture, which is prominent in the city. The Wellmont Theater is the place to listen to live music from local artists, famous musicians, and much more in an upbeat space in the community. Just up the block is Cuban Pete's, a restaurant serving incredibly tasty Cuban meals for patrons to enjoy indoors and outdoors in a Hispanic-style patio, no matter the occasion.
A more pedestrian-friendly street to visit in town is Church Street, where there are upscale boutiques, cafes, and lovely places to dine, such as the Saint Clair, which serves freshly prepared ingredients in their modern American dining. The Saint Clair also hosts private events, thanks to the gorgeous spaces in the restaurant. The Montclair Antique Center is nearby and allows people to explore and purchase historic objects not found in major retailers, that'll spice up the home in a unique way.
Princeton
Just a short drive from Trenton is the iconic college borough of Princeton, home to Princeton University and a remarkable downtown to enjoy. Across the street from Princeton's historic campus, Nassau Street offers numerous shops, restaurants, local businesses, and parks. Tacoria Mexican Street Kitchen serves the community fabulous tacos, burritos, salads, and much more. Just a walk away from Tacoria is the Art @ Bainbridge, Princeton University Art Museum, which showcases the beautiful art of upcoming artists in a restored Colonial-era Bainbridge house. A visit off the beaten path may take you to Princeton Cemetery, with many notable individuals buried within the grounds, such as former President Grover Cleveland, John Witherspoon, a signatory of the Declaration of Independence, and Aaron Burr, who killed his political rival Alexander Hamilton in a duel in 1804, as depicted in the Broadway musical “Hamilton.”
The Nassau Inn welcomes guests with its alluring historic charm, delightful rooms, and can host corporate meetings, events, and weddings. Right outside the hotel is the quaint park, Palmer Square, where people can enjoy a lovely date night, explore shops and restaurants, like Rojo's Roastery, for a freshly brewed cup of coffee in a local setting, and the Bent Spoon, which sells patrons locally crafted cupcakes, ice cream made from organic ingredients, and all kinds of fun and exciting treats.
Morristown
Morristown is one of the most active, entertaining, and historic towns in the state. In the heart of downtown is the iconic Morristown Green, the community's gathering spot, established in 1715, and it is a great place to unwind for the day. It has a Civil War Monument honoring the state's veterans, and it is the place that hosts major local events like the Morristown Festival on the Green and the Morristown Jazz and Blues Festival.
On the corner of Dehart Street is the Laundromat Bar, where patrons are greeted with fake washing machines and dryers decorating the entrance hallway. The bar is an incredible place to gather with friends and coworkers, and one of the best spots in town to listen to live local music. Further down on South Street is the Mayo Performing Arts Center, where people can enjoy local plays, musicals, live performances, and live music. The Mayo Performing Arts Center is also next to the Vail Mansion, and its exquisite green lawn is an iconic 19th-century mansion that's a staple in the community.
Red Bank
The borough of Red Bank, also nicknamed the "SoHo of New Jersey", has a very walkable downtown and a vibrant waterfront, making it a true "Garden State" staple. Riverside Gardens Park is a glorious green space to enjoy the elegant views of the Navesink River, and it hosts free community events like the Summer Series. The rest of Front Street and Broad Street consist of local shops and restaurants to enjoy, from the likes of 26 West on the Navesink, which serves American cuisine in an upscale setting, and Catezza Italian Kitchen and Bar, which serves Italian cuisine in a calm and quaint setting. Both restaurants are also within walking distance of the waterfront.
The Count Basie Center for the Arts is a vibrant place in town to enjoy local plays, musicals, and theater performances, while the Vogel hosts live music and local concerts just next door. On the outskirts of downtown is the Molly Pitcher Inn, a luxurious hotel offering its guests stunning views of the river, which has its own docks for people to park their boats and yachts, the Dining Room at the Molly Pitcher Inn Restaurant, and can host gorgeous and memorable weddings.
Madison
Nicknamed the "Rose City," Madison is a walkable town that boasts a downtown full of charm and historic architecture. Main Street is the place to be in town, with local restaurants like the Shanghai Jazz Restaurant and Bar, which serves Asian cuisine and hosts jazz musicians for everyone to enjoy some relaxing music during the evening. The Museum of Early Trades and Crafts showcases the history and stories of 18th-and 19th-century craftsmen and artisans, and offers education programs for all in the community.
On the outskirts of downtown, on Drew University's campus, is the Shakespeare Theatre, which is the largest theatre company dedicated to Shakespeare's work and legacy. The theater hosts Shakespeare plays and other iconic plays for the community to enjoy during a night out on the town.
Collingswood
Just east of Philadelphia is the walkable borough of Collingswood, offering visitors and residents a tree-lined Main Street in Haddon Avenue, a diverse BYOB restaurant scene, and delightful boutiques. June BYOB is an example of upbeat BYOB restaurants, with its upscale French cuisine served in an elegant setting. Right across the street, Clutter Vintage is an adorable antique store where people can find and purchase unusual and unique collectibles and handmade treasures.
Just behind downtown is the lush 70-acre Knight Park. The park has numerous pathways for people to adventure through, a few baseball and softball fields to play games on, and Knights Park Lake right in the center of the park. The Perkins Center for the Arts provides the community with performing arts education, art galleries, exhibitions, and hosts events like open mic nights and art classes for everyone to enjoy.
Millburn
The township of Millburn is one of the most walkable suburban communities in Essex County, full of local charm, amazing restaurants, shops, parks, and theaters. Taylor Park is in the center of downtown, providing recreational activities for people to enjoy, like baseball, basketball, tennis, strolls around the Taylor Park Pond, and local community events. Within walking distance of the park is Millburn Deli, which has been serving the township incredible sandwiches since 1946, and has iconic choices to choose from, like the "Godfadda" and "The Gobbler."
On Main Street is Evoo and Lemon, a restaurant that serves Mediterranean-inspired dishes in a modern setting, and is BYOB for those wanting to have a little bit of excitement in their nights. On the outskirts of downtown is the iconic Paper Mill Playhouse, where people can enjoy Broadway shows, live musicals, and plays without taking the train into New York City. The playhouse also hosts extraordinary events for visitors and residents to enjoy during their night out on the town.
Summit
Summit is the northernmost city in Union County, providing people with a pedestrian-friendly downtown, which is 40 minutes away from New York City. On the northern end of downtown is the Turkey Hill Inn, a historic boutique inn established in 1892, providing its guests with a familiar feeling of warmth, comfort, and coziness in its rooms, and it is within walking distance of numerous restaurants and shops. Right on Springfield Avenue is the Summit House Restaurant and Bar, where meals are made from ingredients sourced from local farms, fishermen, and select purveyors. The Summit House also hosts private dining for those wanting an intimate dinner in solitude or private family gatherings.
Across from the Summit Train Station is the Summit Village Green, a local 6.7-acre park providing people with a calm and lush green space to enjoy a sunny day. It has a World War II memorial honoring the veterans who have served, and hosts community events, such as the Hot Summer Nights concert series, where people can enjoy local musicians performing their music.
Asbury Park
Right on the Jersey Shore is the beachfront city of Asbury Park, which boasts a revitalized downtown connected to its music roots, due to the Stone Pony calling the community home, and hosting incredible concerts performed by iconic New Jersey artists like Bruce Springsteen. Right in the heart of downtown is the Paranormal Museum, where people can sign up for ghost tours and explore a unique collection of haunted items, including haunted dolls and Ouija boards. Across the street is the Asbury Park Brewery, which serves locally crafted beer, like the Sea Dragon and the Watermelon Summer, in a classic rock-style room, which includes a motorcycle on display. Up the street is Hot Sand, a local art gallery specializing in glassblowing, and allowing people to create one-of-a-kind glass art.
Downtowns in the New Jersey are sights to see
When you are ready for a holiday from the neighborhood, downtowns in the "Garden State" feature significant landmarks that make them unique and beloved by residents and visitors alike. Towns like Morristown, Red Bank, and Montclair offer a smaller, calmer version of New York City, with local bars, restaurants, and entertainment in their respective downtowns. Madison and Millburn are hidden gems that deserve to be visited more frequently. Overall, downtowns in New Jersey are amazing places filled with their own history, offering memories just waiting to be created during an unforgettable visit.
