The 8 Can't-Miss Towns In New Jersey

Despite being one of the five smallest states in the US, New Jersey attracts a remarkable number of visitors each year. In 2024 alone, the state’s tourism department reported 123.7 million visits. If you are from New Jersey, these numbers likely come as no surprise. You already know the state’s beauty is often underrated. Seaside towns, botanical gardens, Revolutionary War sites, and French-inspired festivals are just a few of the attractions that make it so special. If you are looking for some of the state’s most impressive towns, these can't-miss eight should be on your list.

Lambertville

You could easily spend a weekend in downtown Lambertville, exploring its antique shops, art galleries, and inns. The People's Store is one of the town’s most popular antique stores, a four-story emporium with more than 50 antique dealers to browse. If you are searching for a new art piece for your home, stop by Haas Gallery, a local gallery that has been operating in the community for 25 years, selling both oil paintings and giclee prints. Travelers can finish their day at the Lambertville Station Restaurant and Inn, a waterside inn that is housed in an adorable, 19th-century train station.

Cape May

Ask any New Jerseyan where to go for a beach vacation, and there is a good chance that Cape May will come up as a recommendation. Parallel to Beach Avenue, visitors will find about 2.5 miles of beaches, including The Cove and Broadway Beach. From July through Labor Day, the beaches are staffed with lifeguards as well. Travelers hoping to get out on the water can sign up for a cruise with The Spirit of Cape May, which offers day cruises, dinner cruises, and dolphin and whale watching cruises, among other special cruise options. To stay along the coast, consider lodging at the Inn of Cape May, a waterfront, historic inn that dates back to 1894.

Frenchtown

Situated along the Delaware River and surrounded by green, rolling fields, Frenchtown might remind you of the British countryside. The Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park begins in town, a 70-mile-long, canalside park that connects forests and fields, offering plenty of opportunities for hikers, joggers, canoers, and anglers. Downtown, travelers will also find Frenchtown Cafe, a charming restaurant that is housed in a building from 1897. In July each year, Frenchtown hosts its iconic Bastille Day celebration, which recognizes the National Day of France with walking tours, vendor markets, races, scavenger hunts, and more, so make sure to add it to your calendar for next year!

Spring Lake

Referred to as the "Jewel of the Jersey Shore," the quaint community of Spring Lake is the perfect travel destination if you are seeking a laid-back, seaside trip. Travelers can begin their relaxing escape at Divine Park, where a spring-fed lake is surrounded by wooden bridges and walking paths. The town’s shopping district is filled with cute boutiques as well, such as Warm Shop Spring Lake, a local clothing boutique that sells tops, dresses, jumpsuits, and other west-coast-inspired clothing. On July 23, 30, and August 6 and 13, travelers can join the town for its family-friendly Spring Lake Summer Nights. During the event, the stretch of 3rd Avenue between Washington and Passaic Avenues closes to traffic, making way for live music, cornhole, mini golf, food vendors, and more.

Highlands

Protected by a barrier peninsula, the waterways near Highlands are extremely popular among boaters and anglers. Travelers hoping to spend the afternoon fishing can book a charter with Jenna P Sportfishing, led by a licensed captain and fully equipped with all the necessary gear, tackle, and bait. If you prefer to explore the waterways at your own pace, consider renting a boat from the Bridge Marina, which offers fully-loaded, triple pontoon boats that seat up to 10 passengers. Hungry after a day on the water? Bahrs Landing, established in 1917, serves some of the town’s best seafood, including oysters, clams, scallops, flounder, and more.

Ringwood

Surrounded by forest trails, parks, and lakes, Ringwood has gained fame for several outdoor attractions. One of the most popular spots is the New Jersey Botanical Garden, a mountaintop green space within Ringwood State Park that spans 96 acres and is filled with biodiverse gardens. For a day of hiking, head to Norvin Green State Forest, where rugged trails climb from elevations of around 400 feet to hills reaching 1,300 feet. If you are interested in history, Ringwood Manor is another fascinating attraction to check out. Now a National Historic Landmark District, this over-200-year-old property offers outdoor tours of the grounds and a carriage barn exhibit to explore.

Haddonfield

Sometimes considered a “Miniature Philadelphia,” Haddonfield is filled with local coffee shops, playhouses, and Revolutionary-era history. Travelers can start their morning at Cafe Lift Haddonfield, a local cafe open seven days a week that uses fresh, locally sourced ingredients in all of its dishes when possible. Afterward, travelers can learn about the town’s role in the American Revolution at the Indian King Tavern Museum, an 18th-century building that was once a meeting place for the state’s legislature during the Revolutionary War. Travelers may also want to catch a play or musical by Haddonfield Plays and Players, a local theater group that stages around five productions each year.

Asbury Park

With its iconic boardwalk and one of the most well-known beaches in the state, Asbury Park is another wonderful destination for a beachside getaway. Stretching about a mile along the Atlantic, Asbury Park Beach draws in countless swimmers, surfers, sunbathers, and anglers each year. Near the beach and boardwalk, you will also find The Stone Pony, a renowned music venue that has been open since 1974, hosting famed musicians like Bruce Springsteen, Steve Van Zandt, and Southside Johnny. There are also several waterfront inns and hotels to choose from, including the Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel, a historic property that has welcomed guests for nearly a century.

These eight can't-miss New Jersey towns are just the beginning. With seaside inns, state forests, antique malls, and live music venues, each one offers something unique. And if you are from the Garden State, chances are you have a favorite town of your own you would add to the list. Either way, these destinations are a great starting point for exploring all that New Jersey has to offer, and almost certainly promise a great time.