These 10 Towns In New Jersey Were Ranked Among US Favorites In 2025
In 2024, New Jersey’s tourism industry hit record highs, with visitor spending surpassing $50 billion for the first time and nearly 124 million people visiting the state. Although the year is not over yet, the state is projected to receive even more visitors this year! Clearly, New Jersey is doing something right. The following 10 towns have been ranked time and time again as visitor favorites, developing renowned reputations for their beaches, music venues, boardwalks, state parks, and cultural festivals.
Ocean City
Ocean City, with its eight miles of sandy shores, water parks, and boardwalk, has rightfully gained the reputation as “America's Greatest Family Resort.” Many beaches are staffed with lifeguards during the summer, and even in the off-season, the beaches at St. Charles, Brighton Place, and 8th Street remain protected.
The Ocean City Boardwalk is open all year long, lined with rides, attractions, and shops. Families will also love a day at the Totally Tubular Aqua Park, the town’s only inflatable water obstacle course that has over 20 slides, monkey bars, diving boards, and more.
Cape May
40 minutes south of Ocean City, on the Cape May Peninsula, lies Cape May, another eastern coast favorite. In addition to its sandy shores, the town has plenty of ways to explore the water. Jersey Shore Cruises, for example, offers public cruises on their cycle boats through the back bays of the Cape.
Travelers wanting to explore the town on land can also look into a trolley tour with Cape May MAC, which provides green and red trolley narrated tours of the area. Additionally, the seafood in Cape May is unbeatable. Cape May Fish Market is a town favorite, serving oysters, fish tacos, crab cakes, and plenty of other mouthwatering dishes from the sea.
Atlantic City
Atlantic City is arguably one of New Jersey’s largest hubs of entertainment, filled with resorts, casinos, and live events throughout the year. The Ocean Casino Resort, for example, has everything you could need onsite, including several restaurants, live performances, and bars, among other attractions. The Atlantic City Aquarium has lots to see as well, such as hands-on touch tanks, an estuary exhibit, a tropical reef, and more. Check out the Absecon Lighthouse while in town, which claims the title as the third-tallest lighthouse in the United States! Visitors can climb 228 steps to reach the top.
Lambertville
Lambertville has become known as “The Antiques Capital of New Jersey,” featuring some of the state’s most impressive antique markets and shops. The Golden Nugget Antique Flea Market is a town staple, open on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, and featuring over 200 outdoor vendors.
Travelers should also spend time exploring the Antiques Center at the People's Store, a four-story emporium with over 50 antique vendor stations. Those looking for a place to stay can lodge at the Lambertville Station Restaurant and Inn, a 19th-century train depot that was converted into a hotel and restaurant.
Haddonfield
Haddonfield sits just across the river from Philadelphia, leading some to describe it as a ‘miniature Philadelphia.” There is a variety of cultural activities to enjoy while in town, with groups like the Haddonfield Plays & Players putting on live musical and theater performances throughout the year.
The town was also a notable site in the Revolutionary War, home to landmarks like the Indian King Tavern Museum, a 1750 house and tavern that was a meeting place for the state’s legislature during the war. Travelers can unwind for the evening at one of the area’s cozy taverns, such as Brewer's Towne Tavern, a friendly neighborhood bar that hosts karaoke, football nights, and other community events.
Frenchtown
Frenchtown is a lovely community along the Delaware River with lush riverbanks and rolling green countryside. The Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park Trail lies in the heart of town, stretching 70 miles and connecting bikers and kayakers to other neighboring communities. During their biking trip along the trail, travelers can relax with a pit stop at Wild Fern Brewing, a cozy taproom that produces its own craft beers, including lagers, IPAs, and brown ales. True to its name, the town embraces French culture each July with a Bastille Day celebration, featuring music, food, entertainment, and vendors in honor of France’s National Day.
Asbury Park
Asbury Park is not only a beautiful beach town, but it also boasts a renowned music and culture scene. The town is home to world-famous venues, including the Stone Pony, a music venue established in 1974 that has hosted notable acts like Bruce Springsteen over the years. Its hotels are equally unique! The Asbury Hotel, for example, is a Victorian-era hotel that has been flipped into an eclectic spot with a pool, live events, rooftop restaurants, and a rec room that will offer everything you need in one place.
Make sure to take a stroll on the Asbury Park Boardwalk as well, a beachfront promenade that is lined with boutiques, music venues, and murals.
Morristown
Sometimes referred to as the “Military Capital of the American Revolution,” Morristown is filled with historic sites. The Morristown National Historical Park is at the heart of it all, home to the site where George Washington and the Continental Army spent the winters of 1777 through 1778 and 1779 through 1780. Travelers can also get a feel for what turn-of-the-century farm life was like at the Fosterfields Living Historical Farm, a 200-acre farm where they can collect eggs, feed chickens, husk corn, and use a washboard, among other early farming practices. For a bit of art, stop by the Morris Museum, which showcases a variety of rotating exhibits, live performances, educational programs, and more.
Avalon
Avalon, with its seven miles of pristine beaches, draws in countless tourists each year. Businesses like Miss Avalon Fishing Fleet offer a unique way to get on the water, providing fishing trips and cruises to visitors. You won’t have a hard time finding a delicious waterfront restaurant either. The Sandbar Village is right near the shore, perfect for a beachside cocktail, fresh meal, and live music. On October 11th, Avalon will also be hosting the Arts & Seafood Festival, which is a great time to purchase a souvenir from an artisan vendor and enjoy fresh fish!
Clinton
Clinton has excellently preserved its heritage, home to a number of museums and historic landmarks from the 19th century. The Red Mill Museum Village is one of the best examples of this preservation, spanning 10 acres with highlights like the 1810 Red Mill and the museum, which houses more than 40,000 artifacts.
Travelers may also want to meander across the Lowthorp Truss Bridge, a cast and wrought iron bridge that was unique for its time, built in 1870. For a delicious meal, grab a reservation at the Clinton House, a restaurant whose history dates back to 1743.
A Small State With Big Tourist Attractions
New Jersey’s size has not been a setback for its tourism industry, and these 10 towns are evidence of that. Between its Revolutionary War landmarks, cruising companies, casinos, and oceanfront restaurants, there is so much to explore within the compact state. Beach towns, riverside communities, and charming city suburbs are just a few of the destinations where all the action takes place! So if you have not already done so, make sure to add these top-ranked towns to your travel list in 2025 and experience what they have to offer.
