7 Coolest Towns in New Jersey for a Summer Vacation in 2024
Summer vacations are always a delight in New Jersey as the state is renowned for fun and entertainment. This state is home to the world's highest concentration of boardwalks, all complementing its enchanting beaches overlapping the Atlantic Ocean. In addition, there are lakes, rivers, theme parks, and recreational parks for visitors to indulge in year-round. In Summer, outdoor lovers are invited to these cool towns in the Garden State to bask in the sun and enjoy the best of the season. From the mind-blowing Morey's Pier in Wildwood to the thrilling boardwalk in Ocean City, here are seven coolest towns in New Jersey for a summer vacation.
Frenchtown
For summer vacationers interested in arts, cultures, and thrilling shopping, Frenchtown in Hunterdon County is the place to be. This small town by the Delaware River is a prime shopping destination featuring many quaint shops like Modern Love and Della Terra, where visitors can purchase a wide range of products, from clothing to home goods. While on the shopping spree, visit the Gemstone Gallery to explore mineral specimens. Next, explore some artworks at the Artyard or the SFA Gallery and shop for handmade ceramics at the Frenchtown Pottery. Afterward, head to the D&R Canal State Park, which features over 70 miles of hiking and biking trails. Before leaving town, capture scenic views of the Delaware River from the Iconic Uhlerstown-Frenchtown Bridge or admire the bridge from the shores.
Cranbury
Cranbury is a small town in Middlesex County that promises a relaxing summer experience. The town is home to Brainerd Dam where visitors can admire the gorgeous view of a lake from picnic benches. The Memorial Park is opposite the dam and features WWI and WWII monuments, as well as a Civil War memorial. Also, the town is home to some scenic and landscaped parks, such as the Village Park on the northern shores of Brainerd Lake and Heritage Park on South Main Street. Both parks are cozy locations for relaxation and fun, as they feature playgrounds and picnic tables. History lovers can go back in time at the Elizabeth M. Wagner History Center, where the town's history and its remarkable people are told via various exhibits, photography collections, and artifacts.
Red Bank
Red Bank is a picturesque town along the Navesink River, where summer vacationers can experience the thrill of the great outdoors. Here, visitors will be met with waterfront parks like Marine Park (featuring picnic areas and great river views) and Riverside Gardens Park (featuring a beautiful garden, boardwalk, and picnic areas). The town also features Bellhaven Nature Area, where visitors can go for a walk and enjoy views of the Navesink River. For art lovers, spend the summer chasing some of the town’s top art galleries like the Art Alliance Studio and Gallery and Beacon Fine Arts. Before leaving, head to Birravino to enjoy some delicious Italian dishes.
West Orange
West Orange is quite a big town in Essex County, but also quaint, alluring, and fit for a cool summer vacation. Once here, visitors can head to Rahway River to kayak or boat on the waters. Afterward, switch things up with history at the Thomas Edison National Historical Park, home to the famous American inventor. The park contains the inventor’s home and laboratory, including some of his electrical inventions. Afterward, visitors can embrace adventures and fun at the South Mountain Reservation, home to miles of hiking trails, picnic areas, waterfalls, a fishing pond, and the beautiful Orange Reservoir. The reservation also features the Turtle Back Zoo, featuring more than 150 species, picnic areas, and exciting rides,
Wildwood
Wildwood is a famous summer resort destination located on a barrier island by the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. Hence, a summer vacation here promises to be exciting as five miles of scenic shorelines set the stage for swimming, sunbathing, surfing, boating, kayaking, and more. The town is also home to the Wildwood Boardwalk, one of America's famous boardwalks, stretching for about two miles along the ocean's shore. The boardwalk features three amusement parks alongside water parks, six rollercoasters, and lots of thrilling rides. Shops, restaurants, inns, and boutiques are also lined up on the boardwalk for more fun. After the fun, head to the Doo Wop Experience Museum to immerse in the history of the town’s music, architecture, and pop culture via interesting artifacts. For even more history, visitors are welcome to the Wildwood Historical Society George F. Boyer Historical Museum, home to artifacts and memorabilia dating back to the 50s and 60s.
Ocean City
Ocean City is a cool seaside town that boasts some of the state's finest shorelines. Here, summer visitors will be met with eight miles of pristine beaches offering exciting activities from sunbathing and swimming to fishing, kayaking, boating, picnicking, and more. Also, the town's iconic two-mile-long boardwalk overlaps the gorgeous beaches and features restaurants, shops, and entertainment centers like the Music Pier. The boardwalk also hosts the Gillian's Wonderland Pier, a historic amusement park with around 32 attractions, including rollercoasters and water rides. For more adventures, visitors can head to Corson's Inlet State Park to enjoy some boating, hiking, and fishing adventures.
Cape May
Cape May, the nation's oldest resort city, is one of New Jersey's coolest towns in which to enjoy a summer vacation for many reasons. For starters, its location is quite extraordinary as it is poised on a cape overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, making it a paradise for beach lovers. The town boasts 2.5 miles of gorgeous sugar-white sandy beaches where visitors can enjoy fishing, swimming, sunbathing, strolling, kayaking, boating, canoeing, cruising, and surfing. Visitors will enjoy a walk across the Cape May Promenade, which stretches two miles along the town's scenic beaches and features some shopping and entertainment. The town also features Cape May Lighthouse, where visitors can enjoy views of Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Additionally, visitors can enjoy some history at the Emlen Physick Estate - a unique Victorian home that reflects life in the Victorian era. Wildlife lovers should head to the Cape May County Park and Zoo to see more than 250 species of animals.
Summertime is an invitation to the great outdoors, and the towns of New Jersey just know how to make this season a blast for every visitor. These towns are melting pots of fun, offering many adrenaline-pumping activities like kayaking, boating, fishing, summer events, and more. Hence, a summer vacation in New Jersey will always hit differently, whether one is laid-back or adventurous. All it requires is an open mind, the right gear, and a cheerful spirit.
