7 Delightful Towns to Visit in New Jersey
Sharing its borders with New York, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and the Atlantic Ocean, New Jersey is a northeastern American state known for its high urban density and prime economic, trade, industry, and tourism position. During the summer months, the weather tends to be consistently warm without the scorch that persists further south. With diverse immigration patterns, the food, arts, and culture scenes throughout the state are rich and variable. Whether you're eager to set foot on the 130 miles of oceanic shoreline, spend a week in the city, or a weekend in the woods, New Jersey is the perfect state to visit in 2024.
West Orange
This New Jersey community is known for its bustling Main Street, lined with shops and restaurants such as Fa La La, Folklore Artisinal Taco, and La Dolce Vida. Some of the best attractions in West Orange include the Essex County Turtle Back Zoo, Thomas Edison National Historic Park, Montclair Art Museum, and Treetop Adventure Course. The Wilshire Grand Hotel and Cambria Hotel West Orange are excellent local accommodation options for all travelers. In June, the West Orange Street Fair will take over the downtown, featuring local crafts, vendors, beer, and wine to try out and peruse. As a part of the Fair, the Thomas Edison Museum will offer free admission, and there will also be a Classic Car Show supporting the Friends of the Thomas Edison National HIsotric Park.
Bridgewater
Once home to the Revolutionary War monument, Bridgewater is a small but beautiful township in central New Jersey. Home to the United States Golf Association, Bridgewater is a great getaway location for those looking to hit the green. Spend the day shooting holes at the Green Knoll Golf Course or the Raritan Valley County Club. Some of the best attractions in town include the Leonard J. Buck Garden, Colonial Park, and Duke Island Park. Some of the best bites include Savor Restaurant and Da Filippo's. On the 21st of July, visit Duke Island Park to attend the Somerset County Summer Concert Series for an evening of live music outdoors.
Teaneck
Only a few minutes from the George Washington Bridge, Route 4, Route 80, and the New Jersey Turnpike, Teaneck is a super accessible town known for its 23 parks and extensive poos and tennis courts. Every November, Teaneck hosts its International Film Festival, drawing in visitors, actors, and filmmakers from around the globe. The Teaneck Creek Conservatory offers a beautiful hike or picnic spot, drawing in locals and visitors from across state lines most days throughout the outdoor season. On the 7th and 8th of August, The Great Event Show features some of the best adult and children's footwear brands and takes place conveniently at the Marriott hotel in town.
Atlantic City
Arguably, New Jersey's most famous small town, Atlantic City, is what most New Jerseyans picture when thinking of an in-state vacation. Located directly on the Atlantic Ocean, Atlantic City is a great choice whether you're looking for a beach or city vacation. Home to world-famous resorts such as Tropicana Atlantic City, the Hard Rock Hotel, and the MGM Tower, there are countless accommodation options that are vacation destinations in and of themselves. Along the boardwalk, grab a bite to eat at the Original Lo'Presiti's or Bill's Gyro and Souvlaki. You can also spend a whole week at this city's various casinos, such as the Wild Wild West Casino.
Pennsauken
When looking for a New Jersey waterfront vacation, look no further than Pennsauken. Primely located near the Cooper River and Delaware River, this town knows how to make the most of river life. Some of the best places to stop in town include the Double Nickel Brewing Company for a local craft brew, the Griffith Morgan Homestead, and the Pennsauken Country Club to spend a day outdoors on the green. Take advantage of Pennsauken's prime location and spend a day exploring Petty Island or the Palmyra Cove Nature Park. On the 8th of June, join the town in their summer kick-off, featuring fireworks, bounce houses, food vendors, and more fun for the whole family.
Mount Olive
This beautiful small community, located a short drive from Budd Lake, Turkey Brook Park, and the Black River Wildlife Management Area, Mount Olive is one of the best jumping off points for exploring the rest of the central New Jersey region. By car, visit the Hacklebarney State Park, Allamuchy Mountain State Park, and the Waterloo Village HIstoric Site to explore the rolling beauty of this northern U.S. region. Grab a bite at the Budd Lake Diner or Brenda's Italian Grill to enjoy the area's best eats during your stay. Between July 10-14, the Mount Olive Carnival welcomes visitors looking to have a day of fun full of music, fun carnival food, games, and craft beer.
Millville
Located on Union Lake, Millville is another excellent waterfront vacation spot in New Jersey. Some exciting attractions in town include WheatonArts, the Millville Army Air FieldMuseum, and the Museum of American Grass. For those looking to spend their vacation outdoors, the New Jersey Motorsports Park and Maurice River Bluffs Preserve can fill an entire weekend of fun. The town is home of historic buildings and the Glasstown Arts District is known for its traditional handmade crafts and blown glass. On the third Friday of each month, the Riverfront Renaissance Center for the Arts spills out into the street with exhibits from local artists creating a hub for creativity and atmosphere.
With its diversity, both in population and in landscape, you could spend a lifetime in New Jersey and still never see all that the state has to offer. Luckily, a vacation is best spent enjoying what one loves to do most. The state's size mixed with its rolling regions means that a visit to this state can be completed with both a detailed itenary and by simply showing up with a car and some spare time to see where the wind takes you. Be sure to stop and chat with locals to get a sense for some of the best hidden spots on your journey; these stops are what will make any vacation to the Garden State a once-in-a-lifetime getaway.
