These 10 Towns In New Jersey Were Ranked Among US Favorites In 2024
New Jersey is known for the many beaches that line its east coast and the small towns built around them, like Cape May and Ocean City. Those who visit regularly have their favorites, whether they live there or are loyal visitors. Each is naturally beautiful but unique, with its own charm and vibe. But the state also boasts vibrant inland towns acclaimed for their colossal downtowns, like Haddonfield and Montclair, or their proximity to New York City, yet seemingly a world away. For these and other reasons, many of the state's towns are featured on "best of" lists, whether for Best Beaches, Best Main Streets, Best Small Towns for Families, or other accolades.
Cape May
As the oldest seaside resort in the country, Cape May continually receives praise, such as Best Beaches in NJ. What makes Cape May so special is the complete package it offers: the 19th-century Victorian architecture, the beach, its iconic lighthouse at Cape May Point, and the cement promenade that distinguishes the town from woodboardwalks elsewhere. Visit the Cape May Point Science Center, located in the carefully preserved former St. Mary by the Sea retreat center built in the 19th century. Tour the town by horse-drawn carriage and visit the eclectic local shops lining the brick "streets" (no cars allowed). Enjoy your choice of menus and ambiance, from casual lobster rolls to farm-to-table meals to Zagat-rated elegance. Then, watch the sun go down from Sunset Beach, which is named one of the state's prettiest beaches.
Ocean City
When NJ residents were asked for their opinions of the best beaches in the state, Ocean City came to mind. Ocean City is often named one of the best beaches for families because it has everything a family with children wants: a gorgeous beach ten miles long and a 3-mile long boardwalk packed with places to eat fun activities and shops for everything from toys and souvenirs to clothing. Ocean City is also "dry," meaning no alcohol is sold in the town, in keeping with its family vibe. The refurbished Music Pier hosts concerts of all kinds, from pop to classical. Ride bikes on the boardwalk (rentals are available) from 5 am to noon during the summer season and 5 am to 5 pm in the spring and fall, except on holidays or special event days. You can also enjoy nature biking through the Howard Stainton Wildlife Preserve or take the Ocean City Bike Path to avoid biking on the streets.
Avalon/Stone Harbor
Sitting just off the New Jersey coast on a treasured spot called 7-Mile Island, the island is actually 7 1/2 miles long, with Avalon in the north and Stone Harbor in the south. The island is known for its soft, sandy beaches and extensive dunes that protect its shoreline. Avalon is known for its pristine, clear water and is popular for swimming, surfing, water sports, building sandcastles, or just relaxing with a book. If surfing is your sport, check out the surfing-only beaches or surfing/paddleboarding beaches. Several Stone Harbor beaches allow kayaks and catamarans only. Visit The Wetlands Institute and Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary and see sea life up close from a raised walkway or guided trail. With seven-mile Island, you get a bonus: It's easy to stay in one town and visit the other.
Asbury Park
Fabulous art murals, rock-n-roll, and retro pinball by the sea are what make this hip seaside town one of the best beach towns in the nation. Part of the NYC metropolitan area, Asbury Park holds a special place in local lore for its eclectic offerings and has outdone its former self with colorful murals by local and international artists adorning walls on the boardwalk and streets via the Wooden Walls Project. Asbury Park's boardwalk stands apart from others along the NJ shore with a personality all its own. Experience blowing glass yourself at Hot Sand studio, attend a seance at the Paranormal Museum and tour the author's Stephen Crane House. Shop to the sound of bands playing, or visit the Stone Pony, where Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi played in their early days. Enjoy live bands while you bowl at vintage Asbury Lanes and eat your way down the boardwalk tasting a range of fare, from cotton candy to caviar.
Montclair
Although people often associate NJ with its beautiful beaches, the state isn't all beach towns. Montclair is located about 45 minutes by rail from New York City, and though New Yorkers might disagree, Montclair is widely known as having the best view of NYC due to the town's mountain altitude. Also known for its film activities, numerous movies have been filmed in Montclair, including Mean Girls in 2004 and Girl Haunts Boy in 2024. The Montclair Film Festival is typically held in October, and other film activities take place year-round. Also, visit the Montclair Art Museum and the Avis Campbell Gardens. Montclair is known for its bustling downtown, which is divided into north, central, and south. Choose from local fast-casual eateries to high-end steak houses and everything in between.
Morristown
Morristown was considered one of the best places to live in 2024, and it was chosen for many reasons. One is its flourishing economy. Over 800 corporate headquarters are located in the town and surrounding Morris County, and it's just under an hour to NYC as well. Its colonial history was also noted as its parks and the plethora of well-recommended hospitals (27) within 25 miles. Visit the Morris Museum, a Smithsonian affiliate, to see its displays of artifacts and art, as well as the Murtogh D. Guinness collection of mechanical musical instruments. The museum also holds concerts, workshops, films, children's theater, and events. Morristown is known for its green park in the town center and National Historic Park, commemorating where George Washington encamped for the winter, and for having one of the most lively restaurant rows in the state, with menus ranging from New American to Mediterranean to Ethiopian.
Haddonfield
With one of the best main streets in the U.S., Haddonfield is praised for the way it preserved its Colonial history and Victorian architecture in a vibrant, community-oriented culture on its downtown Main Street. Pick up a map of Haddonfield's historic sites at the Information Center (2 King's Ct.) and visit the Indian King Tavern Museum, built in 1750, where the NJ legislature met during the Revolutionary War. After checking out other historical sites of interest, browse the 200+ shops and eateries on the tree-lined downtown streets. Take in a concert or play at Haddonfield Plays & Players, like Honk Jr. Nov. 14 - 16, Mystery of Edwin Drood Dec. 6-21, or The Hunchback of Notre Dame Jan. 17-Feb. 1, 2025.
Princeton
Princeton is home to Princeton University, of course, and like most college towns, it has a special vibe that says, "Things are happening here." Princeton is lauded for its highly rated public schools, variety of housing options, and green parks with walking trails and nature observation areas. With a median home value of $971,200, Princeton is one of the most expensive towns to live in the state, but residents say they enjoy both the town's tranquil, natural spaces and its active nightlife. Several tours of the Princeton campus are available, and you can see the campus via the Princeton Scavenger Hunt, which is offered daily. Visit the Grounds for Sculpture and dine al fresco there or at one of the many bistros and cafes that line its charming brick-walk streets.
The Wildwoods
The Wildwoods, which includes five communities on a 5-mile island, is the busier cousin of Cape May and Ocean City. Wildwood's wide beaches are free and accompanied by 38 blocks of boardwalk activities, entertainment, and food. Morey's Piers and Beachfront Waterparks has three amusement piers and over 100 rides, including a roller coaster that swoops right down to the beach. While Wildwood's boardwalk in the summer is a flurry of nonstop activities, it continues in October, hosting events like an RV Show, Harvest Fest, a 50s, 60s, and 70s Weekend, Halloween events, and numerous walks and runs. Weekends in November bring a Wedding Expo, the Elks Hoop Shoot, the Cheerleading Championships, and the start of holiday celebrations like the Turkey Trot, Family Holiday Beach Bonfire, Small Business Saturday, and Christmas in North Wildwood.
Atlantic City
Having a gorgeous, wide beach, a bustling boardwalk, and nine casinos in one convenient place keeps Atlantic City a top destination in New Jersey. The boardwalk, stretching 5 miles end-to-end, includes confectioneries from fudge to salt water taffy, iconic boardwalk fries, and pizza, high-rise hotels to stay, dine, and even gamble in sometimes, and amusements to suit every taste and age. Its famed Steel Pier amusement park has timeless favorites like the Carousel and bumper cars, plus kiddie rides, coasters, and other thrill rides. See (and hear!) free bands on the boardwalk, and shop in the many souvenir and T-shirt shops as well as the popular casino gift shops. Off the boardwalk, visit the Absecon Lighthouse, the Atlantic City Historical Museum (free!), the African American Heritage Museum, the Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University, and the Atlantic City Aquarium, set to reopen in December 2024 after a major refurbishment including expanded touch-and-learn exhibits.
Ask ten people what the best town in NJ is, and you will most likely get ten different answers. Most of these answers include well-known NJ towns such as Cape May, Ocean City, and Atlantic City. However, some also mention towns that are known only to locals, and when they explain what makes these towns special, little-known possibilities, adventures, and activities are revealed. Whether you're looking for a new vacation spot or a new place to call home, you have many to choose from in New Jersey.
