Top 9 New Jersey Towns To Visit In 2025

Are you ready to immerse yourself in some of the best vacation destinations in New Jersey this year? From the charming coastal town of Cape May, with its pristine beaches and thrilling whale-watching excursions, to the historic streets of Morristown, where you can walk in the footsteps of George Washington and discover striking mansions, New Jersey’s got it all.

Whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure, or a taste of local culture, these top 10 towns promise unforgettable memories and unique attractions that will make your visit special. Time to uncover the best that the Garden State has to offer!

Cape May

With its pristine coastline and vibrant atmosphere, Cape May is a must-visit vacation destination that caters to all types of travelers. Stroll (or bike) along the picturesque promenade, soaking in ocean views and stopping at white sand beaches. For water enthusiasts, opportunities for kayaking, jet skiing, fishing, and parasailing abound, while thrills like whale watching and high-speed boat rides with East Coast Water Sports promise unforgettable experiences.

Off the beach, the iconic Cape May Lighthouse showcases breathtaking views of the Atlantic. Food lovers will enjoy local breweries and distilleries, with popular spots like Cape May Brewing and Nauti Spirits. Discover the historic district on foot or via horse-drawn carriage to soak in the town's charm. For those intrigued by local lore, a ghost tour with Ghost Capers is sure to add an extra layer of fascination to your visit.

Clinton

Clinton, NJ, with its incredibly walkable historic downtown and tranquil natural surroundings, is renowned as one of the best places to live in the state. This quaint town is perfect for those who appreciate a close-knit community rich in history. A Historic Walking Tour through Clinton reveals stunning historic homes and churches, allowing visitors to step back in time.

You won’t want to miss the historic Lowthrop Bridge or the Red Mill Museum Village. Built by Ralph Hunt in the early 1800s, this mill-turned-museum showcases the town’s early development through well-preserved historic buildings. Art lovers can take in the exceptional exhibits and workshops at Hunterdon Art Museum, and outdoor enthusiasts will love the multi-use Landsdown Trail.

Lambertville

Lambertville is known as The Antiques Capital of New Jersey, making it a fantastic destination for those who love vintage treasures and unique finds. The town is brimming with shops, galleries, and antiquing opportunities, including the Antiques Center at the People's Store and the popular Golden Nugget Antique Flea Market, where visitors can discover rare collectibles and timeless pieces.

Exploring Lambertville is best done through a self-guided, historic walking or biking tour that highlights the town's remarkable architecture. Stroll past well-preserved federal townhouses and Victorian homes and visit Lambertville Station for a glimpse into the town's railroad past. History buffs will appreciate the Richard Holcombe House, which served as an occasional headquarters for General George Washington during the Revolutionary War, and the hand-dug Delaware and Raritan Canal. Got the kids in tow? Check out Howell Living History Farm, where the whole family can engage in ice harvesting, maple tapping, and a plethora of other hands-on, traditional farm-life experiences.

Fun fact: Lambertville was designated by The League of American Cyclists as one of the only ‘Bicycle-Friendly” towns in the state. So, if the pace of walking is too slow for you, rent a bike from Big Bear Gear and set off on two wheels!

Morristown

Morristown, NJ, is rich in history. It served as the winter encampment of General George Washington's army during the "Hard Winter" of 1779-1780, the year after the infamous Valley Forge, earning its reputation as the "military capital of the American Revolution." This important legacy is commemorated at the Morristown National Historical Park, the first national historic park in the United States. Here, visitors can pop into significant sites, including the Ford Mansion, which served as Washington's headquarters. Nearby, you have to pop into Speedwell Ironworks, where in 1838 Samuel Morse demonstrated his telegraph for the first time.

After the Civil War, many affluent New Yorkers chose to establish summer residences and permanent homes in Morristown, leading to a diverse collection of historic mansions. The Schuyler-Hamilton House, for example, where Alexander Hamilton wed Betsy Schuyler, is smack dab in the middle of town. Additionally, the Macculloch Hall Historical Museum features an extensive collection of works by Thomas Nast, a famed cartoonist with ties to the area.

The whole town is centered around Morristown Green, a beautiful park that serves as a gathering space for residents and visitors.

Ocean City

Ocean City, part of the famous "Jersey Shore," is known for its gorgeous beaches, often considered some of the best in the Northeast. With eight miles of powdery white sand, visitors can relish swimming, surfing, and combing the shoreline for colorful sea glass.

Also, the lively atmosphere of the Ocean City Boardwalk, affectionately nicknamed "the Boards", is ideal for a leisurely walk or bike ride with breathtaking sunset views. Aside from being a fabulous walkway, the Boards feature exciting rides, go-kart racing, live music, and annual events like the New Year's Day Polar Bear Plunge that draw crowds from near and far.

There is more to do in Ocean City: from pickleball to tennis to SUP-ing to kayaking to crabbing and fishing. For wildlife enthusiasts, whale and dolphin watching opportunities abound, while a mini-golf course adds extra fun for families.

Asbury Park

If broad, sandy beaches and live music are your thing, Asbury Park is the place for you. This seaside town in New Jersey is home to a happening beach boardwalk that stretches along miles of white sand and hosts a myriad of shops, restaurants, arcades, and murals by internationally acclaimed talent. Most importantly, however, Asbury Park is regarded as one of the world's most happening music scenes and has drawn all sorts of greats, from Bruce Springsteen to Jon Bon Jovi.

After a day of play on the shores of the Atlantic, stop into the Stone Pony or the Wonder Bar for a show. Both venues were major hot spots for Springsteen in his heyday and are loaded with history. The Danny Clinch Transparent Gallery is another local venue worth visiting. The gallery is lined with photographs and prints captured by famed Danny Clinch (mostly of musicians) and attracts musicians from near and far who put on one heck of a show.

Princeton

Princeton, NJ, is home to one of the country's most renowned universities (Princeton University), boasting stunning grounds and a rich history. Another fascinating property is the Updike Farmstead, which now houses the Historical Society of Princeton and hosts guided walking tours of the area. The town also has a colorful art scene, with modern art displayed at the Grounds for Sculpture and historic pieces showcased at the Morven Museum & Garden.

Although Princeton is a bustling small city, it is dotted with (and surrounded by) some lovely nature escapes, including Marquand Park, an arboretum in town, and Lake Carnegie at the edge of the community. The Princeton Battlefield State Park commemorates the Battle of Princeton from the Revolutionary War, providing lovely green spaces alongside several historic structures, including an impressive Colonnade that honors the bravery of American soldiers. For nature enthusiasts, the Billy Johnson Mountain Lakes Nature Preserve is home to gorgeous trails, two lakes, and abundant wildflowers and wildlife.

Atlantic City

A trip to Atlantic City combines the thrill of Las Vegas-style gambling with soft-sand beaches and a plethora of quality shopping and dining options, making it a dream vacation spot for many. Spend your days on Atlantic City Beach, where you can play beach volleyball, rent bikes, and enjoy rides on the iconic Steel Pier, or test your luck at seaside arcades.

As evening approaches, the excitement continues with lively nightclubs, slot machines, and live music. For a taste of luxury, stay at top hotels like the Ocean Casino Resort and/or indulge in fabulous dining at restaurants such as Gordon Ramsay's Bar & Grill. And don't miss the chance to catch a show at the Hard Rock Cafe or visit the impressive Absecon Lighthouse, which is the third tallest in America. With mini golf and a local aquarium also on the docket, Atlantic City promises endless fun and entertainment for every type of visitor.

The Wildwoods

The Wildwoods, a lively resort city on the New Jersey coast, is a collection of communities located on Five Mile Beach, also known as Holly Beach. This vacation destination encompasses Wildwood, North Wildwood, Wildwood Crest, Diamond Beach, and West Wildwood on the island next door. With wide, sandy beaches, it's a fantastic destination for sun-seekers, beach enthusiasts, and party animals alike.

Visitors can hop on the Sightseer tram car or rent a bike to traverse the Wildwood Boardwalk, stopping at delicious eateries, unique shops, waterparks, and amusement piers along the way. The Doo Wop Experience Museum showcases the largest collection of loud, colorful mid-20th-century resort architecture, known as the "Doo Wop" style. With a lively nightlife that features a mix of live music from jazz to hip hop to rock and roll, The Wildwoods come alive after dark. Plus, the area hosts over 160 festivals and events each year, including food festivals, vintage car shows, music events, beach drag races, and much more. Never a dull moment!

Finially, New Jersey offers a diverse array of exceptional destinations that cater to every type of traveler. Among these hidden gems, Lambertville stands out with its peaceful riverside setting, art galleries, and historic architecture, making it an ideal spot for those seeking a blend of culture and relaxation. Just a short drive away, Long Beach Island enchants visitors with its pristine beaches, family-friendly atmosphere, and a variety of water sports.

Whether you're exploring the vibrant boardwalks of Asbury Park, the historic streets of Princeton, or the lively nightlife of Atlantic City, New Jersey's coastal towns promise unforgettable experiences. So pack your bags and get ready for a fabulous East Coast adventure!