Metuchen
Where it is: in Middlesex County in the Central Jersey Region.
Why you should go: This mix of history, charm and culture was named a Jersey’s Best 2024 Destination of the Year, 2023 Winner of the Great American Main Street Award and Money magazine’s 50 Best Places to Live in America. Explore the lively downtown and enjoy events like the Metuchen Downtown Pop Culture Festival on September 28 and Haunted Downtown on October 26. Also, the Thomas Edison Center at Menlo Park is just a short drive away.
Somerville
Where it is: in Somerset County about 40 miles west of Newark in the Central Jersey Region.
Why you should go: Get your steps in at this wonderfully walkable downtown showcasing 60+ restaurants and cafes plus arcades and one-of-a-kind shops. Stop back in July and August for outdoor Thursday night movies at the Somerville Starlit Cinema.
Leeds Point
Where it is: in the Pine Barrens within the Galloway Township area of the Greater Atlantic City Region.
Why you should go: A cool town to visit, this small unincorporated community is said to be the birthplace of the legendary, mythical creature known as the Jersey Devil. Celebrate spooky season with Jersey Devil-themed hikes and tours nearby in and around the scenic Pine Barrens. It’s a great place for birdwatching too. The Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge is also nearby.
Avon-by-the-Sea
Where it is: along the Atlantic Ocean just south of Asbury Park and north of Belmar in the Shore Region.
Why you should go: This small seaside borough is home to beaches that are inspiring year round. Marvel at Victorian style homes, walk the boards, stay at one of the many charming inns and enjoy a coastal serenity unlike any you’ve ever experienced before. Come back in summer for beach bonfires and a star spangled 4th of July Celebration.
Historic Smithville
Where it is: about 20 miles from action-packed Atlantic City in the Greater Atlantic City Region.
Why you should go: Historic architecture, manicured grounds, nostalgic rides including a carousel and train, delicious food and over 50 quaint shoppes take you on a journey back to simpler times. Enjoy fall events including the Italian Festival on September 21, Oktoberfest on October 5-6, Monster Bash on October 26 and Witches Day on October 27.
Columbia
Where it is: in the western part of New Jersey in Warren County in the Skylands Region.
Why you should go: This small community is easy to go wild for. Tops on our list is Lakota Wolf Preserve. Reserve a wolf watch tour online to view foxes, bobcats, lynx and wolves in natural scenic surroundings. Ask about photography tours too.
Ogdensburg
Where it is: nestled in Sussex County in the Skylands Region.
Why you should go: This remarkable and rural destination is extreeeeemly scenic and an ideal location to check out the multitude of fall foliage Jersey is flaunting these days. It’s also home to the Sterling Hill Mining Museum where you can see the fluorescent Rainbow Tunnel, collect minerals and tour the mine. Stop by the Fall Mineral Show on September 28–29 too.
Hammonton
Where it is: in the Pinelands of Atlantic County, part of the Greater Atlantic City Region.
Why you should go: The “Blueberry Capital of the World” is also sprouting up plenty of history. Check out the time-honored downtown area and Batsto Village dating back to 1766, home to 30 must-see structures and nearly two and a half centuries of history. Events at Batsto include the Fall Antique, Glass & Bottle Show on September 22 and Country Living Fair on October 20.
Lyndhurst
Where it is: in Bergen County between the Passaic River and Hackensack River in NJ’s Gateway Region.
Why you should go: Suburban charm isn’t the only thing you’ll find in this unknown-to-some North Jersey town. You’ll also find a majestic castle, sword fighting, armor-clad knights, century-style pageantry (and a four-course feast!) during Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament.
Hamilton
Where it is: in Mercer County, part of the Central Jersey Region.
Why you should go: Grounds for Sculpture, of course! This spectacular 42-acre sculpture park and arboretum is a celebration of art, culture and nature. Say hello to the peacocks roaming the grounds too. Wellness experiences include yoga and Tai Chi as well as Forest Bathing on October 5 and Meditation with Mala Beads on October 26.
Millville
Where it is: in Cumberland County, part of the Garden State’s Southern Shore Region.
Why you should go: Put your heart into the arts in this fascinating town. Head out to WheatonArts to explore the renowned Museum of American Glass, shop the Museum stores, view exhibitions, performances and workshops and attend the Festival of Fine Craft October 5–6. The New Jersey Motorsports Park entertainment complex is in Millville too.
Vineland
Where it is: Cumberland County, part of the Garden State’s Southern Shore Region.
Why you should go: Hang out with the stars when you visit this cool town and visit the Delsea Drive-in Theatre, Jersey’s only drive-in movie theatre. Watch movies from way back when to the present day on the big screen from the comfort of your own vehicle March through November. The snacks go waaay beyond popcorn too!
Alpine
Where it is: in Bergen County along the Hudson River in the Gateway Region.
Why you should go: Palisades Interstate Park – an autumn bucket list experience for sure! Take an invigorating walk along 12 nature-laden miles of a cliffside trail that delivers awe-inspiring views of the Hudson River below.
Boonton
Where it is: in Morris County, part of New Jersey’s Skylands Region.
Why you should go: Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area – explore over 1600 acres of rugged trails, forests, fields and wetlands. Hike up to Tripod Rock, a massive boulder which is positioned in such a way it baffles all those to visit. A must-see for hiking and rock enthusiasts.
Frenchtown
Where it is: along the Delaware River in Hunterdon County in the Central Jersey Region.
Why you should go: Named by USA Today as one of “America’s Top 10 Best Small Towns for Shopping” this artsy and eclectic small town also boasts a lovely downtown, top-notch culinary scene and breathtaking river views. Visit nearby Lambertville too.
Haddonfield
Where it is: in Camden County, New Jersey’s Delaware River Region.
Why you should go: Haddonfield’s delightful downtown is a culmination of history, galleries, fabulous dining nooks, exciting boutiques, coffee shops and Haunted Haddonfield ghost tours that happen every October. Little known facts: The fictional setting in the horror movie Halloween is named after this historic town – one of the writers grew up here. Also this cool town is the site of the first nearly complete dinosaur skeleton found in North America in 1777. The bones were that of a Hadrosaurus, now immortalized with the town’s famous “Haddy” statue.
Clinton
Where it is: along the South Branch of the Raritan River in Hunterdon County, about 50 miles west of Newark in the Central Jersey Region.
Why you should go: Stroll the quaint downtown, enjoy scenic views of Raritan River, and be on the lookout for upcoming craft fairs, music festivals and historical re-enactments at Red Mill Village. Across the river is the Hunterdon Art Museum.
Feltville
Where it is: in Union County within the Watchung Reservation in New Jersey’s Gateway Region.
Why you should go: Dubbed “The Deserted Village of Feltville” this historic site is in fact a ghost town. Explore the preserved buildings, interesting backstory and nostalgic surroundings. It’s also a popular hiking hotspot.
Loveladies
Where it is: a small community located on Long Beach Island in New Jersey’s Shore Region.
Why you should go: Clean beaches, the LBI Museum, acclaimed local dining, coastal boutiques, Barnegat Lighthouse State Park and the NJ Maritime Museum.
Sparta
Where it is: about 35 miles west of the city of Paterson in Sussex County, NJ’s Skylands Region.
Why you should go: This sensationally-scenic town is close to major hiking destinations including High Point State Park, the Appalachian Trail, Wawayanda State Park and Lake Mohawk. Check out the Sparta Farmers Market too.
Toms River
Where it is: a major township in Ocean County in the Shore Region, also serves as the county seat.
Why you should go: So many reasons including Ocean County Mall, public River Lady paddleboat cruises (May – October), the Robert J. Novins Planetarium and Insectropolis, an interactive museum dedicated to the world of insects that everyone is buzzin’ about.
Pilesgrove
Where it is: Pilesgrove is its own township in Salem County, part of New Jersey’s Delaware River Region.
Why you should go: Cowtown Rodeo, open May – September, is the oldest weekly running rodeo in the US featuring traditional rodeo events like bull riding, barrel racing and roping. Grab a cowboy hat and let’s go! Plus, Cowtown Farmers Market, home to a variety of local vendors selling new and vintage clothing, fall flowers, baked goods, crafts and more.
Jobstown
Where it is: within Springfield Township in Burlington County about 30 miles southwest of Trenton in the Delaware River Region.
Why you should go: This quiet, sometimes forgotten South Jersey town, is the perfect mix of rural charm and stunning scenery, and perfect for horseback riding. Choose from an array of stables offering guided trail rides, lessons and more including Arrowhead Stable. For more places to giddy-up and go in NJ, check here.
Allentown
Where it is: in Monmouth County about 15 miles southeast of Trenton in the Shore Region.
Why you should go: Walk the Allentown Nature Trail, stroll Historic Downtown Allentown featuring 18th and 19th century architecture, unique shops and beloved eateries.
Villas
Where it is: in Cape May County in the Southern Shore Region, just north of Cape May on the Delaware Bay side of the Cape May Peninsula.
Why you should go: If you enjoy relaxed, uncrowded bayfront beaches with spectacular sunsets over the Delaware Bay, this is the spot for you. Also, Cape May Winery and Vineyard and Cape May County Park & Zoo are just a short drive away. Sunset beach is too – home to those famous Cape May diamonds and the SS Atlantus.
In New Jersey, wow happens here, there and everywhere, even off the beaten path. If you’re looking for more exciting outdoor destinations and recreation to add to your calendar, click here. Sign up for our e-newsletter and access your free NJ travel guide too. Get to know all the regions in the great Garden State.
