Jersey City
If you’re looking for an edgy vibe, Jersey City is the place to see and be seen. Scoring a perfect 100 in the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Municipality Database, the city has a long history of opening its arms to diverse communities, which still shines through in lasting multicultural influences.
Where to stay: Canopy By Hilton Jersey City Arts District (Hilton is a longtime supporter of LGBTQ equality).
Where to eat: Indulge in authentic Portuguese cuisine at LGBTQ-owned Joia Restaurant in nearby Harrison.
Where to play: Be sure to check out Six26 (named for the date the Marriage Equality Act was passed), Pint and LGBTQ-owned craft distillery, Corgi Spirits.
Where to celebrate: The 22nd Anniversary Jersey City LGBTQ+ Pride Festival won’t be held until August 26, 2023, so make your plans now for an end-of-summer escape. Of course, Pride Month visitors can attend the family-friendly North Jersey Pride Festival in nearby Maplewood on June 11, 2023, or purchase tickets to the city’s Hudson Pride Center 2nd Annual Prom Gala (for guests age 21+) on June 16, 2023.
Montclair
Montclair is the ideal spot for enjoying an eclectic arts scene and funky downtown (and it just so happens to be another perfect HRC scorer).
Where to stay: The MC Hotel, Autograph Collection – a property from Marriott International, another equality champion in the hospitality sector.
Where to eat: Feast on South American specialties at LGBTQ-owned Miti Miti Latin Street Food in nearby South Orange (only about seven miles away).
Where to play: Flock to Club Feathers, a party club that has celebrated over 40 years as North Jersey’s number one gay and lesbian hot spot, less than 18 miles from the heart of town.
Where to celebrate: Mark your calendar for June 10 to attend the always-popular Montclair Pride 2023 jam-packed day of festivities.
Princeton/Trenton
You’ll find yet another HRC perfect scorer in the bucolic ivy league town of Princeton. In addition to its iconic university, this destination is a haven for history, arts and culture. During your stay, be sure to visit nearby Trenton – our state’s vibrant capital.
Where to stay: Inn at Glencairn (with its not-to-be-missed breakfast). If all five rooms of this boutique hotel are booked, reserve your accommodations in the equally charming (but much larger!) Nassau Inn.
Where to eat: Munch on healthy plant-based fare at LGBTQ-owned Lady and The Shallot inside the Trenton Farmers Market.
Where to play: Choose from dozens of welcoming pubs and taverns in the area – including Al’s Airport Inn in nearby Ewing, which hosts their LGBTQ+ (& Allies) Happy Hour on the last Wednesday of every month, along with a full calendar of live music events.
Where to celebrate: You’ll want to plan your trip to coincide with the Princeton Pride Parade & After-Party on June 17, 2023. Travel Tip: Arrive on Thursday to kick off your getaway at the Trenton Social LGBTQ After-Work Happy Hour on June 15, 2023.
Lambertville
Not far from Princeton, you’ll come upon another HRC perfect-scoring municipality in Lambertville. Home to myriad antique shops, art galleries and hip local eateries, this riverside community was also named one of HGTV’S 50 Most Charming Small Towns in America.
Where to stay: With its fierce independent streak, accommodations in Lambertville lean toward intimate inns and boutique hotels, including The Inn at Lambertville Station and Lambertville House – both right in the heart of town. If you’d like to venture a little further afield for a countryside setting, try Woolverton Inn in neighboring Stockton.
Where to eat: Get your morning cup of joe at LGBTQ-owned Union Coffee and sip on your favorite varietals at The Wine Cellar at Lambertville Station.
Where to play: Catch a live performance at Music Mountain Theatre (MMT). The company’s vision? “MMT is recognized as the community leader in theatrical entertainment and arts education in a welcoming, inclusive environment.”
Where to celebrate: In partnership with its sister city across the Delaware River, Lambertville celebrates Pride early with a full roster of events throughout May. If you’re traveling here in June, you’ll still feel the love from local businesses and residents. You can also take part in the Princeton Pride Parade & After-Party on June 17, 2023 – these LGBTQ-friendly Central New Jersey towns are only 18 miles apart!
Hoboken
For an urban getaway that encourages getting in your daily steps, head to Hoboken. The square-mile city of trendy bars, restaurants and shops rounds out New Jersey’s HRC perfect-scoring municipalities and has been dubbed a “Walker’s Paradise” by WalkScore.
Where to stay: The waterfront W Hoboken – another Marriott property.
Where to eat: Dine on casual breakfast and lunch fare at LGBTQ-owned Uncle Milton’s Café and Catering.
Where to play: Book yourself a wellness session at Sw3at, an LGBTQ-owned sauna studio dedicated to supporting marginalized communities and bring out your inner artist at “your tie-dye party place,” Tipsy Tie Dye (also LGBTQ-owned).
Where to celebrate: Just like Jersey City, Hoboken is only a hop, skip and jump to Maplewood, so the North Jersey Pride Festival on June 11, 2023, is well within reach. You can also stick around the city and raise a glass to love winning when you join the Official Pride Bar Crawl on June 17, 2023 (purchase tickets here).
Asbury Park
Asbury Park boasts a thriving LGBTQ community, a dynamic music scene and some of the best beaches in New Jersey.
Where to stay: You have your choice of two coveted hotels – The Empress and The St. Laurent Social Club – that are both part of Asbury Park’s spirited party culture.
Where to eat: There are LGBTQ-owned eateries aplenty in this seaside mecca, including indoor or outdoor dining at Moonstruck, quick-serve noodles as you like them from Pasta Volo and tasty lunch and breakfast bites from Chat & Nibble.
Where to play: Follow your days on the beach or along the boardwalk with energetic nights on the town at Georgie’s Bar or back at your home base at Paradise in The Empress or The St. Laurent Social Club.
Where to celebrate: June 4, 2023, marks the 31st Annual Jersey Pride event in Asbury Park. Outdoor activities include a parade, outdoor concert and festival. Of course, this is not just a one-day celebration. Local businesses proudly host special events leading up to and following the big day.
Atlantic City
For gaming excitement, raved-about restaurants and glittering lights, Atlantic City is the one – it also plays host to the Miss’d America Pageant and countless LGBTQ-favorite headline entertainers.
Where to stay: If you want to be in the heart of the action, book a room or suite at Borgata or any of the casino resorts along Atlantic City’s famed boardwalk. If the neon glare gets to be too much, you can get a good night’s sleep in nearby Ventnor City at the quaint Carisbrooke Inn.
Where to eat: This is your chance to experience a brush with fame by dining in a chic celebrity-chef restaurant, including Amada, Angeline by Michael Symon, Distrito, Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill, Gordon Ramsay Steak, Guy Fieri’s Chophouse and Izakaya by Michael Schulson.
Where to play: Pack your best club wear for Kiss Kiss Nightclub at Tropicana Atlantic City and The Pool After Dark at Harrah’s Resort, and be sure to throw in your favorite retro threads to grove to tunes of the 70s and 80s at Boogie Nights, also at Tropicana Atlantic City.
Where to celebrate: AC Pride is hosting a weeklong celebration from June 13 to 20, 2023, with a full slate of welcoming activities, including a flag raising, Rainbow Ride, Pride festival, tea dance and so much more.
Wherever and whenever you choose to come stay with us, we want to be sure your experience is everything you’ve dreamed of and more, so we recommend checking out the official websites or social media pages of the accommodations and attractions you want to visit to get valuable, up-to-the-moment details. Our free travel guide and e-newsletter are also top resources for planning your fabulous trip.
