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) and Pint, a friendly neighborhood bar.
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: Get your morning caffeine fix at LGBTQ-owned Java Love Coffee Roasting Co. 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 45 years as North Jersey’s number one gay and lesbian hot spot, less than 18 miles from the heart of town.
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 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.
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).
Lambertville
Not far from Princeton, you’ll come upon a near-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.”
Asbury Park
Asbury Park boasts a thriving LGBTQ community, 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 circuit.
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, brunch 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.
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 and Gordon Ramsay Steak.
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.
Planning a June getaway? We’ve rounded up the statewide Pride Events for you! Of course, wherever and whenever you choose to come stay with us, there are always things to do. To make your experience everything you imagined and more, be sure to check out the official websites or social media pages of the accommodations and attractions you want to visit for up-to-the-moment details. Our free travel guide and e-newsletter are also top resources for planning fabulous vacations.
