New Jersey offers many things that make it an enticing holiday destination, including the stunning seaside town of Cape May and the casinos and electrifying atmosphere of Atlantic City. But if you’re looking for a lesser-known but still enjoyable holiday spot in the state, any of the following nine will bring you just as much enjoyment as the well-known, tourist-filled sites.
Ocean Grove is a historic site along the New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail primarily known for its Victoriana. It invites vacationers to enjoy a quiet, oceanside getaway. The architecture is primarily Victorian, creating an enchanting place that feels like a step back in time. The tree-lined streets, beautiful coastline, and Ocean Grove Beach add to the enchantment. Among its attractions are the historic Great Auditorium, the Main Avenue Galleria, and the Historical Society of Ocean Grove Museum.
Spanning 40 miles and covering 70,000 acres, the Delaware Water Gap National Reserve is an expansive outdoor recreation space accessible from both New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The reserve is open year-round and boasts many outdoor activities that make it appealing to all ages. You can make a day trip here to hike, fish, canoe, ski, or hunt. You can even check out Historic Millbrook Village or learn more about the area at the visitor centers. If this all sounds like too much to fit into a day trip, you can always camp there to spend a few days exploring everything this beautiful, natural area offers.
Much like the rest of the Garden State, the New Jersey borough of Chester is rich in history, offering historic sites for vacationers to take in. The most notable of these sites is the Cooper Gristmill, which explores the industrial past of Morris County, with exhibits exploring past modes of transportation and communication. Other sites to visit while in Chester include Parks Farms, the Elizabeth D. Kay Environmental Center, and Hacklebarney Farm Cider Mill. And with historic pubs, numerous boutiques, and plenty of restaurants, most of which are locally owned and run, you’ll find plenty to keep you occupied during your time here.
Delivering a blend of an urban and village atmosphere, the township of Montclair is an enjoyable fusion of small-town living with modern amenities and plenty of outdoor recreation space. The town is conveniently located near dozens of parks, including Black River Park and Hacklebarney State Park, making it easy to spend the day participating in your favorite outdoor activities. For arts and culture activities, consider visiting top sites like the Montclair Art Museum, featuring Indigenous and American art, or the Wellmont Theater, which has hosted performances by Meat Loaf, Tom Jones, and comedian Jim Gaffigan.
With a reputation for being one of the prettiest towns in America, Lambertville is a quaint, picturesque place to visit. When it comes to things to do in Lambertville, two features stand out: its collection of antique shops and galleries, which makes it the perfect place to browse through historical objects and explore artworks of all kinds and times. Be sure not to miss the Golden Nugget Antique Market, one of the best-known antique sites in town. To take breaks between browsing art and antiques, you can visit Angelico Winery, the Music Mountain Theater, or the Holcombe-Jimison Farmstead Museum.
Offering picturesque ocean views from cliffs and charming cafes and restaurants, Highlands, New Jersey, is a welcoming place to vacation. Plus, it’s just a 40-minute ferry ride to New York City, opening up a wealth of opportunities to add to your stay. When you’re not busy drinking in the coastal views, one of the sites you’ll want to visit is the Twin Lights State Historic Site, an impressive building with roots going back to 1746.
The charming and historic town of Smithville is home to beautiful inns that invite you to unwind and stay for a while and sites that delight history buffs and architecture lovers. One of the most popular places to visit is Historic Smithville and Village Green. There, you can walk along cobblestone pathways and footbridges, shop at a wide array of small shops, hop on a carousel or train ride, or stop to eat at one of the restaurants.
Red Bank is a place where the arts thrive, with many venues and activities surrounding performance arts in the town. Among these is Count Basie Center for the Arts, which was named after William J. “Count” Basie, who grew up in the town. The town is also rich in history in the form of antique shops and historic sites, including the T. Thomas Fortune House and Robert White House. In the summer, the town comes to life with weekly music performances in the downtown area, celebrating the thriving local music scene.
Located along the Delaware River, Frenchtown is both a beautiful and history-rich place to visit that delivers a British countryside feel. If you’re an art or wine lover, be sure to plan your trip for May, when the town holds its Wine and Arts Festival. Throughout the year, artistic activities are held in Frenchtown’s many galleries, like the ArtYard. The town also has access to the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park, with a 70-mile trail suitable for walking, running, or cycling along.
If you’re sitting here wondering where the thrills of casinos are on this list, we have good news—the state of New Jersey has you covered with legal online gaming available statewide! With options like Bet365 being one of the best payout online casinos available, you can enjoy the thrill of gambling anywhere you decide to visit. You only need to decide which of these holiday destinations appeals to you most.
