15 New Jersey Towns That Are Absolutely Worth Visiting, From Someone Who's Lived There For 25 Years

We offer more than just Snooki and Tony Soprano.

Let's face it: New Jersey does not always have the best reputation. What a lot of people around the country primarily associate the Garden State with is the cast of "Jersey Shore," Bruce Springsteen, and Tony Soprano.

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I guess it could be worse?

But I'm someone who has lived in New Jersey for most of my life — 25 years to be exact! While I'm aware that the state is an expensive one to live in and there are plenty of stinky highways and not-very-appealing parts to it, there are also many beautiful areas of Jersey that make me proud to live here.

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To show some pride for my home state, I put together a list of 15 towns in Jersey that I absolutely love and are worth visiting the Garden State for. (If I missed your favorite, leave it in the comments!)

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I divided the list of towns from north to south. 

1. Montclair

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Montclair is an area in North Jersey where a lot of city dwellers move to when they want to live somewhere close enough to Manhattan but far enough to feel like they have escaped the hustle and bustle of the city. There are so many suburban towns in Jersey, but Montclair is one of those areas where there is actually a lot to do. 

I love visiting the Van Vleck House & Gardens, a stunning and vibrant botanical garden. I have not yet visited the Montclair Art Museum, but it's next on my list as I've consistently heard it's beautiful and worth exploring. Come nighttime, you can grab dinner and then see a concert at The Wellmont Theater.

2. Madison

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Say what you want about the Garden State, but leave it to us to have a town that is home to both a Shakespeare Theater and The Snooki Shop. The latter is Jersey Shore star Nicole Polizzi's brick-and-mortar clothing store.

I also suggest getting some exercise and fresh air by walking the Giralda Farms Preserve Trail. The 1.5-mile trail overlooks a lake, and plenty of people go here to jog, hike, walk their dogs, and bird-watch. 

For some nightlife fun, visit Shanghai Jazz, an upscale Asian restaurant that hosts live jazz performances. Who doesn't love dinner and a show?

3. Vernon

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If you love outdoor activities, I recommend visiting the town of Vernon. Located about an hour outside of NYC, I suggest making a trip here during the winter to go skiing, snowboarding, or tubing at Mountain Creek. If you're here in the fall or spring, the Stairway to Heaven trail is one of the most stunning trails I have ever done. This steep trail is a popular one because once you reach the top, you'll experience gorgeous panoramic views of the town, rolling hills, farms, and mountains in the distance. 

4. Jersey City

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Located across the Hudson River from Lower Manhattan is Jersey City. I have some of the best memories visiting Jersey City to see the Ellis Island Immigration Station and The Statue of Liberty with my family. In addition to its history, Jersey City has some of the best skyline views of Manhattan, plenty of delicious restaurants, fun bars, and parks to visit. Jersey City's urban feel has become a popular place for young, NYC-commuting professionals to live. 

5. Lambertville

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I wasn't at all surprised when I learned that Lambertville was listed as one of the "Top 15 Prettiest Towns in America." This charming town is one of my absolute favorite areas in my home state. Lambertville sits along the Delaware River on Jersey's state line and is directly across the bridge from its sister town, New Hope, Pennsylvania. 

I make monthly trips to Lambertville to spend the day visiting my favorite clothing store, Good Karma, and eat at one of my favorite restaurants: Lambertville Station Restaurant and Inn. If you're an antique buff, you're in luck because Lambertville is known as the go-to place in Jersey for all antique-collecting enthusiasts. In addition to my recommendations, check out the town's craft shops, art galleries, scenic waterside restaurants, and museums, and be sure to take in some of the stunning Victorian architecture that lives there. This place is chef's kiss! 

6. Princeton

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Princeton is, of course, home to the Ivy League school of the same name. (So yes, that fact is definitely cool, but the town itself is one of my favorite spots in the state to visit.) The town's 31,000 residents are mainly made up of families and young working professionals. In my opinion, Princeton gives people the best of both worlds. You can easily spend a quiet Sunday afternoon taking in the town's history as you roam around the famous campus while sipping a coffee before heading to a local bookstore, like the locals do. Or you can visit the Morven Museum & Garden, do some shopping, or hit up the winery at Terhune Orchards with some friends. 

7. New Brunswick

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Although I didn't attend Rutgers University, I have to show some love to its town, New Brunswick. The college town is a vibrant one filled with plenty of history as it dates back to pre-Revolutionary times. I personally love admiring the town's beautifully preserved buildings. 

The Rutgers Gardens is must-see on your visit. It's a stunning180-acre botanic expanse with pristine gardens and grounds. The State Theatre is one of the oldest theaters in the state where you can get tickets for musicals, comedy shows, concerts, and more. The town also has an amazing and diverse food scene. One of my favorite restaurants here is Veganized. 

8. Pier Village

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If you're looking for another beach area worth visiting in Jersey, it's Pier Village. I will admit, I'm definitely partial when it comes to Pier Village because it's located in Long Branch, which is the same town where my alma mater, Monmouth University, is located. In my opinion, Pier Village is a one-stop shop for relaxing by the beach, shopping, dining, and fun activities. Events are always being held at Pier Village, including movies on the beach during the summer, pizza-making classes, restaurant week, and more. 

Although I practically spent my college days in between classes at Pier Village, to this day I still can never get tired of it! 

9. Red Bank

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Red Bank is a 30-minute drive from where I live in Central Jersey, and it's become one of my go-to spots for when I'm in the mood for a fun night out. This quaint town is located right by the Navesink River and is less than 10 miles from the Jersey shore. Known for its art scene and live music atmosphere, it's home to the Count Basie Center for the Arts, a performing arts center named after jazz legend William "Count" Basie. Any show I've been to at the Count Basie was top notch. 

And if you needed more convincing to check out Red Bank, Jon Bon Jovi is also a fan of it. The singer's community-based restaurant, JBJ Soul Kitchen, is located there. Operated by the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation, this restaurant has a pay-it -forward concept where paying guests cover the cost of those in need who cannot afford to pay for their meal. 

10. Spring Lake

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Alternatively, if you're looking for a quiet day at the beach without all of the boardwalk crowds, consider Spring Lake. This affluent area is home to celebrities like Bruce Springsteen, Queen Latifah, and former NFL player Wayne Chrebet. 

On a solo beach day, I love to stroll around the town admiring the stunning homes, before grabbing an iced coffee at a local café and then looking for a spot in the sand to park my beach chair and book. 

11. Asbury Park

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Leave it to Bruce Springsteen to make Asbury Park a well-known Jersey town. This shore town has something for everyone. Take a walk down pinball and video game memory lane when you visit the Silverball Retro Arcade Museum, which has more than 600 games, including favorites such as the 1959 classic Rocket and the 1964 World Fair machine. 

The Paramount Theater and Convention Hall is a stunning building that has numerous shops and dining options inside. There are also breweries, art galleries, and plenty of delicious restaurants in Asbury Park. My favorites? Porta for yummy pizza and Langosta Lounge for their poke nachos. 

12. Smithville

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I can't say enough good things about Smithville. Another quaint, historic Jersey town...do we sense a theme here? Smithville is located in Atlantic County, and it has over 60 shops and 7 eateries. If you love a good pumpkin martini, the historic Smithville Inn makes a delicious one. If shopping isn't your thing, there are also fun activities such as riding the carousel, riding the train, or even taking a paddle boat out on the water. Smithville is always hosting free weekend events, so make sure to check out their event calendar before visiting. 

13. Atlantic City

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What would a list of Jersey towns be without Atlantic City? I've been going to the AC boardwalk with my family for its rides and beach since I was a little kid with my parents. And now, as an adult, I love to visit the casino, clubs, shows, and restaurants there. If you're visiting Jersey, I hope Atlantic City is on your bucket list, because it's a place you have to experience at least once in your life. 

14. Wildwood

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It's hard to narrow down which Jersey beach towns I like the most, but for the sake of those looking for some fun in the sun at the Jersey shore, Wildwood it is. It's a lively, waterfront town known for its fun-filled boardwalk and wide, sandy beaches. It's only a 10-minute drive from Cape May, so after you've soaked in all that history, drive over to Wildwood to beat Jersey's summer heat by visiting Morey's Piers and Beachfront Water Parks.

As a kid, I also loved the Seaport Aquarium and mini golf. And of course, I'm a sucker for some saltwater taffy, which to be honest, is mandatory at the Jersey shore. 

15. Cape May

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I'm a bit partial when it comes to Cape May because a piece of my heart lives there. Cape May is located at the most southern part of New Jersey, meaning it's off exit zero on the Garden State Parkway for all my New Jerseyians. This adorable historic town is considered the country's oldest seaside resort. The streets of Cape May are lined with beautiful Victorian-style homes that house bed-and-breakfast resorts and restaurants. 

When it comes to activities, I personally love shopping at some of the boutiques and small businesses in the Washington Street Mall. One of the best tips I can give about Cape May is to explore the town by taking a trolley tour. This gives you the lay of the land while you also learn all about the town's history. (Cape May was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1976, so there is a ton to learn!)

Of course, the town has so many great dining options, but my personal favorite restaurant in Cape May is Panico's Bistro. Their menu has everything from brick oven pizza to delicious pasta and meat dishes. I order the same chicken dish every time, and I can't get enough of it! 

Where is your favorite area in New Jersey? Tell me in the comments below!