Although the Garden State is most well-known for its beaches, boardwalks and bagels, the state has so much more to offer. New Jersey’s rich history, diversity, and varying landscapes allow for so much to do and explore from museums to festivals, parks and more.
“When you travel to New Jersey, you will quickly realize there is an abundance of quirky small towns to explore, each with its own brand of eccentric charm,” says World Atlas. “Whether you are wandering past the colorful Victorian homes in Cape May, learning about the history of glassmaking in Millville, or snapping a photo of the iconic Red Mill in Clinton, these towns invite you to slow down and embrace the unexpected.”
So, if you are looking for somewhere new to visit this year, check out these nine towns that were named by World Atlas as New Jersey’s quirkiest towns to visit in 2025.
Cape May, Cape May County
Located at the southern tip of the state is a charming coastal town called Cape May. This village has tons to offer from beaches to dining, shopping and more.
Cape May is also rich with history. Some notable attractions include the Emlen Physick Estate, which serves as the town’s only Victorian house museum, the Cape May lighthouse and the nearby Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum.
Haddonfield, Camden County
Less than 10 miles outside of Philadelphia is Haddonfield, one of the state’s oldest communities. Visitors can learn about the town’s Revolutionary War history or relax with a drink from the historic Wildfether Distilling.
Haddonfield is most well-known for its dinosaur-related history. In the late 1830s, a farmer uncovered large bones while digging in Haddonfield. Twenty years later, William Park Foulke and Dr. Joseph Leidy led the charge to look for more bones and found the first nearly intact dinosaur in North America, the Hadrosaurus.
Today, a sculpture of the Hadrosaurus serves as a central landmark of downtown Haddonfield. The original Hadrosaurus is currently mounted at Drexel University’s Academy of Natural Sciences’ Dinosaur Hall in Philadelphia.
Blairstown, Warren County
Horror fans may want to visit Blairstown, a North Jersey town famous for being the filming location of the iconic slasher film “Friday the 13th.” Visitors can check out sites from the film such as the Blairstown Diner.
Not into horror? World Atlas recommends that Blairstown visitors check out Hidden Brook Ranch Alpaca and Llama Farm where they can schedule guided tours, meet and greets with the animals, and even yoga sessions alongside the animals.
Roy’s Hall, a local theater built in 1913, is also a popular spot.
Highlands, Monmouth County
Highlands offers both beach and city views featuring the Atlantic Ocean and the New York City skyline. The town’s most famous site, Twin Lights, sits along the coast. It is a unique lighthouse that has been standing since 1862 and was the first American primary lighthouse to generate its own electricity. Visitors can climb the lighthouse’s towers and take a self-guided tour or embark on a tour with a local historian.
To enjoy the great outdoors, visitors can take a walk around Veterans Memorial Park.
Ocean Grove, Monmouth County
The origin of Ocean Grove dates back to 1869, according to World Atlas, when a group of Methodists wanted to open a summer camp along the shore and started the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association. A quintessential coastal town, visitors can hit the beach, take a dip in the water, walk along the boardwalk, grab a bite to eat or attend a local concert.
Clinton, Hunterdon County
About 40 miles west of Newark is Clinton, a historic town that is famous for its iconic Red Mill. Visitors can go back in time with a visit to the Red Mill Village Museum featuring an operational blacksmith shop, a log cabin and a schoolhouse in addition to the mill.
If you visit in October, you can attend the Haunted Red Mill experience, considered one of the top Halloween attractions in the state.
Another popular spot in Clinton is the Hunterdon Art Museum, according to World Atlas. Those looking to connect with nature can check out Spruce Run Recreation Area for picnicking, fishing, boating and camping.
Spring Lake, Monmouth County
Referred to by some as the “Jewel of the Jersey Shore,” the town of Spring Lake is most well-known for its annual Irish Festival featuring Irish food, dancing, music and shopping.
Some of the town’s most popular attractions include a show at the Spring Lake Theatre and, for those visiting during the holidays, the Christmas Train Village. According to the town’s website, it’s “captivating shopping district” welcomes guests from all over the world.
Frenchtown, Hunterdon County
Originally inhabited by the Lenni-Lenape tribe, an influx of French speakers moved to the settlement in the 1800s. Today, the downtown area is defined by its Victorian architecture and a flourishing arts community. Each year, the town holds a Bastille Day celebration including live music, food, raffles, activities and more.
Some popular spots for visitors include the ArtYard art center and the Frenchtown Borough Park.
Millville, Cumberland County
Millville is a glassblowing hub as the area is home to an abundance of silica sand that led to the beginnings of the glass industry. Visitors can check out the Wheaton Arts Museum of American Glass to learn about Millville’s role in the glass industry, watch glassmaking demonstrations, and view its large collection.
In search of a more thrilling activity? World Atlas recommends visiting the New Jersey Motorsports Park to drive go-karts and learn about racetrack driving.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: New Jersey’s 9 quirkiest towns, according to World Atlas