'Hidden Gem' NJ Communities To Check Out In 2025

There is plenty of fun to be had around New Jersey all year round with hidden gem towns and cities that can give you a break from the summer beach crowds, or winter holiday bustle in North Jersey.

WorldAtlas showcases some under-the-radar hotspots for a weekend getaway or longer adventure, in its list of "8 Offbeat New Jersey Towns To Visit In 2025."

Asbury Park

Known for the beaches and Bruce, (Springsteen of course) the hidden highlights here come with a bit of haunted energy.

The Paranormal Museum, a map to the unexplained, is a quirky destination that offers tours that capture the storied spooks of the area. Ghost tours and a haunted pub crawl are also available to visitors.

Try to at least stop by the legendary Stone Pony concert venue though, even if a show is not going on. Springsteen surely helped make it famous, but a wide variety of acts have all made it a point to hit the stage over the course of their careers.

MORE FROM PATCH: 100% Of College Achieve Greater Asbury Park Seniors Accepted To College

Belleville

Lets learn some French together.

Belle ville means "pretty city," and here in New Jersey, it is easy to see why. The nation's capital is behind this tucked away New Jersey gem when it comes to the number of cherry blossom trees sprinkled around its limits. Belleville even takes claim to calling itself the "Cherry Blossom Capital of the US."

Its fitting that a beautiful backdrop is also there to honor our nation's veterans in the form of the "Victory" bronze statue that sits in front of Town Hall. After paying a visit to the statues, built in 1887, head over to Bellville Park for a walk in the shaded 33-acre green getaway.

Summer Events In Belleville

Millburn

Take the glitz and glamour of the upscale shopping scene of the Big Apple with or without the drive. In Millburn, the choice is yours between the likes of Louis Vuitton and Chanel right in New Jersey. The relatively short journey into New York City also makes Millburn very attractive to commuters.

Other worlds are also accessible through the magic of the Paper Mill Playhouse, where Disney and other classic films come to life on stage year-round. The Cora Harshorn Arboretum and Bird Sanctuary has more than 150 species of wildflowers and interactive community initiatives that provide awareness surrounding the wellbeing of animals.

Montclair, Avalon and Beyond: See The Full List From WorldAtlas