Destinations & Things To Do
2025’s Most Underrated Towns In New Jersey
New Jersey sits between some of America’s biggest and greatest cities but isn’t really notable for having any of its own. To some, this discounts it as a proper vacation destination, but to others (perhaps you), this makes it all the more unique and interesting. And why not explore something new in 2025?
Today, we will cover some of New Jersey’s best-hidden gems, from the easy-to-reach suburbs of cities like New York City and Philadelphia to more remote destinations in the state’s gorgeous and underrated wildlands. With these spots in mind, you can see another side of the Garden State that not all get to experience and make some long-lasting memories along the way.
Mount Holly
Mount Holly offers an authentic Jersey experience with fewer crowds than nearby cities in the southern end of the state. Despite its proximity to Philadelphia, Mount Holly has avoided the over-commercialization seen in other suburban areas, and makes for a breath of fresh air for city folk looking for an escape in 2025.
The downtown area is a great place to start your adventures here and is anchored in most part by Mill Race Village, a cool collection of independent shops and stores housed in a number of historic buildings. Dining options like the Village Idiot Brewing Company and Kitchen 87 are highly recommended if you need to grab a bite, and the area’s walkable layout makes it easy to explore on foot, wherever else you may go.
The Burlington County Prison Museum, a National Historic Landmark, is an especially interesting local attraction for history buffs, and offers you a look into the town’s oftentimes dark past with its meticulously preserved cells, many of which come with eerie tales of hauntings and other dark stories.
For something a little less dour, nature lovers will find plenty to explore at nearby Rancocas State Park, where trails wind through wetlands and forest, providing a natural respite just minutes from town.
Red Bank
Explore a quieter side of the Jersey Shore in Red Bank. Many come to experience its vibrant arts scene, which is anchored by the historic Count Basie Center for the Arts. This year, you will be able to see a number of concerts, theater productions, and film screenings here. There is much more in store for you at this destination, however, from pristine parks to must-visit stops within its fertile countryside.
Red Bank’s location near the mouth of the Navesink River provides you with picturesque spots like the Riverside Gardens Park, just steps from downtown. Take a look at Riverside Gardens Park, which features several historic landmarks.
With current health trends prioritizing organic, locally made food, Red Bank Farmers Market has also played an essential role in the local economy. Open between Mother’s Day and mid-November in 2025; you can pick up some locally grown produce or some handcrafted goods made by regional artisans while visiting in the warmer months.
Cape May Court House
Cape May Court House, located inland from the bustling beaches of Cape May, is a less commercialized alternative to New Jersey’s more popular coastal destinations.
Here, you will find a mix of locally owned shops, antique stores, and dining options that highlight regional flavors, namely fresh seafood caught nearby. Cape May Court House also has a strong focus on supporting local agriculture. Nearby farms and vineyards provide fresh produce, and seasonal farmers’ markets offer visitors a chance to sample local goods. If wine caught your eye, small local vineyards like Jessie Creek Winery have been growing in popularity in 2025, or partake in a guided tour this summer season with Day Sipper Wine and Brew Tours.
The historical centerpiece of the area is the ornate 1920s-era Cape May County Courthouse (the clear inspiration for the community’s name), and for a deeper dive into history, the historic John Holmes House offers a glimpse into colonial life through its collections of artifacts and available local tours.
The region is also home to the Cape May County Park & Zoo, a well-maintained, free-admission zoo with over 500 animals and expansive park grounds ideal for picnics and nature walks, a nice, budget-friendly option for today’s economy.
Frenchtown
Frenchtown, situated along the banks of the Delaware River, is an underrated gem and a surprisingly quiet community given its position between the metros of Philadelphia and New York City.
The town’s scenic setting on the river is a big draw, and locales like the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park Trail offer space for hiking, biking, and simply enjoying river viewpoints that don’t see the same crowds that many other northeastern parks will likely see in 2025. Kayakers and canoeists can also access the water directly from town, with several boat launches located nearby.
If you’re in the area, be sure to explore the town’s past through guided tours in the Frenchtown Historic District, where landmarks date back to its earliest days, like The National Hotel (a still functioning accommodation, too) and a collection of flat brick store fronts can be enjoyed.
Haddonfield
Haddonfield is a historic community sitting right on the outskirts of Camden. If you live in the city and don’t want to spend the money on traveling somewhere distant, check this location out this year for an easy, budget-friendly trip. At the very least, its colonial-style architecture, much of which can be found in its compact downtown core, makes this town a picturesque urban spot to take a walk in.
One of Haddonfield’s standout features is actually its connection to paleontology. The town is home to Hadrosaurus foulkii, the first nearly complete dinosaur skeleton found in North America. A statue commemorates the discovery, and visitors can explore the nearby excavation site. You can learn more about Haddonfield itself, too, at Greenfield Hall, which gives you a window into early colonial life through its many exhibits and guided tours.
Support this community’s currently growing art scene as well this year at the Haddonfield Crafts and Fine Art Festival, which draws local artists and features hundreds of booths in which you can pick up something new for your home.
Lambertville
If you’re in the mood to shop at some truly unique locations this season, Lambertville may be just for you. Start your day in this small town along the Delaware River at the Golden Nugget Antique Market. Operating since 1967, it’s a hidden Garden State Gem, offering vintage finds and curiosities that you may not be able to find elsewhere.
While in the area, be sure to look out for its abundance of historic architecture too, much of which dates back to the 18th and 19th centuries. The Holcombe Jimison Farmstead Museum is something we recommend if this interests you.
Lambertville is also a community that likes to support its local talent, which can be seen at events like Shad Fest, where artists, musicians, and local vendors alike take center stage.
Lambertville’s location on the river provides access to some must-see trails, as well as the Goat Hill Overlook Trailhead, which overlooks the town and its dense forestlands surrounding it; an idyllic, less visited spot to see the fall foliage in 2025. Visitors can also walk or bike to nearby New Hope, Pennsylvania, via a pedestrian-friendly bridge.
Cranbury
Cranbury is known for its commitment to preserving green spaces, with an excellent array of places where you can go for a scenic walk or bike ride. Sitting between Trenton and New York City, you can make this your new go-to spot for a bit of easily accessible outdoor adventure in 2025.
Village Park, located along Brainerd Lake, contains a network of walking trails, picnic areas, and access to boating and fishing on its lake. You can delve deeper in the town’s wildlands at the Cranbury Preserve, located along Cranbury Brook, which runs through the heart of town, then eventually into Brainerd Lakes and beyond.
If you’re taking a stroll in Cranbury, try to make a stop at the Cranbury Museum too. Located in a home built in 1834, this unique landmark displays local history through curated exhibits and artifacts within the period accurate structure.
Whether exploring its tree-lined streets, enjoying a meal at a local eatery, or taking a quiet walk along the lake, Cranbury is a refreshing alternative to busier central New Jersey destinations.
Highlands
Highlands is yet another coastal town that often flies under the radar compared to its busier Jersey Shore neighbors. Its location at the northern tip of the shore provides you with access to both sandy beaches and a plethora of lush green spaces for you to enjoy this summer.
The town’s proximity to the Gateway National Recreation Area at Sandy Hook also allows you to venture around seven miles of clean beaches, hiking and biking trails, and historic sites like the Sandy Hook Lighthouse, the oldest operating lighthouse in the United States. Highlands is also home to the Twin Lights State Historic Site, which offers unobstructed views of the Atlantic Ocean and a museum that delves into the region’s maritime history.
As with any coastal town, Highland’s waterfront is home to several highly rated independent seafood restaurants. Proving Ground Waterfront Dining or Bahrs Landing Famous Seafood Restaurant & Marina are nice higher-end options, while Saltwater Bar and Kitchen is in a relaxed setting with tasty yet more affordable dishes to match.
Getting to Highlands is simple and convenient, with the SeaStreak Ferry providing easy access to Manhattan.
Uncover the Garden State’s Best Gems this Year
Whether you are looking to spend time during the summer on the Atlantic Coast or want to get a taste of history in some of America’s oldest settlements, these destinations should definitely make your to-do list this year. Get a fresh seafood meal on the Jersey Shore, hop into the great outdoors in Frenchtown, or simply find some respite from big city life in boroughs like Mount Holly and Cranbury. The options to find adventure and try something new are endless if you just know where to look.
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES: Swimming, beaver ecology, hiking and more
Published 2:00 pm Tuesday, July 22, 2025
- Bear Creek flows through downtown Medford in September 2024. The creek is one of several waterways whose water quality is monitored by Rogue Riverkeeper, an environmental advocacy organization that publishes an annual swim guide. (Rogue Valley Times file photo)
Rogue Riverkeeper, an environmental advocacy organization and program of KS Wild, produces a summertime swim guide that recommends swim sites that pass water quality tests.
It currently suggests avoiding Bear Creek at Bear Creek Park in Medford and Little Butte Creek at Eagle Point.
View the guide at http://bit.ly/3IG5hMc.
In a related matter, the organization is asking the public to take photographs of trash, closures, health issues, safety concerns and overflowing facilities at federal locations along the Rogue River, in an effort to document impacts from budget cuts. It asks that people note the date and location of the photos and send them to frances@rogueriverkeeper.org.
Beavers can be constructive and destructive
Learn about the good and bad of beavers during an online presentation Wednesday and field trip on Saturday hosted by the Southern Oregon Research & Extension Center.
The online event is 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesday while the field trip is 9 a.m. to noon Saturday. Cost is $15. The field trip, which visits one of the largest beaver-created wetlands in the region, near Cave Junction, is open only to Jackson County residents.
“Beaver can build water security and habitat resiliency,” according to a course description. “They can also be a nuisance.”
The class will cover beaver biology, what they do and why they do it. Also to be covered are solutions to problems beaver can cause, such as harm to and destruction of trees.
Sign up at http://bit.ly/4f00Esh. Reach the center at 541-776-7371.
Take a hike with Medford Parks & Rec
Medford Parks and Recreation has hikes planned for people 55 years and older to Lamb Mine near Ashland on July 29; Ol’ Miners near Jacksonville on Aug. 5; a dog-friendly hike on the Ol’ Miners trail on Aug. 7; Lower Table Rock on Aug. 12; Golden and Pottsville on Aug. 15; Provolt Recreation Area on Aug. 19; and Petard and Liz’s Loop on Aug. 26.
Spots are limited. Cost is $18 for residents and $24 for non-residents. Travel in a department van to the hiking location. Register at playmedford.com.
Josephine County Fair starts July 30
The Josephine County Fair runs July 30-Aug. 3 at the Josephine County Fairgrounds, 1451 Fairgrounds Road in Grants Pass. Highlights include 4-H and Future Farmers of America activities, exhibits, carnival rides, music, food and entertainment.
Admission is free, with some acts extra. Gates are open 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday and noon to 7 p.m. Sunday.
Entertainment includes bull riding at 7 p.m. July 30, Rodney Atkins and Ned LeDoux in concert at 7 p.m. July 31 and SuperMoto motorcycle racing in the arena at 7 p.m. Aug. 2 and at 2 p.m. Aug. 3.
Tickets for bull riding are $21 for ages 11 and older; free for kids 10 and younger. Atkins/LeDoux concert tickets start at $32. Motorcycle racing is $11 for ages 11 and older; free for kids 10 and younger.
Carnival wristbands for unlimited rides are $30 through July 29 and $40 thereafter.
The carnival runs 2-11 p.m. July 30-31; noon-11 p.m. Aug. 1-2; and noon-7 p.m. Aug. 3. Floral exhibits and livestock barns are closed Sunday.
Onsite parking is $10. Parking at Rogue Community College’s Redwood Campus is free, with a bus shuttle running noon-11 p.m. daily except Aug. 3 to the fairgrounds from the bus stop at RCC.
Learn more at http://bit.ly/4nZcPKb. Contact the fairgrounds office at 541-476-3215.
Caveman Pool hosts teen nights
Caveman Pool in Grants Pass is hosting teen nights from 7-9 p.m. on Thursday and again on Aug. 21, with music, games and fun for teens ages 13-18. Cost is $5. For more information, contact the Grants Pass YMCA at 541-916-5776.
Take photos of the nighttime sky
Learn how to take photographs of the night sky during a Friday lecture in Ashland and a Saturday nighttime outing to Hyatt Lake. The events are hosted by the Friends of Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument.
Join Kyle Sullivan and others to learn about key principles of astrophotography, including gear, applications, processing and finding a good location. Sullivan is a public affairs specialist with the Bureau of Land Management.
A free lecture is set for 6-7:30 p.m. Friday at the Ashland Food Co-op, 300 N. Pioneer St. in Ashland. Meet at the Watchable Wildlife Area on the north shore of the lake, 7900 Hyatt Prairie Road at 8:30 p.m., with the outing lasting until midnight. The best time for night sky photos starts around 10:30 p.m.
Participants may choose to drive home after the workshop or stay in the monument overnight.
Sign up at cascadesiskiyou.org. Contact the organization at 541-378-3039.
Learn about turtles and threats to them
Learn about the western pond turtle and its declining numbers during an online presentation 6-8 p.m. July 28 with wildlife biologists Jade Keehn of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and Erin Considine with the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest.
Learn about turtle ecology, lifecycle, local populations and threats to the species. A related field trip on Aug. 1 to Acorn Woman Lake is full, but there is a waiting list. Register for the zoom presentation at http://bit.ly/4kVFsFn.
Western pond turtles have been proposed for listing as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service because their population has dwindled due to impacts from drought, habitat loss, fragmentation, road mortality and predation by non-native species, primarily non-native bullfrogs.
Getting on the same page with climate science
Hear about how climate science divides us, during a general meeting of Southern Oregon Climate Action Now, set for 6-7:30 p.m. July 29 at the Medford Library, 205 S. Central Ave. The speaker will be Rob Winthrop, from the Department of Anthropology at the University of Maryland, who suggests a focus on shared goals such as energy efficiency and self-reliance. For more information, visit socan.eco or call 541-324-4501.
Jacksonville center hosts kids eco camp
The Jacksonville Community Center is hosting an “Eco Adventures” camp along with Pollinator Project Rogue Valley July 28-30 to explore the tiny pollinator creatures that help food systems and ecosystems function. The camp is for children ages 7-12 and runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day. Cost $99. To register, visit https://bit.ly/4eDIn46.
Pacifica hosts horse camp
Pacifica is hosting a horse camp for children 7-10 years old from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 4-7 and for children 11-14 years old on Aug. 18-21. Learn about horse health, safety, handling, maintenance, grooming, riding and more. Cost is $275-$300, with scholarships available. The camp is held at Pacifica, 14615 Watergap Road, Williams.
To register, visit http://bit.ly/46EpSdZ. Contact Pacifica at 541-846-1100.
Help Ashland develop parks plan
Ashland Parks & Recreation is seeking public input to help develop a 10-year strategic plan for park, recreation, open spaces and senior services. Take a related survey through Aug. 11 at http://bit.ly/4lNRYIf.
Get wise about wildlife
Learn about wildlife every Saturday through Aug. 16 in the campground amphitheater at Joseph Stewart State Recreation Area at Lost Creek Lake.
The presentation this Saturday will be about tracking. Future talks include bats on Aug. 2; tracking on Aug. 9; and fish on Aug. 16.
The presentations take place 10-11:30 a.m. except for the Aug. 2 presentation about bats, which takes place 7-8:30 p.m.
For more information, visit http://bit.ly/408Af5E.
Take a guided walk in Lithia Park
Ashland Parks and Recreation offers free guided walks through Lithia Park 10-11:30 a.m. on Saturdays through September. Learn about the history, flora and fauna of the park. Tours are led by volunteers. Meet at the front entrance to the park, across from the Plaza. For information, call 541-488-5340.
Cities publish summer activity guides
The cities of Medford, Ashland and Central Point have published summer 2025 activities guides that include events, classes, outings and other activities.
View Medford’s guide at playmedford.com, Ashland’s guide at http://bit.ly/4m7OgZL and Central Point’s guide at bit.ly/4dCBoIf.
Send us news about your upcoming event
Want to publicize your upcoming outdoors event for free? Send details to writer Shaun Hall at 541-761-6726 or shaunmichaelhall@gmail.com.
Shaun Hall is a freelance writer living in Grants Pass. Reach him at 541-761-6726.
Destinations & Things To Do
Escape the summer heat by traveling to top bucket-list destinations | Latest Weather Clips
Escape the summer heat by traveling to top bucket-list destinations
It’s not too late to plan the perfect summer trip. Travel expert Dayvee Sutton spoke about how airfare is actually dropping for some destinations, which destinations are particularly in-demand for travelers and where to find the best travel deals.
Luxury travelers to Japan often stick to well-known destinations: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Niseko for skiing. But there are hidden gems all over the country. High-end hotels and ryokans (Japanese inns) that cater to the domestic market have been built in rural areas and tiny villages—and rarely get international travelers. Here are 20 lesser-known towns, prefectures, and islands in Japan with top-tier accommodations and authentic experiences .
Sean Pavone/iStockphoto/Getty Images
Atami
This coastal town is known for its beaches in the summer and onsens (hot spring baths) in the winter. It’s home to Atami Kaihourou, a four-room luxury resort with a stunning glass design by renowned architect Kengo Kuma.
Awaji Island
In Japanese mythology, Awaji was believed to be the first island created by the gods. Visitors today can tour the island’s many structures and gardens designed by Kuma and Tadao Ando, another famous Japanese architect. Awaji Hamarikyu, a vintage western-style beachfront resort, is beloved by Japanese families.
Chiba
This small city is the eponymous capital of Chiba Prefecture, known for its charming canals lined with cute little shops and cafés. Stay in Nipponia Sawara Merchant Town Hotel, a centuries-old merchant’s house.
Dazaifu
Looking for a short trip outside of Fukuoka? Visit the Dazaifu Tenmangu Shinto shrine. Walk around the stunning gardens and grounds, and then stay at Cultia Dazaifu right across the street.
Gotō Islands
These islands off the coast of Kyushu are dotted with dozens of historic small churches built by early Christians fleeing the shogunate. Book a room at the Gotō Retreat Ray for a wellness-focused stay.
Hamamachi
Onyado Fukuchiyo—one of Japan’s finest sake breweries—has its own fabulous two-bedroom villa here. Don’t skip the sake pairing with your kaiseki dinner.
Izu Peninsula
Ochiairo, a hot-spring inn built in 1874, can be found along a riverbank in this picturesque mountain landscape.
Cassandra Lord/iStockphoto/Getty Images
Karuizawa
Known as “The Hamptons of Japan”, Tokyoites spend weekends here soaking in the onsens and hiking through the mountains. High-end accommodations include Hoshinoya Karuizawa, Hiramatsu Karuizawa Miyota and Fufu Karuizawa.
Kirishima
Book your stay at Tenku No Mori, 150-acre mountaintop retreat with just 5 villas in this nature-filled area. Each villa is made of glass and has its own private onsen.
Kinosaki
The main activity in this ultimate onsen town is hot spring-hopping in your yukata (a light weight kimono). Stay at Nishimuraya Honkan.
Kumano
After hiking along the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trails, unwind at the Resort Kumano Club, a 38-room all-inclusive stay with unlimited beer and sake.
Korekore/iStockphoto/Getty Images
Kurashiki
I call this charming town the “Bruges of Japan” for its narrow streets, cute bridges and canals, and world-class art museums. Ryokan Kurashiki is a tiny gem of a ryokan.
Lake Kawaguchiko
Hiking, biking, boating, and wine tasting are some of the popular activities in this resort town. I love staying at either Hoshinoya Fuji or Fufu Kawaguchiko , and waking up with Mount Fuji directly in front of me
Lake Shikotsu
I visit this lake during the summer to escape the heat and stay at Mizu no Uta, conveniently located near Sapporo’s New Chitose airport.
Shodoshima
The Setouchi Triennale Art Festival is held every three years on this island, but it’s a wonderful destination to visit at any time for its olive trees and soy sauce factories. Shimayado Mari is my preferred ryokan here.
Matsuyama
Setouchi Aonagi—originally designed by Tadao Ando as a private museum—is now a hotel with extraordinary architecture in this castle town that claims the oldest onsen in Japan.
Mount Zaō
Visit this range of volcanic mountains for its exciting views and outdoor activities, then stay in Chikusenso Mt. Zao Onsen Resort and Spa.
Naruto
The Shikoku Pilgrimage, which includes 88 temples, starts here. Stay at Hotel Ridge, an 11-room luxury hotel with views of Naruto Bridge and Awaji Island.
Uda
Spend a night at Sasayuri-Ann, a 200-year-old thatched-roof villa overlooking tranquil rice terraces in this small town in Nara Prefecture.
Sankara Hotel & Spa
Yakushima Island
Book a room at Sankara Hotel & Spa on this island known for its sacred forest of 1,000-year-old sugi cedar trees.
Catherine Heald is a member of Travel + Leisure’s A-List and specializes in trips to Japan and Southeast Asia. You can create a tailor-made itinerary with Heald at [email protected].
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