New Jersey’s Best Hotels & Areas (A Local’s Guide for 2026)

6 Best Areas To Stay in New Jersey

Unassuming at first glance, New Jersey is actually much bigger and more diverse than a lot of people realize. There are a lot of fun places to visit!

We’re going to take a look at some of the best New Jersey has to offer, starting in South Jersey, then heading up North. When we’re done, I’m sure you, too, will fall in love with the Garden State.

Cape May

👉 Best Area For Older Couples & Families | ✨ Best Cape May Hotels: ICONA Cape May • Angel of the Sea Bed & Breakfast • Lokal Hotel Cape May

Cape May is at the southern tip of New Jersey. Because it’s so far down, a lot of New Jerseyans don’t even feel like we’re in NJ anymore! Although it is far down the Atlantic coast, Cape May has a unique vibe and is one of those small towns in New Jersey that shouldn’t be missed.

Cape May sits right on the Atlantic Ocean and gives you some of the most breathtaking views of the sea. The ICONA Cape May is one of the best hotels in Cape May if you want to be right on the water.

This quiet town is well-suited for older couples looking for a peaceful getaway where they won’t be disturbed by rowdy spring breakers. Families will also enjoy this uncrowded stretch of the Jersey Shore. It’s the perfect place for relaxation as you watch the waves on the sea. There are plenty of fun things to do in Cape May!

Getting around Cape May is easy, too. Most parking is only a short walk from Cape May’s beautiful beaches. Popular restaurants and attractions are within walking distance of one another. Speaking of restaurants, the world-class dining scene is not to be missed!

You can also visit West Cape May, which is a section with older farmhouses that looks like you stepped into an older time period.

Pros of Staying in Cape May

• Quiet, family-friendly atmosphere
• Spectacular ocean views
• Old town feel
• Plenty of choices for fine dining 

Cons of Staying in Cape May

• Far from many other parts in NJ
• It may be too quiet for younger visitors
• Dining can get expensive

Atlantic City

👉 Best Area For Shopping & Nightlife | ✨ Best Atlantic City Hotels: Ocean Casino Resort • Club Wyndham Skyline Tower • Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa

Having been to both, I can say that Atlantic City can be akin to staying in Vegas, but with a waterfront view! Staying in Atlantic City means you get the best of both worlds. Not only do you get a taste of the Vegas glitz and glamour, but you get the beach and awesome boardwalk along with it.

Atlantic City’s boardwalk is one of the most iconic in the nation – in fact, it’s what the game Monopoly’s board is modeled after! Staying at the Ocean Casino Resort allows you to have an overhead view of the famous boardwalk. But there are plenty of Atlantic City hotels to choose from.

Casinos such as Harrah’s and the Borgata make this a popular stop for gamblers. However, Atlantic City has more to offer than slot machines. Visitors come from all over for the dining, as well as the nearby shopping center.

Atlantic City offers a plethora of great resorts, food, shopping, and activities for all ages. See my full guide to what to do in Atlantic City for more. But when you want a vacation with a mix of fun and relaxation, Atlantic City is the place to go!

Pros of Staying in Atlantic City

• A taste of Las Vegas, but on a budget
• Ocean views from many of the main hotels on the boardwalk
• Activities for all ages

Cons of Staying in Atlantic City

• Between hotels and dining, it can get expensive
• The beach is nice, but it certainly isn’t the best New Jersey beach
• Parking is expensive

Princeton

👉 Best Area For Older Tourists & History Buffs | ✨ Best Princeton Hotels: Princeton Marriott at Forrestral • Sonesta ES Suites Princeton • Hyatt Regency Princeton

Princeton is located in Southern New Jersey, about 13 miles from the state capital of Trenton. It’s far enough away from the city vibes of Trenton, but close enough that you can still visit the capital if you want to.

Princeton is a somewhat small, diverse town that boasts a relaxed, attractive suburban flair. It’s quiet, but with enough activities and attractions that most younger visitors won’t find it too boring. Book a room at the Princeton Marriott at Forrestral for a charming getaway.

Princeton has far more to offer than its namesake college. It has a rich history that many love to explore as they visit the various historical sites.

Love to golf? Princeton is home to some of the nicest golf courses in the area. They’ve got a little something for every member of the family. However, if you or someone else you’re traveling with prefers a faster pace, you may want to venture outside of Princeton at some point. 

For more trip planning help, plus a breakdown of the best areas, see my full guide to where to stay in Princeton. Then, bookmark my guide to the best things to do in Princeton.

Pros of Staying in Princeton

• Diverse, relaxed atmosphere
• Great restaurant options
• Plenty of historical sites
• Beautiful architecture

Cons of Staying in Princeton

• Can be pricey
• Not close to beaches
• Not much for younger, more active crowds

Jersey City

👉 Best Area For City Lovers | ✨ Best Jersey City Hotels: Canopy by Hilton Jersey City Arts District • Residence Inn by Marriott Jersey City • Doubletree by Hilton Hotel & Suites Jersey City

Jersey City is in northeastern NJ, only about 30 minutes from NYC. It’s one of the most popular areas for people looking for places to stay in New Jersey. It’s a hip, city-esque location that gives you a taste of the Big Apple – without the hassle! 

Jersey City is home to breathtaking views of the Hudson River as well as the epic NYC skyline. When I visit, one of my favorite things to do is grab a drink from a local coffee shop and take a walk along the Newport waterfront walkway. The views at night as you watch the City light up are especially dazzling!

One of the most notable landmarks and attractions in Jersey City is the iconic Liberty State Park. You can catch a view of the Statue of Liberty right on the Hudson. The 9/11 Empty Sky Memorial, where the names of NJ’s 9/11 victims are etched into the monument’s dark marble surface. It’s a sight to visit at night, especially.

The Newport Mall, close by, is a favorite in the area with many great shops to choose from. Plus, there are tons of awesome places to stay in Jersey City.

Pros of Staying in Jersey City

• Big City vibes
• Lively nightlife
• Excellent restaurants
• Beautiful waterfront views

Cons of Staying in Jersey City

• Parking can be a big challenge
• Restaurant pricing is similar to New York City, so it can get expensive
• Restaurants can get crowded
• Areas not close to the Newport area aren’t the safest

Hoboken

👉 Best Area For Bars, Nightlife, & Affordability | ✨ Best Hoboken Hotels: W Hoboken • DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Suites Jersey City • Global Luxury Suites at Hoboken Waterfront

Hoboken is located near Jersey City, and is a popular place to stay in New Jersey if you’re looking to explore The Big Apple without paying the high price of staying in New York City (which is less than half an hour away via the Holland Tunnel).

Hoboken is one of the best places to visit in New Jersey because it boasts many great dining options and gives you the East Side NYC feel without even crossing the Hudson. The beautiful brownstone architecture alone is one reason to visit. It’s also home to bustling nightlife with many bars that feature live music.

While you’re out enjoying the plethora of dining options Hoboken has to offer, don’t forget to stop by Insomnia Cookies. True to their name, they’re open until 3 am daily, so you can enjoy one of their delectable cookies anytime. This is a popular late-night summer stop for me and my friends! Get your cookies warmed up, grab some cold milk, and voila!

For more, see my full guide on where to stay in Hoboken and what to do in Hoboken.

Pros of Staying in Hoboken

• Great architecture
• Practically minutes from NYC via train or car
• Amazing restaurants

Cons of Staying in Hoboken

• Parking is terrible; walk or use Uber
• Some places are tight and can easily get crowded
• Dining can get expensive

Montclair

👉 Best Area For Small-Town Vibes | ✨ Best Montclair Hotels: The MC, Autograph Collection • Residence Inn by Marriott West Orange • Cambria Hotel West Orange

The small, yet upscale town of Montclair, NJ, sits further into northern New Jersey. It’s a place many New Jerseyans love to visit and live. Montclair is filled with boutique shops and restaurants featuring cuisine from all over the world. Here is where I got my first taste of Thai food!

The spring and summer months are especially filled with beautiful landscaping and music festivals featuring jazz and other classics. You can spend the day exploring the shops and restaurants as you walk up and down the main road, Bloomfield Avenue. 

Montclair is home to some rather upscale restaurants. Keep in mind that reservations may be required for some of these restaurants.

If you’re looking for a small town to stroll through on a warm spring day and take in the sights, Montclair is definitely the best place to stay in New Jersey for you!

Pros of Staying in Montclair:

• Great restaurants with cuisine from almost every part of the world
• Relaxing atmosphere
• Fun street festivals in the Spring & Summer

Cons of Staying in Montclair:

• Parking can be iffy
• It may be too quiet for more energetic individuals

Tips for Staying in New Jersey

Check The Parking Situation

While most restaurants, venues, and other attractions in NJ have their own parking lots or ample street parking, this isn’t always the case.

In areas like Jersey City and Hoboken, parking can get darn near impossible. There’s nothing like the frustration of being out in Hoboken on a Friday night with friends, scouring block after block for a parking spot that won’t get you a parking ticket!

Save yourself the hassle and look into the parking situation before you go. Use a rideshare service such as Uber or Lyft if it seems like parking will be less than ideal. You’ll thank me later.

Choose the Right Season to Visit New Jersey

The best time to visit New Jersey is in the spring and summer, so you can take advantage of everything NJ has to offer. However, you can enjoy New Jersey any time of the year.

Summers in NJ can be hot, humid, and downright brutal, especially in mid-late July. If you want to enjoy shore points such as Atlantic City and Cape May, summer is definitely the best time to come, but earlier – think June through early July.

If you’re not coming for the beach and want good sightseeing weather, spring and early autumn are your best bets for when to visit New Jersey.

Should you happen to be in the area during the colder winter months, you can enjoy ice-skating and indoor venues such as museums – just make sure to bundle up.

Don’t Skip The Parks!

They don’t call us the Garden State for nothing! No matter where you stay in New Jersey, there are at least a few parks within walking or short driving distance. Take advantage of this and add parks to your list of places to go in New Jersey!

NJ’s parks are beautiful, and many even have lakes and brooks where you can observe ducks, geese, and the occasional swan! There are some you can even fish at – check licensing requirements before you do, however.

Especially in the fall, parks are the perfect spot to observe the changing colors of the leaves. Joining us in the spring? Don’t miss the Cherry Blossom Festival! These trees only bloom for a few short weeks, so pop over to Branch Brook Park and see them while you can.

Pop Into a Diner

Did you know that New Jersey is the diner capital of the world? With the biggest concentration of diners in the entire state than anywhere else, it’s no wonder! Seriously, each town has several diners.

From Top’s Diner in Newark, to Huck Finn in Union, there is always one open. Check reviews before you go, however, as just because there are so many, doesn’t mean they’re all good!

However, if you love a nice diner meal, and you find a great one, definitely stop in! 

FAQs

What is the nicest part of New Jersey?

The Jersey Shore is one of the nicest parts of New Jersey, in my opinion. The towns along the shoreline, such as Long Branch, Atlantic City, and Cape May, just to name a few, are among the favorites of locals and tourists alike.

What is the best downtown in NJ?

Some of the best downtown areas in New Jersey include Atlantic City and Hoboken. If you want a wide choice of dining and shopping, Atlantic City, NJ, is a great all-around option for staying in New Jersey. If you’re looking for something with a more city-like feel, stay in Hoboken.

What is the closest city in NJ to NYC?

Several New Jersey cities are just minutes from New York City, including Edgewater, North Bergen, and West New York. A quick train, ferry, or drive can get you from New Jersey to New York City in under 30 minutes.

Can I stay in New Jersey to visit NYC?

Because most cities in Northern NJ are within a 30-minute drive or Uber to NYC, staying in New Jersey is an affordable option for those who want to take a day trip to New York City.

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I hope this New Jersey guide has given you some ideas about places to stay. For more NJ travel tips, see my complete guide to what to do in New Jersey.

From picturesque parks, to beautiful beaches, to delicious dining – New Jersey has a lot to offer. Pay us a visit, and you’ll see why we love our Garden State!