The college days are some of the best days of our lives and New Jersey is home to some of the most charming college towns. Known for their academics, these schools are nestled in vibrant campuses surrounded by historic, bustling downtowns. Here are our picks for the best college towns in New Jersey.
NEW BRUNSWICK
New Brunswick is home to the main College Avenue campus of Rutgers University, the official state university of New Jersey. The city boasts a diverse range of ethnic restaurants along Easton Avenue and George Street (who can forget the iconic grease trucks?), lively bars (Olde Queens Tavern and the Scarlet Pub among them) and a thriving arts and culture scene on Livingston Avenue. School spirit runs high, thanks to its NCAA Division I football team and its men’s and women’s basketball teams.
Things to Do: Visit the Zimmerli Art Museum for its rotating exhibits and after-hours events. Enjoy musical and theater performances at Mason Gross School of the Arts, George Street Playhouse and State Theatre NJ. Don’t miss the annual multi-campus Rutgers Day, held the last weekend of every April, featuring live performances, exhibits, demonstrations and activities for all ages. This free event typically draws about 100,000 people and includes more than 500 programs.
Good Eats: Even though they are limited, you must try a Fat Sandwich from one of the remaining grease trucks. Sit down for soul food at Delta’s, fish dishes at Cuzin’s Seafood & Clam Bar, a good ol’ hot dog at Destination Dogs, stromboli at Stuff Yer Face, dessert at Old Man Rafferty’s, and an ice cream cone at Thomas Sweet.
After Hours: The Stress Factory Comedy Club attracts top comedians from across the country. Easton Avenue is lined with bars like the Golden Rail. For a more upscale experience, head to Clydz for their extensive martini menu.
PRINCETON
Princeton, home to the world-renowned Princeton University, offers not only Ivy League academics but an exceptionally beautiful campus as well. Nassau Street and Palmer Square are go-to spots for shopping, dining, and hanging, with numerous events like holiday celebrations, live music, and food festivals held on the green.
Things to Do: Visit historic sites such as the former home of Richard Stockton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence at the Morven Museum & Garden, the first governor’s mansion of New Jersey. Catch a ballet, concert or stage play at McCarter Theatre Center, and watch student-run shows at Lewis Center for the Arts. Laugh at Catch A Rising Star, explore the extensive collection at Labyrinth Books, and watch movies at Princeton Garden Theatre. Don’t miss the art at Princeton University Art Museum, Princeton Makes, and Art on Hulfish. Simply walking around the campus grounds is a treat in itself.
Princeton boasts a large and successful athletic program, with its NCAA Division I teams winning more Ivy League championships than any other school in recent years.
Good Eats: Start your day with breakfast at PJ’s Pancake House, have lunch at Winberie’s Restaurant & Bar, and grab a snack at the bent spoon or Small World Coffee. Book a dinner reservation at Witherspoon Grill and have after-dinner drinks at Yankee Doodle Tap Room or more ice cream at Halo Pub. Treat your visiting parents to a Victorian tea service at The Perch at Peacock Inn and consider an overnight stay at the upscale B&B.
MONTCLAIR
Montclair, home to Montclair State University, is known for its beautiful architecture in its small tight-knot campus. It’s known for its notable residents like Stephen Colbert, Buzz Aldrin, and Bobbi Brown. It’s also home to Yogi Berra Stadium, named after the legendary New York Yankees great.
Things to Do: Explore Thomas Edison National Historical Park, the Cherry Blossom Welcome Center, Eagle Rock Reservation, the Crane House & Historic YWCA, and Edgemont Memorial Park. The Montclair Art Museum, The Wellmont Theater, The Clairidge, Alexander Kasser Theater, Montclair History Center, and Essex Fine Arts Gallery are also musts.
Good Eats: Cuban Pete’s is a fun spot known as much for its atmosphere as its food. There are many diverse places to eat like Le French Dad Boulangerie, DeNovo European Pub, Egan + Sons, La Rocca Osteria, Samba, Saveur Creole, Tacoria, Ani Ramen and MishMish Café. Just Jake’s and Montclair Brewery are fun spots to have a drink.
HOBOKEN
Home to Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken offers an urban vibe right outside NYC. Famous for Frank Sinatra, waterfront views, and having the most bars per capita in the U.S., it’s a lively town for college students, young professionals and families.
Things to do: Stroll along the cobblestone streets and waterfront, head to a street fair, and see performances at Mile Square Theatre and Hoboken Children’s Theater. There are plenty of parks along the water: Castle Point Skate Park and Sinatra Park Promenade are closest to Stevens Institute, but no visit to Hoboken is complete without eating lunch on a bench near the Pier C Panoramic Viewpoint. Take the Light Rail to Jersey City or the PATH to New York.
Good Eats: Among the most well-known spots is Carlo’s Bakery, made famous by “Cake Boss” Buddy Valastro. Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, Blu on the Hudson, Halifax, 8th Street Tavern and Pilsener Haus + Biergarten have options for the whole family. Mad Hatter, Green Rock Tap and Grill, and Tally-Ho are go-to spots for a drink.
GLASSBORO
Home to Rowan University, Glassboro is known for its exceptional arts program. With a history in glassmaking dating back to the 1770s, it’s also known for the Glassboro Summit Conference between President Lyndon B. Johnson and Soviet Premier Alexi Kosygin.
Things to Do: Visit the Glassboro Heritage Glass Museum, Seward Johnson Sculptures, Rowan University Art Gallery & Museum, and the College of Performing Arts. Explore Glassboro Town Square, a central hub with parks, exhibitions, and live music. If you’re still in the area over summer break, come back for Summer Fest every Thursday night: food, music and entertainment. You may even see a wedding on the green.
The highly-anticipated Jean & Ric Edelman Fossil Park and Museum is set to open soon at Rowan. The 65-acre fossil park is the only site east of the Mississippi where you can actively dig for fossilized remains from the Late Cretaceous period, which ended 66 million years ago. Exhibits include the Hall of Cretaceous Seas, which will showcase figures made by paleo-sculptor Gary Staab; and the Hall of Extinction and Hope, which focuses on climate change.
Good Eats: Try the crab fries at Chickie’s & Pete’s, and don’t miss favorites like Landmark Americana Tap & Grill, Alumni Grill, and Tony Luke’s. Summit City Farms & Winery or Bonesaw Brewing Company are also must-try spots.
MADISON
Madison is home to Drew University, and has the Madison-Florham Park campus of Fairleigh Dickinson University and the College of Saint Elizabeth nearby. Nicknamed Rose City, the borough is known for its Bottle Hill Day Festival, and the fact that the Morris & Essex Lines was one of the country’s first commuter railroads. Madison is located right on the borders of Florham Park, Chatham, Harding and Morris; Morristown and Summit are nearby. Borough Hall and the train station are on the State Register of Historic Places.
Things to Do: There is a cultural hub here, with centers like the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, the Museum of Early Trades & Crafts and the Madison Community Arts Center. Considered a “bedroom community,” one of Madison’s biggest draws is the Free Public Library of the Borough of Madison.
Take a day trip to Giralda Farms Preserve Trail, which is the former estate of Geraldine Rockefeller Dodge. Go on a scavenger hunt of sorts, looking for “potholes” that are actually holes made by glaciers; the most visible is on Glenwild Road, which is part of Drew University.
Good eats: Shanghai Jazz, Krust Kitchen, McCool’s Ice Cream Parlor, Nahm Thai & French Cuisine and Biladi Grill are student favorites. The Madison Wine & Tap Room attracts an older crowd.
Get the latest on the best things to do with your family in and around New Jersey by signing up for our newsletter and following us on Pinterest, Facebook and Instagram!
Read More:
It’s College Essay Time: 7 Things Your Teen Should Know
These Are the Best Colleges in NJ, Study Says
What Your Teen Should Know About the Digital SAT
