There are so many small towns in New Jersey worth visiting but one stands out as the coolest. It’s a picturesque shore town with exquisite homes, beautiful beaches, and an amazing atmosphere. It may not be as touristy as other New Jersey towns, but that’s part of its charm.

Welcome to Avalon, New Jersey. The town's slogan is, very fittingly, "Cooler by a mile."
Flickr/Peter Miller
Located on Seven Mile Island, the town neighbors Stone Harbor and is situated between Ocean City, Wildwood, and Cape May.
Flickr/Peter Miller
According to New Jersey's tourism board, the town's slogan refers to its position one mile farther into the Atlantic than other barrier islands in the state.
Flickr/Russell Sprague
One of the most affluent Jersey Shore communities, the Washingtonian even named Avalon the 'chicest beach' in the mid-Atlantic.
Flickr/A. Strakey

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The town may not have funnel cakes, and amusement rides, but it does have a 1/2-mile boardwalk for scenic strolls and bike riding.
Flickr/Marc Cappalletti
There are also public tennis courts, basketball courts, a skate park, and large playgrounds to enjoy.
You'll find shops, restaurants, bakeries, and cafes along Dune Drive, including the beloved Kohler's Bakery.
Facebook/Kohler's Bakery
Check out that line! Other local favorites include The Princeton, a bar, grill, and entertainment venue offering live music on weekends, and Sundae Best Homemade Ice Cream.
Other Avalon attractions include Pirate Island Mini Golf, Greyhound Poker Palace Arcade, Miss Avalon Fishing Charters, and the Avalon History Center.
Avalon History Center/Google
The history center is a delightful place to learn all about Avalon. Its collection includes thousands of photographs and objects that tell the story of Avalon’s "residents, places, and events." Visit on the third Thursday of each month for Tea Time - tea, cookies, and conversations about Avalon's past.
Though the town has just around 1,500 residents, the population swells in summer months. It's definitely a must-visit seasonal destination.
Flickr/Peter Miller
There are several lodging options here, including the top-rated Icona Golden Inn.
ICONA Avalon/Google
The resort offers endless amenities including a bistro, beach bar, beach yoga, balconies, pool, and planned events including Bingo Nights and Bocce Ball Tournaments.

It’s a great town for a weekend getaway and a wonderful place to stay! Just minutes away from other enchanting Jersey Shore destinations, you’ll also want to check them out. Learn more about Cape May attractions and all that Stone Harbor (also on Seven Mile Island) offers.

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More to Explore

The Coolest Places In New Jersey

William Suphan | December 27, 2022

What are the best bucket-list destinations in New Jersey?

The best bucket-list destinations in New Jersey include:

  • The Red Mill. Located in Clinton, this beautiful place is a favorite for photographers and it also contains a museum.
  • Liberty State Park. This park in Jersey City has amazing views of Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty.
  • The Delaware Water Gap. This is a beautiful river with stunning waterfalls with lots of hiking trails to take it all in.
  • Duke Farms. This is one of the most picturesque places in the state and has a wall of waterfalls. It’s excellent for a serene stroll.

Discover more about the best bucket-list destinations in New Jersey. 

What are some hidden-gem attractions in New Jersey?

Some of the hidden-gem attractions in New Jersey include:

  • Battleship New Jersey. This ship served for 50 years from 1942 to 1999 and has interactive turrets and a 4-D flight simulator.
  • Cape May Whale Watcher. Take a boat ride out to see wild dolphins and whales while having a lovely dinner and a cruise.
  • Sterling Hill Mining Museum. This museum takes you on a tour where there are several glowing phosphorescent minerals. 
  • Turtle Back Zoo. This is the best zoo in the state and includes a petting zoo and treetop adventures.

Learn more about these and other hidden-gem attractions in New Jersey. 

What are the most unique attractions in New Jersey?

The most unique attractions in New Jersey include:

  • Insectropolis. This is a museum of insects with intriguing exhibits with names like Bug University and The Mud Tube.
  • Martian Landing Site. Located in West Windsor, this marker remembers the infamous 1938 radio broadcast of “War of the Worlds” that caused a massive panic.
  • Ripley’s Believe It Or Not. This Atlantic City odditorium contains a menagerie of oddities and strangeness.
  • Silverball Pinball Museum. For the price of admission, you can play all you want on over 100 pinball machines from the 1950s to the 1990s.

Find out more about the most unique attractions in New Jersey. 

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Avalon, NJ 08202, USA