Exclusive Experiences Await in New Jersey's Family Destinations
Newest
Luxury rentals
Family-friendly
Pet-friendly
Popular lakes
Upcoming events
Popular cities
Berkeley Heights
Discover Berkeley Heights, NJ, a charming town with historic districts, vibrant parks, and a thriving downtown, perfect for a family vacation or a relaxing getaway.
Beachwood
Discover Beachwood, New Jersey, a hidden jewel on the Toms River, offering serene beaches, scenic parks, and a rich history for a perfect getaway.
Clark
Discover Clark, NJ, a charming town with historic sites, scenic parks, and vibrant community events –
Cedar Grove
Discover Cedar Grove, NJ, with its scenic parks, historic farms, and vibrant community. Find your perfect stay amidst nature and local charm on Lake.com.
Ocean City
Discover Ocean City, NJ's best vacation rentals: beachfront homes, pet-friendly options, and cozy condos. Perfect for family getaways or romantic escapes along the Jersey Shore.
Lincoln Park
Discover Lincoln Park, NJ: historic museums, scenic golf courses, and vibrant outdoor spaces. Find your perfect vacation home or rental in this charming New Jersey destination.
Tinton Falls
Discover Tinton Falls, NJ: historic charm, outdoor adventures, and shopping delights near the Jersey Shore. Find your perfect stay amidst waterfalls, golf courses, and premium outlets.
Hasbrouck Heights
Discover Hasbrouck Heights, NJ, a charming town near NYC, offering trampoline parks, aviation museums, craft breweries, and scenic outdoor spots for your next getaway.
Travel Tips
Embrace the Local Culture
Explore the Ironbound district's authentic Portuguese cuisine and vibrant cultural festivals for a unique experience.
Respect Nature
Explore Higbee Beach's dunes to observe nesting shorebirds and the rare Spiranthes odorata orchid.
Be Flexible
From Jersey City, a 1-hour drive (71 miles) via I-80 W leads to Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, offering hiking, camping, and river activities. Alternatively, a 1.5-hour drive (96.5 miles) via Garden State Parkway reaches Long Beach Island, known for its beaches, boating, and family-friendly attractions.
Support Local Businesses
Experience exquisite dining at The Boathouse Restaurant in Lakewood, offering panoramic lake views and gourmet cuisine. For outdoor enthusiasts, The Boat House in Lake Hopatcong provides top-quality boating equipment and rentals. Adventure seekers can explore the South Mountain Recreation Complex in West Orange, featuring a treetop adventure course and paddle boating on the Orange Reservoir.
New Jersey’s hidden lake country unfolds across the Skylands where pristine waters reflect the Appalachian ridgeline and morning mist reveals a quieter side of the Garden State.
Lake Hopatcong, the state’s largest freshwater body at 2,500 acres, harbors 45 miles of shoreline where families gather at Hopatcong State Park’s swimming beaches and marinas. The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area preserves 70,000 acres of wilderness along a 40-mile stretch of river, featuring Sunfish Pond perched 1,380 feet above sea level. Cape May’s Victorian splendor draws beachgoers to 30 miles of Atlantic coastline, while inland treasures like Greenwood Lake straddle the New York border. August brings the New Jersey State Fair to Sussex County with agricultural exhibits and carnival rides, while October’s Chatsworth Cranberry Festival celebrates the Pine Barrens harvest with bog tours and artisan markets.
Lakefront escapes from Highland Lakes to Lake Mohawk offer cedar-shingled cottages and mid-century modern retreats where city dwellers rediscover tranquility just 50 miles from Manhattan.
The northern Highlands region clusters vacation rentals around glacial lakes, with properties ranging from restored 1940s log cabins to contemporary steel-and-glass pavilions accommodating intimate couples or multi-generational gatherings of 20. Pet-friendly lake houses average $350-750 nightly, featuring private docks with electric boat lifts, screened porches overlooking water lily coves, and outdoor stone fireplaces for evening s’mores. Luxury properties near exclusive communities like Green Pond and Mountain Lakes include amenities such as paddleboard fleets, lakeside hot tubs, and proximity to farm-to-table restaurants sourcing from Sussex County’s 150 working farms.
Adventure beckons across 800 lakes and ponds where bass tournaments launch at dawn and sunset paddles reveal great blue herons stalking the shallows.
Families explore the Pine Barrens’ mysterious cedar water rivers by kayak, discovering pitcher plants and rare orchids along 1,000 miles of sandy trails. Round Valley Reservoir’s 180-foot depths create exceptional scuba diving conditions for exploring submerged forests, while Spruce Run Recreation Area offers 1,290 acres for sailing and windsurfing enthusiasts seeking consistent northwest winds.

Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to see what New Jersey has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
-
Ocean City offers alcohol-free family beaches with rentals from $200 nightly near boardwalk attractions. Point Pleasant provides affordable options starting at $175 with quieter atmosphere. Wildwood features free beaches and retro motels under $150. Beach Haven delivers upscale family cottages from $225. Lake.com helps families find Jersey Shore properties with pools and beach proximity.
-
Seaside Park provides budget cottages from $140 nightly away from boardwalk chaos. Strathmere offers hidden gem rentals starting at $125. Ocean Grove features Victorian charm under $160. Brigantine delivers peaceful beaches from $130. Lake.com’s budget filters identify New Jersey’s affordable beachfront escapes perfect for cost-conscious families seeking shore memories.
-
High Point area offers mountain lake cabins from $95 nightly near Appalachian Trail. Stokes Forest provides wilderness rentals starting at $85. Round Valley Reservoir features waterfront cottages under $110. Delaware Water Gap delivers river adventures from $100. Lake.com showcases Jersey’s surprising inland escapes with hiking, paddling, and nature access.
-
Absolutely! Cape May charms families with gentle beaches, lighthouse climbs, and Victorian architecture. Bike rentals explore quiet streets. Cape May Point offers tide pools and monarch butterflies. Sunset Beach provides Cape May diamond hunting. Rentals from $185 include beach tags. Lake.com features family-friendly Cape May properties near nature centers.
-
Delaware Water Gap amazes with waterfalls and river fun, nearby rentals from $95. Sandy Hook offers beaches plus historic forts. Cape May Point State Park provides bird watching. Barnegat Lighthouse delivers panoramic views. Lake.com connects families with rentals near New Jersey’s diverse outdoor attractions from mountains to shores.
-
Barnegat Bay area welcomes pets with waterfront rentals from $150 featuring fenced yards. Cape Henlopen allows dogs on certain beaches with nearby cottages. Wharton State Forest offers pet-friendly cabins starting at $80. Several Shore towns permit dogs October-March. Lake.com’s pet filters show New Jersey properties with specific beach access rules.
-
Late May through June offers warm weather without peak crowds. September provides perfect ocean temperatures plus lower rates. July-August brings full summer fun but highest prices. October delivers mild weather for hiking. Spring offers nature blooms at budget rates. Lake.com’s seasonal guide helps plan optimal New Jersey outdoor adventures.