New Jersey is a popular travel destination due to its proximity to New York City, the iconic Jersey City beach boardwalk, and Atlantic City’s casino hub. LGBTQ+ travelers are fully aware that some areas can be unfriendly or even unsafe to vacation in, even in popular areas like Jersey City. However, New Jersey hosts a variety of LGBTQ-friendly destinations, cities, neighborhoods, and businesses. Places like Ashbury Park and Lambertville are home to many queer-owned businesses, including delicious restaurants.
No city is 100% safe for any traveler, as many LGBT+ travelers can attest to. There are ways to keep yourself safe and proud during your travels, and one of the most popular ways to experience new destinations is through group travel. This guide will highlight safe ways to embark on a group travel experience through queer New Jersey destinations.
Group Travel
Group travel benefits many people concerned about safety or getting lost in a new area. The LGBT+ community, in particular, can find safety in numbers with group travel, as the ‘pack’ advantage can avoid singling out any one individual in unsafe areas. Group travel reservations can be more affordable when split between groups or bought in bulk.
Group Busses
One of the best ways to travel between distances is via bus. Bus rentals are the best option for LGBTQ+ travelers who are planning to stay together through every leg of the trip. Newark is the largest and most populous city in New Jersey and is close to many popular LGBTQ+ hubs, businesses, and cities. A Newark bus rental may provide the safest and most flexible options for LGBTQ+ group travelers.
LGBTQ+ Hosted Group Expeditions
An alternative way for LGBTQ+ travelers to group up is through pre-booked group expeditions. These booking and travel services offer pre-planned itineraries, lodgings, transportation, and bookings to make the vacation an exciting and stress-free experience. LGBTQ+ group expeditions are great for those who want to avoid the technical logistics of travel prep and just want to travel with like-minded individuals.
LGBTQ+ Group Travel Safety
Suppose your group travel plans involve people you are unfamiliar with. In that case, it’s always important to be safe and prepared for the unexpected, even when traveling with fellow members of the LGBTQ+ community. Secure all your essential belongings, such as credit cards and travel documents, on your person and keep them within sight at all times. Be mindful when accepting food and drinks from people you don’t know, particularly with alcohol. Report any suspicious behavior to group leaders or authorities when applicable.
Places to Travel
New Jersey features no shortage of LGBTQ+-friendly spaces. Princeton, the popular university town, has a young population and many LGBTQ+-owned restaurants. Ashbury Park is home to the biggest and most popular pride festival in the entire state.
Princeton
Princeton scores perfectly on the Human Rights Campaign Municipality Database, meaning it’s considered very inclusive regarding laws, rights, and protections for the LGBTQ+ community. The city focuses on inclusive nightlife and bar settings for those who love pub crawls or partying. Some bars even have LGBTQ-themed nights or happy hours. For those who love food, the city hosts several LGBTQ-owned restaurants and a farmer’s market in Trenton.
Jersey City
Jersey City is known for its vibrant nightlife, edgy vibes, and multicultural amenities. Many out-of-towners aren’t aware that this city is also a perfect scorer for LGBTQ+ inclusivity, according to the Human Rights Campaign. The city features several queer-owned and queer-friendly bars and restaurants. Additionally, one can stay at many fun resorts known for their queer-friendliness.
Ashbury Park
Ashbury Park is one of the queerest cities in New Jersey. It hosts the largest pride festival in the state and has a significant number of LGBTQ+ residents. This city features beautiful beaches to relax and play on and many LGBTQ-owned restaurants to satisfy any appetite.
Lambertville
If you’re into a more artsy community, Lambertville has your back with various antique and vintage shops, art galleries, and trendy eateries. Many queer-owned businesses, cafes, coffee shops, and other eateries are here. The city boasts a welcoming, inclusive environment for arts and theater enthusiasts.
LGBTQ+ New Jersey Events
While New Jersey features various LGBTQ+-friendly events year-round, such as gay speed dating, queer literature clubs, LGBTQ+ bars, and queer plays, there are some iconic pride events in various Jersey cities unlike any you’ve ever seen before. Pride festivals are a great place to meet local LGBTQ+ community members and businesses.
Rutherford’s Pridefest, The Power of Pride
For those looking for a family-friendly pride festival, Rutherford hosts an all-inclusive pride with games, face painting, and activities for kids. There are many food vendors, live performances, and a beer garden for the adults.
Jersey Pride Celebration in Ashbury Park
Jersey Pride Celebration is the longest-running and largest pride festival. Ashbury Park’s Pride hosts a full parade, concerts, and even rides, all against a scenic beach backdrop.
Jersey Gay Pride Out in the Park
South Jersey hosts a vibrant pride festival in September rather than the typical June. This pride festival features a laid-back but exciting vibe in Cherry Hill. Attendees are encouraged to bring their chairs and blankets to enjoy the music, food, giveaways, and other amenities.
HT (Haddon Township) Pride
HT (Haddon Township) has a pride festival that spans several days due to the sheer number of attendees and events. There is a parade, community nights, after-parties, games, and drag performances.
Boonton Rainbow Pride
Boonton’s Rainbow Pride is known for its iconic pride flag-raising festivities, a whole afternoon of games, performances, and DJ-hosted dancing.
Conclusion
No location is entirely safe for traveling, especially for members of the LGBTQ+ community. Group travel can, however, lower the chances of issues regarding travel safety, especially with rented buses and safe traveling practices. New Jersey has many beautiful and inclusive cities with impressive LGBTQ+ populations, like Ashbury Park and Jersey City. With pride festivals and LGBTQ+ events spanning the entire state, there’s fun for all people in the Garden State.
