North Jersey is full of vibrant downtown areas that thrive during the summer season, offering everything from an airy outdoor dining experience to bustling seasonal events.

But with so many options to choose from, not all North Jersey downtowns are created equal. Whether you're looking to take a stroll around town, want to sit and relax with a cold drink on a warm day or are looking for a unique treasure at a local business, some places have more summer-friendly festivities.

Here are our choices for four of the best North Jersey downtowns to explore this summer, with suggestions for things to do while you're there.

Ridgewood

Downtown Ridgewood.

While situated in bustling Bergen County, downtown Ridgewood's chill atmosphere is what makes it a popular summer destination. It's a prime location for outdoor dining, casual seasonal events and unique small businesses, and is home to Memorial Park, where you can lounge on a summer day.

Outdoor dining and bars: From relaxed settings to more upscale venues, Ridgewood's outdoor dining scene offers a range of options for enjoying a meal — or drink — in the summer sun. Places like Steel Wheel Tavern, Park West Tavern, Cafe 37, La Lanterna Cafe, Meltemi Greek Restaurant, Raymond's and MacMurphy's Irish Pub all offer outdoor seating for patrons. There are also a number of coffee shops available with outdoor seating as well, including Ridgewood Coffee Company, Rey Sol Coffee and Blue Ridge Cafe. And for an alternative setting, Felina is home to Ridgewood's only rooftop bar, called La Terrazza, which features a rosé bar, a kitchen and a pizza oven.

Events: The Ridgewood Farmer's Market is a time-honored summer tradition, taking place every Sunday from June through October in the train station parking lot. There's also Movies in the Park, where family-friendly films are shown on select Wednesdays from June to August at Memorial Park in Van Neste Square. And at the Kasschau Memorial Shell in Graydon Park, located just outside downtown Ridgewood, there is live music by various bands every Tuesday and Thursday night from June to August.

Small businesses: Besides restaurants, bars and professional services, downtown Ridgewood is also home to an abundance of small retail businesses that you can shop while strolling around on a summer day. This includes Bookends, Pazzazed, Hunt & Orchard, Ridgewood Sweet Shop, The Table at Latona's, Color Me Mine and more.

Montclair

A view of downtown on Bloomfield Ave in Montclair on Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024.

Downtown Montclair is a place that has a little bit of everything, and that's especially true once the weather warms up during the summer season. The area offers more outdoor dining options than many other downtown areas, and is full of small businesses with charm.

Outdoor dining and bars: One of downtown Montclair's biggest claims to fame is that it has more than 100 businesses that offer outdoor seating. This includes restaurants like Boschetto, Cuban Pete's, De Novo European Pub, Efi's Gyro, Faubourg Restaurant & Bar, Porta and Just Jake's, as well as coffee shops like Java Love and Paper Plane Coffee Company. And for drinks, you can enjoy a beer at Montclair Brewery's outdoor seating area, crack open a cold bottle of wine at Amanti Vino or sip on a cocktail on the Alto Rooftop at the MC Hotel.

Events: Downtown Montclair's biggest summer event is the Wellmont Arts Plaza Concert Series, which features live music outside Wellmont Theater on select nights from June through August. This free series is followed by the Montclair Jazz Festival's Downtown Jamboree on September 13.

Small businesses: Montclair has a vast selection of small shoppable businesses in its downtown area. This includes the Montclair Book Center, the Montclair Antique Center, ANS Antiques, Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie and Rocky's Crystals & Minerals, among other places.

Morristown

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, downtown Morristown is a charming and picturesque area with bustling shops and eateries. It features the Morristown Green, where you can sit and relax during a warm summer day, as well as signature seasonal events to keep yourself busy.

Outdoor dining and bars: Downtown Morristown is overflowing with options for outdoor dining, ranging from casual eateries to higher end spots. This includes restaurants like Fig and Lily Garden, South+Pine American Eatery, Stirling Tavern, Revolution, NOM Mexican Table + Tequila Bar and Pierogies House. And for drinks, you can enjoy a beer at Glenbrook Brewery's outdoor seating area or a cold bottle of wine at Amanti Vino.

Events: Behind the Morristown Post Office, the Morristown Farmer's Market is held every Sunday from mid-June until the end of November. And on the lawn at St. Peter's Church, the Morristown Marketplace takes place on select Saturdays until November.

Small businesses: For shopping, you can visit local businesses like Just Jersey, Willow St. Morristown, Apricot, General Coffee Co., 23 South and more.

Denville

Downtown Denville, NJ.

One of North Jersey's more quaint downtown areas, downtown Denville is known for its selection of award-winning restaurants and unique boutique shops. It's relaxing vibe makes it the perfect spot to spend a casual summer day.

Outdoor dining and bars: In downtown Denville, you can dine outside at restaurants like Second Half on Main, Cafe Crevier, The Pasta Shop, Denville Dog & Grill and Thatcher McGhee's. Or you can enjoy a beer on the outdoor patio at Diamond Spring Brewing Co.

Events: Denville's downtown is home to several beloved events during the summer season. There's Downtown Denville After Dark, which features live music, vendors, activities and more on June 20 and August 1; Music in the Park at Gardner Field Bandstand throughout July and August; and a small business sidewalk sale from July 31 to August 2.

Small businesses: While strolling through downtown Denville, you can shop at small businesses like Bullet Boots, Broadway Floral & Gift Gallery, Bubble in Paradise, Denville Dairy and Jaycee's Convenience Shop.

Maddie McGay is the real estate reporter for NorthJersey.com and The Record, covering all things worth celebrating about living in North Jersey. Find her on Instagram @maddiemcgay, on X @maddiemcgayy, and sign up for her North Jersey Living newsletter. Do you have a tip, trend or terrific house she should know about? Email her at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Outdoor dining to bustling events: you must visit these 4 North Jersey downtowns in summer