11 Prettiest Towns in New Jersey
Nicknamed “The Garden State” and placed at the center of the Northeast megalopolis, New Jersey, the 11th most populous US State, is home to one of the most ethnically diverse populations in the world. Located in one of the nation’s most geologically and geographically varied regions, New Jersey boasts the Highlands and Piedmont physiographic provinces in the northwest and the Atlantic Coastal Plain province with the Jersey Shore and the New Jersey Pine Barrens in the southeast. Dotting this beautiful State are some incredible small towns, all of which are waiting to be explored. From the Jersey Shore’s fascinating waterfront towns to quaint inland towns featuring well-maintained colonial structures, lively downtowns with plenty of shopping opportunities, and natural areas offering a plethora of outdoor recreations, these hidden treasures in New Jersey are guaranteed to impress everyone.
Cape May
Situated at the meeting point of the Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, this small resort town in New Jersey’s Cape May County is on the southern edge of the Cape May Peninsula. Being one of the oldest vacation resort destinations in the United States, Cape May attracts numerous tourists, especially during the warm summer months. The entire town has been designated as the Cape May Historic District, featuring more than 600 well-maintained Late Victorian-style buildings spread over an area of 380 acres.
The town’s economy is primarily driven by the Washington Street Mall, as well as the various retail stores, quaint boutiques, lodgings, restaurants, and fascinating tourist attractions along the 1-mile-long beach promenade. During summers, countless swimmers, surfers, sunbathers, and hikers are drawn to Cove Beach, located at the town’s southernmost extremity. Cape May is home to the Cape May Lighthouse, Emlen Physick Estate, World War II Lookout Tower, Harriet Tubman Museum, Cape May Bird Observatory, and the Cape May Fisherman’s Memorial. The town hosts various annual festivals, such as the Cape May Jazz Festival, the Cape May New Jersey Film Festival, the Cape May Food & Wine Festival, and the Cape May Music Festival.
Spring Lake
Spring Lake is a charming coastal resort town on the Jersey Shore in Monmouth County, about 65 miles from New York and Philadelphia. With just 2,789 residents, the town is known for its stunning natural scenery and pristine sandy beaches, as well as the cozy boutiques and restaurants downtown. Many historic homes in Spring Lake date back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Visitors can stroll along the tree-lined streets and see landmark buildings such as the Martin Maloney Cottage, Audenried Cottage, St. Catherine Roman Catholic Church, and the Sea Girt Lighthouse.
The town’s 1 ½ mile, non-commercial boardwalk along the Atlantic Ocean is an ideal spot to relax and enjoy the area’s scenic beauty. To experience live musicals and theatrical performances, tourists should visit the Spring Lake Theatre Company located in the Spring Lake Community House. Since 1977, the town has hosted “The Spring Lake 5 Mile Run,” the largest 5-mile race in the country that circles the entire town and starts and finishes at the beachfront.
Frenchtown
This enchanting small town sits atop the Hunterdon Plateau along the shores of the Delaware River, approximately 32 miles northwest of the state capital, Trenton. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the 100-acre Frenchtown Historic District houses several magnificent colonial structures, including the Uhlerstown-Frenchtown Bridge, Frenchtown Inn, Frenchtown Station for the Belvidere Delaware Railroad, Nathaniel Shurtz House, and Oddfellows Building. Downtown Frenchtown is a shopping destination, and whether you are searching for gifts, antiques, books, stylish dresses, or a bag of coffee, you can get everything here. In addition to shops, the downtown also has several cafes, taverns, and restaurants serving authentic French cuisines. The town hosts various annual festivals, including La Fete Nationale on Bastille Day, Wine & Art Festival in May, and RiverFest in September.
Avalon
A well-known South Jersey seashore resort town in Cape May County, Avalon is located at the northern tip of Seven Mile Island. The town boasts some of the most expensive real estate on the Eastern Seaboard and is one of the wealthiest communities along the Jersey Shore. Staying true to its motto, “Cooler by a Mile,” Avalon reaches about a mile further east into the Atlantic Ocean than other barrier islands. Filled with charming homes and beach cottages, this peaceful beachfront community offers plenty of water-based recreational activities. Thousands of tourists visit Avalon in the summer for an exciting vacation, exploring the beautiful white-sand beaches, quaint shops, excellent seafood restaurants, and lively nightclubs. Visitors should not miss the well-preserved “high dunes,” Avalon History Center, Avalon Sport Fishing Center, and Bay Park Marina.
Clinton
Serving as a bedroom community for many daily commuters working in and around New York City and Northern New Jersey, Clinton is situated along the South Branch of the Raritan River in Hunterdon County’s Raritan Valley region. The 175-acre Clinton Historic District covers a large part of the town and includes about 270 contributing buildings, 1 contributing structure, and 3 contributing sites. With a population of just 2,773 residents, this charming hamlet is best known for its two historic mills on opposite sides of the South Branch Raritan River. Located at the center of town, the Red Mill Museum Village features the iconic Red Mill, built in 1810, which has been used at different times to process graphite, plaster, talc, and grains. Every October, the Mill transforms into the Red Mill Haunted Village, drawing visitors from across the East Coast. The 19th-century Dunham’s Mill, also known as Stone Mill, is home to the Hunterdon Art Museum, which showcases modern art, crafts, and designs. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy time at the Round Valley Recreation Area, Spruce Run Recreation Area, Landsdown Trail, and Ken Lockwood Gorge Wildlife Management Area.
Cranbury
Cranbury, one of the state’s oldest towns, is nestled among lush meadows and picturesque woodlands roughly 18 miles from Trenton. The Cranbury Historic District features over 200 buildings from the mid-19th century, showcasing stunning architectural styles like Victorian, Federal, and Greek Revival. Visitors should stroll along the shaded Main Street, visit sites such as the Cranbury Museum, Town Hall, Brainerd Cemetery, Gourgaud Gallery, and enjoy a meal at the Cranbury Inn after a busy day. Nature enthusiasts can explore Reinhardt Forest Preserve, Cranbury Brook Preserve, Brainerd Lake & Dam, Village Park, Barn Park, and Heritage Park.
Bordentown
Bordentown is situated where the Delaware River, Crosswicks Creek, and Blacks Creek meet in Burlington County, roughly 5.8 miles south of the state capital. As the northernmost municipality in New Jersey, it forms part of the Delaware Valley and the Philadelphia-Reading-Camden Combined Statistical Area. Visitors can tour historic sites such as the Crosswicks Creek Site III and Point Breeze, and enjoy numerous art galleries, antique shops, bookstores, record stores, breweries, and restaurants downtown. The town draws thousands of visitors annually for festivals like the Iris Festival & Art Show, Street Fair, Cranberry Festival, and events including the Peach Social and Holiday House Tour organized by the Bordentown Historical Society.
Lambertville
Named after John Lambert, a US senator and acting governor of New Jersey, Lambertville is a peaceful town located along the Delaware River in the southwestern part of Hunterdon County. It began as a manufacturing town due to its proximity to the Delaware and Raritan Canal and the Belvidere Delaware Railroad. Today, Lambertville is a popular tourist spot where visitors can explore restored houses, local shops, art galleries, antique stores, B&Bs, and restaurants. The town is situated at the crossroads of Route 29 and Route 179, and the Lambertville Historic District features historic sites such as the James W. Marshall House and Lambertville House, both listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Throughout all seasons, the canal path provides picturesque views of both the canal and the Delaware River, while also serving as a flat area for walkers, cyclists, and joggers to exercise. In April, Lambertville hosts the annual ShadFest organized by the Greater Lambertville Chamber of Commerce. Featuring vendor booths focused on the area's arts community, the ShadFest plays a key role in supporting local nonprofits that, in turn, assist the residents and businesses of Lambertville.
Ocean City
A part of the state’s South Jersey region in Cape May County, this reputed family-oriented seaside resort is the chief city of the Ocean City Metropolitan Statistical Area. Named after its location along the Atlantic Ocean, Ocean City offers vacationers miles of clean beaches, a 2.45-mile-long boardwalk, and a downtown shopping and mining district. A variety of family-owned shops, Ocean City Music Pier, Gillian’s Wonderland Pier, a water park, and amusement parks like Playland’s Castaway Cove and Wonderland Amusement Park, are situated on the boardwalk. In addition, the city parks, like Corson’s Inlet State Park, offer visitors an array of recreational opportunities.
Red Bank
Red Bank is an charming borough on the southern shores of the Navesink River in the northern part of Monmouth County, New Jersey. Red Bank’s lively downtown features numerous cultural attractions, along with specialty shops, independently-owned boutiques, cozy cafes, breweries, and eateries. The town is home to many well-preserved historic buildings, including the impressive Count Basie Center for the Arts, the Two River Theater, and parks that provide various recreational activities. Red Bank hosts numerous annual events, such as the Red Bank Guinness Oyster Festival, the International Beer, Wine & Food Festival, the Red Bank Jazz & Blues Festival, a farmers’ market, a Halloween parade, an indie film festival, and holiday town lighting.
Princeton
This vibrant town lies immediately south of a long, curving ridge called ‘Princeton Ridge’ in Mercer County, roughly halfway between New York City and Philadelphia. Besides being home to the renowned Princeton University, Princeton attracts many tourists to its downtown area, which is full of retail shops, fashion boutiques, and restaurants serving delicious cuisines. Other notable attractions include the Morven Museum & Garden, Princeton University Art Museum, McCarter Theatre Center, Albert Einstein House, Princeton Battlefield State Park, and more. Nature lovers can easily access beautiful parks, hiking and biking trails along the Delaware & Raritan Canal, and canoeing on Lake Carnegie.
From the colorful waterfront communities of Cape May, Avalon, and Ocean City to the scholarly town of Princeton, the adorable small towns in the nation’s 47th most extensive and 11th most populous state are worth checking out. While these towns may not have the glitz and glamor of the nearby New York City, they exude a welcoming vibe and leave an everlasting impression on everyone visiting them. So, pack your bags, prepare for a day trip or a weekend vacation, and enjoy everything these pretty towns of the Garden State have to offer.
