12 Nicest Small Towns In New Jersey
New Jersey might be small in stature, but it packs a remarkable range of experiences and landmarks within its stunning landmass. From its charming Atlantic beaches and rolling farmlands to bustling cityscapes and riveting colonial towns, there are a number of nice small towns in New Jersey that embody the Crossroads of the Revolution where the most pivotal battles for independence took place. While major cities and public places such as Newark and Jersey City often grab the spotlight, the state is also home to a collection of the nicest small towns to visit in 2025 that will show you just how magnificent and underrated the state of New Jersey tends to be.
Madison
Situated just 15 miles west of New York City, Madison provides a peaceful contrast and getaway from the hustle of the Big Apple. Known as the “Rose City” for its once-thriving horticulture industry, Madison exudes a simplistic and laidback atmosphere a stone's throw from one of the greatest cities on Earth.
Originally named “Bottle Hill” before adopting its current name in honor of President James Madison, the town rests atop a terminal moraine left by the Wisconsin Glacier over 10,000 years ago. Even now, geological features like glacial potholes dot the landscape, which outdoor explorers can see in ecosystems such as the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge and Troy Meadows. Meanwhile, history buffs will appreciate the Sayre House, where American Revolutionary War General Anthony Wayne once resided. For a taste of Madison’s culture, the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey offers year-round performances of William Shakespeare’s works and others.
Cape May
Cape May sits perched at New Jersey’s southernmost tip and an hour away from Atlantic City. It is a coastal wonderland brimming with history, wildlife, and Victorian elegance. Flanked by the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay, this seaside town is a beloved destination for soaking up the natural beauty at hot spots like Sunset Beach
Cape May Point State Park and Higbee Beach offer visitors the chance to spot migratory birds and trek along scenic trails and walkways. The 1879 Emlen Physick Estate stands as a preserved Victorian mansion that gives visitors a window into 19th-century American life. For overnight stays, charming accommodations like the Chalfonte Hotel, the Grand Hotel of Cape May, and Angel of the Sea ensure you are well rested so you can explore and enjoy Cape May to its fullest extent.
Spring Lake
Spring Lake radiates equal parts tranquility and adventure, captivating visitors with peaceful beachside locales and idyllic spots for relaxed strolls or quiet sunbathing. Divine Park and the scenic lake at its center offer plenty of opportunities for reflection and recreation. At the nearby Sea Girt Lighthouse, not only can you get a grand view of Spring Lake, you can also admire the lighthouse’s exhibits and maritime artifacts, which echo tales of the town’s nautical past.
The cultural spirit of Spring Lake is on full display at the Community House and Theatre, with a wide range of musical productions and educational programming. Should you wish to stay a little longer in this charming borough, you can find plenty of accommodations worth your time at the Hewitt Wellington historic boutique hotel, the waterfront Breakers on the Ocean, and the Spring Lake Inn mansion by the sea.
Lambertville
Lambertville is a charming community on the banks of the Delaware River less than 50 miles from Madison and just across the bridge from New Hope, Pennsylvania. Established in the early 18th century, this town played a vital role during the American Revolutionary War when George Washington reportedly used the nearby Holcombe Farmstead as a strategic site. Later, during America’s industrial boom, Lambertville flourished as a center for manufacturing and river trade. In 1915, it even welcomed the famed Liberty Bell during its ceremonial journey to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Today, Lambertville is renowned as the “Antiques Capital of New Jersey,” with destinations like the Golden Nugget Antique Flea Market selling and marketing unique treasures. The James Wilson Marshall House showcases early American period pieces and room recreations within walking distance to a number of galleries and riverside trails. For a good night's rest, the Chimney Hill Estate Inn offers a range of rooms and the option to indulge in a hot tub, sauna, or cold plunge, while Lambertville House features fireplaces in most of the guest rooms during the colder months.
Hoboken
Just across the Hudson River from Manhattan, Hoboken is more than a commuter town: indeed, it thrives and prospers as one of New Jersey's nicest small towns to visit in 2025. Once known as Hobocan Hackingh by the Lenape peoples, a phrase meaning “Land of the Tobacco Pipe,” Hoboken has evolved into an exquisite borough brimming with artistic flair and historic significance. Music fans can pay homage to Frank Sinatra, who was born here, by visiting the sites along the popular walking tour offered by the Hoboken Historical Museum.
The town’s development accelerated under Colonel John Stevens, a pioneering engineer who introduced the first American steam locomotive and founded the Stevens Institute of Technology, which you can visit today. Per New Jersey’s title as the Diner Capital of the World, there are many eclectic dining options in Hoboken and along the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway. With its impressive vantage point of New York City, Hoboken is definitely one of the nicest places to visit in New Jersey.
Frenchtown
Frenchtown is a quaint riverside village. Founded in the early 19th century, the town got its name from the immigrants who settled here, many escaping political turmoil in France. This artsy enclave has long been a haven for creatives, with authors like James Agee and Nathanael West seeking, and finding, inspiration along the banks of the Delaware.
Today, Frenchtown continues to nurture its artistic spirit with galleries, boutiques, and seasonal festivals. Bastille Day in July and September’s RiverFest draw lively crowds with music, food, and celebration, and there is always something to see and explore at ArtYard. Adventurers from all over can seek out many scenic trails and biking routes within the Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park. No matter how you choose to enjoy Frenchtown, you can rest and refresh at the end of the day in any number of well-appointed, comfortable accommodations, such as the National Hotel.
Clinton
Where lush woodlands and scenic waterways abound, Clinton is a paradise of natural beauty within New Jersey’s rural countryside. Situated in Hunterdon County along the South Branch of the Raritan River, Clinton invites visitors to explore the outdoors in places like Spruce Run Recreation Area, Capoolong Creek, and Ken Lockwood Gorge.
The Red Mill Museum Village provides a vivid look into 19th-century industry and early American life. Across the river, the Hunterdon Art Museum juxtaposes this history with rotating exhibits of contemporary art housed in a historic stone mill. Despite its relatively small size, Clinton brims with personality and charm.
Ocean Grove
Tucked along the Jersey Shore just south of Asbury Park, Ocean Grove feels like stepping into a different period in American history. Established in 1869 as a Methodist camp meeting site, this seaside town still retains its spiritual and architectural heritage with many well-preserved structures. Among these historic edifices is Ocean Grove’s centerpiece, the Great Auditorium, a massive wooden theater known for its pipe organ and summer concerts, as well as Sunday worship services.
Victorian-era homes also line the town’s streets, many beautifully preserved and open for tours during the town’s annual house tour. Just steps away, Ocean Grove Beach and the adjacent boardwalk offer a laid-back coastal experience, while nearby Fletcher Lake and Ocean Grove Park provide quiet pockets of nature. Whether you go for religious reflection, a simple escape, or beachside relaxation, Ocean Grove maintains an ambiance of serenity with its many lodgings, like the Carriage House, the Laingdon Hotel, and the House by the Sea.
Montclair
One of New Jersey’s most culturally vibrant towns is Montclair, conveniently located just over 10 miles from Newark. Once Lenape territory, Montclair was later shaped by Revolutionary history, including a rumoured meeting between George Washington and the Marquis de Lafayette, commemorated by a marker at Claremont Avenue and Valley Road.
The town has cultivated strong international ties, serving as a Sister City to Graz (Austria), Barnet (United Kingdom), and Aquilonia (Italy), fostering cultural exchanges since the mid-20th century. Culture and creativity thrive at the Montclair Art Museum, which features American and Native American works, including those of famed painter George Inness. History also comes to life at both the Crane House and Historic YWCA, both of which highlight early family life and civil rights progress. Lodging options like The George boutique hotel and The MC Hotel maintain the elegant luxuries and accommodations one can afford in Montclair.
Asbury Park
Asbury Park is a popular destination, renowned for its sandy shoreline and beachfront boardwalk lined with cafes, arcades, and shops overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The town was founded in 1871 by New York manufacturer James A. Bradley, and named for Reverend Francis Asbury, founder of Methodism in the United States. Today, it attracts an eclectic mix of visitors, many of whom flock to music venues such as the Stone Pony, which has hosted a number of famous musicians like hometown hero Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi.
The Asbury Park Convention Hall is also an exquisite venue along the boardwalk filled with bars, restaurants, and other amenities. Vintage video games, arcades, and pinball machines straight from the 1930s are on full display at the Silverball Museum. Meanwhile, the Paranormal Museum - Paranormal Books & Curiosities houses oddities and mysteries that defy logic and the laws of physics. There are dozens more attractions and activities to keep you entertained in Asbury Park, and you can cap off your stay at rooms in the quirky Asbury Hotel, the historically elegant Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel, or the casual and funky Empress Hotel.
Princeton
Princeton is an aptly-named borough on the shores of Lake Carnegie, home of the prestigious Princeton University. Within the enlightened grounds of this Ivy League school, newcomers will find the University Chapel with its unique Gothic architecture and beautiful exhibits at the new art museum, scheduled to open in Fall, 2025.
Amidst the manicured grounds of Princeton Battlefield State Park, you will find several mementos and exhibits commemorating one of the most influential battles of the American Revolutionary War at a time when New Jersey was considered the crossroads of the Revolution. Additionally, the Clarke House Museum within the park contains many historic weapons and arsenals used in the Revolution. You might also be interested in taking selfies and groupies of the Princeton Battle Monument, a beaux arts memorial depicting George Washington in the Battle of Princeton in 1777.
Round out your trip with quaint accommodations like the Nassau Inn on Palmer Square or The Peacock Inn, Princeton's only luxury boutique hotel.
Bernardsville
Despite its small size, or maybe because of it, Bernardsville thrives as the premier bedroom community for people working in New York City. Golfing is a major attraction at some of the best golf courses in the country, such as Somerset Hills Country Club. Wilder adventure seekers come for an escape to New Jersey's wilderness and nature preserves in the surrounding areas, such as the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge with its well-preserved birdwatching bunkers and structures. The Cross Estate Gardens within the New Jersey Audubon's Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary is a great choice for anyone eager to savor the saccharine sanctity of an excellently manicured garden.
Regardless of how you spend your days, you can tuck in for the night at fine accommodations like The Bernards Inn or the Olde Mill Inn.
Conclusion
New Jersey holds a special place among New Yorkers and other residents along the US East Coast for its exquisite diners and its sweet, small towns. From the antique-wealthy streets of Lambertville to the cultural flair of Montclair, each destination showcases a distinct slice of the state’s personality. There are Revolutionary lessons to learn in places like Princeton, seaside wonders and experiences to gain from Asbury Park and Cape May, and many more events and activities to enjoy in this remarkable state. In the end, you will come to adore New Jersey for its outdoor communities and beachside spectacles, but most of all for its small towns that will keep you coming back year after year.
