6 Undisturbed Towns To Visit In New Jersey
New Jersey is also known as "the Garden State," so it should come as no surprise that it boasts an abundance of picturesque small towns and natural beauty. With sweeping coastal beaches and wildlife preserves, historic main streets and iconic landmarks, each of these communities has its own unique charm and easy way of life. From Cape May to Cranbury, these are 6 undisturbed towns in New Jersey you won't want to miss in 2025.
Livingston
Livingston is a township in Essex County with a population just above 30,000. In the northern part of town is Riker Hill Art Park, a park that used to be a U.S. Military site with an abandoned Nike Missile Silo and radar tower. The site was purchased from the federal government in 1974 and was converted into 38 art studios where artists work on paintings, crafting jewelry, ceramics, pottery, glass art, and much more. Riker Hill is open from dawn to dusk seven days a week, where visitors can view sculptures along the trails, and artists' studios host an Open House and art sale periodically.
Livingston doesn't have a traditional downtown like many communities in the state, Town Center sits at the intersection of Livingston and Mount Pleasant Avenues (N.J. Route 10). Redeveloped in the early 2000s, the center has luxury town homes, condos, and a mix of local shops and restaurants, from cafes and quick bites to finer dining with patio seating, like THAVMA Mediterranean Grill. The rest of Livingston is largely residential but charming, with parks like the Livingston Memorial Oval and Park, which is a community recreation hub that includes multiple courts for sports like basketball, tennis, and even bocce ball and shuffleboard, as well as a pond that becomes an outdoor skating rink in winter. With New York City less than an hour's drive away and proximity to Newark Airport, Livingston is a lovely retreat from the big city bustle and buzz while still providing plenty of access and amenitites.
Allentown
Just east of Trenton is Allentown, a historic and charming borough in Monmouth County. Allentown is an undisturbed community with its preservation of historic buildings, like the 18th-century Old Mill. Today, the old grist mill houses a couple of boutiques with a focus on vintage and handmade goods, as well as the beautifully rustic Moth Coffeehouse overlooking Conines Millpond. The pond is actually a 24-acre lake with a public boat launch and protected fishing area, as well as walking trails and the chance to spot wildlife such as bald eagles, herons, and turtles.
Allentown is surrounded by farmland, forests, and infused with a relaxed pace of life. Old York Road is a walkable main street consisting of small businesses, shops, and restaurants, like Gaston's Bakeshop, where patrons can order cookies, cakes, and other wonderful homemade baked goods.
Cranbury
Cranbury is a township in Middlesex County just north of Allentown, known for its historic buildings from the 19th century and its role as a stopping point for both the Continental and British Armies in the Revolutionary War. In fact, around 200 of the buildings in town are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Cranbury Inn and Restaurant is one such spot, offering accommodations and fine dining in a building that has been welcoming visitors since the 1750s.
A great place to learn more about the history of the town is at the Cranbury Museum, housed in an original two-story house from the 19th century, which has rotating period exhibits showcasing the town's past and providing visitors a glimpse of what life was like in that period. A relaxing restaurant to visit in town is the Market On Main, a local restaurant, coffee shop, and bakery serving excellent dishes with the essence of Greek culture in a very cozy atmosphere.
Lambertville
Located just west of Trenton and right across the Delaware River from New Hope, Pennsylvania, is Lambertville, known for its historic charm, artistic vibes, and local antique shops. One of the prettiest towns in America, according to Forbes, there are at least 10 antique shops in and around Lambertville, which include the Antique Center at the People's Store and James Curran Antiques and Restoration, with unique goods, furniture, and other gifts you won't find anywhere else.
Besides antique shops, residents and visitors can explore Holcombe Island, a forested island with a walking or biking trail along old railroad tracks and an abandoned rail car that has become an evolving work of modern grafitti art. Next to the bridge that allows people to travel to New Hope, PA, is the historic railroad marker, as well as the Lambertville Station Restaurant and Inn, a beautiful spot to share a meal or spend a night overlooking the Delaware River.
Barnegat Light
Right on the top of Long Beach Island is Barnegat Light, a coastal borough in Ocean County with a population of just over 600. The Barnegat Lighthouse, affectionately called "Old Barney" by locals, is an iconic landmark constructed in 1859. A trip to Barnegat Lighthouse State Park can include visiting the Interpretive Center at the base, climbing the 217 steps to the top for incredible panoramic views, and walking the trails through one of the state's last remaining maritime forests.
The rest of the town is known for its wide and uncrowded beaches compared to the other shorelines in the state. Bay Beach is known for its calm, shallow waters and is very family-friendly. Just near the beach are a couple of local restaurants, and Super Chic Charters for those looking to explore and go fishing in the bay and on the ocean.
Cape May
At the very southern end of the state is Cape May, the iconic seaside resort city with Victorian architecture, wonderful beaches, and plenty of natural reserves to explore filled with local wildlife. The city's historic district includes the iconic Stockton Row Cottages on Gurney Street, where you'll find the John Wesley Inn, a local bed and breakfast built in 1869 and lovingly preserved. The town's 2.5 mile stretch of beach is within walking distance of the John Wesley Inn, as well as many other accommodations and eateries, and is a large part of what makes Cape May a popular summer destination.
Just a couple of blocks away from the beach is the Washington Street Mall, a pedestrian street where visitors and residents are treated to more Victorian-style architecture, local restaurants, and stores throughout, making it a staple in the community. Next to town is the Cape May Point Wetlands State Natural Area, with ponds, trails, and observations decks that make for an excellent place to spot wildlife, particularly birds.
Each of these communities offers a peaceful and relaxing place to visit and explore on a weekend away from the hectic pace of nearby cities. With their unique charms, natural reserves, historic buildings and landmarks, beauty abounds and engaging attractions await. These 6 undisturbed towns in New Jersey promise simple pleasures and easy living, the way vacations are meant to be.
