7 Breathtaking Towns to Visit in New Jersey
Home to the Jersey Shore, the world’s oldest boardwalk, and the illustrious Princeton University, the state of New Jersey offers a dazzling range of attractions. From shimmering sand and surf to charming historic downtowns, visitors will find that the towns on this list blend natural beauty and urban charm in a truly breathtaking way. Whether you seek adventure on a whale-watching tour, a leisurely day of antique shopping, or an exciting night on the town, each of these New Jersey communities has something special to offer every traveler. From cozy coves with quiet shores to wide beaches with bustling boardwalks, here are seven New Jersey towns that will help you make the most of your 2024.
Cape May
Believed to be the oldest seaside resort in the United States, the town of Cape May has attracted tourists with its beauty for centuries. The Cape May Historic District is one of the town’s best features, known for its high concentration of intricate Victorian structures. Centuries prior, it was Cape May’s natural beauty that brought so many here, and this beauty continues to entice travelers to this day. This is precisely why the town's population of fewer than 3,000 swells to upwards of 50,000 in the summertime.
This scenic town is located at the southern tip of New Jersey, where the Delaware Bay merges with the Atlantic, so the beaches here are next level. While shores like Cape May Beach attract beachgoers looking to sunbathe and swim, others flock to Sunset Beach for its unique features. In addition to gorgeous sunsets, the pebbly shores are famous for collecting "Cape May Diamonds,” which are actually clear quartz stones washed ashore from the Delaware River. At low tide, beachgoers can also see the World War I SS Atlantus shipwreck. And from May through December, some may even be lucky enough to spot a whale or two. But for a guaranteed sighting, it is best to book a thrilling sightseeing cruise with agencies like Cape May Whale Watcher.
Frenchtown
Settled on the banks of the Delaware River, Frenchtown is perfect for those pining for a relaxing day of small-town bliss. Instead of beaches and whale watching, this charming little river town is more ideal for an easygoing day of cafés and strolls. The shopping and restaurant district is especially cute and eclectic, with USA Today voting the town as one of “America’s Top 10 Best Small Towns for Shopping.” The Frenchtown Bookshop is one highlight, a sweet little family-owned bookstore housed in a blue Victorian building.
Right across the road, vinyl collectors can hit up Blue Raven Records, and art lovers can check out the Rock Art Revival gallery. For a pick-me-up latte, the Early Bird Espresso & Mercantile coffee shop is also right next door, which is the perfect boost since Frenchtown still has so much to see. Strolls along the river are another must, and the nearby D&R Canal State Park grants visitors access to 60 miles of gorgeous riverfront. There are tons of beautiful walking paths, or you can even rent a bike at Cycle Corner of Frenchtown since plenty of the trails have flat and even terrain.
Lambertville
Less than a half-hour drive from Frenchtown, Lambertville is another cozy Delaware River town with an inviting small-town atmosphere. Known as “The Antiques Capital of New Jersey,” you could spend a whole weekend exploring the town for treasures. Attractions like the Golden Nugget Antique Flea Market have served as a “gold mine” for antique and vintage collectibles since 1967. In the heart of town, other antique shops like The People’s Store and Bear Bone Vintage are housed in prominent historic buildings built in the mid-1800s. And if charming historic landmarks are your thing, the James Wilson Marshall House Museum (built in 1816) is currently open for the season. Even more popular, the historic Lambertville Station Restaurant and Inn is an adorable place for waterfront dining or renting a room.
Spring Lake
For those looking to savor sunshine and sand on the Jersey Shore without the typical boardwalk crowds, the beautiful town of Spring Lake is the place to be. The town’s main beach boasts wide-open views of the Atlantic and smooth surfing waves. Visitors can hit up Bare Wires Surf Shop for gear rental or enjoy what the beach already has to offer, like its swim deck, picnic tables, and the “Oldest Penny Arcade in America.” With games dating back to the 1920s, the arcade is a true crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike. Back outside, the beach’s 2-mile boardwalk makes for a gorgeous stroll, uncluttered with typical Jersey Shore carnival attractions, allowing visitors to appreciate unobstructed ocean views and mellower crowds.
Elsewhere in town, this tranquility extends to Spring Lake’s downtown. The flower-filled courtyard features topiaries shaped like dolphins, and the main street (Third Avenue) is home to adorable shops and cafés like Thunder Road Books and A Coastal Coffee House. Finally, right across from these attractions, no visit to Spring Lake would be complete without visiting the town’s 15-acre namesake lake, best viewed from the footbridge at sunset.
Princeton
As the home of one of the most prestigious Ivy League schools in the country, Princeton is a thriving college town with a rich history and youthful energy. The college itself offers a delightful introduction to the town’s Collegiate Gothic-style architecture, with dramatic arches, towering gargoyles, and inspiring spires. Beyond the university, visitors can explore other historic attractions such as the Albert Einstein House, where the famous physicist lived for 22 years, and Princeton Battlefield State Park. As the site of a significant Revolutionary War battle, today the scenic fields and forests make for a lovely hike.
For another attraction blending history and nature, the Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park features 19th-century bridges, serene waterways, and cobblestone spillways. Alternatively, visitors can enjoy a picturesque excursion to Lake Carnegie by heading to the Princeton Canoe & Kayak Rental dock. But if you prefer to stay in the central parts of town, Palmer Square is located across from the university and encapsulates the best of Princeton’s charms. Here, you can discover everything from historic accommodations like the 1756 Nassau Inn to nationally acclaimed ice cream parlors like The Bent Spoon.
Atlantic City
Around two hours south of Princeton, you will find yourself in a town known for its spring break atmosphere. Famous for its nightlife, beaches, and world-renowned boardwalk, Atlantic City is a beacon of excitement and childhood nostalgia, welcoming 27 million people every year. Many of these visitors come to try their luck at the town’s nine flashy casinos, but daytime is best enjoyed outdoors. Atlantic City Beach awaits with refreshing waves and plenty of room to spread out. However, the shore’s central attraction would have to be its prized landmark: the oldest and longest boardwalk in the world. Founded in 1854, the historic boardwalk stretches for a whopping four miles, lined with endless shops, businesses, restaurants, and amusement park rides. The scent of popcorn and sea air blends with the sounds of laughter for the ultimate Jersey Shore boardwalk experience. Whether seeking thrills at the Lucky Snake Arcade, sampling sugary treats at Funnel Cake House, or riding the famous Wheel, there is a reason Atlantic City’s visitors continue to come back year after year.
Ocean Grove
Finally, we have the cute and quaint resort town of Ocean Grove. With a similar vibe to Spring Lake, beachgoers with a passion for tranquil shores will appreciate the serenity of Ocean Grove Beach, contrasting with those who prefer the rowdier Atlantic City. Fodor’s voted it one of the “Top 15 Beaches in the World” for its soft sands and quiet atmosphere compared to other New Jersey beach towns. The rustic boardwalk makes for a peaceful stroll overlooking the Atlantic. Its simplicity keeps the beach below at a perfect volume for reading, building sandcastles with the family, or simply relaxing in the sun.
The beach is also conveniently located within walking distance of downtown Ocean Grove, where visitors can grab a sweet treat at places like Days Ice Cream or the Ocean Grove Bake Shoppe. As you explore, admire the Victorian architecture scattered throughout the town, or join a Historic Walking Tour offered on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from June through September. Additional 2024 events include the town’s Giant Craft Show on June 15th, the Bridgefest Concert on June 28th, and the Summer Stroll Fine Art show on July 20th.
Final Thoughts
When you envision a day trip or vacation in New Jersey, your mind may go to the busier beach towns like Atlantic City. And while these bustling resort towns are popular for a reason, the state has so much to offer beyond its amusement parks and crowded boardwalks. Whether combing the pebbly shores of Sunset Beach for "Cape May Diamonds” or exploring Princeton’s grand Gothic buildings, New Jersey may just surprise you with the unique ways it will take your breath away.
