7 Bucket-List Small Towns In New Jersey
Whether you are a history buff, an art lover, or someone who wants a quiet weekend away, New Jersey's small towns have something for you. Uncover the state's must-see spots, and discover what makes each one a worthwhile addition to your travel plans. Get ready to see a side of New Jersey you may not have known existed.
Picture roadside farm stands, blooming orchards, the landscapes that earned it the Garden State name, and a collection of wonderful small towns worthy of any bucket list. These communities offer a slower pace of life, rich in history, art, and local culture. From the historic streets of Clinton to the seaside relaxation of Cape May, there are plenty of destinations waiting to be discovered.
Lambertville
Lambertville, located on the banks of the Delaware River, is a haven for art lovers and antique collectors. The town’s streets are lined with independent galleries and shops, making it a great place to spend a day browsing for one-of-a-kind finds. A major draw is the Golden Nugget Antique Flea Market, where you can hunt for treasures and vintage items. The town's creative spirit is evident everywhere, from the public art displays to the carefully preserved historic architecture. It has a relaxed, artistic vibe that encourages you to slow down and appreciate the details. The proximity to the river adds to the town's pleasant atmosphere, with the New Hope-Lambertville Bridge connecting it to its Pennsylvanian neighbor.
For those looking to get some fresh air, a hike up to Goat Hill Overlook provides great views of the river and the surrounding landscape. To learn about the area's agricultural past, visit the Holcombe-Jimison Farmstead Museum. In the evening, you can find live music and excellent food at venues like Under the Moon Cafe, which serves Latin-inspired dishes. Just across the river, the Bucks County Playhouse, a former gristmill, hosts a variety of performances, including musical revivals and children's shows.
Clinton
The town of Clinton is immediately recognizable for its iconic Red Mill Museum Village. This historic gristmill, painted a striking red, sits on the South Branch of the Raritan River and serves as the town's centerpiece. The museum includes the mill and several other buildings that showcase the area's 19th-century industrial history. Downtown is the Hunterdon Art Museum, housed in a 19th-century stone mill. This institution focuses on contemporary art and design, presenting rotating exhibits and hosting workshops for all ages. The two mills, standing opposite each other, create a memorable visual and represent the town's history and modern creativity.
Beyond the museums, Clinton provides ample opportunity for recreation. Spruce Run Reservoir is a nearby spot for swimming, camping, and boating during the warmer months. For foodies, a stop at Fourchette is a must; it's a specialty shop for gourmet cheese lovers. The town also hosts seasonal events like the Uncork Summer Wine Festival, which brings together local wineries and food vendors.
Cranford
Often called the "Venice of New Jersey" due to the Rahway River that winds through its center, Cranford is a community with a classic American downtown. The town is known for its well-maintained parks and active community life. One of the main attractions is Nomahegan Park, where you can walk along shaded trails that are especially nice during the fall foliage season. The river itself is a focal point for activity; the Cranford Canoe Club rents out canoes, allowing you to paddle through the heart of town and see it from a different perspective.
Cranford’s downtown area is alive with local businesses and community events. You can catch a movie at the historic Cranford Theater, a restored cinema that shows a mix of new releases and classic films. The town also hosts the Cranford Street Fair, which features live music, food trucks, and activities for kids.
Princeton
While it is famous for its Ivy League university, Princeton is much more than just a college town. It is a place where history, culture, and intellectual energy meet. The university's campus is an attraction in its own right, boasting collegiate Gothic architecture and well-maintained grounds. Beyond the campus, Princeton has a rich history that can be seen at Princeton Battlefield State Park, the site of a key battle in the American Revolution. Within the park, the Princeton Battle Monument commemorates this important event.
There are activities for every season in Princeton. Terhune Orchards is a popular spot for apple picking in the fall and wine tasting year-round. In the winter, Carnegie Lake becomes a destination for ice skating, while in the summer, it's used for kayaking and picnicking. For a simple treat, a cone from The Bent Spoon is a local tradition, with the shop serving up artisanal ice cream in inventive flavors.
Spring Lake
Spring Lake is a refined Jersey Shore town known for its well-preserved Victorian architecture and tranquil boardwalk. Unlike some of its more boisterous neighbors, Spring Lake maintains a quiet and relaxed atmosphere. The town is built around a large, spring-fed lake from which it gets its name, surrounded by a lovely park. A great way to get around is to rent a bicycle from Pedego Electric Bikes and cruise through the tree-lined streets to admire the grand homes. The commercial-free Spring Lake Boardwalk is a main attraction, running alongside Belmar Beach. It is a wide, clean stretch for strolling or jogging, with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and stately houses on the other.
The beach itself is broad and well-maintained, making it ideal for swimming and sunbathing in a serene setting. For a change of scenery, Marucci Memorial Park on Lake Como is a great place for a picnic. Grab a sandwich from a local spot like Joseph's Delicatessen and find a spot by the water before heading downtown to shop high-end boutiques and take in the town's sophisticated, low-key approach to shore life.
Cape May
As a National Historic Landmark city, Cape May stands out for its remarkable concentration of Victorian-era buildings. This seaside resort town at the southern tip of New Jersey has a timeless quality, with horse-drawn carriages and colorful gingerbread houses lining the streets. Its character goes beyond architecture. Cape May State Park is a key destination for nature lovers, with trails for hiking, good spots for fishing, and a reputation as a prime location for birding. The park is also home to the historic Cape May Lighthouse, which you can climb for panoramic views of the coast.
The waters off the coast are teeming with marine life, and the Cape May Whale Watch & Research Center runs boat tours that give you a chance to see dolphins and whales in their natural habitat. For a taste of local agriculture, the Cape May Winery & Vineyard has a taproom for tastings, serves tapas and brunch, and runs tours of its vineyards. For a truly special stay, Beach Plum Farm has guest cottages and a wide array of activities, from egg collecting to stargazing.
Montclair
Montclair is a dynamic, culturally rich suburb that feels more like a small city. Located just a short distance from Manhattan, it has a cosmopolitan energy while retaining a strong sense of community. The town is known for its diverse dining scene, arts and culture, and residential neighborhoods.
First on your list should be Van Vleck House & Gardens, an 1868 Italianate villa surrounded by lush gardens. Next, Edgemont Park is a central community gathering spot, with a pond and a World War I memorial. For a burst of color, the Presby Memorial Iris Gardens are a must-see, with thousands of irises blooming in May and June.
New Jersey's small towns are full of surprises, each providing a slice of the Garden State's character. From the riverside arts scene of Lambertville to the historic battlefield in Princeton, these communities are rich with culture, history, and local flavor. You can spend a weekend relaxing on the quiet shores of Spring Lake or paddling down the river in Cranford.
These towns demonstrate that there is much more to New Jersey than the major highways and urban centers might suggest. They invite you to slow down, connect with local life, and discover the diverse landscapes and histories that make the state so interesting. So next time you are planning a trip, look beyond the usual destinations and give one of New Jersey's small towns a try. You might just find your new favorite place.
