8 Easygoing Small Towns in New Jersey
New Jersey is a state full of amazing communities, whether they're near major cities like New York and Philadelphia, have instant access to lush forests, or have beaches that make the "Jersey Shore" an iconic place to spend a weekend. Many towns in the state are inviting with that laid-back and relaxing feeling, making them amazing spots to visit for those wanting a break from the hustle and bustle of a big city. These warm, welcoming, and easygoing communities truly shine a welcoming light on New Jersey.
Lambertville
On the banks of the Delaware River is the pleasant city of Lambertville. The city is full of beautiful scenery, thanks to the adjacent river and luscious forests surrounding the area, amazing local shops and restaurants, and is nicknamed the "Antique Store Capital of the state." Stores like Bridge Street Antiques and A Touch of the Past Antiques are examples of stores that sell unique and quirky products not found in major retailers and are attractive eye-catchers.
A low-key landmark to visit in town is the James Wilson Marshall House, which is a museum and the current headquarters of the Lambertville Historical Society. Tours of the house occur on weekends from the last weekend of April to the last weekend of October, where people can see period furniture and photographs.
Down the street is the Lambertville Station Restaurant and Inn, a luxurious hotel and a breath of beauty welcoming travelers from far and wide. The rooms in the hotel are beautiful, the hotel hosts weddings and private events, and the restaurant in the lobby serves high-quality meals and drinks that have guests returning for more. Natural trails to explore that go through town include the Delaware and Raritan Trail, which is an 18.3-mile-long trail perfect for mountain biking, walking, and running, while enjoying the peaceful scenery.
Clinton
The township of Clinton invites visitors to breathe deep and relax, thanks to its historical charm, natural beauty in the area, with the Raritan River flowing through it, and it has a lovely arts scene in the community. The Red Mill Museum Village is a historical site that was a wool mill from 1820 to 1920 and has an endless number of artifacts and small buildings to explore and can host events and weddings. Across the river is the Hunterdon Art Museum, which used to be a stone mill, and has a focus on contemporary art, craft, and the work of local and regional artists.
A top-notch spot to enjoy a cozy dinner for the evening is the Clinton House, which is on the western end of town and retains an 18th-century allure for its patrons. The restaurant also hosts private events and tasting events for everyone to enjoy. The rest of downtown is walkable, historic, and has plenty of amazing shops and restaurants to enjoy, from the likes of the Props Stop, which sells physical and digital art and hosts events in a loving space filled with much-needed plant therapy, and Dora's Restaurant, where patrons can enjoy some freshly made Italian cuisine.
Cape May
An easygoing Jersey Shore icon that is a must-visit for everyone in the state is the coastal city of Cape May. Although the iconic Shore Point doesn't have a boardwalk, Cape May Beach more than makes up for it with its charm and variety. The beach is family-friendly, and people can go surfing, play beach volleyball, go kayaking, and go fishing.
Across from the sandy shoreline is the Montreal Beach Resort, one of many hotels giving its guests astonishing views of the Atlantic Ocean and the adjacent beach. The resort has amazing amenities like a heated outdoor pool, its own beach club, a wine cellar, and can host weddings and other events. Harry's Ocean Bar and Grille also calls the resort home, where patrons can enjoy spectacular meals and further enjoy the views of the ocean.
Further into town is the historic and wonderful Washington Street Mall, which has warm, welcoming shops and restaurants to explore and enjoy. Along the brick walkway, visitors and residents can enjoy places like Coffee Tyme At The Mall for a freshly brewed cup of coffee and a fresh pastry to begin the day, and Across the Way for some lovely and memorable gifts down the shore. Besides the cozy atmosphere of the mall, the Historic District of the city has breathtaking Victorian Architecture, adding to the tranquil atmosphere for those visiting from out of town.
Manasquan
The borough of Manasquan is an amazing Shore Point town to enjoy a tranquil day or weekend, to kick back and take in the area, thanks to a less commercialized vibe throughout the community, and of course, the gorgeous beaches. Manasquan Beach is renowned for its glorious sand and is an excellent spot for surfing. Another natural spot to enjoy in town is the Fisherman's Cove Conservation Area, which is a perfect spot for birdwatching, hiking, has a beach of its own on the coast of the Manasquan River, and is also a great place to go fishing. Dogs are allowed in the area but must be on a leash at all times.
Not too far from the beach is the Osprey, a local nightclub and bar that's been open since 1946 and is quite the spot to enjoy a night out on the town when visiting the community. The venue hosts events and has seasonal rooms for guests to spend the night or weekend in town. Further up Main Street is the Algonquin Arts Theatre, where people can enjoy musicals, plays, and concerts for a whimsical night or weekend. The theatre also provides educational programs for those wanting to learn more about the arts, theatrics, and performances.
Allentown
Allentown is another historical, warm, welcoming community with well-preserved 18th and 19th century architecture and small-town vibes for travelers seeking some relaxation. A great place to begin the morning is the Moth Coffeehouse, which serves fresh gourmet coffee, tea, and homemade baked goods, including cakes and specialty desserts, with scenic views of Conines Millpond nearby.
Just next door is the Old Mill Crafters' Guild, where visitors and residents can find handcrafted objects ranging from pottery, stained glass, jewelry, birdhouses, and more created by local artists. Further up Old York Road is a quaint and relaxing downtown with local shops, bakeries, and restaurants to enjoy. Gaston's Bakeshop is a lovely place purchase cakes, cookies, macaroons, and more for catering and for custom orders. La Piazza Ristorante is a local gem serving patrons wood-fired pizza, pasta dishes, paninis, and much more in a calm and picturesque space. La Piazza also does catering for events and accepts reservations.
Ridgewood
In Bergen County, the village of Ridgewood boasts a walkable downtown area and a unique selection of shops and restaurants for visitors and residents to enjoy. In the center of town is Van Nestle Square Memorial Park, which offers visitors and residents well-maintained green spaces with memorials honoring veterans who have served. There are plenty of benches in the park, a perfect spot to enjoy the birds chirping and the village bustling. This vantage point also provides access to local shops and restaurants in downtown. Not far from the park, Village Green Restaurant is an intimate BYOB establishment serving patrons New American cuisine in a historic building with a warm, welcoming interior.
On the northern end of town is the Kasschau Memorial Shell in Graydon Park, an iconic community spot that hosts summer concerts. Graydon Park also features a pool, baseball fields, softball fields, and soccer fields. Free parking is available behind the Ridgewood Library, and visitors can bring dogs and blankets for evening concerts under the stars. On the eastern end of town is the Schoolhouse Museum, which also houses the Ridgewood Historical and Preservation Society. Built in 1872, the Schoolhouse preserves the village’s history, with artifacts on display for current and future generations to learn about the community's past.
Ocean City
About 32 miles to 35 miles north of Cape May is the coastal city of Ocean City, which is renowned for its strict dry "no alcohol" policy and has been nicknamed "America's Greatest Family Resort." The Ocean City Beach Boardwalk is full of local shops, like Ocean Treasures, which sells gifts and souvenirs, restaurants, like Clancy's By The Sea, a casual eatery that serves seafood and gives patrons exquisite views of the ocean, and amusement parks, like Playland's Castaway Cove, which has plenty of family-friendly rides for everyone to enjoy. The Ocean City Beach is one of the main drawing points of the city during the summer, as people can go surfing, play volleyball, and enjoy a relaxing stroll on the sand.
Further in town on Haven Avenue is the Ocean City Historical Museum, where residents and visitors can learn more about the city's past, see heirlooms and other artifacts, and host local community events for all to enjoy. A slow-paced and upbeat hotel to spend the weekend, while also taking in the scenic Atlantic views, is the Port-O-Call Hotel. The hotel's guests are treated to soothing decor, wonderful in-hotel amenities, and the hotel can host weddings, meetings, and other various events, making for endless memories and stories to tell.
Freehold
On the western end of Monmouth County is Freehold, a community with a vibrant and walkable downtown with historic buildings and modern amenities. Just south of town is Turkey Swamp, a 2,388-acre park located at the northern edge of the Pine Barrens region. The park features 64 campsites, which open in April, four simple hiking trails, and the Turkey Swamp Lake is in the center of the park, where people can go boating and kayaking.
In town, people can visit the Monmouth County Historical Association Museum and learn more about the town's past, explore exhibits displaying artifacts collected over the years, dating back to the Revolutionary War, and see the painting of George Washington during the Battle of Monmouth. In the center of town is the American Hotel, where its guests are treated to a New Orleans-style hotel with an elegant interior, cozy suites, and can host weddings and other various events. The Standard Restaurant for those craving American Fare with some extra flair. Other restaurants to visit outside of the hotel include Ramen Nagomi and Aarzu Modern Indian Bistro, for some other diverse options.
Easygoing Communities in the Garden State
When it comes to easygoing communities, "the Garden State" has its residents and visitors covered with diverse, nature-friendly, and warm, welcoming towns offering something different for all to enjoy. From exploring Turkey Swamp Lake in Freehold to enjoying a relaxing weekend on the shore in Ocean City, Cape May, or Manasquan, these communities have something special in their own way, making them must-visit places during weekends away from major cities.
New Jersey's towns also preserve the history of the founding of the nation with a strong sense of community, with ease of access between New York and Philadelphia. When it is time to unwind from the hustle and bustle, New Jersey offers incredible options and will keep the lights on for a weekend visit.
