8 Main Streets Where New Jersey Comes Alive
New Jersey, widely known as the “Garden State,” stands out in the heart of the Mid-Atlantic, carrying the spirit of America's legacy. Often called “the Crossroads of the Revolution” for the over 100 battles fought against the British during the American Revolution, New Jersey may be compact in size, yet it features a remarkably varied geographical landscape. With towns centered around highland peaks, flowing rivers, sloping valleys, sandy beaches, and peaceful wetlands, visitors to the Garden State can appreciate historically significant settings alongside natural beauty. Beyond its more recognizable locations like Asbury Park and Atlantic City, several smaller communities are among the best places to visit in New Jersey, with main streets that come alive with local culture, historic character, and natural ambience. With destinations like Asbury Avenue in Ocean City, with its friendly seaside boardwalk, and Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair, filled with storefronts and galleries running through the Peckman River, here are 8 main streets for visitors looking to explore exciting things to do in New Jersey.
Cape May — Washington Street
Cape May is often regarded as one of the nation’s first beach resort towns and sits at the southern tip of New Jersey along the Atlantic Coastal Plain. Visitors looking to blend architectural appreciation with seaside fun will surely look to Cape May when planning their New Jersey weekend trips. Over 600 restored Victorian-style structures line city blocks while tourists enjoy parasailing, jetskiing, kayaking, and whale watching along captivating shores of the Atlantic Coast. Cape May’s Washington Street features three pedestrian-friendly blocks of boutiques, restaurants and bars at their renowned mall, dedicated in 1971 as part of an urban renewal project. Travellers can book a stay at the many Airbnb and hotel lodging options in or around the mall to experience easy access to trolley tours and museums, such as the Harriet Tubman Museum of New Jersey, where guided tours bring to life important pieces of American legacy. Popular eateries at the Washington Street Mall include Quincy’s Original Lobster Rolls, and Louisa’s Cafe, serving farm-to-table seafood specialties. Visitors are welcome to Cape May at any time of year, with a plethora of annual events like the Exit Zero Jazz Festival in spring and fall, Cape May Music Festival in spring and summer, Oktoberfest, and Victorian Weekend. With Cape May being one of the best towns in New Jersey, Washington Street is a must-visit destination.
Montclair — Bloomfield Avenue
A culturally abundant suburban township for artists, actors, writers, musicians and creatives, Montclair rests upon the Piedmont Plateau within the Passaic River Basin. Montclair is set along the rolling backdrop of the Watchung Mountains, featuring a wealth of hiking trails and nature reserves, like Eagle Rock Reservation and Mills Reservation. Historically recognized as a commuter town due to its railroad legacy in the 1800s, Montclair is most known for its diverse communities, social activism, and a number of historical figures who came from, or currently reside in the town, including astronaut Buzz Aldrin and comedian Stephen Colbert. What is remarkable about Montclair is the number of its downtown areas: Upper Montclair, Watchung Plaza, and South Montclair, with its most notable main street, Bloomfield Avenue. This long stretch of road extends parallel to various art and commercial districts and is home to an active culinary scene, featuring restaurants and localities for fine dining and casual eats alike, making it one of the best places to visit in New Jersey. Staple establishments like Raymond’s and De Novo European Pub serve up quality American staples, while Zeugma Mediterranean Grill and Samba Brazilian restaurant cater to international appetites. Visitors can take a stroll through the Montclair Art Museum or the Avis Campbell Gardens, or enjoy stand-up comedy and live performances at the Wellmont Theatre. Bloomfield Avenue and Montclair will surely captivate travellers from all over with a seemingly endless list of family-friendly things to do in New Jersey.
Lambertville — Bridge Street
A quaint riverside town, Lambertville sits peacefully on the banks of the Delaware River, opposite New Hope, Pennsylvania, and is regarded by USA Today as one of the best small towns in New Jersey. Also mentioned in travel publications of cute towns in New Jersey, Lambertville owes part of its charm to landmarks like the beautifully restored Lambertville Station—a former 19th-century train depot turned restaurant and inn that anchors the town’s walkable historic district. Incorporated in 1849 and having nearly 4,000 residents, Lambertville may be one of the smaller locations on this list, yet is brimming with a close-knit sense of community. Bridge Street, the town’s main corridor, crosses through the Delaware River into New Hope via the historic New Hope-Lambertville Bridge, constructed in the early 1900s. A scenic drive on the bridge entices visitors with panoramic tree-lined riversides and the calming flow of the Delaware River. Treasure hunters will rejoice with plenty to explore, as this cozy destination features a collection of local thrift boutiques and antique shops like The People’s Store Antiques and Design Center, and Bridge Street Antiques, offering a wide range of artworks, decor, and charms to lighten up living spaces back home. History buffs can satisfy their curiosity at the Lambertville Historical Society, with guided and self-guided walking tours on the town’s origins. Be sure to pack a camera as a nighttime walk through Lambertville provides many opportunities to capture the New Hope-Lambertville Bridge illuminated by decorative lighting!
Ocean City — Asbury Avenue
For travellers seeking the best downtowns in New Jersey, Ocean City is a clear winner, with its unique placement on a barrier island surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and the Great Egg Harbor Bay. A rich ecology characterizes the region, with marshlands and beaches providing ample habitats for seabirds, fish and coastal wildlife flourish. Ocean City’s atmosphere is intentionally family-centric, known for being a dry town where alcohol sales are prohibited, creating a peaceful rhythm that sets it apart from more party-driven beach destinations. Nevertheless, this beachside city boasts plenty of things to do in New Jersey. Asbury Avenue stretches across the heart of the island, linking directly to the beloved Ocean City Boardwalk—a year-round attraction filled with eateries, rides, arcades, and kid-friendly diversions. Warm-weather months bring the boardwalk to life, especially between Memorial Day and Labor Day, when bike rentals line the shore and families pedal along its 2.5-mile path. Outdoor enthusiasts can dedicate entire trips around fishing, hiking, kayaking, and paddle boarding at its generous amount of sandy beach coves encircling the island. The Ocean City History District offers walking tours on and around Asbury Avenue, where Victorian-style architecture creates a comfortable atmosphere that helps travellers feel at home.
Ridgewood — Ridgewood Avenue
Consistently ranked as having one of the best downtowns in New Jersey, Ridgewood’s architecture stands at a crossroads between late 19th and early 20th century Victorian, Tudor, and Colonial revival styles. Crafted buildings with ornate woodwork, gabled roofs, and symmetrical design pay tribute to the early settlers who once called Ridgewood home. The town’s economy gained steam from its railway development linking the rich rural landscape with city commuters looking to live away from the urban bustle. This ushered in an era of modernization that gave Ridgewood its distinctive flavor of “past-meets-present.” Ridgewood Avenue leads all throughout the downtown area as a hallway to the vibrant culture echoing through every courtyard, restaurant, boutique, and market. A walking adventure can start at Van Neste Square, where visitors can feel the pulse of the city surrounded by verdant foliage, making their way into local staples like Steel Wheel Tavern, dishing out hometown specialties and beverages. Those interested in learning about Ridgewood’s humble origins may visit the Ridgewood Historical Society Museum, housed at a restored 1872 schoolhouse. Additionally, the James Rose Center offers a glimpse into his life and history as a landscape architect instrumental to Ridgewood’s success. Local productions are frequent at the Kasschau Memorial Shell, which showcases the town’s sense of community with concerts, plays, and holiday celebrations happening year-round.
Haddonfield — Kings Highway
Because of its preserved historic core, Haddonfield stands out among the cute towns in New Jersey. Having deep roots in Quaker and colonial-era commerce, a walk through the lively Kings Highway in downtown Haddonfield will take travelers back in time, as the street itself was constructed as part of New Jersey’s oldest road systems in the US, originally laid out by the British. This street serves as Haddonfield’s primary commercial and cultural artery, with brick sidewalks leading to its many specialty shops, bakeries, and galleries extending for blocks. To learn more about the borough’s history, visitors can spend a day at the Haddonfield Historical Society & Greenfield Hall, with preserved artifacts and exhibits sharing its Quaker origins. The National Register of Historic Places cites Haddonfield’s historic district for its cultural and architectural importance, so that even the meandering King’s Highway gives visitors the feeling of walking through a museum. The spirit of Haddonfield’s community can be experienced at the monthly farmers markets, sidewalk sales, and car shows, in addition to year-round events like the Haddonfield Crafts & Fine Arts Festival. With an abundance of relaxing things to do in New Jersey, Kings Highway leads to a traveller’s dream come true.
Red Bank — Monmouth Street
The riverside borough of Red Bank is popularly known for its bustling arts district and commitment to preserving its musical and creative legacy, providing visitors with plenty of engaging things to do in New Jersey. Film buffs would be delighted to know that many of director Kevin Smith’s iconic films were directly inspired by this special town, with many scenes being shot in Red Bank. The Count Basie Center For The Arts, right off of Monmouth Street, is a 1,543-seat theatre celebrating the originality of legendary jazz composer Count Basie with jazz and rock performances, stand-up comedy, and theatre productions echoing through its halls. A short drive through Monmouth Street reveals a hip, urban style from its residents that earned it the nickname the “SoHo of New Jersey.” Thrift restaurants and coffee shops sit between thrift stores and boutiques, where tourists browse stylish outfits that help to blend in with the locals. Visitors can photograph lasting memories at Riverside Gardens Park, a haven for natural scenery and relaxation, as well as quick access to the RiverCenter, a community hub dedicated to keeping the spirit of Red Bank alive through cultural and artistic development.
Princeton — Palmer Square
Palmer Square adorns the lively college town of Princeton, home to prestigious Ivy League Princeton University. Conceived in the 1920s by alumnus Edgar Palmer to complement the historic campus, the beautiful downtown center acts as a gathering ground for students, creatives, locals, and curious visitors. The Nassau Inn at the center of Palmer Square anchors tourists to a central location where they can explore brick-paved walkways framed by Georgian-style architecture. Downtown Princeton attracts tourists and locals to sample scrumptious local specialties at restaurants like The Bent Spoon and Mediterra Restaurant. Tours of Princeton University showcase spectacular construction dating back to 1756, including the towering Gothic-style Princeton University Chapel. Tickets to a performance at McCarter Theatre are the end to a perfect date night in Palmer’s Square, while the streets come to life with live music and street performers. In addition, be sure to pay a visit to the several memorial gardens that showcase the natural beauty of Princeton, along with commemorative landmarks. Among the many things to do in New Jersey, a nature walk at the 153-acre Wood Reserve offers a peaceful respite from the busy nightlife at Palmer Square.
From Shore to Riverbank: The Spirit of New Jersey Endures
Whether meandering wistfully in search of eye-catching attractions, sampling local culinary specialties, or taking in the cool East Coast air on a calming drive, these eight main streets from the best small towns in New Jersey offer more than just a fleeting change of scenery-they open doors to living stories. Places like Kings Highway East and Monmouth Street are passages into new perspectives as each town safeguards its independent spirit, cultural memory, and long-standing traditions. From every family-owned shop, historic landmark, and seasonal festival, travelers planning their next New Jersey weekend trip will arrive with the promise of a genuine appreciation for what the Garden State has to offer.
