8 Nicest Small Towns In New Jersey
New Jersey’s nicest towns put their best features close together. Clinton pairs the Red Mill Museum Village with a walkable riverfront and the Hunterdon Art Museum. Morristown surrounds the Green with Revolutionary War history, the Mayo Performing Arts Center, and late-night drinks at the Laundromat. Along the coast, Manasquan offers a lively downtown near Algonquin Arts Theatre and Manasquan Beach. Cape May adds Victorian streets, Washington Street Mall, and oceanfront stays to the list. Tour the nicest towns in the state, and you may just decide to stay a while.
Livingston
The township of Livingston is incredibly friendly due to its local events that bring people together, warm, welcoming restaurants and shops, and a very family-oriented community. A fan-favorite uptown spot is Calabria Pizzeria and Restaurant, a casual, family-friendly spot serving locally made pizzas. In the heart of town is the iconic Memorial Park and Oval, which has a couple of soccer fields, a baseball field, a softball field, and an adjacent gazebo that's perfect for gatherings, get-togethers, and community events. One of those community events is the Summer Concert Series, which takes place on four Wednesdays in July and is free for everyone to enjoy music performed by local artists.
On Northfield Road is Crystal Plaza, a whimsical event venue that hosts weddings, corporate functions, celebrations, and film and television shoots. The plaza was once a 19th-century mansion that became an event venue in 1917, and has remained a staple in the community for timely events that make people feel like they are in a luxurious mansion from the late 1800s. At the northern tip of town is Lithos Estiatorio, a hidden gem on Eisenhower Parkway serving elegant Greek cuisine in a relaxed setting, all with that savory Mediterranean flair.
Clinton
Right off Interstate 78 is Clinton, an incredibly picturesque and walkable community with a stunning riverfront and historical museums. One of two museums to see in town is the Red Mill Museum Village, which centers on the 1810 Hunt’s Mill and preserves the region’s agricultural and industrial history. The museum also hosts lectures, workshops, historical reenactments, and weddings. The second museum to explore is the Hunterdon Art Museum, which was once a stone mill until 1952, when it was converted into the art space that it is today. The museum houses contemporary art, crafts, designs, and sculptures created by local, regional, and international artists. The museum also hosts classes and workshops for upcoming artists to improve their craft.
Just south of the Red Mill Village Museum is the Clinton House, a luxurious restaurant serving American fare since 1743. The restaurant hosts private events and tasting events, making for lavish nights out on the town. Just outside town is Spruce Run Recreation Area, a 1,290-acre park with approximately 15 miles of shoreline along Spruce Run Reservoir. The area has a campsite, picnic areas, and places to go bird-watching on a relaxing day.
Morristown
Morristown is an incredibly walkable downtown with a lively downtown, rich Colonial history, and a thriving arts and entertainment culture. On the eastern edge of downtown is Ford Mansion, aka George Washington's Winter Headquarters. Visitors can tour the Ford Mansion with a National Park Service guide and learn about George Washington’s headquarters during the Continental Army’s 1779-1780 winter encampment. In the middle of town is the iconic Morristown Green, a pleasant green space with its history dating back to the Native American and Colonial Era. The park once served as the training ground for the Continental Army during its winter encampments. Now, the park is a relaxing space to enjoy gardens and local community events that bring the town together.
On South Street is the Mayo Performing Arts Center, which is the premier spot in town that hosts local plays, musicals, concerts, comedy shows, and live performances. The theatre also has an art gallery and hosts art classes, programs, and workshops for people of all ages looking to get their foot in the door in the theatre and acting industry. Further up on Dehart Street is the Laundromat, a bar that at first looks like a typical laundromat, but the timely bar is found downstairs. The bar hosts private events, live music, and is one of the best places in town to grab drinks with friends and colleagues at night.
Cape May
The coastal city of Cape May is an incredibly tight-knit community full of alluring beaches, historical Victorian-style architecture, and is fabulously pedestrian-friendly. The best spot in town during the summer is Cape May Beach, where people can soak up the sun, play beach volleyball, surf, kayak, swim, and fish at the southernmost point of the state. The Beach is very easy to get to from town and is close to numerous local hotels and restaurants. One of those glorious hotels to spend the weekend in town is the Montreal Beach Resort, which offers stunning ocean views, an oceanfront pool, and two panoramic sun decks. On-site is Harry's Ocean Bar and Grille, where guests can enjoy delicious food, lavish drinks, attend wedding parties and events, and listen to live music.
Up in the heart of downtown is the Washington Street Mall, an outdoor mall with numerous shops and restaurants aligned with walkable brick sidewalks and quaint fountains and small gardens, adding to the liveliness. One of those places to visit and enjoy a meal at is the Cape May Fish Market, where patrons can enjoy oyster shooters, jumbo shrimp, steamed lobster, an eight-ounce filet mignon, and crab cakes. Down on Decatur Street are the iconic Victorian-style houses, as the city has the second-largest collection of 19th-century-style homes, only behind San Francisco.
Frenchtown
Up on the banks of the Delaware River is Frenchtown, a borough with a wonderful arts and culture scene, adorable shops, and alluring nature. South of town is the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park, where visitors and locals can explore over 70 miles of multi-use paths. There is an 8.9-mile-long trail from the borough to Bulls Island, taking in the scenic views of the Delaware River. Just north of the park is Wild Fern Brewing, a brewery with river views that serves refreshing, locally crafted beer, such as Fawn, Wave, and Garden, along with snacks like cheese plates and smoked rainbow trout.
Right near the heart of downtown is ArtYard, an art center with numerous galleries displaying paintings, sculptures, and photographs created by local and regional artists. The center also hosts workshops, live dance shows, campus tours, and open studios. On Race Street is The National Hotel, a historic lodging property with guest rooms, a remodeled bar, and a restaurant serving contemporary Asian-inspired cuisine.
Haddonfield
Just east of Philadelphia is Haddonfield, a borough with a lovely downtown, warm, welcoming shops, and Colonial history. The Indian King Tavern Museum was built in 1730 and operated as a tavern from 1777 until 1873. The building also served as a meeting place for the state's first legislature, and since the 1980s, it has been a museum. A short walk from the museum is Umile Trattoria, a restaurant serving authentic Italian cuisine in a relaxed, upbeat setting. Patrons can order crafted pastas, signature pizzas like the shrimp vodka pizza, and crispy calamari for the true taste of Italy near their backyard.
On the southern end of town is Haddonfield Plays and Players, a community theater that presents plays, musicals, and family productions. The theater also provides education for the community and welcomes volunteers who want to help with the theater. Back downtown, King's Road Brewing Company is a lively brewery serving stimulating beers, such as King's Gold, Squeeze of the Day, and Beach Party, just to name a few. The brewery has a Mug Club for people to join and hosts events, trivia nights, and live music, getting the party started.
Manasquan
One of the most iconic shore towns to explore in the state is Manasquan, a tight-knit community with incredible independent shops, a vibrant arts culture, and a pedestrian-friendly downtown. Manasquan Beach is a great surfing spot, a place to catch some waves, or to relax and soak up the sun. The beach is within walking distance of local shops and restaurants, and for dog owners, leashed dogs are permitted only from October 1 through April 15 and are not allowed on the boardwalk. One of those local shops to visit is Surf and Sun Shoppe, a souvenir store selling gifts, apparel, locally produced saltwater taffy, and stickers for out-of-towners and out-of-staters who make the trek to the shore.
Also downtown is the Algonquin Arts Theatre, a local theatre showcasing musicals, plays, and concerts. The theatre offers classes for people of all ages, workshops, and internships for the next generation of actors. Just up the street is Coast Golf, a private indoor simulator facility where golfers can practice with shot analysis and play virtual rounds on more than 250 courses.
Woodcliff Lake
Up in Bergen County is Woodcliff Lake, a family-friendly borough with a stunning reservoir, relaxing parks, and a local dining scene. At the eastern end of town is Wood Dale County Park, a calming green space with a delightful pond at its center and tennis courts. The park is also dog-friendly and has numerous bike and walking paths to explore. A quick drive away from the park is Adelaide, a lovely restaurant to try during a date night or a dinner with friends and family.
Casa Del Sole is a timely deli on Broadway that has been in operation since 1972, serving a variety of sandwiches with cold cuts, cooked meats, and an infinite number of warm, hearty breads.
Relax in the Nicest Towns in the State
Each of these eight nice towns offers something unique and special for anyone from out of town or out of state, with their vibrant parks, walkable downtowns, and local shops and restaurants. Manasquan and Cape May welcome visitors with their stunning beaches; Frenchtown and Haddonfield have an energetic arts and culture scene; and Morristown is an incredible place to explore local bars, parks, and museums. New Jersey's nicest towns always shine with their vibrant scenery, history, and navigable streets, welcoming people from far and wide to enjoy their diverse amenities.
