The Most Underrated Towns In New Jersey
If you can resist the bright lights and razzle-dazzle of Atlantic City, you’ll find a softer side to the Garden State. From the quiet shores of Avalon to the historical charm of Morristown, these New Jersey towns fly woefully under the radar. They are where you can explore George Washington’s military base for the Continental Army in Morristown, or grab a pint at a 250-year-old tavern in Bridgeton. From the salty sea air in Avalon to the storybook village of Frenchtown, adventure awaits once you get off the New Jersey Turnpike in 2025!
Waldwick
Waldwick often gets overshadowed by the bigger towns in Bergen County, like Ridgewood or Hohokus, but its charm is undeniable. It blends historical Victorian-era architecture with manicured parks, which makes it one of the best smaller villages in the state. Museums like The Hermitage aren’t big or flashy, but offer a rare glimpse into the rich history of the area. Even the local watering holes, like the Barn Original, are amazing. The restaurant is set inside an old 1779 dairy barn, serving up fantastic American cuisine and tasty cocktails.
There are small parks in Waldwick, like the Irene Habernickel Family Park that overlooks the Hohokus Creek, where families often gather to walk the scenic waterfront trails. A short drive from central Waldwick are delightful farmer’s markets, like Abma's Farm Market, Greenhouse, and Barnyard Petting Zoo. Offering seasonal events, a petting zoo, and a small shop, it’s a great way to spend a weekend afternoon.
Cranbury
Sandwiched between New York City to the north and Philadelphia to the south is one of New Jersey’s oldest communities, Cranbury. While there is speculation as to the origin of the name, many believe it was named after the cranberries that grew in the marshy area around town. Cranbury is a very old town, from the Victorian-era architecture to the shaded tree-lined streets. The most beloved stop in town is the Cranbury Inn, which has been operational since the 1750s. It witnessed the American Revolution, was a stop on the Underground Railroad, and operates as a charming restaurant serving up classic American fare.
Cranbury is so much more than idyllic city streets and historical buildings. There are lovely green spaces in the area, like Village Park, where you can go for a walk along the scenic banks of Brainerd Lake. Outside of central Cranbury, the Cranbury Brook Preserve provides 50 acres of wooded views, shaded hiking trails, and excellent opportunities for bird watching.
Frenchtown
In western New Jersey, along the banks of the Delaware River, is Frenchtown, a place where quiet water views meet quaint shops and restaurants. It has a storybook vibe to it, with its colorful New England-colored storefronts and pristine brick sidewalks. Walking down Bridge Street, you’ll find inviting diners like the Frenchtown Cafe and local parks like Sunbeam Lenape Park, where you can watch the sun set over the water across the state line over into Pennsylvania.
The best way to enjoy the scenery in Frenchtown is via the D&R Canal Towpath Ride. Located right off River Street, you can hike or ride your bike down the paved trail that traces the Delaware River. Along the way, you can admire the classical architecture of Frenchtown, as well as historical lock houses and old stone bridges. If you ride far enough south on the trail, you’ll even get to see the Frenchtown Community Garden!
Allentown
East of Trenton, Allentown is a rustic retreat in the greenbelt of New Jersey, surrounded by miles of farmland. While the scenery outside of Allentown is amazing, the views within its city limits are just as captivating. A walk down the quiet sidewalks of Old York Road feels like stepping back in time, with lovely locally owned cafes like Woody's Towne Café, where you can enjoy a burger with a mountain of fries. Or, swing by The Moth Coffeehouse for a hot cup of coffee before walking over to Pete Sensi Park to take in the views of Connies Millpond.
Speaking of mills, the crown jewel in Allentown is the towering Allentown Grist Mill, which dates back to 1706! The mill stands stoic and a little mossy with views of the river, reflecting Allentown's early years. Next to the mill is the charming Old Mill Crafters' Guild, a darling little gift shop selling local crafts and seasonal decor.
Bridgeton
Bridgeton lies on the southern edge of New Jersey and often gets overshadowed by coastal towns to the east, like Atlantic City or Ocean City. While Bridgeton doesn’t offer bustling beaches, it makes up for it with vibrant city streets, quiet parks, and historical landmarks. Potter’s Tavern is a great representation of the rich history of Bridgeton. It was built in 1767, and not much has changed inside since it was used as a tavern and a home. Exploring the old tavern offers a unique glimpse into the past, and it is just one of the many historical buildings in Bridgeton.
In northern Bridgeton, there’s the Cohanzick Zoo, which was first established in 1934. It is a quaint, 15-acre zoo that you can squeeze into an afternoon, but it has an impressive collection of animals like tigers, foxes, and ring-tailed lemurs. North of the zoo is the Piney Point Picnic Area, which provides fantastic views of Sunset Lake. While it is a great place to set up for a picnic, it also has lovely wooden walking trails surrounded by dense, mossy forests.
Dover
Life in Dover isn’t flashy, but that's kind of the point! Located just over 30 miles west of New York City, it is a quiet town where you don’t have to travel to hike in a public park or visit a charming museum. The Dover Area Historical Society Museum is a delightful way to travel back into the early days of Dover by walking through its historical halls and admiring the collection of artifacts dating back to its founding in 1722. With a vibrant Hispanic community, Dover is famous for its Colombian food, most notably at the Sabor Latino Restaurant Bar!
For the best views of the city, look no further than Mountain Park! It’s a peaceful park with a trail that blooms with fragrant wildflowers in the spring and summer, and the trek to the top yields a breathtaking view of downtown Dover. It isn’t as traveled as some of the other parks in Dover, which means you’ll likely have the amazing view all to yourself!
Avalon
Much of the Jersey shore is dominated by touristy cities like Atlantic City or Brigantine, but Avalon offers a more peaceful experience. The public beaches, like Beach at Avalon, see far fewer crowds, so you won’t have to get up at dawn to find a good spot! While there are boardwalks in Avalon, they’re nothing like the crowded boardwalk in Ocean City! The Avalon Boardwalk is free of commercialization and shops, and instead provides calming views of the beach and the sounds of waves crashing on the shore.
There is, however, one restaurant bookending the boardwalk: the Fishin' Pier Grille. As a small diner serving up great breakfast foods, it's one of the best restaurants in town. Imagine digging into a lox omelet on their outdoor patio with the salty sea air and tranquil sounds of the ocean. It’s the perfect way to start your day! After a filling breakfast, you can walk to the end of the Avalon Fishing Pier to take in the views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Morristown
Morristown often falls in the shadow of Princeton, but it’s a small community that deserves much more praise! During the Revolutionary War, Morristown was George Washington’s military base for the Continental Army. At Washington's Headquarters Museum, visitors can tour the very house where Washington planned military strategies with his generals, and see rare Revolutionary War relics like real uniforms and letters.
Just west of central Morristown is Fosterfields Living Historical Farm, a blast from the past where visitors can tour a historic working farm. The farm dates all the way back to 1760, far before the Revolutionary War, and serves as an educational open-air museum on over 200 acres of land. One of the most beautiful museums in Morristown is the Macculloch Hall Historical Museum, highlighting Morristown's historical relevance and natural beauty. The museum has stunning gardens you can explore, and the inside feels like a time capsule of the early 1800s.
Cape May
If you take the Garden State Highway all the way to the very southern tip of New Jersey, you’ll find yourself in Cape May. When you think of Cape May, think vibrant Victorian villas overlooking the ocean (many of which are bed and breakfasts!), sandy beaches that are less crowded than other Jersey shore towns, and beautiful seaside parks. The air is salty, the seafood is amazing (especially at the Lobster House!), and the crowds are light.
While you can certainly park it at Cove Beach for an afternoon of sunshine, Cape May has unique attractions that set it apart from other kitschy beach towns. There’s the Historic Cold Spring Village, an open-air museum dedicated to showing what life was like after America won its independence. One of the most delightful spots in the area is the Nature Center of Cape May, where you can tour gardens, admire the shore from an observation tower, or walk the seaside trails and breathe in that salty sea air.
Discover The Side Of New Jersey You Never Knew Existed
No matter what you love, whether it's the coastline, historical villages, or a hidden hiking trail, you’re bound to find your happy place in New Jersey. These cities all have unique personalities, steeped in natural beauty and historical charm. Whether it’s a hike to the top of Mountain Park in Dover to soak in the views or a meditative stroll down the Avalon Boardwalk, these New Jersey towns deserve more praise. If you want to experience the softer side of New Jersey, hop off the turnpike and head down a side road to discover your new favorite spot!
