11 Most Laid-Back Small Towns in New Jersey
Much like its neighbor to the north, New York, New Jersey is often associated with hustle and bustle, especially in densely populated cities like Trenton, Paterson, Newark, and Jersey City. But beyond the urban sprawl lie various small towns offering no shortage of historic charm and a refreshingly slower pace of life. These hidden gems, each with fewer than 50,000 residents, beckon visitors with historic sites, tree-lined streets, and a plethora of quaint shops and restaurants. Read on to uncover eleven of the most laid-back small towns in The Garden State.
Lambertville
The land now occupied by the City of Lambertville was originally purchased from the Delaware Indians as part of a 150,000-acre tract along the Delaware River north of Trenton. Lambertville was founded in 1705 when its first resident, John Holcombe, bought 350 acres north of the first survey line, the Old Bull Line. During the Revolutionary War, General Washington marched his army from Valley Forge to the Delaware, crossing the area before the Battle at Monmouth. Today, Lambertville’s charming streets are lined with well-preserved federal townhouses and Victorian homes you’ll want to snap photos of.
Stop by a coffee shop for a cup of joe before browsing the many galleries on offer. The Marshall House, on the National and New Jersey Registers of Historic Places, was the boyhood home of James Wilson Marshall, who discovered gold in California in 1848. The house, a Federal brick structure built in 1816, is now the headquarters of the Lambertville Historical Society. On the hunt for rare finds? Check out the Golden Nugget Antique Flea Market, boasting art, collectibles, antiques, and more since 1967, as well as The People's Store Antiques and Design Center, where more than 40 dealers feature everything from furnishings to period clothing. They call this great town The Antiques Capital of New Jersey for a reason!
Cape May
Cape May boasts a rich history, from its beginnings as a coastal village on land once inhabited by the Kechemeche Lenape people to a haunt of the elite of Baltimore, New York, Philadelphia, and Washington. What better way to start your trip than to climb 199 steps up the original, cast-iron spiral stairway to the top of the 1859 Cape May Lighthouse and take in panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay, Cape May Point Borough, and the surrounding nature trails of Cape May Point State Park? Without question, what this Victorian resort town lacks in size it more than makes up for in historic charm, scenic spots, and things for the whole family to do.
Cape May is home to the Washington Street Mall, an outdoor walking mall encompassing three blocks highlighted by decorative fountains, beautifully preserved Victorian buildings, attractive brick pathways, and a collection of small businesses. The little ones will be enthralled by 550 animals representing more than 250 different species at the Cape May County Park and Zoo. Alternatively, you can hit the links at the Cape May National Golf Club or check out the Cape May Point Science Center, which today is housed in a building that operated as a hotel when it was constructed in 1889. If you want to do something a little more sedentary, there are a number of great beaches for sunbathing and restaurants serving up delectable cuisine.
Red Bank
Set just five miles from the Atlantic Ocean, Red Bank is a can’t-miss stop on the way to the Garden State’s popular beaches. In the 17th century, the Lenape Native Americans inhabited the area between the Navesink and Shrewsbury Rivers. English settlers, recognizing its strategic waterfront location, later moved in and became involved in trading, shipbuilding, and transportation to Manhattan. Over time, Red Bank’s primary industry shifted from maritime to commercial, driven largely by trade in furs, textiles, and other goods from Manhattan. With hip coffee shops, eclectic fare, stylish stores, and a happening arts scene punctuating its downtown, it’s no wonder Red Bank is considered New Jersey’s own version of Greenwich Village.
If you’re into the arts and music, you’ll feel right at home! The 1,543-seat Count Basie Theater features year-round popular music, jazz, rock, ballet, and more. You can catch new and original plays at the Two River Theater Company, which has received various awards. Plus, the town's art galleries and antique shops are filled with great finds waiting to be discovered. Enjoy a picnic or leisurely stroll by the Navesink River at Riverside Gardens Park after getting a bite at any of several casual cafes or upscale restaurants. The town's convenient location on the Navesink River allows you to partake in a variety of water activities, from boating to paddleboarding and kayaking.
Frenchtown
Extending one mile along the Delaware River, this charming small town is just as perfect for a relaxing weekend getaway as it is for a tranquil retirement. The Lenni-Lenape tribe were the original inhabitants of the area, with a hamlet named Alexandria or Alexandriaville, which had been developed by the time of the American Revolution. But it wasn’t until 1839, when the Frenchtown Post Office was established, that the settlement got its current name.
Recognized by USA Today as one of America’s Top 10 Best Small Towns for Shopping, the downtown area is replete with restaurants, specialty shops, and art galleries. Housed in a beautiful Victorian, The Frenchtown Bookshop offers a curated selection of books for all ages and hosts talks on nature, art, and other topics. Merge Gallery, set in a former service station, doubles as an art gallery and antique shop, featuring everything from vintage furniture to sculptures. Among the town’s culinary treasures are Perfect Day Coffee, The Frenchtown Café, and Cocina Del Sol. Frenchtown also hosts an array of festivals and street fairs, including Bastille Day and Riverfest. Be sure to take a bike ride or scenic stroll at D&R Canal State Park, which stretches along the river. Should you get an itch for some urban bustle, New York City and Philadelphia are a little more than an hour away.
Haddonfield
A small town with ample charm in Camden County, Haddonfield boasts charming streets lined with boutique shops and cozy eateries. In 1777, while fleeing from the British, the New Jersey Assembly met at the Indian King Tavern and proclaimed New Jersey a state rather than a colony. Not only was the Great Seal of the State of New Jersey adopted by the legislature while at the Indian King, but American and British forces, including Lafayette, encamped at Haddonfield or marched through here during various campaigns. The Tavern later served as a station of the Underground Railroad for runaway slaves prior to the American Civil War. In 1904, the Indian King Tavern, now open to the public, became the first historic site purchased by the State of New Jersey.
Although Greenfield Hall, which serves as the headquarters building for the Historical Society of Haddonfield, was built in 1841, the land originally belonged to the Gill family in the 18th century. History buffs will also be tantalized by well-preserved Colonial and Victorian architecture in the town’s charming Historic District. Interestingly, William Parker Foulke of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia discovered fossils of a hadrosaur nearby in 1858, the first nearly complete dinosaur skeleton found in the world.
Clinton
With a popular Main Street lined with shops and restaurants and a picturesque riverfront surrounded by museums, Victorian-style houses, walking trails, and tree-lined sidewalks, there’s more than enough to do and see in this charming small town of roughly 3,000 people. It wasn’t until 1865 that the town was officially founded, and it was named after New York Governor DeWitt Clinton. Not to be missed is The Red Mill Museum Village, the earliest section of which was built in 1810. This historic museum complex is set on ten acres of land and includes everything from the namesake mill and a schoolhouse to a quarry and log cabin.
Across The Red Mill is the Hunterdon Art Museum, which features art prints from eminent artists, a summer camp, and classes for kids and adults. The museum is on the site of The Stone Mill, a grist mill that was used to grind wheat for General George Washington’s army during its encampment in Morristown. After a busy day of sightseeing, treat yourself to a leisurely stroll across the Clinton Pedestrian Bridge, which spans the South Branch of the Raritan River and offers a picture-perfect view of the Red Mill. It also makes a great setting for reading a book, which you’ll find in abundance at the Clinton Book Shop.
Chester
Whether you’re big on history, shopping, the outdoors, or a little of each, you’ll get your fix in the Morris County town of Chester. Dating back to the 1700s, when it was known as Black River, Chester has its roots in farming, with a number of farms still in operation today. Visit Stony Hill Farms for seasonal activities such as apple picking, pumpkin picking, a corn maze, and a fresh market with baked goods. Alstede Farms offers fruit picking, hayrides, and a petting zoo, along with various year-round events.
From antique shops to boutique stores, don’t miss the quaint establishments lining Chester’s historic downtown. What’s more, the restored 1826 Cooper Gristmill sheds light on the town’s industrial history. The mill is in Chubb Park, where you can enjoy a picnic or scenic walk by the Black River. Among the town’s fine dining options are Maria’s Café, known for its homemade fare; Fresco Mexican; and The Publick House Tavern & Inn, which features a popular steakhouse. Cap it all off with a visit to the Willowwood Arboretum, where stunning gardens provide great photo opportunities.
Spring Lake
The history of Spring Lake commenced on April 29, 1875, when Captain Samuel Forman and Elizabeth Osborn sold their farm to the Spring Lake Beach Improvement Company to begin the development of the Spring Lake Beach Resort. This quiet, upscale beach town boasts historic hotels, beautiful beaches, and a tranquil atmosphere removed from the urban hustle and bustle of New York and Philadelphia, each 65 miles away. A wide array of galleries, boutiques, and eateries awaits you in Spring Lake’s shopping district.
Cultural events include fine performances at the historic Community Theater as well as vibrant downtown festivals. For lodging, you can choose among several late 19th-century properties, including The Breakers on the Ocean, Chateau Inn & Suites, and the elegant Spring Lake Inn. Spring Lake is the only town in the United States with two complete structures that were standing during the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia. Go on a relaxing walk along Spring Lake’s two-mile boardwalk, the longest non-commercial boardwalk in the state. Opened in 1896, the Sea Girt Lighthouse was the last live-in lighthouse built on the Atlantic Coast, but it no longer serves as a live-in lighthouse and is currently a museum. The nation’s first fog beacon was introduced here in 1921. You can also unwind amid beautiful scenery at spring-fed Divine Park or catch riveting music performances at Potter Park each summer.
Allentown
Originally known as Allen’s Town and settled in the 18th century, Allentown developed around its mill, which was built by Nathan Allen in the early 1700s and today houses several artisan shops and small businesses. A historic village with a charming Main Street, Allentown offers a relaxed atmosphere with plenty of small-town appeal. Stop by the New Jersey Fire Engine and Equipment Museum, which aims to educate the public on the history and evolution of firefighting through its collection of fire trucks, hand-pulled equipment, and other engaging exhibits.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, venture over to the popular La Piazza Ristorante or to Woody's Towne Cafe for a casual bite. Nature lovers will appreciate nearby parks like Clayton Park or Historic Walnford, which offer birdwatching and hiking trails. Alternatively, you can enjoy a leisurely walk around Allentown Lake or simply kick back and read a book by the water. Allentown hosts events year-round, such as Harvest Fest in the fall and parades during holidays.
Cranbury
In the picturesque woodlands and agricultural meadows of Middlesex County is the historic Cranbury Township. One of New Jersey’s oldest towns, the origin of the name—alternatively spelled as Cranburry in its early days—is still up for debate. In 1789, Christopher Colles mapped the road through Cranbury Town by order of George Washington, who issued orders and established headquarters here during the Revolutionary War. The Marquis de Lafayette and Colonel Alexander Hamilton set up quarters in the home of Dr. Hezekiah Stites on South Main Street.
Check out fascinating exhibits at the Elizabeth M. Wagner History Center or attend one of the Cranbury Historical & Preservation Society’s illuminating events. A range of bakeries, restaurants, cafés, and delis are sure to delight your palate. Among the town’s most popular dining spots is the Cranbury Inn, which has been functioning as a place to eat and drink since the 1750s but was officially established in 1780. Main Street is a shopper’s dream, with scores of boutiques, antique shops, florists, and collectible stores. Village Park, which lies along the north shore of Brainerd Lake, features playgrounds, sports fields, playgrounds, trails, and cookout areas, making an ideal spot for a picnic or leisurely stroll no matter the time of year.
Hopewell
Hopewell offers a welcome respite from big city life, offering everything from charming shops and cozy cafes to verdant parks and historic sites. Hopewell Township in Cumberland County was founded in 1748 and incorporated in 1798, making it one of the original townships in the state. Many Native American tools have been unearthed throughout the Township, with settlers and early patriots calling this area home beginning in the 1740s. Explore the family-friendly Howell Living History Farm, where you can take part in seasonal activities like harvesting and planting.
Outdoor enthusiasts will love Baldpate Mountain, which is perfect for hiking while taking in scenic views of the Delaware River, and Rosedale Park, where open fields for picnics or sports and a pond for fishing can make for a lovely afternoon. The Hopewell Museum boasts roughly 13,000 artifacts and items documenting the town’s storied roots. Just a short drive from Hopewell, Washington Crossing State Park marks the historic site where George Washington crossed the Delaware River during the Revolutionary War; be sure to stop by for picnicking, hiking, and historical reenactments. Also, you can partake in several festivals throughout the year.
Discover Serenity in New Jersey’s Small Towns
From the quaint shops of Red Bank to the laid-back parks of Hopewell, these towns each have their unique charm and are great for those looking to explore New Jersey's laid-back side. Whether you’re a history buff, lover of the outdoors, or inveterate foodie, there’s something for everyone here. So the next time you plan a New Jersey trip, consider circumventing the urban sprawl for these lovely towns—all of which are sure to put you at ease from the moment you arrive.
