11 of the Most Quaint Small Towns in New Jersey
Synonymous with the summer escape experience, New Jersey has the longest boardwalk, one of the first seaside resorts, and various museums and historic attractions. However, many of The Garden State's most charming small towns remain underrated travel destinations, as beach towns like Atlantic City often steal the spotlight from these hidden gems. From bedroom communities that make for a lovely weekend escape from bustling major cities to cozy towns, you'd want to call your new home.
Cape May
Cape May, one of the very first resort towns in the state, opens the list of the most quaint small towns in New Jersey. Even though the town becomes increasingly popular in the summer, there is no wrong time to visit Cape May for its stunning waterfront views of the Atlantic Ocean, vibrant small-business shopping scene, and affordable and luxury stays that accommodate every budget. Icona Hotel remains among the town’s most popular upscale places to book your escape to New Jersey. At the same time, quaint motels and homestays like the Beach Shack Hotel and Congrees Hll Hotel are a few other options to consider when planning your trip. Catch a sunset to remember when embarking on a wildlife and birdwatching tour with Cape May’s Birding By Boat on The Osprey Wetlands Safari or from the iconic Cape May Lighthouse.
Lambertville
Cobblestone streets, art galleries, and a scenic canal are a few of the welcoming small-town atmospheres you’ll encounter in Lambertville. Family-owned boutiques to browse and support will be the highlight of your visit to Lambertville, with a range of antique shops like America’s Antiques & Design, beautiful Victorian inns, and hotels for overnight stays like the Lambertville House and the Inn Lambertville Station. Visit the Golden Nugget Antique Flea Market and embrace the art scene at The Cross Pollination Gallery, Union Gallery, and A Mano Galleries, showcasing everything from abstract paintings to locally made sculptures. Better yet, Lambertville is on the same path as Frenchtown, located 15 minutes away that you can visit by cruising New Jersey Route 29.
Frenchtown
Located along the Deleware River that separates Pennsylvania from New Jersey, French Town is a Borough in Hunterdon County frequented for its 18th-century architecture. Shop the wooden front gifts and antique shops in Downtown Frenchtown, and grab your fresh morning brew from Early Bird Espresso or Bridge Cafe in the historic Train Station built in 1863. Frenchtown also comes alive with a strong sense of local community depicted through festivals and events like the Frenchtown Art Walk of creative sidewalk vendors. Hike the Frenchtown Preserve trails, go tubing at Dleewate River, and wrap up your visit by exploring local cuisine options, like Fiona’s, Cocina Del Sol, Frenchtown Subs, and more.
Ocean Grove
The architecturally rich town of Ocean Grove is a suburb of New York City and a quiet getaway from the city bustle. Voted one of the best coastal towns in New Jersey, Ocean Grove boasts historically rich attractions and a lively community, such as its magnificent Ocean Pathway Auditorium Building and wooden waterfront rentals with calming views of the Atlantic Ocean. The town was originally established as a religious retreat. It still maintains its core character of being a toned-down version of other popular escapes like Atlantic City, Cape May, and more. If visiting in the summer, zone out into the small town’s ambiance and rent one of the town’s iconic tents at Tent City, surrounding the infamous auditorium, or treat yourself to a cozy stay at The Ocean View Inn. Spring is also an excellent time to visit Ocean Grove, bringing out popular community events, like the Vintage Car Show and the Spring Fling Arts & Craft Show.
Montclair
Another New York Suburb that makes for a great weekend escape or a nearby overnight trip, Montclair, New Jersey, is a culturally diverse town with historic architecture and home to the outstanding Montclair Art Museum, renowned for its collection of Native American Art and handmade household items. Explore the picturesque 140-year-old garden of the Van Vleck House, take pictures at the Presby Memorial Garden covered in Iris Flowers, and discover local businesses like the Watchung Booksellers, one of the community’s favorite bookstores, and Cap't Loui Montclair for some fine dining.
Chester
Chester represents the Idyllic destination of American small towns with its cozy historic homes, booming local support of local businesses, and a mix of various agricultural industries. Through playing a significant role as a major commercial trading hub, Chester’s main street is adorned with locally owned small businesses of gift shops, antique vendors, and more. Check out Danity Dandelion for vintage house pieces, shop local goods of maple syrup and candies from Mercantile at Main, and wrap up your visit to Main Street with local deserts from Taylor’s World of Ice Cream and the Black River Candy Shoppe. Indulge in fresh farm-to-table meals at Hacklebarney Farm Cider Mill, have fun during harvest season picking your fruits and vegetables at Raimede Farms, and don’t forget to visit the iconic Cooper Gristmill, the last water-powered operating mill in New Jersey, dating back to 1826.
Cranbury
It is one of the most charming small towns for being home to a range of historical attractions of art and more and preserved Victorian architecture. Your visit to Cranbury will be enhanced by privately owned businesses of restaurants, delis, antique shops, and more. The town is considered among New Jerse’s oldest towns, with a settling history that dates back to 1680. Cranbury served as a resetting town between the two colonial cities in the 18th century, with a history of being a main stop for travelers between New York and Philidelphia. The entire downtown district of Cranbury is registered among the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors can learn more about the town’s history at popular tourist attractions like the Cranbury Museum, Cranbury History Center, and the Cranbury Inn, built in 1877, where you can dine and spend your overnight visits to Cranbury.
Ridgewood
The small town of Ridgewood ranks as one of the most picturesque small towns in New Jersey for having one of the most lively main streets in the area. Between a suburban and historic ambiance, Ridgewood balances modernity with the historic American small-town feel. Voted the ninth best small town in New Jersey by Country Living magazine, Ridgewood steals the hearts of visitors with its upscale atmosphere, extensive array of fine-dining experiences with over 100 locally owned restaurants, and highpoint views of the New York City skyline. The Schoolhouse Museum, built in 1872, is home to the Ridgewood historic community and one of the best destinations to learn more about the town’s developing history.
Millville
Industrial historic significance differentiates Millville in New Jersey. The town prides itself on its creative glass manufacturing industry and is home to America’s oldest operating glass manufacturers, with three local operating factories. Embrace the town’s quirky edge and visit the downtown historic glass district. Don’t miss the chance to visit the renovated historic Levoy Theatre, now a non-profit venue supporting local historic preservation efforts. Turn your escape to Millville one to remember, catch an adrenaline rush at the 500-acre New Jersey Motorsports Park in Millville, and wrap your tour of the towns with a taste of local wines at Cedar Rose Vineyards.
Point Pleasant
Although most towns on this list escape the typical beach escape towns of New Jersey, Point Pleasant makes a list for its calm and less crowded atmosphere. Point Pleasant has something for all interests without leaving out any element of the perfect New Jersey beach town, from family entertainment destinations at Jenkinson’s South Family Amusement Center and its waterfront boardwalk to the Vintage Automobile Museum. The New Jersey Museum of Boating, Jenkinson's Aquarium, and South Beach Arcade are must-see attractions for your to-do list in Point Pleasant. Rent a boat at Benchmark Boat Rentals and embark on a self-guided to explore the town’s unique small businesses like the Angry Fish Art Gallery and Uncle Vinnie’s Comedy Club.
Asbury Park
One of the best small towns for a weekend escape or family vacation, wrapping up the list of the best quaint towns in New Jersey, is Asbury Park, a community renowned for its many entertainment attractions. Asbury Park’s 4000-seat auditorium, swimming pavilions, and shopping boardwalk are among some of the must-visit places in Asbury Park, New Jersey. Visitors can stroll the mural-lined boardwalk, shop in charming boutiques, and dine at restaurants like the Fun House on Ocean Ave, Clara Gizzi At The Beach, Bett’s Ice Box, and more. Notable tourist attractions in Asbury Park include the Paranormal Museum, Stephen Crane House, the Silverball Retro Arcade, and Paramount Theater, where visitors can catch memorable live performances of local and touring talents.
Discover New Jersey's Quaint Towns
Finally, New Jersey is the perfect all-year-round destination to embrace the small-town feel, adding a unique local spin on things. From calm beach resort towns that escape the stereotypical bustling norms of Point Pleasant to historically steeped communities that will take you back to simpler times, this is your sign to pack your bags and embark and head out to explore the beauties of the Garden State.
