2024's 7 Most Beautiful Small Towns In New Jersey

New Jersey, along with its mid-Atlantic neighbors, New York, Pennsylvania, and Delaware, sits in one of the most densely populated parts of the nation. However, beyond the big cities and suburban sprawl, New Jersey is home to dozens of communities that have maintained their historic character and small-town charm. Before making your 2024 travel plans to the “Garden State,” check out our list of seven of New Jersey’s loveliest small towns.

Cranbury

Cranbury sits between New York City and Philadelphia and has been a busy crossroads since the Revolutionary War era when luminaries like George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, and the Marquis de Lafayette spent time in town. Thankfully, Cranbury is also one of the best-preserved historic towns in New Jersey. Take a walking tour to check out architectural gems like the Silvers Mansion and Old Cranbury School, along with approximately 200 pre-1900 buildings in the Main Street Historic District. After your history tour, enjoy some thrills at the nearby Six Flags Great Adventure theme park.

Chatham

Chatham is well known for its ample supply of finely restored Victorian homes, befitting one of the wealthiest communities in New Jersey. The town’s history goes back more than 300 years, and two of its most famous homes—the 1780 William Day House and the 1781 Morrell House, which hosted George Washington—long pre-date the Victorian era. Your walking tour also has to include Main Street, which has a timeless look and feel and a nice variety of local shops. After enjoying your in-town sightseeing, make the short trip to Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge to experience some of New Jersey’s best wildlife sightseeing.

Cape May

Situated at New Jersey’s southern tip, Cape May is the most historic of the Jersey Shore beach towns. Instead of towering hotels or modern condos, Cape May’s streets are lined mostly with stately Victorian homes and cute beach cottages. The elevated beach promenade offers great views of both the ocean and the town, and it is only a short walk to the picturesque, open-air Washington Street Mall. Additionally, Cape May Point, where Delaware Bay opens into the Atlantic Ocean, is a premier spot for watching migratory birds and songbirds like the Cape May warbler.

Burlington

Burlington’s history stretches back more than 350 years, and one of its oldest homes (the 1685 Hutchinson-Revell House) was visited by none other than Benjamin Franklin. You can also check out historic homes associated with famed author James Fenimore Cooper and General (later President) Ulysses S. Grant. Burlington’s High Street district, home to an eclectic mix of retailers such as the century-old Burlington Antiques, offers great local shopping in a classic small-town setting. Head to the riverfront area to explore more shops and eateries, as well as a lovely waterfront park and walking paths along the Delaware River.

Swedesboro

Not many people have heard of the New Sweden colony of the mid-1600s, and one of the few reminders in New Jersey is the town of Swedesboro. Fortunately for history lovers, Swedesboro is still full of historic character, most notably the 1784 “Old Swedes” Church and the circa 1600s Nothnagle House, likely the oldest log building in the nation. Visit Swedesboro Day in autumn (September 28, 2024) to celebrate the town’s unique heritage or explore its past any time of year at Swedesboro’s downtown history museum. Be sure to check out the excellent walking trails and parks of the adjacent Woolrich Township as well.

South Orange

South Orange’s oldest home, the circa 1680 Old Stone House, is in desperate need of restoration, but thankfully, many of the town’s other historic structures have been lovingly maintained. The town’s two historic districts, Prospect Park and Montrose Street, offer an architectural feast for the eyes, and the turreted 1894 Village Hall is a famous local landmark. South Orange is not just pretty to look at, however, as it is well known for having a vibrant arts and culture scene. The South Orange Performing Arts Center and the Baird Center regularly sponsor community programs and feature live shows such as the Giants of Jazz concert series.

Morristown

While it has plenty of competition in history-rich New Jersey, Morristown may take the cake as the Garden State small town with the most historical connections. During your visit, you can see the 1774 Ford Mansion and Morristown Historical Park, where General George Washington and the Continental Army spent two long wartime winters. You can also check out the Campbell House, which hosted Alexander Hamilton’s wedding, and the 1838 Speedwell Ironworks, home to the world’s first operational telegraph system. Morristown also has a lovely downtown area, great walking trails around Speedwell Lake, and the classic (and still busy) 1937 Mayo Performing Arts Center.

Outsiders know New Jersey mostly for its New York City suburbs in the north, Philadelphia suburbs in the south, and beach towns along the Jersey Shore. And you can still find some great small towns tucked away in those parts of the state. But you should also venture into the interior of the Garden State to discover small towns that are more off the beaten path. Before long, you will be adding new names to your own “most beautiful small towns in New Jersey” list!