6 Most Photogenic Towns In New Jersey
New Jersey is appropriately nicknamed The Garden State. Flower farms, forested wetlands, and river bluffs are just a few of the natural attractions found here. This beauty also extends to its downtowns, which feature promenades, historic villages, and eclectic artisan shops. Whether you prefer savoring your travels through mental snapshots or sharing them online with family and friends, these six towns promise countless photo-worthy moments to capture.
Millville
Situated among lush green farms with a river and lake intersecting through town, Millville is perfect for a natural retreat. Travelers can begin their journey at the Millville Marina with Maurice River Cruises, embarking on a canopied riverboat tour along the Maurice River. Along the way, watch for eagles, osprey, otters, and historic landmarks. The nearby Maurice River Bluff Reserve spans 535 acres, allowing visitors to explore its marshy habitat via scenic hiking and biking trails.
In town, travelers can stroll through Millville’s charming cottage shops, such as An Octopus’s Garden art gallery, Colonial Florists & Gifts, a flower shop, and Lather With Lavender, a handcrafted soap boutique. For a glass of rose or merlot, visitors must spend an afternoon at Cedar Rose Vineyards, a local winery with a tasting room that features live music on Fridays and Saturdays!
Cape May
Cape May feels like a town straight out of a postcard, featuring a scenic promenade for an afternoon stroll and pristine beaches. The Cove Beach begins at the end of the town promenade Visiting the Colonial House is an interesting way to experience Cape May’s history, a former tavern and home of a Revolutionary War patriot that has remained intact since the town’s beginnings. To stay in a beautifully renovated Victorian home from 1867, travelers can reserve a room in The Harrison, one of the town’s top-rated bed and breakfasts.
Chatham
While dining in Chatham, travelers will repeatedly reach for their phones to capture the beautiful restaurant atmospheres and creatively presented dishes. Sorriso Kitchen, meaning “Smile” in Italian, is a highly rated farm-to-table restaurant, easily recognized by its bright yellow umbrellas adorning the outdoor patio. To sip on a craft beer, travelers can spend an evening at the Twin Elephant Brewing Company, a rustic-style brewery with both indoor and outdoor seating. Fleur de Sel, on Main Street, is a local favorite for a freshly baked French pastry and cup of coffee.
From June through September, travelers can enjoy Chatham’s Gazebo Concerts on designated Thursdays, where local musicians perform downtown. Just a 20-minute drive from downtown, visitors can also reach the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, a natural oasis home to forested wetlands, brushlands, grasslands, ponds, marshes, and streams.
Smithville
Smithville is a historic village with shops, cobblestone walkways, and footbridges. The Smithville Inn, one of the town’s most iconic restaurants, is a nationally designated historic site dating back to 1787 and was transformed into a 42-seat restaurant during renovations in the 1950s.
Continuing a tour of the historic sites, The Colonial Inn Bed and Breakfast is an excellent lodging option, with its centuries-old structure and antique-style furnishings reflecting its history. Families can tour the town on the colorful Smithville Train or enjoy a ride on the town’s carousel. To explore the lake that cuts through town, consider renting one of Smithville’s charming paddle boats to ride on the lake for the afternoon.
Swedesboro
Founded by Finnish and Swedish settlers in 1638, Swedesboro’s history is evident as soon as visitors step into town. In the heart of town lies the Old Swedes Trinity Episcopal Church. Established in 1703, this church is the oldest in Gloucester County. In its churchyard, visitors will also find a log cabin dating back to the 1640s, making it one of the oldest cabins in the entire country.
Anglers can spend a peaceful day fishing at Swedesboro Lake Park, where the fully stocked lake is complemented by scenic nature trails for hikers to enjoy. For a change of pace, Dalton Farms hosts an annual Tulip Festival, showcasing fields of colorful daffodils and tulips for picking, along with live music, a beer garden, and food vendors. In the fall, the farm also offers a Sunflower Festival and Pumpkin Fest, featuring a pumpkin patch, U-pick sunflowers, a corn maze, live music, and tractor rides.
Red Bank
Red Bank is compared to New York City’s Greenwich Village, which is filled with eclectic shops, art galleries, innovative restaurants, and theaters but has a high cost of living. Count Basie Theatre, originally opened in 1926, is a great place to catch a show; it hosts musicals, plays, and concerts today. Running late spring through November each year, the Red Bank Farmers Market is another lively activity in town, offering fresh produce and specialty food trucks.
Stop by the Red Bank Artisan Collective, offering artisan crafts, fine art, jewelry, ceramics, and furniture for a unique souvenir. For even more memorable gifts, Back to Nature, Sorella Bella Boutique, and Red Bank Antiques are a few more shops to check out. No trip to Red Bank is complete without a visit to the Navesink River, which is best enjoyed with an afternoon at Marine Park, where panoramic river views await.
Final Thoughts
New Jersey may be small, but there is no shortage of beautiful towns to explore. These six offer some of the most scenic experiences, whether admiring 18th-century architecture, enjoying a serene river cruise, or sipping wine at a vineyard. Before heading out, make sure to pack your camera and get ready to capture the beauty that awaits in the Garden State!
