6 Most Scenic Small Towns in New Jersey
While ranked as the fifth smallest of the US states, what New Jersey lacks in land mass it certainly makes up for in cool places to visit. Its relatively compact size (it covers an area of only 7,354 square miles) does, however, mean it’s an easy state to get around, making it an ideal choice for a day trip, a weekend getaway, or even an extended vacation.
Whether it’s a visit to destinations like Lambertville, Clinton, Cape May, or Frenchtown, New Jersey’s prettiest communities offer no end of East Coast hospitality and fun things to do. Learn more with this list of the most scenic small towns in The Garden State… and start packing.
Newton
Its location just 60 miles northwest of New York City certainly adds to the appeal of Newton. The beating heart of this scenic small town is Spring Street, a vibrant man drag that boasts a blend of dining, shopping, and cultural attractions. Of the latter, standouts include the Newton Fire Museum with its exhibits relating to the town's firefighting history; The Newton Theatre, built in 1923 and still hosting performances; and the Sussex County Historical Society, a great little museum with displays concerning local people and historic events.
These and other fun things to do in Newton are located in the town’s historic district, a 17-acre area that’s home to over 50 significant buildings and structures. Be sure to check out the district’s Civil War monument, just across from the County Courthouse at 1 High Street, and the fun-to-wander Old Newton Burial Ground. Established in 1762, this historic cemetery is the final resting place of many locals, including its founders.
Wildwood
The resort town of Wildwood is a great place to visit for those seeking a scenic seaside getaway in New Jersey. Set overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and just a 45-minute drive south of Atlantic City, a highlight of a visit is Wildwood's boardwalk, a 2.5-mile-long scenic walkway made up of an impressive 70,000 wooden planks that can trace its roots back to the 1890s. In addition to spending time on the sands at Wildwood Beach, the Boardwalk is lined with numerous arcades and amusements, including roller coasters, water parks, and classic carnival games.
Fancy staying overnight? The town's home to many classic Doo Wop-style motels dating from the 1950s and 1960s; some of them, like the top-rated MarLane Motel, offer quality boutique-style accommodations just a short walk from the beachfront and Boardwalk. If possible, try to time a visit to coincide with the Wildwoods International Kite Festival held in May.
Lambertville
Lambertville’s scenic setting on the banks of the Delaware River makes this attractive small town a must-include on any New Jersey travel itinerary. In addition to its picturesque streets lined with well-preserved 19th-century buildings, Lambertville is well-known for its vibrant arts scene, with the work of local artists on prominent display in downtown galleries and studios. Popular art galleries to visit include The Artist’s Gallery, MILOU GALLERY, and A Mano Galleries, to name but a few.
The Lambertville Station Restaurant and Inn is a great place to visit for a meal and, if there’s availability, a weekend stay. Built in 1867, this imposing three-story stone building overlooks the Delaware River and once served as headquarters for the Belvidere & Delaware River Railway. The Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park Trail also runs through Lambertville, providing 77-miles of scenic pathways that are perfect for walking, biking, and enjoying the natural beauty of the area.
Clinton
Straddling the I-78 midway between Allentown, PA, and New York City, Clinton is another scenic spot in New Jersey that’s worth a visit. Here, the prettiest part of town can be found alongside the South Branch of the Raritan River. This also just so happens to be the location of Clinton’s famous Red Mill, an iconic structure that has come to symbolize the town and ranks as one of the most photographed sites in The Garden State. Hard to miss for its striking red façade, the mill dates back to 1810 and now serves as a museum.
Clinton is also home to the Hunterdon Art Museum, a super cultural attraction housed in another historic old mill. Along with the adjacent waterfall, it makes for a great selfie spot.
Cape May
Cape May is undoubtedly one of the most popular places to visit in New Jersey and offers no end of fun things to do for tourists. Situated at the southernmost point of the state, Cape May is especially well-known for its stunning Victorian architecture. Built in the 1800s, these attractive historic dwellings have earned Cape May a designation as a National Historic Landmark and are a delight to explore as part of a self-guided walking tour of the town.
This East Coast gem is also popular among birdwatchers. If they head to Cape May Point State Park and the Cape May Bird Observatory, they’ll be rewarded with the opportunity to witness spectacular migrations from a wide variety of species. Interested in cultural attractions? Head to the beautiful Emlen Physick Estate for a fascinating glimpse into the life of a prosperous Victorian family.
Frenchtown
Frenchtown boasts an idyllic setting along the banks of the Delaware River opposite the state border with Pennsylvania. Not only is it pretty to look at, it’s fun to get out and play on the water, too. Is the town itself scenic? You bet! Frenchtown is known to possess one of the most picture-perfect “small-town America” downtown cores in New England, its architectural charm evident in its well-preserved buildings and homes dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries.
The town's attractive old buildings are certainly complemented by its Delaware River setting, as well as by its surrounding countryside. Visitors can best explore the area by hiking or biking along the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park Trail, a 70-mile route that traverses some of New Jersey’s best scenery. A good time to visit is during the annual Riverfest at the end of summer.
The Final Word
Together, these charming small towns in New Jersey offer travelers the chance to explore some of the most attractive destinations in all of New England. From Lambertville's artistic vibrancy and Clinton's historical charm to Cape May's seaside splendor and Frenchtown's perfect all-American ambiance, each of these towns showcases a distinct aspect of New Jersey's true character. Bookmark this list as it provides visitors with everything needed to get the most out of an adventure exploring these six most scenic small towns in New Jersey.
