8 of the Most Charming Towns in New Jersey
New Jersey is a small stat, ranking 46th out of 50 with regards to overall size, located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. It borders Pennsylvania to the west, Delaware to the south, and New York to the north and east. The Appalachian Trail runs through northern New Jersey, and the Delaware River runs through the western parts of the state. The Jersey Shore is by far one of the most popular places for tourists and offers a charming small-town feel for all who visit.
There is an excellent blend of suburban-country vibe the further south and west visitors go in the state, with the northeast consisting of a more New York City vibe. That’s a lot to squeeze into a state that’s only 166 miles north to south and still maintains its reputation as the Garden State (the state’s slogan). Whether guests want a high class experience living in luxury or desire a quieter break away from it all, New Jersey has something to offer.
Montclair
Montclair is a gorgeous community located in northern New Jersey that has both a rich historical background and a vibrant modern-day vibe. It is one of New Jersey’s wealthiest towns and is home to the famous Montclair University, which saw around 22,000 students in 2023. Since it is a prominent college town, Montclair offers visitors an opportunity to indulge in a variety of activities, including fine dining, good drinks, and exciting indoor and outdoor activities.
Visitors to Montclair will be greeted with some amazing historical landmarks. Some of the most notable are the Charles Shultz House, the Sigler Farm House, the George S. Porter House, and the James Howe House. The Charles Shultz House is one of the most popular and is sometimes confused as the home of the Peanuts creator of the same name. However, this home belonged to Charles S. Shultz, one of the early presidents of the Hoboken Savings Bank and a man fascinated with scientific and technological advancements. Today, this home stands as a monument to the turn-of-the-century infrastructure, where early lighting and household natural gas were still a luxury.
There’s also plenty to see at Montclair State University and the areas near campus. The university stands as a symbol of the progressive nature of the town’s history and dates back to its founding in 1908. Today, Montclair University offers over 300 programs and prides itself in its academic excellence. As a college town, guests can count on plenty of wonderful local coffee shops and similar locations serving up delicious food and drink. The Pie Store bakes some of the best pies in the area, which are both savory and sweet. The Corner is one of the most highly rated cafes in town and serves fantastic gourmet coffees to their guests.
Ridgewood
Approximately thirty minutes north of Montclair is the charming small town of Ridgewood. The town was officially named Ridgewood in 1866 and incorporated in 1895, but that’s not when the community’s history began. The Lenni Lenape native tribe were the original residents of Ridgewood and the surrounding regions, who treated them primarily as prime hunting grounds. Later, Dutch settlers began to arrive in the 1600s, and the town was the site of General Lee's court marshalling after the Battle of Monmouth during the American Revolutionary War.
Ridgewood is a monument to the early days of U.S. history. One of the most important historic sites from this era is the Old Paramus Reformed Church. A plaque on the church pays homage to the soldiers and men and women of the community who assisted in the nation’s fight for independence and is an example of Ridgewood’s pride in its heritage. It is also a prominent location for those who love the outdoors, with plenty of parks and recreational areas to enjoy either as a guest or a resident.
Graydon Park, near the center of town, is a favorite place to spend a day outside. Unfortunately, only those with a day or season pass can have access to the Graydon pool, so those who are coming from out of town may have some limitations. However, the park itself is worth visiting, even if the pool is off the table. The Lester Stable is another popular outdoor location and is a great spot to check out, especially for those who love horses. There are lots of wonderful places to eat, meaning there are lots of opportunities to eat out on the town after a long day outdoors. Sook Pastry is a cute little spot where visitors can enjoy homemade cakes and other goodies baked to perfection.
Princeton
Princeton is located about an hour and a half southwest of Ridgewood and Montclair, not far from the Pennsylvania border. Thanks to its proximity to the Raritan River, the town was important during the Revolutionary War and before that. This proximity to valuable shipping yards made the town a central location in New Jersey and neighboring states, and it is still a popular tourist attraction to this day. In fact, visitors can see some beautiful old structures located along the river at the D&R Canal State Park.
Guests can also check out plenty of historic buildings and homes in town that are still well-maintained despite their age. In particular, there is the Gulick House at 1082 Princeton-Kingston Road and the Barracks located at 32 Edgehill Street. Both of these homes hold pieces of structures that have stood for over 300 years and are symbols of the early days of the country’s founding. Not to mention, there is Princeton University right on the main roadway, which holds stunning gothic-style architecture, much of which dates back to the 1700s and 1800s. Visitors are welcome to stroll the grounds of the campus and explore the beautiful art and architecture, as well as the gardens.
Princeton is also a hot spot for commercial activity, with niche art and music studios as well as some of the best fine wines and cafes. It is an excellent place to plan a day strolling the beautifully cared-for streets where visitors can sit and sip fine espresso surrounded by the charming upscale environment. One of the best cafes in town is Small World Cafe on Whitherspoon Street, or the coffee shop located in the Princeton Library. Lastly, anyone checking out the town should visit Labyrinth Books and the Village Silver for some unique items only Princeton can provide.
Red Bank
Just over an hour east of Princeton is the coastal town of Red Bank. This beautiful town is located along the shores of the Navesink River, and the town's name comes from the red soil lining this river. It is not a large town, but it has plenty of wonderful places to visit and explore. The community is part of the Black History Trail, with several significant sites located in the town, like Maple Hall. This lovely spot dates back to the late 1800s or early 1900s. It's a perfect stopping point for those planning to trek the Black History Trail, which begins at the starting point in the nearby town of Sandy Hook.
Red Bank has plenty of wonderful spots to visit and it is even possible to spend a few days here or a whole weekend without getting bored or running out of things to do. For those planning to stay a few days, the Oyster Point Hotel and Molly Pitcher Inn are some beautiful places to stay. In particular, the Molly Pitcher Inn has gorgeous rooms designed in mild colors like chocolatey browns and creamy white, and the location is perfect for hosting a family event or wedding, with a lovely venue and an excellent on-site dining area. Just a couple minutes north along the Navesink River is Oyster Point, which has amenities similar to the Molly Pitcher Inn but a more modern vibe.
Although the hotels are fascinating and entertaining on their own, with live music events and fine dining, visitors should dedicate a day or two to strolling the streets of Red Bank. There are fantastic restaurants and cafes all over the community, but two of the most highly rated and recommended are Ce la Vi and Eli’s Backyard. Ce La Vi specializes in serving delicious crepes, while Eli’s Backyard offers delectable club sandwiches for lunch and other treats for every meal of the day. Lastly, for the comic lovers out there, Jay and Silent Bon’s Secret Stash has a diverse selection.
Freehold
Traveling about forty minutes to the west from Red Bank is Freehold Township. Freehold prides itself in its history, heritage, and culture, with much of New Jersey’s early history traced back to this location. The Leni Lenape Native American tribe used to pass through this space all the time, especially while hunting and several groups established settlements in the area. It is one of the oldest towns in New Jersey, with the Dutch arriving in the early 1600s and the English arriving a few years later.
The are actually two “Freeholds” in Monmouth County, but they do share a history and later split in the early 190s as one became agricultural and the other industrial. But they’re closely tied together to this day, sharing many historical sites and working together to maintain them and their natural beauty. Here and within the smaller area of the Borough of Freehold, guests can visit places like Monmouth Battlefield, the site of one of the most important battles of the American Revolution. Other sites include Schanck Road, one of the oldest roads in New Jersey still in use, and the West Freehold Schoolhouse, built in 1847 and still standing on its original site.
However, Freehold is not just a fun place for history lovers to visit; there are also lots of fun recreational and commercial activities to enjoy. The Freehold Raceway Mall is an excellent place to spend an afternoon, with delicious cafes, eateries, and niche shops that everyone will appreciate. It is also home to one of New Jersey’s best campgrounds, Turkey Swamp Park. There are tons of hiking trails to experience, as well as boating on the local lake, where visitors can rent a paddle boat, canoe, or other boat and have a blast on the water.
Helmetta
Moving further northeast, the small town of Helmetta sits between several larger towns like Spotswood and Jamesburg. Despite its size of less than a mile, it is still worth visiting for the day for anyone traveling through the state. Helmetta is considered a historic neighborhood, with a history that predates its official founding in 1888, going back to when small homes rose up along the railroad running through town.
In 1880, a wealthy investor by the name of George Helme bought the land and built the snuff mill that built much of the local economy for decades. George Helme later named his new industrialized community “Helmetta”, which bears his last name and the last part of the first name of his daughter, Antonetta. The snuff mills still stand along the railroad and are currently refurbished and serve as the local lofts at Helmetta apartments, which are some very nice places to live and help preserve the historical landmark that was supposed to be torn down not long ago. The Lofts are close to one of Helmetta’s most beautiful nature sites, Helmetta Pond.
Helmetta Pond is a lovely lake and wooded area that is ideal for an easy walk or for easy fishing for Sunnies or Pickerel fish. Guests can also see several different species of birds at this location, including the occasional Great Blue Heron and hawks. There are a few nice places to eat in this small town, with Villa Borghese II being a local favorite. Visitors can enjoy some handmade, traditional-style pizza at this small shop and mingle a little with the residents. St. George’s Anglican Church is another spot worth visiting as it is one of the landmark locations in town.
East Brunswick
East Brunswick is a beautiful neighborhood located about 10-15 minutes north of Helmetta. It is one of the fastest-growing and developing cities in Middlesex County, New Jersey, with Route 18 being a major roadway through the township. Along Route 18, visitors will find a plethora of shops, malls, niche locations, and much more to enjoy. However, East Brunswick is also one of the most unique towns in New Jersey, with farmland, green spaces, and other more rural areas to sit back and appreciate.
Bikers are sure to love this community, with bike paths to enjoy as well as opportunities for cycling in the many parks in town. Bicentennial Park, originally built to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the United States, is a nice large park with lots of trees, paths, and a gorgeous lake. Crystal Springs Waterpark is one of the most exciting places in town for those who like a day swimming, going down waterslides, and floating on a tube down the lazy river.
While the more southern parts of East Brunswick near Crystal Springs are more rural, guests who travel further north up Route 18 will be greeted by several excellent shopping centers. For the food lovers, there are a few delicious spots located near the Shop Rite of East Brunswick. Here, visitors will find K-Pot, a top-notch Korean BBQ restaurant and Art of Salad, one of the best salad and wrap shops in the Tri-State Area. Then, for anyone who loves a good bubble tea, if they travel down Tices Lane and turn left onto Ryders lane in the neighboring town of Milltown, they’ll find the excellent tea place, Cafe Zio located near the neighborhood Applebee’s.
Seaside Park
About an hour south of East Brunswick is the lovely coastal town of Seaside Park. This ocean front town is a favorite spot for locals and tourists alike for spending a long summer day stretched out on the sand, splashing in the clean ocean water, or collecting shells or shopping along the boardwalk. Less than a mile in size, this small town really packs a lot of fun inside its borders. There are two major beaches, a board walk with lots of games and rides, as well as plenty of good places to eat.
Not to mention, there are several bike trails and resort like homes as well as affordable hotels to rent for the weekend. From ice cream shops to arcades, kids and adults alike are sure to enjoy this town alike. As far as housing options, Belvedere, Windjammer, and Island Beach Motor Lodge are good and fairly affordable places to rent a room. However, for those hoping to get a full immersion in this charming town, check out the many houses and homes up for rent for short and long-term stays. Sites like 44 C Street and 410 SE Central Avenue are conveniently close to the beach and offer large, spacious rooms, kitchens, and more for their amenities.
The J Street beach is a clean and welcoming place to visit for swimming, playing in the sand, and walking along the boardwalk. However, the shore a few minutes north at Seaside Park Beach may be a better choice for those traveling with kids, especially since they have lifeguards. The SeaSpray Park is a cute waterpark on the boardwalk that is excellent for small children or for those who are young at heart and looking for some fun splashing in the sunshine. Visitors can also plan a fun gathering with friends since the SeaSpray Park hosts birthday parties. Be sure to check out The Sawmill for some classic New Jersey shore food and drinks.
New Jersey is a charming little state that has a lot going on. As the most densely populated state in the United States, it is bustling and full of life and activity. Its proximity to both New York and Pennsylvania gives it the perfect blend of city life and country style. The suburban neighborhoods in Monmouth and Ocean County are the best spots to experience small-town New Jersey with all its tasty foods, natural beauty, and local warmth. But, the more northern countries of Middlesex and Bergen are generally more developed and provide a more city-styled experience without as much hassle and stress as visiting New York.
