8 Serene New Jersey Towns For A Weekend Retreat
As the fourth smallest state in the country, New Jersey might not seem like a place packed with things to see, but its size is not a setback. With around 130 miles of coastline and more than 6,400 miles of river, the state offers countless places to unwind. Some of the most relaxing places in the state are in its small towns, where travelers can spend the night in an inn near the sea, or even spend the night somewhere historic, like a 19th-century train station. As the weather begins to warm up, if you find yourself craving a relaxing weekend retreat, you will love these eight serene towns.
Asbury Park
Not only does Asbury Park have one of the state’s best beaches, but it also has an exciting music scene that has drawn in internationally renowned artists. Travelers hoping to spend the weekend on the beach will have access to about a mile of sandy shores. After swimming and sunbathing, take a stroll along the Asbury Park Boardwalk, which is home to restaurants, stores, a playground, and even a mini golf course.
For a night of live music, check out the calendar at The Stone Pony, which has been operating in the community since 1974 and has hosted artists like Bruce Springsteen, Steve Van Zandt, and Southside Johnny. To continue the creative atmosphere, visitors can stay at The Asbury Hotel, an eclectic, Scandinavian-style spot that puts on frequent live music events.
Cape May
Cape May is another beloved beach town, known for its pristine beaches and nature preserves. Travelers will find about 2.5 miles of beaches parallel to Beach Avenue, with numerous hotels nearby. Less than one block from the beach, for example, visitors can spend the night at Beauclaires Bed & Breakfast Inn, a cozy, Victorian-style bed and breakfast built in 1879.
If you enjoy birdwatching, make sure to sign up for a tour with Birding By Boat on the Osprey, which will take you to the Cape Island Creek Preserve to spot a variety of salt marsh bird species. Afterward, travelers can grab dinner at Lucky Bones Backwater Grill, a popular restaurant that serves brick oven pizzas, seafood, baby back ribs, and more.
Spring Lake
If your idea of a vacation includes a weekend of shopping, you will love visiting Spring Lake. This town is especially known for its shopping district, with many stores located along 3rd Avenue. Visitors looking for a new outfit can check out one of the many clothing boutiques, such as Coral Cove, which offers coastal-inspired clothing that is perfect for a vacation in the sun. Travelers seeking a new piece of artwork, meanwhile, can explore galleries like the Euphemia Gallery, which showcases both contemporary and antique art, along with crafts, vintage artifacts, and home decor.
Just a five-minute walk from the shopping district, visitors can also discover Divine Park, a small, centrally located park with a lake in the middle, a playground, and picnic tables. The Spring Lake Inn is nearby as well, and offers guests amenities like gas fireplaces, jacuzzis, and ocean views.
Lambertville
Established in 1705, Lambertville’s streets are lined with immaculate Victorian homes and Federal-style townhouses. The James Wilson Marshall House is a historic landmark that travelers should have on their itineraries. It is a federal brick home built in 1816 that features recreated period rooms furnished with antiques.
Visitors can also attend the Golden Nugget Antique Flea Market, which has been running since 1967 and hosts a three-day-a-week market filled with eclectic antiques. Guests can spend the night at the Lambertville Station Restaurant and Inn, a historic hotel that is set in a 19th-century train station.
Ocean Grove
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Ocean Grove is a Victorian-style oceanside community in New Jersey that attracts tourists year-round. Travelers can explore the town’s history at Centennial Cottage, home to the Historical Society of Ocean Grove and the local history museum. Afterward, grab some fresh seafood at Seagrass Restaurant, which sources its ingredients from the Atlantic and nearby farms.
There are plenty of inns near the sea, including The Carriage House, a Victorian-style, recently remodeled inn that is just one block from the ocean. The community hosts events throughout the year as well, including the upcoming May 17th Vintage Car Show on Main Street, which will feature live music and raise funds for Saint Paul’s Food Pantry.
Allentown
With just under 2,000 residents, Allentown is a laid-back spot that makes a great weekend escape for anyone looking to slow down. Travelers can enjoy a Saturday afternoon of fishing, kayaking, or canoeing at Pete Sensi Park, a centrally located park that borders a large millpond. Afterward, visit the New Jersey Fire Museum, which celebrates the state’s firefighter history and exhibits a collection of well-preserved vintage firetrucks.
For a hearty meal, stop by Woody’s Towne Cafe in the evening, which serves classic diner-style dishes. If you are looking for a place to lodge, the Hampton Inn & Suites Robbinsville is just a three-minute drive from downtown Allentown, keeping you close to all of the attractions.
Frenchtown
Surrounded by rolling hills and riverbanks, Frenchtown might feel more like the British countryside than New Jersey. Travelers can get out on the water at the Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park, a 70-mile linear park that passes through Frenchtown. There are several other parks that allow travelers to explore the countryside as well, such as Frenchtown Park, which has a hiking trail, picnic tables, grills, and places to fish. After exploring the city’s nature, travelers can unwind for the evening at The National Hotel, a renovated hotel built in 1850 that offers a modern atmosphere.
Princeton
Home to Princeton University, Princeton is a lively college town with a diverse list of attractions. Travelers seeking a night of entertainment can attend an event at the McCarter Theatre, with some of the upcoming performances including the Primary Trust, Swan Lake, and I and You: the Musical.
For a bit of history and serenity, make sure to spend a morning at the Morven Museum & Garden, the five-acre estate of Richard Stockton, one of the Declaration of Independence signers. In the northeastern section of Princeton, visitors can relax at Lake Carnegie. Although the lake is owned by the university, visitors are welcome to fish, boat, hike, and bike there. After a day exploring the town’s many attractions, unwind for the night at The Peacock Inn, a boutique hotel set in a colonial-style mansion.
New Jersey residents are fortunate to have so many weekend getaway destinations near home. Those craving a weekend at the beach can easily escape to Cape May or Asbury Park, while travelers hoping to explore the state’s history can plan a weekend at Lambertville or Princeton. Some destinations, like Ocean Grove, offer both! Meanwhile, towns like Frenchtown allow visitors to experience the countryside of New Jersey. The hard part may just be deciding which serene town to choose.
