9 Coolest Small Towns in New Jersey for a Summer Vacation

While Fall, with its bright burst of colors, maybe the most popular season in the United States, summer has its share of thrills that many often look forward to. Whether one enjoys the resplendent look of a deep-hued sunset, the feel of sparkling sand on the feet and ankles, or just a refreshing plunge in the crystal clear waters of a lake or ocean, nothing beats a summer vacation. 

For those who are up to it, New Jersey is a summer vacation destination with several enjoyable options worth checking out. There's the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, for instance, an outdoor lover's paradise whose breathtaking scenery will leave visitors completely blown away. Then again, the most densely populated state boasts several fine beaches, boardwalks, and many other recreation options. Besides, the state's vacation landscape features several charming small towns perfect for a summer vacation like those mentioned below.

Frenchtown

Quietly curled up in Hunterdon County, Frenchtown is a small riverside town suited for someone looking for a secluded experience. With an estimated 2023 population of only 1,370, this town offers an authentic and intimate experience hardly rivaled. Besides, Frenchtown sits right next to the Delaware River, a river that frames it with a scenic allure and lends it a kind of sylvan splendor difficult to resist. The Delaware River was a strategic point for history buffs for several military campaigns during the American Revolutionary War. Then again, the river provides several outdoor activities that often make summer the ideal vacation season. One can go kayaking in the river or hike and bike along its picturesque edges.

Wildwood

Wildwood may not be wild—or heavily wooded— but the town of about 5,000 is still a summer favorite worth lacing up for. One summer attraction in Wildwood that makes the town a huge draw is its beaches. Not only are Wildwood's beaches powdery-white, conveniently wide, and breathtakingly scenic, but they are also entirely free. That means not paying a dime for a shoreline that often elicits gasps for its panoramic appeal. Whether one wants to soak up the sun, enjoy body surfing, or just go jet skiing, Wildwood, Wildwood Crest, and North Wildwood offer a beach experience to which only a few other places can come close. That is not to mention the boardwalk, the 180 festivals, the Friday fireworks, and some three epic waterparks.

West Cape May

Temptingly nestled just east of Broadway, West Cape May is a charming small town ideal for a summer vacation. The town of about 1,000, according to World Population Review, cuts the image of a rural neighborhood rather than a hectic metropolis. Someone who wants to escape from the noise of whirring cars and the emptiness of cookie-cutter architecture — to something more simple and authentic — will enjoy spending summer in West Cape May. Beautifully framed by attractive farmlands, West Cape May boasts an almost always uncrowded downtown. Known as the "Lima Bean Capital of the World," this town boasts several Victorian-style buildings, a decent number of festivals, and antique shows. And if one is looking for a beach experience, West Cape May provides one of the most exclusive beach experiences in the area.

Cranbury

With a population of about 2,000, Cranbury is a small town that radiates charm and personality in equal measure. Almost hidden from sight in the picturesque woodlands of Middlesex County, the town's history is as old as that of the United States. Cranbury was established in 1780 and boasts three centuries of culture and heritage. Visitors will enjoy strolling through Cranbury's quaint Main Street, the core of what the town's residents style as "the Village." This small stretch is a historic district and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. While planning the Battle of Monmouth, George Washington set up temporary headquarters in a building at the time located on Main Street. Today, first-time visitors can pass by the Cranbury Museum to learn about the town's storied past or walk to Brainerd Lake for some alone time with themselves and nature.

Ridgewood

Ridgewood is such a nice quaint town that a summer vacationer will wonder why other towns are not like it. The town is cool, exclusive, and upscale. Unfortunately, it is also among the most expensive in the country. According to Payscale, Ridgewood's living cost is 71% higher than the national average. For perspective, the cost of living in Ridgewood is almost at par with that of New York City. But cost aside, Ridgewood boasts an eclectic array of shopping and dining options that ardent shoppers may never get enough of. Bathed in suburban charm, some of the town's streets are high enough that visitors often get views of New York City's skyline. The town's dreamscape is dotted with Victorian-style homes and houses, a call back to simpler, slower times.

Red Bank

For starters, Red Bank is a place that will meet the expectations of any devoted foodie. The town of about 13,000 offers hungry visitors some of the most mouthwatering cuisines on the East Coast. For a summer vacationer, the boardwalk is particularly a not-miss. From June to August, the boardwalk dramatically morphs into a pedestrian plaza where outdoor dining, live music, and a festive aura are key elements. Yet food-related action is not just to be found on the town's beautiful boardwalk. In summer, eateries often line the town's sidewalks, where people enjoy their delicacies under glowing string lights. For some outdoor pleasures, the Bellhaven Nature Area, at the end of Locust Avenue, provides amazing views of the Navesink River. Other parks worth checking out include Count Basie Park, Marine Park, and Riverside Gardens Park. 

Haddonfield

There's a reason Haddonfield is often mentioned among the best small towns to retire in New Jersey. Many will admit that vacation and retirement are two sides of the same rest-and-relaxation coin. Curled up in Camden County, Haddonfield radiates an alluring small-town charm difficult to get enough of. The town of about 12,000, according to 2023 estimates by World Population Review, is temptingly laid-back and moves to a slower rhythm perfect for a vacation. Besides, Haddonfield's streets are mostly tree-shaded with ample green spaces so that someone will enjoy strolling through without enduring the clammy inconvenience of a blazing sun. Then again, Cooper River Park features a children's playground, two softball fields, a miniature golf course, and many more for a dazzling blend of green space and blue space and numberless outdoor activities to boot.

Spring Lake

Once a popular getaway for captains of industry, Spring Lake retains much of the upscale charm that made it an irresistible vacation temptation in the mid-19th century. Today, one of the town's highlights is two miles of sparkling beach (and its boardwalk) where one can gaze at the endless blue across and above—and just enjoy the gentle waft of breeze that sweeps across the face — as well as several water-based activities on offer. The town's name: Spring Lake, refers to the many fountains of crystal-clear water which gush forth from several underground springs in the area. These underground springs eventually form a scenic 16-acre lake that lends the town its name. And surrounding the lake is one of Spring Lake's major draws: Divine Park. Here's where one can while away a summer evening while watching herons, swans, and gulls joyously circling the sky before grabbing a front-row seat for one of nature's most sublime displays: an evening sunset. 

Lambertville

Not to be confused with its namesake in Michigan, Lambertville is a charming small town of about 4,000 on the banks of the picturesque Delaware River. Known as the "The Antiques Capital of New Jersey," Lambertville boasts several antique stores and shopping options, including the Golden Nugget Antiques Market, one of the largest and finest antique markets on the East Coast dedicated to antiques, collectibles, and other interesting works of art. For someone who wants to continue exploring, the People's Store Antiques and Design Center is an 1839 landmark with more than 40 dealers on three floors. Founded in 1705, Lambertville boasts cool and quaint streets lined with several gorgeous Victorian-style homes.

The Takeaway

New Jersey, for its number of appeals and attractions, defies one-word monikers. The 3rd state, after Delaware and Pennsylvania, is known for its many stunning beaches, beguiling boardwalks, and untouched nature. Besides, the most densely populated state in the country is dotted with several small, charming towns that often put on their best attire in the summer months. From Spring Lake to Red Bank to Cranbury, New Jersey's quaint summer getaways are perfect access points from where visitors discover some of the country's best-kept summer secrets.