9 Lovely Small Towns to Visit in New Jersey This Summer
Lovingly known by its occupants as the "Garden State," New Jersey is home to some of the most beautiful small towns, serene waterways, and lush green landscapes. This state is also known for having the world's longest boardwalk in Atlantic City and holds its own tourism must-sees, which can only be found in its collection of beautiful small towns.
If you are looking for something to do, why not plan a trip to a lovely small town in New Jersey? You can journey through historically rich small towns like Cape May, Clinton, Chester, and Haddonfield. You can also experience the cultural delights of art, theater, shopping, and events in towns such as Lambertville, Collingswood, Red Bank, Spring Lake, and Allentown.
So, pack your bags and uncover nine small towns to visit in New Jersey and learn more about what adventures await you.
Lambertville
With an estimated population of 4,139, Lambertville can be described as a picturesque town nestled on the banks of the Delaware River, which is a famous site in its own right. The unique streets of this town are lined with cozy-looking cafes, antique stores, and beautiful art galleries—the perfect trifecta for some travelers.
The Lambertville Station Restaurant and Inn, in particular, is an interesting experience. It is a restored train station from the 19th century and offers its own historical charm. Lambertville also hosts the Shad Festival most years, celebrating the local fishing heritage. If you visit during the event, you can expect a large selection of crafts, food, and art.
Lambertville is also a food lover's dream, as the restaurants offer everything from hearty home-cooked food to fancier fare. So stop at one of the cafes and enjoy fresh baked goods and creamy coffee while taking a leisurely stroll down Lambertville's main street.
Cape May
Cape May is a seaside town situated at the southernmost tip of New Jersey's Cape May Peninsula. It has an estimated population of around 3,000. Cape May is a preferred and popular tourist spot because of its pristine beaches, vibrant arts scene, and historic Victorian architecture. It is the perfect small-town trip for food lovers, shoppers, birdwatchers, and history buffs.
When visiting, you can enjoy the beach and the historic Cape May Lighthouse, which offers a stunning panoramic view you shouldn't miss. But be aware that you must climb 199 steps to reach the lighthouse's top.
Home to the Cape May Historic District, this town has one of the largest concentrations of Victorian houses and can be easily added to the tour list as a self-guided tour location. If you are looking for a guided tour, consider taking one of the Emlen Physick Estate Tours at The Emlen Physick Estate Victorian house museum.
If you find yourself hungry for local cuisine and want to find somewhere that can meet your seafood needs, Cape May has some of the best seafood restaurants around. The Lobster House is a local and tourist favorite seafood establishment.
Collingswood
Collingswood is a vibrant little town with a downtown sector filled with community events, boutiques, and restaurants. Its many art galleries, performance venues, and educational centers give visitors a taste of cultural diversity and a sense of community. Collingswood can be considered the ideal weekend getaway for those who love art and music.
For those wanting to learn a bit about Collingswood, try booking a ticket for one of the events hosted at the popular Collings-Knight Homestead History Museum. Knight Park, donated to the town in 1893, is worth a pit stop if you want something to do outdoors. It offers scenic walking paths and picnic areas. The park itself holds significant historical importance to the town and is a definite must-see.
Despite its small population of around 14,000, Collingswood offers many unique festivals, such as the Collingswood Book Festival, one of the biggest and most looked forward to literary events in the region.
The Collingswood Farmers Market is another popular spot for tourists to taste some of the best artisanal and locally produced food. If you have a canine companion, you may bring them along, provided you adhere to the Collingswood Farmers Market Dog Policy leash and you visit between May and November.
Haddonfield
Haddonfield is soaked in colonial history and is one of New Jersey's oldest towns. This historic town has a population of around 12,936 people. History buffs will love touring Haddonfield, especially considering it is home to the interesting Indian King Tavern Museum, a popular location to learn about New Jersey's part in the American Revolution.
For dinosaur lovers, one of the first almost entirely complete dinosaur skeletons was found in Haddonfield. The site is named Hadrosaurus Foulkii Leidy Site and is commemorated with a plaque and sculpture.
However, do not worry if history is not your thing! Haddonfield's downtown area is every shopper and food lover's dream destination, offering an array of shops, boutiques, and restaurants.
Red Bank
Nestled along the beautiful Navesink River, Red Bank is a town dedicated to the arts and holds a population of around 12,942 people. Within this town, you will find an eclectic mix of cultural venues, shops, restaurants, and boutiques. The center of it all is the Count Basie Center for the Arts, which holds a multitude of theater performances, from Broadway shows to concerts.
Those who enjoy learning more about train history will want to visit the Red Bank Train Station. This station, built in 1875, serves as one of the community's historic landmarks and transportation hubs. Nearby, you'll find the Christ Church, built in 1908, which is a beautiful sight to behold.
For outdoor enthusiasts, this vibrant town also offers riverfront walks at the Riverside Gardens Park, boating excursions, kayaking, and relaxing spots by the water with breathtaking views.
Clinton
Clinton is the perfect postcard town for those looking for the kind of unwavering charm that comes with a small community of only 2,746 people. Its historical background and beauty are unparalleled. Many tourists enjoy Clinton's scenic beauty and learning about its historic sites.
If you want to learn more about this little town, your first stop should be The Red Mill Museum Village, located on the banks of the South Branch of the Raritan River. Clinton's Main Street is also a sight to behold, lined with a mix of shops ready for exploration. Clinton's Main Street has a little something for everyone, from cafes, art galleries, and museums—such as the Hunterdon Art Museum—to antique shops.
For those looking for a little nature and outdoorsmanship, Clinton has the Spruce Run Recreation Area, a popular 1,290-acre recreation area that offers picnic areas, fishing, boating, and more.
Spring Lake
This list would not be complete without mentioning the small town "Jewel of the Jersey Shore." With pristine beaches, several historic inns—such as the Ocean House, built in 1878—and a quaint downtown area, it is easy to see why visitors enjoy Spring Lake so much that they find it hard to leave behind.
With a small population of around 2,700 people, there aren't many accommodations within the town limits. That's why many visitors book themselves into the Spring Lake Inn. This inn is more than just a place to lay one's head after a busy day of exploration. When you stay at this inn, you can enjoy a long walk down the popular Spring Lake Boardwalk.
Spring Lake is well known as the only town in the United States with two complete structures from the 1876 Centennial Exposition. For those fascinated by this era, it's a place to visit. The Spring Lake Historical Society Museum is also worth a visit for those wanting to delve into local history.
Chester
Nestled in Morris County, Chester offers a quintessential New England atmosphere with quaint shops, local eateries, and scenic parks. Most who visit agree that Chester has its own charming appeal with beautifully preserved historical buildings and a welcoming small community.
Your first stop in Chester should be the still-functioning 19th-century Cooper Gristmill mill. After a tour of the mill, you can enjoy Hacklebarney State Park's natural beauty. While visiting the State Park, consider hiking or enjoying a picnic or fishing session. Depending on when you visit, you can also go fruit picking at Alstede Farms and enjoy the farm market, which often sells fresh produce.
Allentown
Allentown is a true hidden gem of central New Jersey. It is the perfect town to enjoy the countryside and get away from the big cities. It has some of the most beautiful scenic spots in New Jersey, and one could easily find oneself lost in its beauty.
It has well-preserved buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries that are now home to a mix of shops, galleries, restaurants, and cafes like the popular Woody's Towne Cafe. The town's small community—which has a population of about 1,828—offers a welcoming and tranquil holiday.
When visiting, you can explore scenic Allentown Lake, sit on its banks, walk the pathways, and enjoy the greenery. You can also make your way through the city's downtown area, where you can find local eateries, quirky shops, and a museum.
However, the best time to visit is during the Allentown Fall Festival. During this annual event, you can watch the town come alive. This festival offers a variety of local specialty shops, food trucks, and live music.
Each of these lovely little towns provides a once-in-a-lifetime trip where you will experience history, culture, and art alongside witnessing breathtaking scenery and exciting events. These towns are home to wonderful festivals in Collingswood, great shopping centers in Cape May, as well as beautiful beaches in Spring Lake. We urge you to bookmark this page so you don't miss out on any of these small towns on this list.
