9 Unspoiled Small Towns in New Jersey
New Jersey is famous for its popular attractions like Atlantic City and the infamous Jersey Shore, but there’s so much more to the Garden State! Outside these bustling attractions are cozy towns perfect for a weekend getaway when you need to escape the noise of the big city. These unspoiled towns capture the true beauty of New Jersey with historic towns, friendly locals, and so much to discover! So pack your bags and discover these charming New Jersey hidden gems.
Red Bank
Red Bank is a quaint borough with a vibrant, artsy district. Its small-town charm and amazing overlooks of the Navesink River make it a must-see. The Count Basie Center for the Arts is the heart of Red Bank and offers live performances and special community events throughout the year. The walkable downtown district has plenty of unique shops and art galleries, such as the Chetkin Gallery and Stillwell House Fine Art & Antiques.
For a better view of the river, Marine Park is a great place to unwind and take in the scenery. It’s also the hub for amazing festivals like the Red Bank Oktoberfest and the Red Bank Jazz and Blues Festival. Or, stop by the Riverside Gardens Park for a walk on their manicured hiking paths with a view of the river.
Cranbury
Cranbury is one of the most undisturbed towns in the entire state! As a former mill town, many of the original buildings and houses are almost perfectly preserved, and walking the quaint downtown district is a real treat. As one of the oldest boroughs in New Jersey, the architecture in the area dates back to the 1600s! The Cranbury Museum, located in a charming 19th-century home, showcases Cranbury’s rich heritage through its display of antiques and historical exhibits.
While the untouched architecture in Cranberry is a sight to behold, the scenery is also spectacular. Head to Heritage Park or Village Park for an afternoon walk on the well-maintained trails or set up a picnic. In Village Park, visitors can relax along the shores of Cranbury Lake or take a canoe or kayak for a day out on its calming waters.
Lambertville
Lambertville, aka the Antiques Capital of New Jersey, is the ideal small-town charm in a picturesque setting. Stroll the historical Victorian-era streets and visit some of their best antique shops like A Touch of the Past Antiques or Antiques Center at the People's Store. Lambertville is also home to notable sites like the James Wilson Marshall House or the Howell Living History Farm.
Situated along the scenic Delaware River, Lamberville is the ideal spot for a relaxing day on the water. Head to the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park. It offers miles of accessible hiking trails, including the Delaware and Raritan Canal Towpath, with idyllic river views. It’s also a great spot to hop into a kayak and float along the river for a lazy afternoon.
Haddonfield
Its spotless brick sidewalks, Colonial and Victorian-era homes, and historic downtown district of Haddonfield feel like stepping back in time. Shop at darling little shops like the Boutique Bar, or grab a specialty pastry at Sweet T's Bakeshop. To learn a little more about Haddonfield and its early residents, make sure to visit the Haddonfield Historical Society Museum. The museum holds seasonal events like the Friends Graveyard Tour and Haunted Haddonfield Walking Tours.
For a relaxing afternoon, Tatem Park is a popular spot among visitors and locals. Explore the wooded trails or set up a picnic in its open field. While Haddonfield is amazing in the fall when the leaves start to change, it’s also a great spot in the summer when they hold their Haddonfield Farmers Market!
Allentown
Tucked away east of Trenton is the charming area of Allentown. This darling borough offers a friendly, small-town charm with plenty of places to discover. Explore the Allentown Historic District with its magnificent 18th and 19th-century buildings and historical landmarks. Visitors can take a walking tour of the district, and stop by locally-owed shops like the Perennial Home or Vintage America.
To bask in the amazing scenery surrounding Allentown, visitors can head to one of their many parks. Dr. Farmer's Park has a boat launching area, a gazebo, walking paths, and a pickleball court. It’s also the location for the area's annual Allentown Lions Club's Easter Egg Hunt! Other notable parks in the area include Heritage Park, Pete Sensi Park, and Sara Barnes Park.
Collingswood
Collingwood is an undisturbed eastern paradise, perfect for a relaxing weekend getaway for the whole family! While it’s a great retreat 12 months out of the year, it’s a must-see during the fall! As the leaves start to change and the air becomes crisp, take a stroll through the open-air market Clover Market in the heart of downtown. In the evening, catch a show at the stunning Scottish Rite Theater, the largest auditorium in South New Jersey.
Get lost in the rustic beauty of Collingswood at one of their many local parks. Cooper River Park is a popular spot among the locals and offers over 300 acres of undisturbed forests. Hike the trails, or set out on the water at one of their boat launches. Or, check out its fantastic vista of the clear waters of Newton Lake.
Frenchtown
Walking the picturesque streets of Frenchtown feels like stepping inside a postcard. With its breathtaking Federal and Colonial-style homes along the Delaware River, it’s a great spot to relax and unwind. Shop the pristine brick sidewalks for an afternoon shopping locally-owned shops like Modern Love and the quirky Sunbeam General Store. If you’re stopping by in the fall, there’s no better way to admire the changing leaves than hiking or biking on the D&L Trail that cuts through the heart of Frenchtown.
Visitors can also hike or enjoy the views of the Delaware River at one of the many nearby parks. Frenchtown Preserve is an excellent spot to lace up those hiking boots and explore the vast forests surrounding Frenchtown. Horseshoe Bend Park is another beautiful destination with over 700 acres of hiking trails and wilderness, 11 miles of trails, and a leash-free dog run area!
Madison
Madison, also known as The Rose City, is a charming little hamlet only 25 miles east of Times Square. With a quaint setting not too far from New York City, it’s the perfect retreat to simpler times. Explore the vibrant downtown area with its blend of modern and historical buildings. Grab a cup of coffee and breakfast at Butter and Jam, and window shop the quint locally-owned business in the afternoon. And be sure to investigate the Museum of Early Trades and Crafts!
You don’t have to travel outside of Madison to enjoy its fantastic parks! Locals flock to popular wooded retreats like Memorial Park which hosts sports fields, a skating rink, and picnic areas. West of downtown Madison is Loantaka Brook Park with accessible paved trails perfect for hiking, horseback riding, biking, horseback riding, or cross country skiing,
Chester
Far removed from the noise and bustle of the bigger cities is the delightful city of Chester. It’s the perfect spot in the summer or fall to stroll through seasonal farmer's makes like the Stony Hill Farm Market or Alstede Farms. Shop for treasures on Main Street at quaint storefronts like Chester Crafts and Collectibles or the Dainty Dandelion. And you can’t pass up a fresh cup of coffee and a sweet treat at Marie’s Coffee Shop.
To explore the beauty of the surrounding area, take a 10-minute drive west to Hacklebarney State Park. Described as one of the most beautiful parks in New Jersey, it’s perfect for the whole family. Walk the densely forested trails, and make sure to stop by to admire Trout Brook Waterfall.
These New Jersey towns offer a refreshing escape from the fast-paced way of life. Just picture it: a sleepy little hollow peppered with quirky shops, amazing wooded views, and, best of all, no traffic. From the waterfalls at Hacklebarney State Park in Chester to the plethora of farmer’s markets in Haddonfield, these boroughs truly capture the heart and soul of the Garden State. Whether you want a casually stoll picturesque streets of Madison with a warm cup of coffee in hand, or hike through the D&L Trail in Frenchtown, these cozy cities have something for everyone.
