The 7 Best small towns in New Jersey To Chill Out
New Jersey, a small coastal state, has rich agriculture and wide-open views of the endless waters. The coastal Garden State has the wide incision of Delaware Bay at the south, Sandy Hook Bay to the north, and Barnegat Bay along the coast. New Jersey is famous for its wide-open views of farmland, boardwalks with endless water views, and small towns perfectly sitting along the coast.
Roll the dice and land amid the Victorian charm of Cape May, an artistic enclave, or Princeton University. You will have boardwalks strewn with shopping, restaurants, and attractions for endless strolls and activities like sailing, whale-watching, kayaking, exploring nature parks, hiking sand dunes, and visiting farms and wineries.
Avon-by-the-Sea
This lovely town between Belmar and Bradley Beach feels like it is made for relaxing by the sea, just one hour to the coast from Central New Jersey. Stay at one of the cozy B&Bs, like Avon Manor, that offers perks like complimentary beach badges, towels, chairs, and bikes, among many more. The tiny town of 1,886 boasts one hell of a main attraction: a beautiful boardwalk with plenty of things to see and do at the view of the waters.
Whether you choose to chill at the beaches or stroll along the boardwalk, you will always have first-row seats to all the views, with no high-rise hotels, condo buildings, or the applicable tourist trap vibe. Come chill in Avon-by-the-Sea any season on a day trip, a weekend respite from the city, or a summer vacation, and explore deep into the town for a great selection of restaurants and shopping options.
Cape May
Cape May, a National Historic District in its entirety, is a lovely small town on the southern tip of the Cape May Peninsula. It is a dreamy place to chill out, where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic. Enjoy the sea, sand, and sun during a summer vacation, or visit this, one of the nation's very first vacation resort communities, from NYC on a weekend getaway. Explore the heritage with over 600 historic, preserved Victorian buildings and immerse yourself in the present-day culture at the local Food and Wine Festival.
The historic seaside town boasts a wonderful mix of modern amenities, attractions, and retro sights like Victorian home rentals by the beach and an old-fashioned amusement park along the boardwalk. Flip-flop down the beautiful boardwalk in the morning for the views and take on the tempting beach with a swimsuit and a towel for a chill-out day. Cape May's gorgeous beaches, like Higbee Beach and Poverty Beach, are perfect for lazy swims and suntanning before seeking shade at the Cape May Point State Natural Area with a scenic lighthouse.
Frenchtown
This small town in the most American state is a breath of fresh French air. Feel the spirit of the early love language speakers who inspired Frenchtown and see their influence around you. Visit the boho downtown with a wistful Parisian flair to chill out in French style. The boho downtown has plenty of art galleries, where, naturally, you will also find clothing boutiques and terraced cafes with coffee, pastries, and chocolate. The former riverside mill town on the banks of the Delaware River is a charming destination with beautiful sights, like original buildings and the Warren truss-style bridge, a destination in its own right.
Take a cultural stroll through the gemstone gallery, the petrified wood gallery, and the specialty shops to bring home a French accent piece like quality, locally made bowls, and plates from Frenchtown Pottery. Shop for your special someone at the dedicated men's store with glassware, vintage threads, and cowboy boots, or a Zodiac shop for a friend. Enjoy the outdoors at the scenic Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park Trail on a stroll along the river, with nooks for fresh air picnics and chilling by the waters. Come back for the most atmospheric events, like Bastille Day in July, Riverfest in September, and the Frenchtown Zombiecrawl in October.
Lambertville
Just a short stroll from New Hope, PA, Lambertsville's scenic history spans from its goods-producing factory days by the waterway to the 1970s. This cool town was transformed from abandoned sites into a restored, redesigned community filled with artists and dreamers. There is no better place in New Jersey to chill out your style, from plentiful shopping and antiquing to modern dining and historic restaurants. Choose to chill at the Black Bass Hotel on the scenic Delaware River banks, with water views from the boutique rooms and its own tasty cuisine.
Check out the vibrant local culture on an art walk, a riverside stroll, and a tour of historical sights. The East Bridge Street bridge between the two towns is a photogenic sight, while art freaks love the Acme Screening Room for a film. Get your culture fill at the Music Mountain Theatre over a show or visit the Roxey Ballet and River Ballet Company for annual fine art performances. The VAMPA Vampire Paranormal Museum offers chill-worthy sights and more during the Lambertville/New Hope Zombie Crawl in late October.
Princeton
The cool town of Princeton is the crown jewel of the state's best places to chill, where you can mingle with worldwide visitors who come to drool over the famed Ivy League school. Check out Princeton University, the beautiful Gothic architecture, and the fantastic art museums in town. Visit the university's gorgeous chapel, a stunning Gothic architectural feat with regular services and concerts. With quick access from Penn Station, the charmingly historic and family-friendly college town is a delight for every group and taste.
Come for a weekend trip to chill out around the picturesque main square, full of arts and entertainment, as well as great shopping and food scenes, museums, and even orchards with wineries around. There are fantastic bookstores to get lost in, like Labyrinth Books with cool finds and The Cloak and Dagger, a mystery bookseller. Feel posh when you visit Olsson's fine foods store, and enjoy the retro vibe at the Princeton Record Exchange store. Golf is the name of the game here, and there are many great golf courses.
Red Bank
Red Bank is a small town full of quirky characters in a beautiful setting with its own beach. It is a popular place in New Jersey to chill out, simply because of the vast diversity of things to see and do. The town by the water, with its cozy appeal and urban vibe, will appease every taste and group on a visit, like nightlife for the younger crowd. There are family-friendly attractions and great finds for sightseers and shopaholics.
This quaint Monmouth County town with an eclectic flair sits idyllically along the Navesink River with a mix of modern pursuits and retro sights. It is chock-full of shops, like the 70s and Jack's Record Shoppe, retro arcades, and a beer scene, like the famed Red Tank Brewing Company. Check out Jay & Silent Bob's Secret Stash comic book store, owned by the town's own Kevin Smith, the filmmaker. The two-acre Riverside Gardens Park is a great place to chill in a close group over a picnic, people watch, or mingle with others by the pristine waters.
Spring Lake
This town, named after a spring-fed lake in the area, is a chillax-worthy destination in New Jersey that is basically a big beach scene. Spring Lake is perfect for enjoying a whole summer vacation or visiting for some chill vibes and Vitamin D on a getaway from the city. The "Town by the Sea," along the 80-mile stretch of shoreline that famously inspired "Jaws" after the Jersey Shore Shark attacks of the early 1900s is a really cool and safe place today. Stay at the historic property of Johnson House Inn and take a morning stroll in the ocean breeze along the boardwalk and enjoy a breakfast picnic spread along the waters.
The seaside town of Spring Lake is a perfect escape for fresh air along the beach, some unforgettable eats, and shopping galore. Head on a sightseeing hike along the scenic dunes or straight to the town's main Third Avenue, with must-stop places like the Third Avenue Chocolate Shoppe for yourself and sweet-toothed friends back home. Have a bite at Driftwood or Dune Donuts and Bagels, and spree at the Artisan Spirit, Thunder Road Books, and Bare Wires Surf Shop. Rent a bike from Pedego Electric Bikes for waterfront paddling or stroll along the water at Divine Park, and enjoy an evening play at the Spring Lake Community House Theater.
New Jersey is a perfect place to live for free spirits and city dwellers wishing to chill out from their daily lives. Chill out in these small towns with a change of pace and scenery. Dive into the eclectic mix of sights and attractions, each thought out and authentically local, from scenic history to the beaches and modern engagements.
With New York City as its glittering neighbor, New Jersey is an alluring destination in its own right. The small Garden State has magnetic powers to attract nationwide residents for respite and international tourists to Atlantic City, Ocean City, and plentiful small-town attractions. You will never want to leave after experiencing the chill vibe and the unique and inspiring trademarks of the state, like boardwalks, Ellis Island, wineries, and farms.
