The Best Small Towns in New Jersey to Chill Out In 2024

Famous for its Jersey Shore vibe, the Garden State, the fourth smallest by area, was the eleventh most populated last year. Trenton, the vibrant capital city, inspires an oasis between the beaches and offers easy access from NYC. As one of the original thirteen states, a colony in 1660, New Jersey became a state in 1787. The modernized agrarian society preserves a strong link to the past, including Native American heritage at the Montclair Art Museum and in the streets of Westfield. In Princeton, home to the world-famous Ivy League school, visitors can explore a significant Revolutionary War battlefield.

From beach towns to the mountains and lush gardens, New Jersey offers outdoor adventures, indulgences, and a lively nightlife intertwined with rich culture and interesting history. In Frenchtown, soak up the authentic charm while browsing through coffee shops, art, gemstones, and petrified wood creations; or visit a store dedicated to coffee and chocolate. Relax on a barrier island, Seaside Heights, this summer, or escape for the holidays to Vernon, a township within the Kittatinny Mountains, which highlights foliage along the eastern flank of Wallpack Valley and welcomes skiers to the slopes.

Chester

Welcoming you along the summertime-scented streets from all the fresh fruit stands, it's obvious that this isn't a typical Jersey Shore town. In fact, far away both in spirit and geography, Chester, founded in 1700 just north of the center of the Garden State, reflects the agricultural bounty behind its moniker. Visitors can dive deep into the past and resurface for the great restaurant scene, entertainment, and family-friendly fun like traditional orchard picking at Alstede Farms. From farm animals to a corn maze, sit down for a coffee or an ice cream cone and grab a freshly baked pastry to go, while the farm store sells pantry staples. In Chester, home to characterful boutiques like Midnight Owl, a candle store, and live music at Bernie's Hillside Lounge, you can forget the big chains.

Instead, visitors can enjoy individual decor and tasteful gifts, including homemade candy, bespoke knitwear, and unique ceramics, to brighten up their kitchen space. Don't miss Chester Diner for breakfast before a sunny day at Highlands Ridge Park, or the Black River Recreation and the 3,000-acre Wildlife Management Area, with multi-use trails through woods, meadows, and swamps. From the Columbia Trail to the reputable Black Oak Golf Club, the lush 1,200-acre Hacklebarney State Park is a refreshing place to chill along a fish-stocked river and hiking trails. Back in town, the flower-filled Stony Hill Farm Market fulfills last-minute shopping needs, including a fresh-cut bouquet to delight a loved one back home.

Frenchtown

Nestled right at the border with Pennsylvania, across the Delaware River, Frenchtown is everything you would expect from a riverside town with a blunt name, and more. Blending authentic heritage and historic architecture with modern-day boho chic vibes, visitors can enjoy great shopping, cafes, and strolls along the naturally beautiful river banks—an equation for a relaxing time. From the Early Bird Espresso & Mercantile for coffee to the Bridge Cafe for breakfast, the Sunbeam Lenape Park is a great place to start trailing along the scenic Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park Trail. The Warren Truss-style Uhlerstown-Frenchtown Bridge is a destination in its own right, so come early in the morning for a clear shot with minimal traffic.

Settled by early speakers of the love language, the French spirit is intact in the local love for expression and cafe culture. From art to a gemstone gallery and a petrified wood gallery among gift shops, there's a store dedicated to coffee and chocolate, and one for the "trendy" man in your life. Art Yard is a large space reserved for creative works, while Frenchtown Pottery offers high-quality, locally handmade bowls and plates. Unwind over a refresher at one of the juice and coffee shops, or take it to go on a stroll through Frenchtown Park, along the creek, through the heart of town. Home to charming accommodations and local businesses, even budget travelers can stay in style at Tiny Home on Hidden Farmlet or Unforgettable Farmhouse Stay in Frenchtown.

Montclair

Were you a fan of "Mean Girls"? Montclair, notably lending its high school for many of the film's scenes, is a town generous in "nature" with a great sense of shopping. Home to theaters, galleries, and cute cafes like Paper Plane Coffee Co., plus a vibrant nightlife, Montclair is justly considered “the Brooklyn” of New Jersey. Experience it yourself among the well-manicured and grand old homes along "Carroll Gardens"—Smith Street—or enjoy a bougie stroll at the 1868 Van Vleck House & Gardens, an Italianate villa with lush gardens, tours, workshops, and meditation sessions. Relax by the fountain at the splendid Edgemont Park, with a WWI memorial on an island in a pond.

Kip's Castle Park flaunts a beautiful castle, while the Montclair Art Museum features American art, Native American objects, and jewelry. Nearby, Wellmont Theater and a new art complex attract culture lovers with plenty of outdoor space to mingle and enjoy performances through public art. From a great Saturday farmer’s market to historic sites and a beautiful, vast golf course, visitors can browse for gifts or whatever their hearts desire along several walkable shopping districts, including Montclair Book Center. Get hooked by the unique French-Lebanese fusion at Uncle Momo and cap off the night at Faubourg Montclair Restaurant and Bar.

Princeton

Nestled conveniently between NYC and Philadelphia, Princeton is lively, stylish, and unique, but casual. While its fame as the capital of the nation was short-lived, the world-famous Princeton University, founded in 1746, is truly a crown jewel among culture lovers. Offering easy access from Penn Station and a mix of attractions for every taste, chill out in an intellectually stimulating atmosphere, kind of like Congress did when it convened in Nassau Hall on the college campus. Attracting birdwatchers and history lovers alike, Princeton Battlefield State Park's seasonal cross-country skiing and hiking trails meander through a significant Revolutionary War battlefield. The gorgeous chapel on university grounds features stunning Gothic architecture, with public access to highly demanded services and concerts, so register in advance.

Drawing visitors from all over, Princeton's blend of great shopping, arts, entertainment, food, museums, orchards, and wineries revolves around student life and the Ivy League school. The downtown business district flaunts a charming blend of boutiques like fine foods at Olsson’s, the retro Princeton Record Exchange, and the mystery bookstore, the Cloak and Dagger. Labyrinth Books is really worth getting yourself lost in. Morven Museum & Garden, a former governor's mansion, features art exhibitions and events, while the picturesque Palmer Square and Princeton Shopping Center provide a year-round outlet for shoppers and families, including free parking, fine restaurants, and browsable shops. When your wallet calls for a break, escape the crowds to chill in nature along the serene Lake Carnegie, with tranquil waters for boating.

Seaside Heights

What better defines chill vibes than beaches, family-friendly attractions, nightlife, and dining? Seaside Heights, both casual and fancy, offers everything from basic chills to a taste of the finer things in life. It's no wonder this barrier island draws visitors from across the country, not just another Jersey beach town but also a colorful, time-tested pier side amusement center of funnel cakes and rides. Casino Pier & Breakwater Beach features a water park, rides, slides, and games to enjoy with your kids, friends, or as a couple, while pristine beaches stay relaxed even at the height of summer—a real serene spread with unobstructed views and a photo-worthy backdrop in the shoulder seasons. The active can escape the carnival vibes to one of the smaller islands or the 10-mile Island Beach State Park for swimming, biking, nature walks, fishing, diving, or surfing.

Downtown-adjacent, the beautiful Ortley Beach Park tempts visitors year-round with easy access to boutiques and candy stores. If you were restricted to visiting just one spot in the sun, make it the Music Man Singing Ice Cream Shoppe. This family-friendly entertainment venue is unlike any frozen treat stop you've ever been to before, with interactive song and dance performances. Just north, Lavallette Gazebo features a boat ramp, a beach, and the attraction in its name to chill out with the views while the kids enjoy a sea-themed playground. Built in 1849 and abandoned in 1946, USCG Station #110 is a scenic waterfront Coast Guard outpost to catch the sunset behind the lighthouse. For groups of 5-8, Tropical Oasis and Beachy Bungalow offer great deals, while Bay Breeze Motel is perfect for a couple of friends.

Vernon Township

Vernon, a mountain paradise, is every outdoor lover’s dream year-round. Winter brings skiing and snowboarding at the action-packed Mountain Creek, complete with half-pipes and snow tubing. The last snow dust doesn't stop avid mountain bikers from tackling the slopes. Minutes away, Wawayanda State Park features a vast lake system, over 60 miles of trails through wooded hills and mountains, and a beach. In the warmer months, attractive trails range from the scenic Appalachian Trail Boardwalk to challenging hikes like the iconic Stairway to Heaven Trail, offering panoramic views—a creekside Appalachian trail in the valley with a moderate, family-friendly route and a winding ascent—both through natural beauty. Looking to chill out on a relaxing vacation or a romantic retreat?

Relax with your family at the 39-acre Mountain Creek Water Park, one of the state's best, with rides and slides. There's resort accommodation to suit any taste, with the Kittatinny Mountains in your view, plus choice amenities. From an award-winning spa to heated pools and a 6,000-square-foot fitness center, the Appalachian Hotel offers slopeside ski access, family activities, and restaurants. No other New Jersey golf resort can match the experience at one of Crystal Springs’ seven award-winning courses. Nestled right up against the Empire State, just one hour’s drive outside of NYC, this Appalachian town's appeal is its ability to satisfy every adventurous "itch." Come in the fall for crowdless vibes when the eastern side of Wallpack Valley lights up with fiery foliage between the high seasons, or enjoy a girls' weekend of pampering at the resort's Minerals Spa.

Westfield

Proud of its native son, Charles Addams, the creator of The Addams Family, who inspired many of Tim Burton's masterpieces, this historic town founded in 1720 packs a punch in nature and history for a quick city escape. If you enjoy Halloween, get a good dose of "literal chill" at the annual Addams Fest, a one-of-a-kind festival at the heart of the Garden State. Keeping with the spooky theme, Fairview Cemetery & Arboretum is a beautiful place for strolls. Just north, the 4,500-square-foot Trailside Nature & Science Center is an interactive outdoor museum overlooking Watchung Reservation, which offers cross-country skiing, fishing, outdoor ice skating, hiking, and camping.

Visitors can enjoy a blend of architectural landscapes and Indian heritage along the streets—earlier grounds for Native Americans. Take a serene summertime stroll under the leafy canopy at Lenape Park, which connects to the riverfront Nomahegan Park with a lake, scenic trails, and a playground. Whether you feast at the aptly named Famous Dave's Bar-B-Que, an American West-themed space, or stick around for a picnic, Echo Lake Park offers a whole day of chilling by the waters. Reserve an afternoon for your family at the central 12.6-acre Mindowaskin Park, with its destination playground for the kids and a historic gazebo from some Hollywood scenes.

Although popular during the beach season, the lush Garden State is not just a hot-month escape but a year-round vacationland with something to anticipate no matter the weather, like foliage, skiing, and holiday shopping sprees. New Jersey small towns deliver big doses of relaxing vibes, like a weekend of orchard-picking in Chester or weeklong seaside pleasures and carnival vibes in Seaside Heights.

Enjoy the "literal chill" of Halloween in Westfield or treat yourself to a Parisian retreat in Frenchtown; along the Delaware River, cafe culture wrapped in historic charm and authenticity plays up the theme. From a pastoral landscape to Brooklyn vibes in Montclair, or an intellectually stimulating Ivy League college town plus shopping in Princeton, Jersey is lovable from every side. The clichés are part of the culture, making the Garden State ripe for exploration.