The Most Picturesque Small Towns in New Jersey
The Garden State is best described as picture-perfect. The timeless allure of New Jersey's towns has drawn people and settlers for centuries, as evident in its long-standing historical monuments and intricate culture and heritage. This, in addition to its unique terrain, climate, and natural resources, has all made the towns spread throughout the small state a place worthy of visiting and photographing. Visit the small towns in New Jersey to delve into how they shaped American history while enjoying the picturesque beauty of these East Coast gems.
South Orange
South Orange’s timeless beauty has been attracting visitors since 1666 when settlers from the Lenape people bought it. Its scenic trails and greenery come to life at Hemlock Falls, a 25-foot-high water drop nestled in the depths of South Mountain Reservation. This spot is picturesque all year round. Its sunset colors light up the summer sky, and its vibrant fall foliage colors are worth the hike. After the Civil War, East Coast residents flocked into the town and established Seton Hall University in 1856.
Visitors can rewind the clock and experience the town's charm firsthand in South Orange Village Hall, included in the National Register of Historic Places. The town also cultivates its liberal arts scene in the South Orange Performing Arts Center. Don't forget to pass by Gaslight Brewery to enjoy a handcrafted pint while soaking in the quaint ambiance of this town.
Cape May
Cape May is one of the towns best described as the setting of a romantic 18th-century novel. With its Victorian architecture and reminiscent infrastructure, the town appears to be stuck in time. America’s first seaside resort town, Cape May, is home to The Inn of Cape May and the Congress Hall Hotel, historic hotels showcasing the town's hospitality since the late 19th-century.
The town’s hotels have accommodated famous guests, including poets, politicians, and entrepreneurs, with Henry Ford and Rockwell being the most renowned. After all, The Cove and Steger Beach are known to capture hearts with their unique shoreline and pristine waters. You can walk the town's shoreline around sunset and soak in the marvelous vistas and colorful sunsets. Visitors also frequent the George Allen House and stroll Washington Street to get a full taste of the town’s history and fine dining opportunities.
Princeton
Although Princeton’s fame is largely attributed to being home to the number one Ivy League in the United States, Nassau, and Witherspoon Street have shot the town to fame and attracted academics and visitors alike. Lake Carnegie and the Delaware Canal Towpath are frequent amongst rowers and runners, with numerous athletic events such as cross-country running and rowing in the lush woods. The Orange Key tours provide an engaging glimpse into the campus and town. Most tours are led by students from the Princeton area and nearby towns, offering visitors a chance to be shown around by the state’s proud locals.
Princeton’s campus has been camera-ready for quite a while, as it has been used as a cinematic set of countless movies and series. Some parts of the Harry Potter franchise were filmed in the university’s oldest residential college dining hall, Mathey and Rockefeller College, known amongst students as RoMa. More recently, the iconic East Pyne Library for East Asian Studies made an appearance in the Oscar-winning movie Oppenheimer. Princeton is a great place not only to rewind the clock, but also to experience cinematic magic and relive iconic moments.
Lambertville
Blessed by the Delaware River waters and ecosystem, Lambertville was once home to some of the earliest settlers. Some of Lambertville’s streets directly overlook the river and come to life around sunset. The lush greenery and preserved townhouses are a beautiful combination you can only capture in this town as you walk downtown. Labeled the Antiques Capital of New Jersey, the town’s shops transcend time.
Places such as The Golden Nugget Antique Flea Market and The People’s Store date back to the 1800s and are great places to buy a memento to remember this town. The town’s proud locals make sure visitors get a full taste of the town and its countless galleries. The James Wilson Marshall House Museum walks tourists through the history of this town ever since its founding in 1705. For a panoramic view of the Delaware River, grab a bite at the Lambertville Station Restaurant and Inn and relax on their cozy porch.
Clinton
Clinton’s charming colors have put it on the map. Visitors flock to the town to enjoy the vibrant architecture and rich greenery. The town is best described as quaint, quiet, and unequivocally scenic. You can experience all aspects of the town's charm at the Hunterdon Art Museum, a historic site renowned for its distinctive location on the banks of the Raritan River. The museum's iconic porch is a perfect spot to take pictures of the mesmerizing river and the peculiar mill.
Built in 1810, the Red Mill sits across the Hunterdon Art Museum and reflects a longstanding history of agriculture in this town. The Red Mill is full of wonders to marvel at both from the inside and outside. Main Street is home to some of the town’s oldest Victorian houses, churches, and local artisans. You can get to know the friendly locals at Heartstrings and Karen’s Dollhouse shop and look at their memorabilia.
Cranbury
Cranbury is located roughly halfway between New York City and Philadelphia and has been inhabited since the 1700s. Its critical location made it popular amongst settlers and commuters from these two major cities. The town was visited by luminaries during the Civil War, such as George Washington and Alexander Hamilton, and had a great impact on the Revolutionary War and, in particular, the battle of Monmouth, which turned the tables during that time.
Cranbury stands out from other towns since individual and federal efforts for historic restoration and preservation have claimed it the title "best preserved 19th-century town in Middlesex County." Visitors can travel back in time and see history come to life at Main Street, the center of the town’s historic district, which features buildings such as the Cranbury History Center and Cranbury Inn. Commuters who are short on time and drive by the town are instantly captured by its farmland and greenery, a picturesque scene on this long drive.
Lyndhurst
Lyndhurst is blessed with not one but two rivers to add to its scenery. The Passaic and Hackensack Rivers border the town, and the town’s ecology and rich vegetation are attributed to them. The town’s athletic scene is evident at Riverside County Park, accessible via the scenic Joseph Carucci Area road. Travelers also frequent the town for recreational activities such as visiting Medieval Times and partaking in their games and tournaments.
Lyndhurst's tight-knit community and active lifestyle are best conveyed through its cuisine and accommodations. Michael's Riverside restaurant offers a fine dining experience accompanied by breathtaking views, a perfect spot for dinner. Other cozy establishments include The Colonial Dinner and Michael’s Salumeria.
Burlington
In Burlington, you are in the presence of some of America’s greatest historical figures. The town has played an integral role in American history. Once visited by Benjamin Franklin, the town is one of New Jersey’s first settlements. Other historical figures and artists who lived in the town include James Fenimore Cooper and President Grant. The warm weather and shady streets are great for photographing the historic district.
The town’s most infamous historic building is America's oldest home, the 1675 Revell House, as well as the state’s oldest pharmacy and Episcopal church. After a long day of touring some of the town's 40 registered historic buildings and learning about the town’s role in the abolitionist movement, visitors reward themselves with a walk in its scenic downtown and discovering more about its folklore. Stop by iconic High Street’s antique shops and chat with locals.
Morristown
Morristown's crucial role in history and large influence is best reflected in the large amount of museums it has. The Fosterfields Living Historical Farm is a reminiscent memoir of Gothic architecture and its dominance in the town’s landscape. Nestled in the woods, visitors enjoy family activities, all while learning about old dairy-making practices from the town’s own farmers. "The Green" is another popular spot amongst visitors and a common starting point for tours since the space is located downtown, dating back to the 18th-century.
At the Morristown National Historical Park and the Macculloch Hall Historical Museum, history comes to life, and the town’s reputation as the "Crossroads of the American Revolution" is justified. However, that is not all you can have when visiting Morristown. The greenery and terrain offer multiple opportunities for hiking and camping at the Morristown Blue Trail Outer Loop hiking trail. The Soldier’s Hut is a popular spot on the Grand Loop Trail, and is a perfect spot to photograph the serene lakes and remnants nestled in the thick woods.
Be it artistic inspiration or a break from the bustling city you are looking for, these New Jersey towns are ideal destinations. The welcoming locals and rich history and folklore encapsulate visitors throughout the year. But what makes these towns worth visiting is their unique terrain, greenery, and amazing views. These picturesque New Jersey towns have all kinds of experiences in-store, making them great places to practice photography or just chill and soak in the ambiance. Make sure you get your cameras ready before embarking on this trip!
