7 New Jersey Towns with the Best Main Streets
New Jersey is one of the American States that don’t get enough credit for their beauty and diverse offerings. Since it is a neighbor of New York, it struggles to live up to the popularity of “The Big Apple.” Despite being overlooked by many, New Jersey offers the perfect mix of different attractions, with its beaches and untouched forests being the most prominent.
Lambertville
Located along the Delaware River banks, Lambertville is named the Antique Capital of New Jersey, with antique flea markets, a few local shops, and a wide array of rustic art galleries. The town of Lambertville is also rich with natural aesthetics providing an excellent opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts of stunning views and hiking trails to indulge in the town’s god-given gifts.
If nature and antiques aren’t enough, Lambertville also enjoys museums and historical centers that tell a similar story of the town’s past. Join the Lambertville Historical Society walking tour, visit the Marshall House Museum, or go to Sring Seasons to see the Shad Festival, full of handcrafted jewelry and art inspired by the local sense of fashion.
Montclair
Montclair is an artistic town home to famous musicians, writers, and artists. It is known for its vibrant Downtown and The Montclair State University, home to the Yogi Berra Museum, considered a national baseball hall of Fame. Church Street in Downtown Montclair is a hub of locally-owned wineries, fashion shops, and a selection of global-cuisine restaurants and coffee shops. Nathaniel Crane House And Israel Crane House are the most notable historical attractions of the area, Victorian mansions built early in the 19th century.
Ocean City
A beach resort town with a distinguished downtown district, Ocean City, from its name, is known to be one of the best family beach destinations in the state.
It is a prime destination for watersport lovers thanks to its location on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, Neighboring Long Port. and Atlantic City. Some of the best go-to spots in the city include OC Waterpark and Gillians Wonderland Pier. Additionally, Ocean City is home to many summer events like music festivals and concerts that can be found on the Music Pier. Better yet, Ocean City differentiates itself by being a “Dry city,” meaning that alcohol is not sold within its borders, making it perfect for families.
Cape May
Cape May is a beautiful beach town that differentiates itself by its pristine waters and is known for its grand Victorian houses and unique architecture. The town is mainly a summer resort for surrounding cities and towns but has a cute separate shopping mall named Washington Straat Mall, inclusive of a wide selection of local vendors. The shops on Washington Street Mall all have their own unique color and come together collectively to set a unique beach town vibe with rich, preserved history. Cape May is surrounded by water bodies bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east, the Delaware Bay to the west, and passing water streams of the ocean that the town from the rest of New Jersey.
Somerville
Located in central New Jersey, Somerville is a lakeside town rich in wildlife and nature along the Raritan River. Aside from its waters, some primary parks include Delaware and Raritan Canal, and Washington Rock State Park. On Main Street Somerville, buildings are historic and colorful, cuisines are diverse, and there is much to see and do. Many Coffee shops, spiritual hippie boutiques, and a range of unique local produce shops, including greenhouses, honey manufacturers, and more.
Red Bank
A vibrant cultural center located by the Navesink River and just a few miles from the beach, Red Bank is the ideal destination for a calming weekend getaway. The town is rich with local craft shops and has its own brewery where you can get a fresh pint surrounded by strong brewing essences. Vintage records and antiques are another big part of the town’s culture, as it is home to tens of antique places, including record music shops. Jack’s record shop is one of the oldest music shops in the area dating back to 1970, along with Red Bank’s Antiques, located on W Front St. River Center in Red Banks is where all the fun happens, a district that is designated to help small businesses thrive. The business-centric area includes Broad Street from the post office to Marine Park and from Maple Avenue.
Chester
A historic small town with many local businesses and a busy cute shopping hub in the center. This small town balances a sense of both country and city vibes in a lovely small town with many preserved farmland parks, such as Chubb Park and Tiger Brook Park, along with traditional businesses from the town’s past, such as blacksmiths. Its brick-lined sidewalks add a wholesome touch to the town differentiating it from other small towns on this list. Walk down Chester’s main street with a loved one and enjoy a wide array of shopping options, including candy shops, antiques, and collectibles.
With its land spanning 22,591.38 sq. km, New Jersey ranks as the 11th most populous state in the U.S. Known for its stunning beaches, New Jersey offers something for everyone. The state’s charming main streets are uniquely distinct, more nature-focused, affordable, and conservative compared to neighboring New York. While major cities like Newark, Jersey City, and Paterson provide viable alternatives to New York’s urban sprawl, New Jersey’s small towns remain far removed from the chaos of big-city life.
Whether you’re a local exploring the state’s hidden treasures or a traveler seeking new experiences, don’t miss these recommended Jersey towns. From pristine white shores to lush forests and vibrant main streets, they promise a relaxing and fulfilling escape.
