The northeastern state of New Jersey is best known for its bustling cities, summer beach towns, and proximity to all that New York City has to offer, but its small communities give it a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. No matter what time of year you visit, whether for business, vacation, or a weekend getaway, you’ll find a charming small town that will make you feel “at home” during your stay. Check out one of these eight quaint towns on your trip in 2024.
Asbury Park
Pretty Asbury Park is the quintessential New Jersey seaside town, complete with a historic boardwalk lined with ice cream shops and cafes, plenty of sandy beaches, and a warm and welcoming community feel. The charming beach town comes alive with a wealth of special events throughout the year, such as AsburyFest, the annual Asbury Park Restaurant Tour, and the Asbury Park Zombie Walk.
Start your visit with a stop at the Asbury Park Chamber, where you can get an up-to-date calendar of events and learn all the town has to offer. If you love the arts, catch a show at the Premier Theatre Company or listen to live music at The Stone Pony, a famous music venue that dates back to 1974. Don’t miss the Silverball Museum Arcade, which features a collection of 600 retro and modern pinball machines, as well as a museum and restaurant.
Ocean City
Located on the Atlantic coast, Ocean City is the perfect vacation destination during the warm summer months, and offers numerous special events and indoor attractions year-round. Whether you’re planning a family trip or a weekend getaway with the girls, Ocean City welcomes you with an exciting boardwalk, 10 miles of sandy beach, and a cozy community feel. The picturesque seaside town was also named “America’s Best Beach” by Coastal Living Magazine.
To enjoy the ideal summer day in Ocean City, simply lay a towel or chair on the powdery sand and watch the waves roll in or splash in the cool water. If you’re feeling more adventurous, take surfing lessons at the 7th Street Surf Shop downtown or rent a paddleboard or kayak at Heritage Surf & Sport. Congo Falls Miniature Golf and Jilly’s Arcade are must-sees for kids and adults of all ages.
Princeton
Best known as the home of Ivy League Princeton University, lovely Princeton has much more to offer, whether you’re looking to spend just a few days or an extended stay. With its charming downtown, a collection of locally owned shops and restaurants, and a rich arts and culture background, small-town Princeton has a warm, cozy atmosphere. The destination also boasts an impressive number of historical attractions, including Princeton Battlefield State Park, a site of the Revolutionary War.
History buffs should also check out the Morven Museum and Garden, the Historical Society of Princeton and the Old Barracks Museum, which features a brick building built in 1758 as a military barracks for the French and Indian War. For outdoor enthusiasts, the New Jersey Audubon Society’s Plainsboro Preserve is a must-see. The 1,000-acre preserve includes more than five miles of hiking trails and is home to over 150 species of birds and wildlife.
Montclair
The quaint town of Montclair is attractive to many travelers because it offers the amenities of a big city in a friendly, relaxed environment. The charming New York City suburb has a vibrant downtown filled with museums, art galleries, eclectic boutiques, antique shops and restaurants. The town attracts creatives and artists of all kinds and is home to the impressive Montclair Art Museum, which offers a dynamic collection of changing exhibitions, films and live concerts.
Garden lovers shouldn’t miss the Avis Campbell Gardens, a 7,000-square-foot relaxing retreat filled with fragrant flowers during the warm spring and summer months. If you’re interested in history, spend a few hours at the Montclair History Center, housed in the Clark House and the Albert Payson Terhune Library. The Yogi Berra Museum and Learning Center explores the life and career of the professional American baseball catcher who hails from New Jersey.
Western Cape May
The cozy seaside town of West Cape May offers miles of pristine Atlantic coastline and is known as the “Queen of the Seaside Resorts” due to its abundance of Victorian architecture. Cape May is the oldest seaside resort in the country, and the entire town is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. You can stroll through the town’s charming historic downtown on foot, explore local shops and restaurants, or sign up for a narrated trolley tour.
Be sure to check out the Cape May Lighthouse, built in 1859 and featuring an original 199-step cast iron spiral staircase. From the top of the lighthouse, you’ll have sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay. The Physick House Museum, built in 1879 and filled with historical pieces depicting life in the Victorian era, is another attraction not to be missed.
Ridgewood
Welcoming Ridgewood in Bergin County is considered a “bedroom town” of New York City, but it has much more to offer. Although the small town is only 20 miles from Midtown Manhattan, its relaxed atmosphere and friendly community make it feel like another world. The town has a quaint downtown Village Square that offers a mix of local and Zagat-rated restaurants, cafes, and unique shops. If you’re visiting during the warmer months of the year, enjoy the outdoors at Graydon Park, which offers a swimming pool, sports courts, and an outdoor roller skating rink.
Spring Lake
Located on the New Jersey shore, the stunning small town of Spring Lake offers visitors the opportunity to “get away from it all” while still enjoying a variety of outdoor adventures, charming shops and restaurants, historic sites, and miles of sandy beaches. Known as the “Jewel of the New Jersey Shore,” Spring Lake draws visitors from all over for its quaint tree-lined downtown, non-commercial boardwalk, and the relaxing sound of ocean waves.
One of the town’s most popular attractions is the Allaire Historic Village, which was once a self-sufficient community with a blacksmith shop, bakery, general store and church. Today, the historic site features original buildings and is an interactive, hands-on museum that brings local history to life. Anglers can sign up for an expedition on the Big Mohawk Fishing Charter Boat, and cyclists shouldn’t miss the Edgar Felix Bike Path, which offers a route that winds through town and ends at the beach.
It doesn’t matter which region of New Jersey you travel to, though, as you’re sure to find a cute little town that’s perfect for a romantic weekend getaway or family vacation. While New Jersey’s big cities have their charm, it’s the state’s quaint towns that offer an intimate, cozy travel experience. Take some time to get to know the friendly communities by attending special events and checking out local shops and restaurants.
