New Jersey is full of towns worth visiting, each with its own character and feel. From streets lined with historic homes to quiet riverfronts and beaches, there is something different around every corner. WorldAtlas has picked 11 of the prettiest towns in the state. Here are the towns that stand out and are worth exploring.
Cape May
In many ways, Cape May feels like stepping back in time. Streets twist past Victorian-style homes, and you’ll catch glimpses of the sandy beach between them. Cafés and shops pop up unexpectedly. The lighthouse stands at the tip of the peninsula, drawing your eye like it’s daring you to walk all the way there. Will you?
Spring Lake
Spring Lake is one of the most enticing beach communities in Jersey. The boardwalk here is small but perfect. Ocean breezes drift over the streets shaded by big, leafy trees. Downtown is quiet but lively in the best way, with little shops and cafés that will have you wandering for hours.
Frenchtown
Frenchtown hugs the Delaware River right along the NJ-PA border, and the streets curve along with it. Bridges connect different sides, but mostly you want to stay where the shops and cafés are. It’s easy to imagine spending a whole afternoon exploring without ever getting bored. The historic beauty of Frenchtown will leave you breathless.
Avalon
High dunes guard the shore, and million-dollar homes sit just behind them. Boats float lazily, and the ocean is always near. Avalon is a quiet beach community that exemplifies what New Jersey’s beauty is all about.
Clinton
Clinton’s streets twist with the river. Old homes and small shops line the way. Bridges are dispersed throughout the town connecting it all. You could sit on a bench and watch the water for hours without feeling the day pass, or head down the main stretch to get your shopping (and eating) fix in.
Bordentown
Three rivers meet in Bordentown, NJ. Shops and cafés cluster together alongside the charming narrow streets. You notice the water everywhere, and it gives the town that distinct feel which locals and visitors alike have come to adore. It’s certainly one of the prettiest towns that the Garden State has to offer.
Cranbury
Meadows and woods frame the quiet streets of Cranbury. Historic homes lean into their plots, and little parks and shops appear in excess to be strolled through at your leisure. It’s the perfect little town for a family day trip.
Lambertville
Lambertville runs along the river and a canal path. You’ll see plenty of walkers, cyclists, and the occasional dog in this Hunterdon County town. As a bonus, Lambertville is only a stone’s throw (literally!) from New Hope, Pennsylvania.
Ocean City
Ocean City stretches along the coast, complete with plenty of beach-going action. The boardwalk runs beside the sand, with parks tucked behind it. Streets lead inland to quiet neighborhoods, giving the shore town a mix of energy and calm that’s hard to resist.
Red Bank
Red Bank has streets filled with shops, cafés, and small parks. The river runs along the edge of town, adding a touch of nature. You can walk everywhere, pause for a snack, and still find quiet corners to explore. Plus, Red Bank was just named the most peaceful town in Jersey. Wow!
Princeton
Princeton rises along a ridge. Streets twist past shops, cafés, and historic buildings. Trails and green spaces invite you outside. History sits quietly in the architecture, but the town is alive. You’ll want to linger longer than you thought. No beauty is more established than that of Princeton University, which was just named the best school in the nation… again.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.