New Jersey is packed with some of the nation’s best downtowns.
Across the Garden State, compact towns with under 50,000 residents are quietly hosting some of the most walkable, character-rich Main Streets in the region. Each one lined with historic buildings, Mom and Pop shops, and restaurants worth planning a trip around.
WorldAtlas recently evaluated towns across New Jersey to find the best main stretches in the state. Below are nine towns where Main Street is worth the trip alone.
1. Princeton
Main Street: Nassau Street
Princeton isn’t just about the university. In fact, the downtown is an attraction of its own. Nassau Street runs along the edge of the historic school, blending brick storefronts, cafés, bookstores, and green parks into one walkable powerhouse. It’s part campus, part town center. They work in tandem to bring one of the best main streets in the state.
2. Ridgewood
Main Street: East Ridgewood Avenue
Nestled between tree-lined sidewalks and historic storefronts—a train station anchored in the center of it all—is East Ridgewood Avenue. Ridgewood’s downtown is equal parts storybook and metropolitan, with dense shopping blocks and top restaurants packed into a highly walkable footprint that keeps foot traffic steady all day.
3. Red Bank
Main Street: Broad Street
Red Bank pairs arts and culture with the vibrance and serenity of the Jersey Shore. Broad Street anchors a compact downtown filled with theaters, boutiques, galleries, and plenty of dining. It’s the rare town where a matinee, shopping spree, lunch, and a waterfront walk fit into a single afternoon.
4. Lambertville
Main Street: Bridge Street
Lambertville’s history-rich nature is the draw. Its narrow streets trace the Delaware River, lined with antique shops, galleries, and cafés that reward a slow wander throughout the town. Lambertville is especially story-like—quiet during the week and lively during the weekend. No matter the crowd or day, it remains a beautiful sight year-round.
5. Cape May
Main Street: Washington Street Mall
Cape May has a specific ordinance in place to preserve its main strip. Instead of traffic, Washington Street Mall offers a pedestrian-only corridor framed by Victorian architecture, specialty shops, and restaurants—just blocks from the sandy beach. It’s less of a downtown strip and more of a picturesque coastal village.
6. Haddonfield
Main Street: Kings Highway
Like many of the historical towns on this list, Haddonfield’s downtown blends colonial-era charm with modern retail and dining. Brick sidewalks, centuries-old buildings, and nearby green spaces give Kings Highway a timeless feel, while restaurants and boutiques keep it thriving into the modern age.
7. Collingswood
Main Street: Haddon Avenue
Collingswood punches well above its weight. Haddon Avenue is packed with destination dining, local shops, and frequent street festivals, all just 15 minutes from Philadelphia. It’s family-friendly, food-focused, and built for endless strolls within its borders.
8. Westfield
Main Streets: East Broad Street & North Avenue West
Westfield’s downtown is large, organized, and packed with things to do. These intersecting streets support everything from diners and bakeries to live music nights and farmers markets. Add a train station and dense housing, and you’ve got a recipe for a seriously good downtown.
9. Cranford
Main Street: North Avenue
Cranford’s downtown follows the Rahway River, giving North Avenue a scenic edge. Brick storefronts, creative studios, sushi, and small parks keep things local, while community events and walkable blocks make it feel connected and complete. It’s got all the makings of a city—shrunk down to size.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.