These 7 Towns Are New Jersey's Best-Kept Secret
New Jersey is no stranger to tourism. In 2023 alone, the state attracted 120.5 million visitors, which is over twice the population of Italy! So where should you go if you are hoping to avoid the crowds? Amid the hustle and bustle, there are several towns, home to fewer than 10,000 residents, that will offer you an New Jersey authentic experience while still allowing you to enjoy the sights. If countryside bed and breakfasts, riverside restaurants, or eclectic antique markets sound like interesting stops for your vacation this year, you鈥檒l surely appreciate these seven under-the-radar New Jersey towns.
High Bridge
High Bridge is one of New Jersey鈥檚 most underrated destinations for hiking and outdoor excursions. The town is home to the iconic Columbia Trail, an eleven-mile trail that connects High Bridge to Califon and Long Valley. Hikers along the trail will pass fly-fishing trout streams and woodlands before reaching the Ken Lockwood Gorge, which consists of steep slopes, fascinating rock formations, and rushing rapids. Golfers can also enjoy tremendous views at High Bridge Hills Golf Club, a 6,541-yard course that overlooks the Spruce Run Reservoir and features a hole with a 100-foot drop into the gorge. In the spring and summer, one of the best ways to finish the day is with a stop at Gronsky's Milk House. A restaurant and ice cream spot, travelers can enjoy fluffy pancakes, omelets, burgers, and homestyle ice cream that will have you reminiscing for days.
Stockton
With fewer than 500 residents, the quiet riverside village of Stockton offers travelers a relaxing change of pace. While in town, visitors can explore a section of the D&R Canal State Park, part of the larger 70-mile linear park that extends throughout the state, offering trails for running, hiking, and biking. Bull鈥檚 Island Recreation Area is another natural attraction that visitors often miss. This 80-acre island features dense forests to explore, along with the chance to boat, bike, and hike on and around the island. Those wanting to fully immerse themselves in the New Jersey countryside can spend the night at one of Stockton鈥檚 local inns, such as the Woolverton Inn, a secluded bed and breakfast that is surrounded by 300 acres of forest and farmland.
Spring Lake
Spring Lake is an adorable seaside village in central New Jersey, named after the small lake in its center. Visitors can enjoy the scenic lake at Divine Park, which features a trail that circles the spring-fed lake. Just a ten or 15-minute walk from the park, travelers can reach Spring Lake Beach, a sandy beach that is perfect for swimming or sunbathing in the warmer months. In addition to its natural attractions, the small town is known for its robust shopping district, with Third Avenue being a hot spot of boutiques and gift shops. Artisan Spirit, a gift shop selling artisan-made goods, and Waterlily Spring Lake, a clothing boutique, are just a couple of the shops worth popping into.
Ocean Grove
Ocean Grove is an artsy, one-square-mile seaside resort that is packed with boardwalks, community events, and live music. During the summer, travelers can enjoy performances from well-known artists or attend the annual Choir Festival in the town鈥檚 Great Auditorium. Ocean Grove also has a vibrant event calendar, filled with community activities like a vintage car show in May and a Fall Flea Market in September. Just one block from the ocean, travelers can lodge for the weekend at The Carriage House, a remodeled Victorian home with antique furnishings and balcony rooms that overlook the sea. An extensive buffet breakfast is even included with your stay!
Frenchtown
Frenchtown, along the Delaware River, is a great weekend destination for shoppers and restaurant hoppers. The shopping district is largely concentrated near the river on Bridge Street, featuring eclectic and local gift shops like Sunbeam General Store and Sublime. For views of the river while you eat breakfast or lunch, consider dining at The Bridge Caf茅, which serves homestyle breakfast sandwiches, burgers, salads, and wraps. On the eastern edge of town, travelers can plan an afternoon outdoors at the Frenchtown Preserve, a 150-acre park filled with streams, woods, and fields. The preserve also offers more than eight miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
Lambertville
Established in 1705, Lambertville鈥檚 streets are lined with Victorian homes and federal-style houses. The Marshall House is an interesting landmark to visit, a federal brick home that was built in 1816. Now maintained by the Lambertville Historical Society, the house is open to visitors, who can explore its parlor and bedroom furnished with period pieces. If you enjoy a good treasure hunt, make sure to stop by the Golden Nugget Antique & Flea Market. This flea market, running three times a week, is full of local vendors selling vintage items and antiques. Lambertville expresses its artistic spirit through galleries like the Artists' Gallery, which features over 15 artists and group exhibitions that rotate out every couple of months.
Cape May Point
Cape May lies along the Jersey Cape鈥檚 southernmost tip, surrounded by natural attractions. In fact, during spring and fall migration, there are more birds in the town than residents. Those who are interested in birdwatching can attend an event at the Cape May Bird Observatory, which hosts educational programs on nightfall birdwatching, winter bird species, and barrier island species watching. The Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area is another great spot to explore the region鈥檚 wildlife. Spanning roughly 1,100 acres, it serves as a hot spot for migratory birds with diverse ecosystems, including forests, scrub-shrub, and dunes. Climbing the iconic Cape May Lighthouse, built in 1857 just east of Cape May Point, offers spectacular views of the island and surrounding waters.
Final Thoughts
Some of the best trips come from the most unexpected places. While these towns may not be the most well-known, they offer experiences you won鈥檛 find anywhere else. Whether you are drawn to forested islands, golfing near a gorge, or themed birdwatching events, there is a lesser-known attraction waiting for you here. So don鈥檛 be afraid to venture off the beaten path this year. These seven towns are well worth the trip!
