New Jersey has so many charming small towns, some of which stand out for their scenic beauty. Enjoy several at once with this picturesque road trip through the Garden State’s most winsome small towns. You’ll find indoor and outdoor activities, shops, and restaurants along the way – there’s something for everyone here. What are you waiting for? We’ve made it even easier for you to say yes to a trip like this by creating the ultimate road trip packing list. We have you covered with reminders on all the essentials. So pack up the car and hit the road for one of the most scenic road trips of small towns in New Jersey!

Your trip spans 151 magnificently beautiful miles and about 3 hours and 41 minutes of drive time.
Image/Google Maps
Of course, all the scenic stops along the way will add to the length of the trip. Spend as much or as little time in each town as you'd like. You can find directions here.
Andover - Population: 592
Andover, NJ, USA
Flickr/EllenM1
This beautiful little town is home to Allamuchy Mountain State Park (pictured here) and you'll definitely want to do some hiking when you visit. Trails start at under a mile, so even beginners can tackle them. This is also a great spot for antiquing with shops like Scranberry Coop, Grey Barn Antiques and Morning Glory Thrift & Gift. If you're hungry, stop at the Andover Diner for Breakfast - you'll love the retro vibe and potato pancakes. Learn more about the lovely little town of Andover at its official website.
Belvidere - Population: 2,681
Belvidere, NJ 07823, USA
Flickr/Doug Kerr
This little Victorian town known as Belvidere sits on the Delaware and Pequest Rivers and is home to some wonderful architecture. Visit one of the many waterfront parks, see a show at the Country Gate Playhouse (offering 4 shows per year) or stop at Uncle Buck's Diner for a delicious lunch.
Frenchtown - Population: 1,372
Frenchtown, NJ 08825, USA
Flickr/Doug Kerr
Another Delaware River town, this charming little neighborhood sometimes gets overlooked. They've got a wonderful downtown area along Bridge Street with shops, galleries and restaurants. Don't miss the Book Garden, River Gypsy, Lovin' Oven or Designs for Tranquility while you're in town. Visit in September (Labor Day Weekend) for Riverfest and the River Moon Film Festival. Oprah loves this little town, and we guarantee you will, too!

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Lambertville - Population: 3,906
Lambertville, NJ 08530, USA
Wikipedia/Jared Kofsky/PlaceNJ.com
This Delaware River town is well-known for its art and antique scenes. You'll find portions of Holcombe Island and the scenic Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park here along with numerous shops and restaurants including Caffe Galleria, Lambertville House, Lambertville Station Inn (amazing views!), Brian's, The People's Store Antiques Center, Hamilton's Grill Room, Bons Reves decor, Smith & Scott boutique and Anton at the Swan. The little town of Lambertville in New Jersey truly has it all.
Medford Lakes - Population: 4,136
Medford Lakes, NJ 08055, USA
WIkipedia/Mr Matte.
The motto of this community-oriented town is, "Medford Lakes-in-the-pines, the year-round summer playground." With 22 lakes in Medford Lakes, the borough has nearly as much water as it does land. Another fun fact? Over 10% of the town's homes are log cabins. While the beaches are private, you can enjoy the waterfront during the annual Canoe Carnival, a tradition since 1931 where guests can enjoy beautifully decorated boats and floats along Lower Aetna Lake. A very residential community, enjoy shopping and dining in neighboring Medford (also a gem), or stop in to P.J. Whelihan's Pub for some mouthwatering wings and a pint!
Shamong - Population: 6,490
Shamong, NJ, USA
Flickr/Daniel D'Auria
This Pinelands town is home to part of the beautiful Wharton State Forest, including Atsion Lake and Atsion Village. While this is the perfect town to enjoy nature, it also offers a wonderful winery (Valenzano Winery) for relaxation and libations. Try the Jersey Devil Honey Wine; described as "sweet but sinister," it is made with locally sourced honey with notes of apple, oak, vanilla and spice. When in Shamong, definitely plan to stop by the eponymous Shamong Diner, where you'll be treated to the best cheesesteak wraps in the state!
Smithville - Population: 7,290
Smithville, Galloway, NJ 08205, USA
Flickr/amdougherty
This unincorporated township in Galloway will transport you to the past. You'll find the most charming and eclectic shops in Smithville, perfect for collectors and unique gifts. Some favorites include This Place Rocks (rocks, crystals, natural gifts), A Tour Of Italy (Italian imports) and Herban Legend (fair trade and eco-friendly clothing and accessories). You can also paddle boat on the pond, play vintage games, or enjoy one of the town's many seasonal events and community festivals.

Bring a friend, bring a camera and get ready to make memories that will last a lifetime. Have you been to any of these small towns in New Jersey? Let us know what you thought!

Hungry for more scenic road trips in New Jersey? Check out this New Jersey Donut Trail, the sweetest *and* most scenic road trip you’ll ever take in the Garden State!

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More to Explore

scenic road trips in New Jersey

Sarah | August 05, 2021

What are some of the most scenic road trips in New Jersey?

If the above list of scenic road trips in New Jersey ignited your sense of wanderlust, your next course of action is to tackle these beautiful byways and country roads. Opportunities for picturesque drives in the Garden State are endless but, officially, New Jersey is home to seven scenic byways. The “scenic byway” designation is awarded by the New Jersey Department of Transportation to roads and routes that “have outstanding scenic, natural, recreational, cultural, historic or archaeological significance" -- and that's precisely what you'll find on these scenic routes. Some of the byways include:

  • Bayshore Heritage Byway
  • Delaware River Scenic Byway
  • Millstone Valley Byway
  • Palisades Scenic Byway

 

What's the most charming small town in New Jersey?

There’s no shortage of charming small towns in New Jersey -- Lambertville, Clinton, and Stone Harbor, for starters. There's also:

  • Branchville
  • Hardwick
  • Ocean Grove
  • Flemington
  • Cape May

But when it comes to the *most* charming small town in New Jersey, there’s really no contest. Cape May isn’t simply the most charming small town in New Jersey, it is perhaps the most charming small town in the United States. A visit never feels like vacation, it feels like home! From its quaint architecture to postcard-perfect downtown (full of the most delightful restaurants and B&Bs, we might add!), Cape May is simply an enchanting place to visit -- or call home!

Are there many small towns in New Jersey?

Small towns are the heart and soul of the Garden State, and if you really want to be blown away by charm, visit these 14 small towns in New Jersey around the holidays. Places like Cape May and Hammonton, which bring in visitors from all over. Overflowing with cheer and charm, holiday events and attractions in Cape May and Hammonton can include:

  • Candlelight tours
  • Authentic Victorian Christmas decorations
  • An Old-Fashioned Christmas gallery exhibit
  • A Dickens Christmas Extravaganza
  • The Cheery Cherry House Christmas Tour
  • Tree lighting ceremonies
  • Children's festivals
  • Live carolers all throughout the season

 

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