12 Charming Small Towns in New Jersey to Visit This Year

With so many charming small towns in New Jersey, where do we begin? The communities — some nearly unknown, others legendary — are full of surprises, and each one has a perfect time to visit. On this year-long tour of the best small towns in New Jersey, you'll experience winter bliss, raucous holidays, a summer of fun, and a holiday season to remember. The one thing all of these small towns have in common is that they're all quintessentially New Jersey, and there's a reason that they belong on any resident's or tourist's travel bucket list. Here are the top 12 small towns in New Jersey to visit this year:

January - Frenchtown

During the cold winter months, this quiet river town's network of art museums, antique shops, hotels (we recommend staying at The National Hotel), and charming cafes makes the perfect day-trip destination. See for yourself why Frenchtown is one of the best towns to visit in New Jersey.

February - Cape May

Cape May, one of the most scenic towns in New Jersey, is bustling during the summer, but in the winter months, this coastal town is shockingly peaceful. It's perfect for a unique and romantic Valentine's Day getaway, and I suggest you surprise your special person with an overnight stay at Congress Hall, which has an on-site spa and dining options.

March - Metuchen

Metuchen may be the best place in New Jersey to celebrate St. Patrick's Day, thanks to Hailey's Harp & Pub — an authentic Irish pub right on the town's main street. You can also explore the shops and restaurants in Metuchen, one of the most charming towns in New Jersey.

April - Chester

Chester is one of those beautiful, quaint towns in New Jersey that truly come alive in April, as family-run Alstede Farms hosts the state's biggest Easter event for families. Hayrides, egg hunts, and countless other activities await. If you plan on spending the night, take a look at the Publick House Hotel and book your stay.

May - Asbury Park

As summer approaches, the shore comes to life — and you can begin your adventure at New Jersey's live music capital in Asbury Park. For a relaxing getaway, spend a couple of nights at the Asbury Ocean Club Hotel.

June - Point Pleasant Beach

Home to a boardwalk, amusement park, aquarium, funhouse, and massive arcades, this shore town is a state institution. Point Pleasant Beach is one of the best New Jersey small towns to visit, and if you're looking for a place to stay, consider the charming The Tower Cottage Bed & Breakfast.

July - Margate City

Fourth of July fireworks can be crowded, but the tiny beach town of Margate City holds a celebration where you can beat the crowds and take in the amazing sights. There are also many charming rentals to stay at, like this home with a large outdoor kitchen located just a few blocks from the sand.

August - Wildwood

As summer winds down, there's no better way to celebrate than with a visit to New Jersey's biggest — and some would say best — boardwalk, with its craziest rides. And perhaps there's no better place to stay in Wildwood than Oasis by Seaport Stays.

September - Manalapan

Fall foliage in New Jersey is stunning, and Manalapan's Monmouth Battlefield State Park is one of the best places to walk among the trees. If you're looking to visit cute towns in New Jersey, Manalapan delivers with scenic beauty and its fall activities and festivals.

October - Holmdel

Holmdel is home to Bell Labs and the PNC Bank Arts Center, as well as a park and the Historic Longstreet Farm, a living history museum demonstrating life on a farm in the 1890s. This is a quiet town if you need to get away for a few hours and immerse yourself in nature.

November - Manasquan

This beautiful beach town is quiet in November, which makes it a great place to take in the sights. It's also home to Hinck's Turkey Farm, where it's Thanksgiving all year round — and especially all November! If you want to make sure your visit to Manasquan delivers delicious food, drop by Hinck's Turkey Farm to see what they've got cooking. To make your stay in Manasquan a relaxing one, book a room at the Inn on Main Hotel.

December - Smithville

There is no better way to celebrate Christmas in New Jersey than with a visit to the Village Green, the charming Christmas village in the heart of Smithville, one of the most historic towns in New Jersey.

Have you been to any of these small towns in the past years? Discover more on a NJ small town road trip to discover some of the state's most picturesque and charming communities.