Some of the most charming small towns in New Jersey are found in rural corners of the state, surrounded by farmland and beautiful scenery. Whether you’re looking to relocate to one of the more rural areas in NJ or simply love a good day trip, we think you’ll find this list handy. No matter the reason, take a trip to any of these for a beautiful day in the Garden State!

1. Swedesboro

Swedesboro, NJ 08085, USA
Wikimedia Commons / Jerry and Roy Klotz, MD
Swedesboro is a small town in Glocester County that has a vibrant downtown district that is packed with restaurants and charming shops. The town is surrounded by farmland and driving downtown is always a scenic, relaxing experience. Learn more about all the fun things to do in Swedesboro, New Jersey.

2. Cranbury

Cranbury, NJ, USA
Wikimedia Commons / Zeete
Cranbury is a little town in rural Middlesex County. It's around the corner from the spot where martians landed in the 1930s! You'll find a cute pizza place and some tasty homemade ice cream downtown, and it's worth driving around to get a break from the strip malls and developments of the larger nearby towns.

3. Hopewell

Hopewell, NJ 08525, USA
Wikimedia Commons / Jerry and Roy Klotz, MD
Hopewell is tucked away in the heart of the Raritan Valley. It's a great town for nature lovers, as it connects to the Delaware and Raritan Canal. There are also dozens of historic buildings scattered throughout town. There's so much to love about this tiny town in New Jersey.

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4. Tuckerton

Tuckerton, NJ 08087, USA
Flickr / Caite_Marie
Tuckerton is a seaport town that brings you straight to the past whenever you visit. The seaport museum is a must-visit, and during the year they host all sorts of fun festivals and events. Tuckerton, New Jersey is full of hidden gems and historic attractions.

5. Shamong

Shamong, NJ, USA
Flickr / Louis Dellara
Shamong is a rural town in Burlington County that's home to dozens of farms, both small and large, and a beautiful vineyard at Valenzano Winery. There are also plenty of hiking trails and access to Wharton State Forest from dozens of trailheads in the area. This tiny town is also home to one of the best bars in New Jersey - the Pic-A-Lilli on Route 206 serves up delicious wings. A little farther down the road, Kingfish BBQ's smokers run all weekend long, serving up tasty ribs, chicken, brisket, and more.

6. Hackettstown

Hackettstown, NJ 07840, USA
Facebook / Hackettstown Historical Society
Hackettstown is a small mountain community in the hills of northern New Jersey. You'll find restaurants, shops, lakes, hikes, and plenty of things to do. The winding roads you take to bring you into town are beautiful any time of year, but particularly special in the fall.

7. Newton

Newton, NJ 07860, USA
Wikimedia Commons / Famartin
Newton is the county seat of Sussex, way up in the northermost tip of New Jersey. This historic small town is a great place for a day trip, with restaurants and shops surrounding a small green space dedicated as a Veteran's Park. Learn more about why Newton is such a charming NJ day trip destination, even in the middle of winter.

What are your favorite rural areas in New Jersey? Let us know and we’ll check them out — we would love to hear from you! And, if you’re feeling filled with state pride, be sure to check out this awesome New Jersey apparel collection from Wear Your Roots.

And, for a little fun, check out this video outlining how to talk like a local: New Jersey edition:

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More to Explore

Living In New Jersey

Beth C. | February 02, 2024

Where can I go in New Jersey that only the locals know about?

New Jersey is brimming with hidden gems! Below you'll find a list of places in New Jersey that the locals love:

  • Chicken Galore -- Woodbridge
  • The Molly Pitcher Inn -- Red Bank
  • Popcorn Park Animal Refuge -- Forked River
  • The Bent Spoon -- Princeton
  • World War II Lookout Tower -- Cape May
  • Columbus Farmers Market -- Columbus
  • The Circle -- Newton
  • Colts Neck General Store and Deli -- Colt's Neck
  • Allenhurst
  • Sakana -- New Brunswick
  • Light Dispelling Darkness -- Edison
  • Caribbean Motel -- Wildwood Crest

 

Curious to learn a bit more about these destinations? Check out our list of hidden gems in New Jersey that you'll want to visit ASAP.

What are some of the best day trip destinations in NJ?

Some of the best day trips in New Jersey include the following:

  • Lakota Wolf Preserve, Columbia
  • Grounds For Sculpture, Hamilton
  • Cape May
  • Liberty State Park, Jersey City
  • Ziplining at Mountain Creek, Vernon Township
  • Clinton
  • Morristown
  • Haddonfield
  • The Tuckerton Seaport, Tuckerton
  • The Sterling Hill Mining Museum, Ogdensburg

 

Learn more about these incredible New Jersey day trip destinations!

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