
New Jersey has it all: mountains, lakes, forests, beaches, wetlands, historic villages, pinelands, farms and cities. There are many beautiful landscapes, and WorldAtlas named six Garden State cities the most photogenic in the area.
Cape May
Cape May has always been one of our favorite spots in New Jersey. The southernmost Jersey town has beautiful, white sandy beaches that overlook the ocean.
The streets are lined with colorful Victorian homes.
Named one of the most Instagrammable small cities in the country, some of the more beautiful spots are along Washington Street, in the historic district, at Congress Hall, at the Emlen Physick Estate, during sunset dinner at Beach Plum Farm, from the top of the Cape May Point Lighthouse and along the shoreline.
Chatham
Chatham is a charming and quaint part of the state. The township is home to part of the Great Swamp Wildlife Refuge, which is 7,600 acres of natural land in Morris County. Passaic River County Park and Reservation has more natural land along the riverfront, plus hiking, picnic areas, fishing, a softball field, canoeing, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

There are tree-lined streets in Chatham Twp., and the bucolic Green Village in the township that dates back to Revolutionary War times.
It’s also a destination for the Red Brick Schoolhouse Museum, built in 1860 and originally named the Mount Vernon School in honor of General/President George Washington.
The Boro of Chatham is popular for its concerts in the gazebo, where local musicians perform downtown.
Millville
Millville dates back to the 1700s, when Joseph Smith and others formed the Union Estates Company bought 24,000 acres of land, and put a mill at the Maurice River. The banks are made of silica sand, which led to glass industry in the area.
At the Maurice River Bluffs Preserve, look for osprey, killdeer and great egrets to catch on camera. Check out the historic murals and aircraft at the Millville Army Air Field Museum, and the architecture of First Presbyterian Church which sits along the river.
The Levoy Theatre is a historic theatre located in Millville’s Arts District, hosting many productions and concerts throug the year.
Red Bank
Red Bank was named after the reddish soil that’s found along the Navesink River. The town has a great downtown area with architecturally sound and chic buildings, plus natural areas and parks along the waterfront.
Count Basie Center for the Arts will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2026; it’s part of the National Register of Historic Places. The Molly Pitcher Hotel looks like the White House at first glance.
The shops along Broad Street and West Front Street and are architecturally interesing. Marine Park is the site of many events, overlooking the water.
Smithville
Historic Smithville in Galloway has over 60 old-fashioned shops and seven restaurants. It started as a one-room stagecoach stop and still maintains the cute small-town feel and hospitality.
There are cobblestone walkways, footbridges, Lake Meone and lots of green space. The carousel, train and paddle boats make you feel like you’re back in time.
And it’s just magical at Christmastime, when it resembles a Dickens village.
Swedesboro
Swedesboro is another historic NJ town, dating back to 1638! You can view artifacts, documents and photos from the past at the Swedesboro-Woolwich Historical Society and Museum. Dalton Farms has gorgeous tulips in the spring. The Mortonson–Van Leer Log Cabin, also known as the Schorn Log Cabin, will make you think of Abe Lincoln days; it’s on the grounds of the Trinity Church cemetery. There are also a handful of wineries and distilleries in the area.
The six most photogenic towns in New Jersey, according to WorldAtlas:
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Read More:
Why We Love Cape May in the Off-Season
These 3 Hidden Gems in NJ Are Favored by International Travelers
New Jersey is One of America’s Most-Visited States