There is beauty to be found all over the Garden State and many of those who aren’t from here are surprised to discover it. Sometimes, they even refuse to believe it. I’ve lost track of the number of times I’ve told people that I’m from New Jersey and they make jokes about it being a landfill. They picture some sort of wasteland but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Sure, not every since square foot of our state is stunning, but these towns all offer some spectacular scenery. They are listed in no particular order – each is special! I’ve even included a few towns (cities, specifically) that might throw you for a loop.
- Alpine
Flickr/Augie Ray Alpine is filled with stately manors but its real treasures lie along the Hudson River. Score incredible views from the Alpine Boat Basin or State Line Lookout. One of my favorite places along the river, State Line Lookout is a scenic overlook atop the Palisades Cliffs with a refreshment stand and gift shop. It is situated at the highest point on the cliffs (elevation - 520 feet) and offers visitors wonderful hiking and cross-country skiing trails. Visit each autumn for the annual hawk watch.
- Clinton
Wikipedia/John Bohnel This beautiful town along the Raritan River is perhaps best known for its mills. The historic Red Mill is a frequently photographed local icon, open to visitors for exploration. The equally gorgeous stone mill is now home to the Hunterdon County Art Museum.
- Newark
Flickr/Joshua Siniscal Yes, Newark. In addition to a vibrant skyline, Newark is home to Branch Brook Park. The nation’s first county park, it is also home to the largest collection of cherry blossom trees in the United States, having over 4,300 in more than fourteen different varieties. The trees are celebrated during the Cherry Blossom Festival each April. Trees and flower beds surround Branch Brook Lake and Clark’s Pond, creating incredibly enchanting scenes.
- Cape May
Flickr/Henning Follman This island town offers beautiful Victorian homes and some of the best sunrises and sunsets in the state. Enjoy the scenery from Cape May’s sandy shores or bask in the glow of the lighthouse at night.
- Collingswood
Image/Google Maps Collingswood is one of four towns (Pennsauken, Cherry Hill, Collingswood and Haddon Township) that the lovely Cooper River Park runs through. The town itself is a gem but it’s the riverfront views that have scored it a spot on this particular list. Head to the park for Philadelphia skyline views, playgrounds, trails, mini-golf, a boathouse, volleyball courts, picnic areas, a biofilter wetland and sculpture gardens - it’s picture perfect!
- Long Valley
Flickr/Jessie Gilles This unincorporated community is absolutely enchanting. Located alongside (and atop) Schooley’s Mountain, the views are magnificent. It also has so much to offer! You’ll find Restaurant Village, farms, brew pubs, creameries and more. It isn’t known for hustle and bustle but it’s far from boring and it’s simply beautiful…especially in the fall.
- Montague
Flickr/Jason Jenkins This town borders the Delaware River and is home to High Point State Park. From the highest point in New Jersey (1,803 feet), you can see for miles. Surrounded by the Kittatinny Mountains, the views are magnificent.
- Jersey City
Flickr/Fazia Jersey City is one of New Jersey’s most vibrant cities and it is also one of the state’s most scenic. Liberty State Park offers spectacular views of New York City and the majestic Lady Liberty. It’s also home to a historic railroad terminal and a moving 9/11 memorial, pictured. You’ll also find a lovely walkway along the Hudson River, near the Newport section of town.
- Atlantic City
Flickr/Marco Verch From the colorful lights at night to the ocean at sunrise, you can score some amazing views in Atlantic City. From certain spots, you can also enjoy bay and marsh views.
- Atlantic Highlands
Image/Kristen Koennemann Atlantic Highlands is home to Mount Mitchill, the highest headland of the United States east coast south of Maine. It has a panoramic view of Raritan Bay, New York City and Sandy Hook and is near the Twin Lights Lighthouse in Highlands. Score NYC and Sandy Hook views from the peaceful park.
Of course, this list is only just the start. Almost every town in New Jersey has somewhere that’s scenic! To discover another town with wonderful views, click here.
Flickr/Augie Ray
Alpine is filled with stately manors but its real treasures lie along the Hudson River. Score incredible views from the Alpine Boat Basin or State Line Lookout. One of my favorite places along the river, State Line Lookout is a scenic overlook atop the Palisades Cliffs with a refreshment stand and gift shop. It is situated at the highest point on the cliffs (elevation - 520 feet) and offers visitors wonderful hiking and cross-country skiing trails. Visit each autumn for the annual hawk watch.
Wikipedia/John Bohnel
This beautiful town along the Raritan River is perhaps best known for its mills. The historic Red Mill is a frequently photographed local icon, open to visitors for exploration. The equally gorgeous stone mill is now home to the Hunterdon County Art Museum.
Flickr/Joshua Siniscal
Yes, Newark. In addition to a vibrant skyline, Newark is home to Branch Brook Park. The nation’s first county park, it is also home to the largest collection of cherry blossom trees in the United States, having over 4,300 in more than fourteen different varieties. The trees are celebrated during the Cherry Blossom Festival each April. Trees and flower beds surround Branch Brook Lake and Clark’s Pond, creating incredibly enchanting scenes.
Flickr/Henning Follman
This island town offers beautiful Victorian homes and some of the best sunrises and sunsets in the state. Enjoy the scenery from Cape May’s sandy shores or bask in the glow of the lighthouse at night.
Image/Google Maps
Collingswood is one of four towns (Pennsauken, Cherry Hill, Collingswood and Haddon Township) that the lovely Cooper River Park runs through. The town itself is a gem but it’s the riverfront views that have scored it a spot on this particular list. Head to the park for Philadelphia skyline views, playgrounds, trails, mini-golf, a boathouse, volleyball courts, picnic areas, a biofilter wetland and sculpture gardens - it’s picture perfect!
Flickr/Jessie Gilles
This unincorporated community is absolutely enchanting. Located alongside (and atop) Schooley’s Mountain, the views are magnificent. It also has so much to offer! You’ll find Restaurant Village, farms, brew pubs, creameries and more. It isn’t known for hustle and bustle but it’s far from boring and it’s simply beautiful…especially in the fall.
Flickr/Jason Jenkins
This town borders the Delaware River and is home to High Point State Park. From the highest point in New Jersey (1,803 feet), you can see for miles. Surrounded by the Kittatinny Mountains, the views are magnificent.
Flickr/Fazia
Jersey City is one of New Jersey’s most vibrant cities and it is also one of the state’s most scenic. Liberty State Park offers spectacular views of New York City and the majestic Lady Liberty. It’s also home to a historic railroad terminal and a moving 9/11 memorial, pictured. You’ll also find a lovely walkway along the Hudson River, near the Newport section of town.
Flickr/Marco Verch
From the colorful lights at night to the ocean at sunrise, you can score some amazing views in Atlantic City. From certain spots, you can also enjoy bay and marsh views.
Image/Kristen Koennemann
Atlantic Highlands is home to Mount Mitchill, the highest headland of the United States east coast south of Maine. It has a panoramic view of Raritan Bay, New York City and Sandy Hook and is near the Twin Lights Lighthouse in Highlands. Score NYC and Sandy Hook views from the peaceful park.
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