Of course, Jersey is known for its prime location near the Atlantic Ocean, offering residents and visitors premium access to our beautiful beaches.

However, something you may not realize is that New Jersey is also home to some amazing rivers, and with rivers come quaint little river towns that are well worth a visit.

Photo by Jack Anstey on Unsplash
Photo by Jack Anstey on Unsplash
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Rivers like the Hudson, Deleware, Maurice, and Navesink all provide the perfect background for some gorgeous little towns to pop up.

According to the travel experts at World Atlas, these are Jersey's best river towns you need to visit.

The 9 Best River Towns In New Jersey People Need To Visit

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9. Clinton

Clinton, located right off the Raritan River is iconic due to its red barn that sits proudly on the river's edge.

It's also one of the more historic towns in Jersey being the birthplace of several leaders of the American Revolutionary War.

Photo by Keith Luke on Unsplash
Photo by Keith Luke on Unsplash
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You can also enjoy a day of fishing, checking out local coffee shops, and doing some shopping in Clinton's little downtown area.

8. Frenchtown

Frenchtown regularly makes our "best of" lists, and for good reason.

Located right off the Deleware River, you can spend the day at one of several amazing parks, and you can cap off the day at the Sand Castle Winery.

7. Lambertville

The antique capital of America is also located off the Deleware River and offers visitors a great small-town feel with a lot to do.

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You can enjoy seeing museums, history, and beautiful Victorian-era homes.

6. Stockton

This is a town for outdoor lovers.

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Also sitting off the Deleware River, you can spend a day getting lost in this quaint town hiking one of several trails, enjoying its parks, and having a great day near the water without the crowds the beach usually draws in.

5. Collingswood

Right off the Cooper River, Collingswood has a vibrant art scene and theatre scene.

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You can spend a day walking Cooper River Park or Knight Park, and then end the day grabbing some mouthwatering food downtown at places like Albertino's.

4. Milford

Milford is known for its Eco-Tourism according to World Atlas.

Its prime location to the Deleware River makes it perfect for the outdoorsy traveler who wants to enjoy a small town filled with shopping, food, and fun but also get out and enjoy some trails.

Deleware Canal State Park is one of the best hiking spots in the area.

3. Greenwich

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If you're a bird watcher, you'll want to head to Greenwich.

Located off the Cohansey River, Greenwich has been called the best place for bird watching in Jersey according to World Atlas.

Greenwich also has tons of really cool historical buildings that you'll want to see on your trip.

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2. Red Bank

There's no place quite like Red Bank.

Located right off the Navesink, there's so much to do.

You can catch a show at the Bassie Theatre, you can get lost in its amazingly quaint downtown area, and of course, you'll want to check out the Molly Pitcher Inn.

It's voted as one of the best hotels and restaurants by the Jersey Shore. 

1. Mahwah

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Mahwah was ranked as Jersey's best river town to visit in 2024.

Located just off the Mahwah River, you're just a stone's throw from Manhatten, you can enjoy hiking, fishing, archery, and snowboarding.

World Atlas reports that Mahawah is one of the few places in Jersey you can go skiing.

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So if you're looking for something different to do in Jersey this upcoming summer and you want to avoid the crowds of the Shore, these river towns are sure to please.

Oh, and how do you feel about this controversial list of Jersey's worst small towns? Do you agree?

Controversial List of New Jersey's Worst Small Towns

Gallery Credit: Matt Ryan

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