
New Jersey, known for its diverse landscapes and historic charm, offers several picturesque county seats with captivating court houses, clock towers, and parks. These towns provide a blend of historical architecture and natural beauty, making them excellent destinations for tourists and photographers alike. Here’s a look at some of the most photogenic county seats in New Jersey:
1. Morristown (Morris County): Morristown, often celebrated for its historical significance and charming downtown area, stands out with its beautifully preserved 19th-century architecture. The Morris County Courthouse, an elegant stone building with intricate details, is a notable landmark. Adjacent to the courthouse, the Morristown Green, a spacious park surrounded by historical buildings, provides a perfect backdrop for photographs. The nearby Washington's Headquarters Museum adds historical depth, while the scenic nature trails along the nearby Whippany River offer tranquil settings for nature lovers.
2. Princeton (Mercer County): Princeton is renowned for its picturesque college town atmosphere. The Princeton University campus, with its historic Gothic architecture and lush green spaces, is a major attraction. The Mercer County Courthouse, though not as grand as some, complements the town’s aesthetic charm. Princeton’s Palmer Square, a lively area with boutique shops and eateries, is flanked by beautifully manicured gardens and fountains. The nearby Carnegie Lake, with its serene waters and scenic walking paths, provides additional opportunities for picturesque photos.
3. Camden (Camden County): Camden, with its revitalized waterfront and historic sites, offers unique photographic opportunities. The Camden County Courthouse, with its classic design, and the historic Walt Whitman Arts Center, located in the heart of the city, are key landmarks. The city's waterfront area, with views of the Delaware River and the Philadelphia skyline, adds a modern yet scenic element. The Cooper River Park, featuring expansive green spaces and walking trails, further enhances Camden’s appeal.
4. New Brunswick (Middlesex County): New Brunswick boasts a blend of historic and contemporary charm. The Middlesex County Courthouse, a grand building with distinctive architecture, stands prominently in the city. The city’s scenic locations include the scenic Raritan River, which runs through the downtown area. Johnson Park, located nearby, offers expansive green spaces, walking paths, and a picturesque setting for photos. The vibrant Rutgers University campus, with its historic buildings and lively atmosphere, further enriches the city's visual appeal.
5. Hoboken (Hudson County): Hoboken, while more known for its modern urban charm, features photogenic elements such as the historic Hoboken City Hall and the iconic Hoboken Clock Tower. The waterfront area, with stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and the Hudson River, is a popular spot for capturing cityscapes. The Sinatra Park, with its landscaped promenades and scenic vistas, provides a picturesque setting for both day and night photography.
In terms of population size, the largest and smallest counties in New Jersey are as follows:
Largest County by Population:
1. Bergen County: Bergen County is the most populous county in New Jersey, with a diverse and densely populated urban and suburban landscape. The county seat, Hackensack, is a bustling city with a mix of historical and modern architecture. The Bergen County Courthouse, an imposing building, and the nearby Hackensack River provide notable landmarks. Hackensack offers a vibrant cityscape with numerous parks and recreational areas, contributing to its photographic appeal.
Smallest County by Population:
1. Salem County: Salem County is the least populous county in New Jersey, known for its rural character and historic charm. The county seat, Salem, is a small city with a rich colonial history. The Salem County Courthouse, a historic building with classic design, is a key landmark. The city's picturesque settings include the Salem River, which flows through the area, and various historical sites that capture the essence of rural New Jersey.
Largest County Seat by Population:
1. Newark (Essex County): Newark is the largest county seat in New Jersey by population, with its dynamic urban landscape offering numerous photographic opportunities. The city features historic buildings like the Essex County Courthouse, the Newark Public Library, and a vibrant downtown area. Newark’s waterfront along the Passaic River and its expansive parks add to the city’s appeal.
Smallest County Seat by Population:
1. Tuckerton (Ocean County): Tuckerton, the county seat of Ocean County, is one of the smallest county seats by population in New Jersey. Known for its historic charm, the town features the Tuckerton Seaport, a maritime museum, and several preserved historic buildings. The scenic Tuckerton Creek provides a tranquil setting, making it a delightful location for capturing the essence of small-town New Jersey.
These county seats and their unique attributes reflect New Jersey’s rich blend of history, architecture, and natural beauty, making them ideal destinations for photography and exploration.
New Jersey County Seats
County Seat Belvidere, Warren County
County Seat Bridgeton, Cumberland County
County Seat Camden, Camden County
County Seat Cape May Court House, Cape May County
County Seat Elizabeth, Union County
County Seat Flemington, Hunterdon County
County Seat Freehold, Monmouth County
County Seat Hackensack, Bergen County
County Seat Jersey City, Hudson County
County Seat Mays Landing, Atlantic County
County Seat Morristown, Morris County
County Seat Bridgeton, Cumberland County
County Seat Camden, Camden County
County Seat Cape May Court House, Cape May County
County Seat Elizabeth, Union County
County Seat Flemington, Hunterdon County
County Seat Freehold, Monmouth County
County Seat Hackensack, Bergen County
County Seat Jersey City, Hudson County
County Seat Mays Landing, Atlantic County
County Seat Morristown, Morris County
County Seat Mount Holly, Burlington County
County Seat New Brunswick, Middlesex County
County Seat Newark, Essex County
County Seat Newton, Sussex County
County Seat Paterson, Passaic County
County Seat Salem, Salem County
County Seat Somerville, Somerset County
County Seat Toms River, Ocean County
County Seat Trenton, Mercer County
County Seat Woodbury, Gloucester County
County Seat New Brunswick, Middlesex County
County Seat Newark, Essex County
County Seat Newton, Sussex County
County Seat Paterson, Passaic County
County Seat Salem, Salem County
County Seat Somerville, Somerset County
County Seat Toms River, Ocean County
County Seat Trenton, Mercer County
County Seat Woodbury, Gloucester County