15 Best Things to do in Montclair (NJ)

Montclair is an idyllic town in New Jersey. Its French name translates to “clear mountain,” it also sits next to the first mountain of the Watchung Mountains of New Jersey.

This vibrant city is home to musicians, actors, writers, artists, media professionals, students, and much more. The town boasts both natural and artificial attraction sites to behold, from parks to super theatres, art galleries, museums, restaurants, and eclectic boutiques.

Located less than an hour from New York City, you will find lots of things to do in Montclair. It is a charming destination with adventure around every corner. The town’s ultimate goal is for residents to have fun.

Here you have a guide pointing you to the 15 best things to do in Montclair (NJ)

1. Visit the van Vleck house & gardens

Initially created in 1868 as a private estate by wealthy businessman Joseph Van Vleck sr, this 12-acre greenery has maintained its original U-shaped Italianate villa and has been landscaped to date. It is now an attraction site open to the public 365 days a year.

The Van Vleck garden is impressive when they bloom, mainly during spring and summer. The garden plants include the unique varieties of rhododendrons and azaleas, Chinese wisterias on the terrace, and the woodland with 65 different types of trees, including the grand cedar of Lebanon.

The second-floor headquarters has several NJ nonprofit foundations, while the ground floor hosts seminars, receptions, and fundraisers.

The garden is an enchanting place to pass your afternoon for a picnic, relaxation, or simply immersing yourself in nature. No doubt the beauty will keep you coming back.

Address: 21 Van Vleck St, Montclair, NJ

2. Pay homage to our heroes at Edgemont park

The 15-acre memorial park features a tall bronze sculpture in the middle of the pond created by Charles Keck in 1924, inscribing the names of First World War victims. The plagues also bear the names of those who died in the Vietnam War, the Korean War, and World War II.

The grand Edgemont park has a spot for every member of your family. It has a large, well-equipped playground for kids, ice skating in the winter, a baseball/softball diamond, bikeways and footpaths, and a concert Pavillon for bands.

The park also hosts an annual Fourth of July picnic with live music. Enjoy this park’s open space and fresh air and cross it off your list of best things to do in Montclair, NJ.

Address: Valley Rd, Montclair, NJ

3. Expand your knowledge at Watchung Booksellers

Founded by Kathy Linsk in 1991, Watchung Bookseller is the favorite bookstore in Montclair. It’s situated above Bradner’s pharmacy, and it’s a home base literary community with over 60 published books from the locals. It also has children and teens sections.

The bookstore offers an extensive collection of books from around the globe and the community, from fiction, biography, history, romance, education, poetry, nonfiction, etc. Every book is chosen to make a substantial impact on its reader.

Events such as poetry readings, author signings, book launches, children’s storytime events, and reading groups are specially hosted at the bookstore.

Visit Watchung Bookseller whenever you need to expand your knowledge.

Address: 54 Fairfield St, Montclair, NJ

Learn more: watchungbooksellers.com

4. View arts at the Montclair Art Museum

The Montclair Art Museum (MAM) is dedicated to transporting its visitors back in time with stunning and creative arts, housing over 12,000 pieces of art ranging from sculptures, drawings, photographs, and paintings dating back from the 18th century to date.

The museum, which opened in 1914, houses a diverse collection of Native American art, American art from the 18th and 19th centuries, modern art, contemporary art, indigenous art, and student exhibits.

It is the only museum in the world that displays works by 19th-century American painter George Inness, such as The Intimate, created between 1885 and 1894. Works by William Couper are also included.

The museum sponsors various educational art programs for Yard School of Art students in collaboration with local organizations.

Address: 3 S Mountain Ave, Montclair, NJ

Learn more: montclairartmuseum.org

5. Attend an Incredible Performance at the Alexander Kasser Theater

The Alexander Kasser Theater, owned and managed by Montclair State University, is a 4600-square-foot performance venue showcasing world-class contemporary art performances such as drama, dance, and music.

Like the University’s historic building, the theater was designed in the Spanish mission style. It has a 500-seat auditorium, a lobby with exhibition space, modern lighting, an orchestra pit, technical features, and several extra rooms for makeup, scenery/pop, a control room, artist suites, and so on well as  Harry Parch Institute.

The theater is one of the best places to see incredible performance art and thus ranks among the top 15 best things to do in Montclair, NJ. Get ready to be blown away by the fantastic performance.

Address: 1 Normal Ave, Montclair, NJ

6. Enjoy a bear at Egan & Sons

Egan & Sons is an award-winning Irish pub in Montclair. The wall is adorned with several famous Irish paintings, lending a homey feel to the pub. Even on a rainy day, the food, atmosphere, and service at the bar will brighten your day.

Their menu includes their award-winning dish, fish and chips, beef burgers, freshly shucked oysters, jumbo crispy chicken wings, cider-glazed salmon, and many other items made from fresh, local ingredients.

Voted the best bar in town, it serves 28 draught beers, selected wines, and unique cocktails; you can also enjoy European football matches. The pub not only meets the craving needs of the community of all ages but also provides a safe space for the LGBTQ community and those with disabilities.

Most importantly, it is tourist friendly. Grab a bite at this fantastic pub today.

Address: 118 Walnut St, Montclair, NJ

Learn more: egannsons.com

7. Skate at Clary Anderson Arena

One could describe it as one of the most incredible spots in Montclair. This Ice skating ring hosts all Montclair winter activities like ice hockey and figures skating shows.

If you happen to find yourself in Montclair during winter, make sure to visit this arena. Their public skating session provides everyone, including kids, the chance to enjoy the sport. You could catch any of the winter shows hosted at the stadium and join in on the fun by learning figure skating in the ring.

Some shops sell snacks and drinks and rent out skating shoes. Other amenities include a birthday party room and concessions options. It is more relaxed to calm your nerves than skating it out.

Address: 41 Chestnut St, Montclair, NJ

Learn more: claryandersonarena.com

8. Pay a visit to the Yogi Berra museum and learning center

A museum and stadium were built on the Montclair State University campus in honor of renowned baseball player Yogi Berra. The former New York Yankees catcher is also a National Baseball Hall of Fame member.

The museum contains numerous artifacts from Berra’s career, contributions to the game, and the history of baseball. The learning center also encourages students to love, respect, learn, and value sport. It also instills sportsmanship in them.

Baseball-related educational programs are also available at the museums, including summer camps and a business academy for high school and college students.

To learn the legend and the sport, visit Yogi Berra Museum and the learning center in Montclair, NJ.

Address: 8 Yogi Berra Drive, Little Falls, NJ

Learn more: yogiberramuseum.org

9. Presby Memorial Irises Gardens

The Franks Presbys (a horticulturist) family donated the land in 1927 to honor his love of iris. It is the world’s most extensive non-commercial irises garden, spanning over 6.5 acres in a park-like setting. The park received flower donations from the Presby family, American Iris Society, Joseph Van Vleck, John Wister, Kellogg Garden, and more.

The Presley Sanctuary, housing over 100,000 Italian honeybees, is the latest addition to this garden. Popularly referred to as the “Rainbow on the Hill,” the park contains over 10,000 plants from six species and over 3,000 irises varieties.

While walking through the garden, you will notice each iris is labeled, and every bed is marked with a description of the planted collection.

The Walther House (a museum shop and the headquarters of the Citizens Committee) that oversees the gardens is also nearby. Ensure to visit the park in its bloom season in spring and autumn to enjoy a spectacular view of nature.

However, Presby is more than a pretty garden; with some varieties dating back to the 1500s, it is safe to refer to it as a living museum for botanical preservation.

Address: 474 Upper Mountain Ave, Montclair, NJ

Learn more: presbyirisgardens.org

10. Wellmont Theatre

The Wellmont Theater, which opened in 1922 and has a seating capacity of 2,600, is one of the best things to do in Montclair. The theater has undergone several renovations to become the stadium-style concert venue it is today.

Wellmont Theater, located in the heart of Montclair, is the ideal venue for performance art, film festivals, fundraisers, award ceremonies, concerts, fashion shows, graduations, and other events.

The first floor incorporates a spacious lobby and an orchestra level with removable seats. It includes six bars, clean bathrooms, green rooms, lithing equipment, and top-notch sound systems.

Famous guests who have used the theatre include Thomas Edison, Fetty Wap, and DNCE. You can either catch a live performance if your trip coincides with the festive season or book the theatre for an event.

Address: 5 Seymour St, Montclair, NJ

Learn more: wellmonttheater.com

11. Montclair Film Festival

The Montclair Film Festival was founded in 2012 to honor local and international filmmakers. Every year, this community-based film festival draws actors, filmmakers, and film lovers from all over the world to Montclair to see more than 80 films screened at multiple venues.

The festival also encourages students and children through programs such as the Kidz Shortz Filmmaking Competition, the Free Summer Series Under the Stars, and free African American Heritage Month screenings.

With diverse audiences and a culturally vibrant community, the festival seeks to entertain, engage and educate using the power of great visual storytelling. As an aspiring actor or film enthusiast in Montclair, you can’t afford to miss this.

The Montclair Film Festival is usually held every October. Previous guests include; Jimmy Fallon, Dionne Warwick, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Judy Blume, Micheal Moore, Taylor Mac, and more.

Learn more: montclairfilm.org

12. Alonzo F. Bonsal Wildlife Preserve

After a citizen group protested to protect the woodland in the 1970s, this 20.68-acre wildlife preserve was established. The land, named after a resident named Bonsal, was purchased with funds from the New Jersey DEP Green Acres program.

There are two entrances into this wildlife sanctuary; one at the end of Daniel Drive in Clifton and the other in Montclair at the “T,” where Riverview Drive meets Riverview Drive West, as seen on the patch in Montclair. The preserve got more than 200 trees and other restorations needed in 2020 after a sewer line caused damage to it.

Fill your day with adventure as you explore this outdoor wildlife preserve with friends and family. The dense forests protect native animals such as owls, deer, and several small mammals. The wetlands that encircle the Third River can also be explored.

Address: Riverview Dr W, Montclair, NJ 

13. Park at Kip’s Castle

This magnificent 10-acre and 9,000-square-foot medieval Castle was designed in the style of Norman castles. Spanning over eleven acres of land on the ridge of First Mountain, the park is government owned and is open for tours.

The two-story carriage house and the 6,000-square-foot Castle’s exteriors are made of local trap-rocks. The interior consists of thirty different rooms with vaulted ceilings and six ornate fireplaces. It sits between the Montclair and Verona, offering spectacular views of New York City.

Kip’s Castle was formally known as “Kypsburg” and was built by Frederic Ellsworth Kip and his wife, Charlotte Bishop Williams Kip, from 1902 to 1905. Charlotte designed this Castle and its octagonal rose garden situated at the southwest corn of the Castle.

Explore this magnificent Castle with crenelated and conical towers, ornate rooms, antique furniture, and other artifacts as if you were a royal.

Address: 22 Crestmont Rd, Verona, NJ

14. Mesob Ethiopian Restaurant

Mesob is an Ethiopian restaurant that celebrates Ethiopia’s exquisite and delicious flavors, arts, and culture. Traditional tribal papooses made of leather and trimmed with Red Sea seashells can be found at the restaurant.

The restaurant serves both vegans and meat lovers with authentic food made from only imported Ethiopian spices.

With a menu centered on Ethiopian cuisine, the restaurant serves Injera (a famous sourdough Ethiopian flat bread), Doro Tibs, and other traditional Ethiopian dishes (marinated and sauteed with red onions, garlic, jalapeno pepper, fresh tomato, herbs, and spices).

Address: 515 Bloomfield Ave, Montclair, NJ

Learn more: mesobrestaurant.com

15. Greek Taverna

Greek Taverna is an open-air kitchen in Greece with spectacular decor and delectable food. The kitchen, oozing with timeless Mediterranean tradition, is very comfortable because guests can see how their dishes are prepared.

Lamb Glovetski (braised lamb and orzo pasta in a delicate white wine sauce), Ouzo Keftedes (special meatballs from the island of Mytilini in a tomato ouzo sauce), and Greek Bougatsa and Baklava are among the dishes on the menu.

Address: 292 Bloomfield Ave # 1, Montclair, NJ

Learn more: greektavernausa.com

Plan a Trip to Montclair, New Jersey

There are so many fun things to do in Montclair, New Jersey. It’s easily accessible and offers a beautiful escape for the whole family. Make it a plan to go on a trip there today.

Don’t forget to drop a comment about your experience and let us know how we can update this article.