In This Article
Need a hip, artsy getaway just outside NYC? Head to Montclair! This suburban gem blends culture, creativity, and charm with walkable neighborhoods, boutique shopping, and a buzzing restaurant scene. Whether you’re museum-hopping, hiking in a park, or catching live music, Montclair is one of New Jersey’s coolest small cities.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Montclair is during the spring and fall (April–June and September–October), when the town is alive with outdoor festivals, farmers markets, and scenic foliage. Winter offers cozy cafes and holiday shopping, while summer brings outdoor dining and performances.
How to Get There
- By Train: NJ Transit’s Montclair-Boonton Line offers direct service to Montclair from New York Penn Station (about 45 minutes).
- By Car: Montclair is accessible via Garden State Parkway, Route 3, and Route 46—about 15 miles west of Manhattan.
- By Air: Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is approximately 25 minutes away by car or rideshare.
Where to Stay
- The George – Chic boutique hotel in a historic building with curated decor and personalized service.
- MC Hotel, Autograph Collection – Upscale hotel with modern amenities, rooftop bar, and art-inspired design in downtown Montclair.
- Local B&Bs and Short-Term Rentals – Montclair offers stylish townhouses and guest homes perfect for weekend stays.
Top Attractions
1. Wander Through Blooming Beauty at Van Vleck House & Gardens
© Van Vleck House & Gardens
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What is the history of Van Vleck House & Gardens?
- Established more than 140 years ago as a private estate, the
Van Vleck House & Gardens
was the creation of successful businessman Joseph Van Vleck Sr when he moved to Montclair in 1868.
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Has the property changed over the years?
- While there have been several changes to the property in the decades since, the exquisite
U-shaped Italianate villa and landscaped grounds have remained the same.
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What types of plants can be found in the gardens?
- The gardens are home to mostly ericaceous plants that have been developed over generations,
including hybrid species of rhododendrons and azaleas.
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Are the gardens open to the public?
- The private gardens are open to the public all year round from dawn to dusk
and play host to a variety of special events, fundraisers, and other occasions throughout the year.
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Where is Van Vleck House & Gardens located?
- 21 Van Vleck Street, Montclair, NJ 07042, 973-744-4752
2. Explore American Art and Culture at the Montclair Art Museum (MAM)
© Montclair Art Museum
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What is the Montclair Art Museum (MAM)?
- The Montclair Art Museum (MAM)
is dedicated to engaging and inspiring the community with art through its incredible collection of
American and Native American art.
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How large is the museum’s collection?
- The museum is home to a collection of more than 12,000 items, including paintings, drawings, sculptures, and prints
dating from the 18th century to the present. It also showcases a variety of contemporary artworks
highlighting life in a global context.
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What is special about the George Inness Gallery?
- The museum features the only gallery in the world solely dedicated to the 19th-century American painter
George Inness, who lived in Montclair between 1885 and 1894.
The George Inness Gallery presents a curated selection of his paintings and etchings, along with works
by the famous sculptor William Couper.
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Does the museum offer educational programs?
- Yes, the Montclair Art Museum sponsors a wide variety of educational programs in collaboration with local organizations.
It also provides formal instruction for both students and amateurs at the Yard School of Art.
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Where is the Montclair Art Museum located?
- 3 S Mountain Ave, Montclair, NJ 07042, 973-746-5555
3. Catch Live Music and Entertainment at the Wellmont Theater
© Wellmont Theater
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What is the history of the Wellmont Theater?
- Built in 1922 as a theater, the
Wellmont Theater
was converted into a motion picture theater in 1929 and saw the likes of famous inventor
Thomas Edison as one of its haloed guests.
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How has the theater changed over the years?
- Initially opening onto Bloomfield Avenue and later Seymour Street, the theater was
triplexed in the 70s, and the original lobby is now a restaurant.
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What renovations has the Wellmont Theater undergone?
- The Wellmont Theatre went through a multi-million dollar renovation and is now a popular
concert venue with new bars in the orchestra and mezzanine areas, flexible seating, and a dance floor.
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What is the seating capacity of the Wellmont Theater?
- The Wellmont Theater has a seating capacity of 2,600 for standing shows and is the
largest venue in the area.
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Where is the Wellmont Theater located?
- 5 Seymour Street, Montclair, NJ 07042, 973-783-9500
4. Discover Local History with the Montclair Historical Society
© Montclair Historical Society
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What is the Montclair Historical Society?
- Originally founded in 1965 to save the Israel Crane House, the
Montclair Historical Society (MHS)
is dedicated to promoting, preserving, and appreciating the local history of Montclair.
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What historic sites are part of the Montclair Historical Society?
- The MHS consists of two important historic sites: the Israel Crane House, a
Federal Revival style landmark home built in 1796 by a local entrepreneur, and the
1818-built Nathaniel Crane House.
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Are the Crane Houses open to the public?
- Yes, together, the two Crane Houses are open to the public as historic museum houses
that showcase the history of the buildings and the surrounding town. They also provide space for educational workshops,
lectures, and classes for the public and students alike.
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What other properties does the Montclair Historical Society own?
- The society also owns the Charles S. Schultz House on North Mountain Avenue, known as Evergreens.
Built in 1896, the Clark House is home to an excellent research library that serves as a valuable
resource for scholars, historians, and local teachers.
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Where is the Montclair Historical Society located?
- 108 Orange Road, Montclair, NJ 07042, 973-744-1796
Romantic Activities and Attractions:
5. Admire Colorful Blooms at the Presby Memorial Iris Gardens
© Courtesy of schankz - Fotolia.com
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What are the Presby Memorial Iris Gardens?
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Where are the gardens located?
- Spread over 6.5 acres in a park-like setting on Upper Mountain Avenue in Montclair,
the unique gardens are open to the public without charge.
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When were the gardens established?
- Established in 1927 to honor noted horticulturist Frank Presby,
the gardens feature a world-class collection of over 10,000 individual plants
representing 6 species and over 3,000 different named varieties of irises.
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What is the Walther House?
- The Walther House, an excellent example of Victorian architecture,
sits adjacent to the gardens. It is also home to a museum shop and the headquarters of
the Citizens Committee that oversees the gardens.
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Where are the Presby Memorial Iris Gardens located?
- 474 Upper Mountain Ave, Upper Montclair, NJ 07043, 973-783-5974
6. Celebrate a Legend at the Yogi Berra Museum and Learning Center
© Yogi Berra Museum and Learning Center
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What is the Yogi Berra Museum and Learning Center?
- The Yogi Berra Museum and Learning Center
is a museum based on the campus of Montclair State University that serves to honor the career of
world-renowned baseball player and National Baseball Hall of Fame inductee Yogi Berra.
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What can visitors see at the museum?
- The Yogi Berra Museum stands next to the Yogi Berra Stadium and is home to a variety of artifacts
and items from Berra’s career, as well as exhibits on the history of baseball and his contribution to the game.
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Does the museum offer any programs or camps?
- Yes, the museum offers a variety of summer camps and a three-day sports and business academy
designed to give high school and college students advice and insights into careers in sports.
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What is the mission of the Learning Center?
- Established to preserve and promote the values of respect and sportsmanship,
the Learning Center offers culturally diverse sports-based educational programs to empower students
and learners to take an interest in sports.
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Where is the Yogi Berra Museum and Learning Center located?
- 8 Yogi Berra Drive, Little Falls, NJ 07424, 973-655-2378
7. Stroll, Picnic, or Play at the Expansive Brookdale Park
© korchemkin/stock.adobe.com
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What is Brookdale Park?
- Enjoy fun recreational activities at
Brookdale Park,
a lush outdoor escape that features incredible and picturesque vistas as well as
fantastic amenities and public-use facilities.
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How large is Brookdale Park?
- As the county’s third largest park, Brookdale Park boasts 121.4 acres of land
in the northern tip of Essex County’s eastern section.
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What trails are available in the park?
- Park visitors can enjoy a hike along the 36-mile Lenape Trail, which connects
18 parks across 11 different municipalities in the county.
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What recreational facilities does Brookdale Park offer?
- The park is home to playgrounds, a tennis court,
track facilities, an archery range, and even a huge extensive lawn
perfect for lounging under the sun.
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Who is Brookdale Park ideal for?
- Ultimately, Brookdale Park is ideal for nature lovers,
fitness enthusiasts, and families who want to enjoy recreation together.
8. Experience Film and Community at the Montclair Film Festival
© Courtesy of click_and_photo - Fotolia.com
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What is the Montclair Film Festival?
- The Montclair Film Festival
is a community-based film festival that showcases filmmakers from around the world
and helps put Montclair on the map.
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When was the Montclair Film Festival established?
- Established in 2012, the film festival is in its fourth year, and thousands of
film-lovers, aficionados, and critics flock to the city each year to take in more than
80 films screened at multiple venues around Montclair.
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What programs and events does the festival offer?
- The Montclair Film Festival also presents a growing schedule of dynamic educational and public programs
and events for children and students alike, including the Kidz Shortz Filmmaking Competition,
Free Summer Series Under the Stars, and free African American Heritage Month screenings.
9. Find Your Next Favorite Read at Watchung Booksellers
© Watchung Booksellers
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What is Watchung Booksellers?
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Where is Watchung Booksellers located?
- The bookstore is located above Bradner's Pharmacy in Montclair.
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What types of books does Watchung Booksellers specialize in?
- The bookstore specializes in general collections of fiction, nonfiction, biography, and history volumes,
with a focus on educational titles, travel books, poetry, and arts selections.
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How does Watchung Booksellers reflect the local community?
- Books are chosen carefully to reflect the character and values of the Montclair community,
with input from local readers. The works of more than 60 published local authors
are showcased on the bookstore's shelves, making it an important home base for New Jersey's literary community.
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Does the bookstore have dedicated spaces for children and teens?
- Yes, a charming children's room offers family reading spaces and a lively Teen Corner.
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What special events does Watchung Booksellers host?
- Special events hosted throughout the year include poetry readings, children's storytime events,
book groups, and author signings.
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What is the address and contact information for Watchung Booksellers?
- 54 Fairfield St, Montclair, NJ 07043, Phone: 973-744-7177
10. Savor Italian-Inspired Flavors at Da Pepo
© Da Pepo
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What is Da Pepo?
- Da Pepo is a delightful
Italian comfort fare joint in Montclair, owned and operated by Pasquale Orrico.
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What type of cuisine does Da Pepo serve?
- The restaurant is known for its high-quality Southern Italian fare,
crafted with fresh ingredients according to longstanding Orrico family recipes.
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Where is Da Pepo located?
- Da Pepo is located within the popular local bookstore
Watchung Booksellers, showcasing a rustic, family-friendly dining space
with comfortable decor.
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What are some popular dishes at Da Pepo?
- Hearty pasta selections include penne puttanesca,
gnocchi telefono, orecchiette barese, and
ravioli funghi trifolati, available with vegan mozzarella cheese upon request.
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Does Da Pepo serve sandwiches?
- Yes, panini sandwiches are also served, stuffed with delicious ingredients like
pears, fresh mozzarella, grilled chicken, and pesto mayo.
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When is Da Pepo open?
- The restaurant is open for dinner service Mondays through Saturdays.
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What is the address and contact information for Da Pepo?
- 54 Fairfield St, Montclair, NJ 07042, Phone: 973-655-8825
Must-see if you are a first-time visitor:
- Eagle Rock Reservation – Hike scenic trails with sweeping views of the NYC skyline from this nearby nature spot.
- Montclair Farmers Market – Shop local produce, flowers, and artisanal goods on weekends (seasonal).
Where to Eat
- Raymond’s – A Montclair classic for brunch, comfort food, and cocktails in a vintage-style diner space.
- Faubourg – Modern French bistro with a sleek indoor-outdoor setting and seasonal menus.
- Turtle + the Wolf – New American cuisine with bold flavors, creative cocktails, and local ingredients.
If you are interested in local events:
- Montclair Film Festival (May) – One of NJ’s premier cultural events, featuring indie films, panels, and celebrity guests.
- Jazz House Kids Montclair Jazz Festival (Summer) – Live jazz performances in outdoor and indoor venues across town.
- Montclair Center Stage (Spring–Fall) – Free weekend concerts downtown with local musicians and family fun.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Montclair, New Jersey:
- New York City (30 min) – Museums, theaters, shopping, and endless dining in the Big Apple—just a quick train ride away.
- South Mountain Reservation (25 min) – Enjoy hiking trails, waterfalls, and panoramic views in this large Essex County park.
- Branch Brook Park (20 min) – Famous for its spring cherry blossoms, walking paths, and peaceful gardens.
- Newark Museum of Art (20 min) – Explore fine art, science exhibits, and planetarium shows just a few towns over.
- Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park (25 min) – Discover powerful waterfalls and learn about New Jersey’s industrial past.
FAQ:
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What makes Montclair a vibrant city?
- Montclair is home to an array of artists, students, writers, musicians, and media professionals.
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What attractions can visitors explore in Montclair?
- The New Jersey town boasts a variety of things to see and do, from unique shops and eclectic boutiques to theaters, art galleries, museums, and charming restaurants.
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What kind of crowd does Montclair attract?
- The bohemian arts scene draws a diverse crowd who come to savor the worldly cuisine, take in a show, or revel in the sights and sounds of Bloomfield Avenue.
At a Glance:
Best Time to Visit |
Places to Stay |
Tips for Visiting |
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and blooming flowers. |
The George – A stylish boutique hotel in a historic mansion. |
Explore Van Vleck House & Gardens – Walk through beautifully maintained botanical gardens. |
Summer (June-August) – Warm and ideal for outdoor dining and festivals. |
Residence Inn by Marriott West Orange – A comfortable stay near Montclair attractions. |
Attend the Montclair Jazz Festival – Enjoy world-class jazz performances in a lively atmosphere. |
Fall (September-November) – Crisp air, vibrant foliage, and cultural events. |
The MC Hotel, Autograph Collection – A trendy hotel with a rooftop bar and city views. |
Visit the Montclair Art Museum – Discover an impressive collection of American and Native American art. |
Winter (December-February) – Cool and cozy with holiday charm. |
The Wilshire Grand Hotel – A convenient and cozy option for winter visitors. |
Stroll through Downtown Montclair – Shop at unique boutiques and enjoy top-rated restaurants. |
Plan Your Trip