Looking for a diverse, dynamic destination with history, shopping, and green space? Head to Edison! Centrally located in Middlesex County, Edison blends rich innovation history with bustling neighborhoods and cultural eats. Whether you're exploring science landmarks, enjoying nature trails, or hitting major retail hubs, Edison has something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Edison is during the spring and fall (April to June and September to November). Enjoy mild weather, colorful scenery, and local festivals. Summer brings warm temps and easy access to parks and pools, while winter is quieter but still offers indoor attractions and shopping.
How to Get There
- If you are traveling by car: Edison sits along I-287, the Garden State Parkway, and US Route 1—only 40 minutes from NYC and 1 hour from Philadelphia.
- By Train: NJ Transit’s Northeast Corridor Line stops at Metropark and Edison stations, with direct service to New York Penn Station.
- By Air: Newark Liberty International Airport is about 25 minutes away and connects Edison to major U.S. and international destinations.
Where to Stay
- Courtyard by Marriott Edison Woodbridge – Modern hotel with a bistro, fitness center, and easy access to highways.
- Hilton Garden Inn Edison/Raritan Center – Business-friendly lodging with breakfast options and comfortable rooms.
- Extended Stay America Edison – Budget-conscious option with kitchenettes, ideal for longer visits.
Top Attractions
⮕ Unwind or Play Outdoors at Roosevelt Park
Walk along scenic trails, enjoy a peaceful retreat in nature.
Roosevelt Park lies just west of Edison’s Menlo Park and offers a fun place to spend an afternoon on a sunny day. There are several grassy fields for people to play, along with tennis courts and basketball courts. During the summer months visitors can have fun at the roller skating rink, which transforms during the winter season in an ice skating rink. In the middle of Roosevelt Park is a lake encircled by a walkway. Trails also cross the park providing opportunities for a run or leisurely stroll, and there are fire pits and picnic areas as well.
Roosevelt Park, 151 Parsonage Rd, Edison, NJ 08837, Phone: 732-745-3900
⮕ Explore the Legacy of Innovation at the Thomas Edison Museum
Discover Edison’s inventions, explore exhibits showcasing his groundbreaking work.
The Thomas Edison Museum in Edison, New Jersey is a well-appointed museum where visitors can see original artifacts related to the famed inventor. Dedicated to Edison’s life and works, guests can take a walk through the over 30-acre state park, learn about the numerous wonders that happened at the historic Menlo Park, listen to the more than 100-year-old Edison phonographs, and much more. Guided tours led by friendly and knowledgeable docents are also available as well.
The gift shop at the Thomas Edison Museum offers a variety of items associated with Thomas Edison, such as unique Invention Projects, books, replicas, T-shirts, and much more.
37 Christie St, Edison, NJ 08820, Phone: 732-549-3299, Map
Activities and Attractions for Couples:
⮕ Reflect on Powerful Symbolism at Light Dispelling Darkness
Admire unusual sculptures, explore symbolic art in a public park setting.
The Light Dispelling Darkness statue is an unexpected and quirky thing to see in the town of Edison. Located in Roosevelt Park, the federally-commissioned piece of eccentric artwork was designed back in 1937 by Waylande Gregory and is set in the middle of a fountain. The statue was constructed from terracotta and is meant to be a nod to inventor Thomas Edison.
The name “Thomas Edison Museum ” is also meant to be both an ode to the light bulb, considered to be Edison’s greatest invention and a representation of “good triumphing over evil.” Other motifs include industry, technology, and education.
Pine Drive, Edison, NJ 08837
⮕ Savor Cuban Flavors at Havana Central in Menlo Park Mall
Savor Cuban cuisine, enjoy a lively atmosphere during a weekend trip.
Havana Central at Menlo Park Mall serves classic Cuban cuisine with “entertainment, excitement, and energy of old Havana.” The restaurant aims to be a celebration of the music, food, and culture of Cuba, providing a dining experience that embraces the entire family and transports them to the island.
There’s 1950’s decor, Latin music playing, and flavorful specialty drinks and Cuban dishes being served. Havana Central is open Sunday through Thursday from noon until 8:30pm, as well as Fridays and Saturdays from noon until 9:00pm. Happy Hour is offered from 4:00pm until 7:00pm, Monday through Friday.
Havana Central Menlo Park Mall, 55 Parsonage Rd, Edison, NJ 08837, Phone: 732-906-5708
Where to Eat
⮕ Enjoy Bold Indian Cuisine at Akbar Restaurant
Savor authentic Indian dishes, enjoy a romantic dining experience with bold flavors.
The history of the Akbar Restaurant in Edison, New Jersey started with A.N. Malhotra who modeled the restaurant after Emperor King Akbar, the powerful Mogul emperor and a hospitable host. Throughout the years, the restaurant and owner have garnered a rather enviable reputation worldwide. Open seven days a week for dinner, guests can dine one indulgent and refined cooking inspired by North India’s Royal Kitchens, with a variety of desserts available that have been carefully curated to complement the menu. The menu features a broad array of Indian dishes, including both non-vegetarian and vegetarian appetizers and soups.
Akbar Restaurant, 21 Cortlandt St, Edison, NJ 08837, Phone: 732-632-8822
Must-see if you are a first-time visitor:
- Thomas Edison Center at Menlo Park – If you're into history, visit the site where Edison perfected the lightbulb and the phonograph.
- Middlesex Greenway – Scenic 3.5-mile multi-use trail ideal for biking, running, and family walks.
- India Square/Iselin – Just outside Edison, explore Indian restaurants, shops, and cultural events in this vibrant South Asian enclave.
More Places to Eat
- LouCas – Stylish Italian dining with seafood specialties and classic pasta dishes.
- Moghul – Upscale Indian cuisine offering rich flavors and an elegant dining experience.
- Harold’s New York Deli – Iconic spot known for its giant sandwiches, matzo ball soup, and vintage deli atmosphere.
- Skylark Diner – Retro-modern diner serving inventive comfort food and all-day breakfast.
If you are interested in local events:
- Edison Fall Family Spectacular (September) – Free festival with rides, live music, food trucks, and a fireworks finale.
- India Day Parade (August) – Celebrate Indian culture and independence with a vibrant parade and community celebration in nearby Iselin.
- Summer Concert Series at Roosevelt Park – Free outdoor performances featuring local and regional acts (June–August).
- Diwali Festivals – Enjoy sweets, fireworks, and cultural showcases at temples and community centers throughout Edison and Iselin in the fall.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes to 1 Hour of Edison, New Jersey:
- New Brunswick (15 min) – Home to Rutgers University, with theaters, museums, and an energetic food scene.
- Princeton (30 min) – Stroll the Ivy League campus, visit art galleries, or dine in cozy cafés.
- Jersey Shore (45–60 min) – Soak up the sun in towns like Long Branch, Asbury Park, or Belmar.
- Red Bank (45 min) – Catch a show at Count Basie Center, shop downtown, or explore the riverside parks.
- Liberty Science Center (50–60 min) – Interactive science fun for all ages near Jersey City and Liberty State Park.
- New York City (1 hr) – Enjoy world-class museums, Broadway, and iconic attractions just a train ride away.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Where is Edison located?
- The town of Edison, a part of the greater New York City Metro Area, offers a great place to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, just a short distance away.
- Why was the town of Edison named after Thomas Edison?
- Once known as Raritan Township, the town changed its name to honor Thomas Edison, the famous inventor whose laboratory was located in the town’s Menlo Park.
- Are there any tributes to Thomas Edison in the town?
- Several tributes to the inventor can be found throughout Edison, such as the Edison Museum.
- What other attractions does Edison offer?
- There are a number of other things to do in town that aren’t associated with Thomas Edison, including parks, shopping centers, and cultural sites.
Map:
Plan Your Trip