Need a suburban escape with parks, history, and shopping close to NYC? Head to Wayne! Located in Passaic County, Wayne blends natural beauty with modern convenience. From historic houses and scenic lakes to indoor entertainment and retail hubs, it’s an ideal getaway for families and couples alike.
Wayne, NJ Highlights:
- For Adventurous Travelers: Hike at High Mountain Park Preserve – Trek through forested trails to panoramic views of New York City on a clear day.
- For History Buffs: Explore Dey Mansion – Visit this 18th-century Georgian-style home once used by George Washington during the Revolutionary War.
- For Shoppers: Spend the day at Willowbrook Mall – Browse national brands, grab a bite, or catch a movie in this major suburban retail center.
- For Couples: Enjoy a lakeside stroll at Packanack Lake – Take a romantic walk or paddle on this peaceful private lake community.
- For Families: Play and learn at Ice Vault Arena – Hit the ice for skating fun or watch local hockey teams in action.
When I like to visit Wayne, NJ
The best time to visit Wayne is from late spring through fall (May to October). These months offer ideal conditions for hiking, outdoor events, and lakeside activities. Fall foliage in the surrounding parks makes October particularly beautiful.
Tips for getting to Wayne, NJ
- If you are traveling by car: Wayne is located along Route 23 and near I-80, about 40 minutes from Manhattan and 25 minutes from Newark.
- By Train: NJ Transit’s Montclair-Boonton Line stops at Mountain View and Wayne Route 23 stations, with service to Hoboken and connections to NYC.
- By Bus: Several NJ Transit buses run from Wayne to the Port Authority in New York City and other North Jersey destinations.
Where I like to stay in Wayne, NJ
- Recommended for Families: Hampton Inn & Suites Wayne – Comfortable lodging with an indoor pool, free breakfast, and convenient location.
- For Couples: Residence Inn by Marriott Wayne – Extended-stay style suites with full kitchens and a quiet suburban setting.
- For Budget Travelers: Days Inn by Wyndham Wayne – Simple and affordable option near local shopping and dining spots.
Best Things to Do in Wayne, NJ
1. Step Into Revolutionary War History at Dey Mansion
Location: 199 Totowa Rd, Wayne, NJ 07470, USA
Recommended For: History enthusiasts, architecture lovers, and anyone interested in Revolutionary War history.
What I Love: ♥ "A beautiful historic mansion with a fascinating connection to George Washington and early American history!"
- Visit the Dey Mansion, originally called Bloomsburg Manor, built around 1740 by Dirck Dey.
- Explore the mansion’s construction, including the use of locally made bricks and sandstone quoins from Little Falls Quarry.
- Learn about its historical significance, as George Washington used the mansion as his headquarters during the Revolutionary War.
- Tour the mansion, which is open year-round and operated by the County of Passaic’s Department of Cultural & Historic Affairs.
Cost: Check for specific pricing and event details on the website.
Best time to visit: Year-round, but special events are often held during key historical dates.
Local tips: Be sure to explore the beautiful grounds around the mansion and check out the nearby Revolutionary War landmarks.
Distance: Located about 30 minutes from Newark, NJ, and 45 minutes from Manhattan.
How to Get to the Dey Mansion: From Route 46, take the Totowa Road exit and follow signs to the mansion.
Address: 199 Totowa Rd, Wayne, NJ 07470
Phone: 973-706-6640
2. Shop, Dine, and Explore Big Brands and Local Finds at Willowbrook Mall
Location: 1400 Willowbrook Mall, Wayne, NJ 07470, USA
Recommended For: Shoppers, families, and anyone looking for a large variety of retail stores and entertainment options.
What I Love: ♥ "A massive shopping center with over 140 retail shops, restaurants, and entertainment for all ages!"
- Explore more than 140 retail stores, including major anchor stores like Macy's and Bloomingdale's.
- Visit entertainment venues like Dave & Buster's for a fun night out.
- Shop at the fifth-largest shopping mall in New Jersey, with over 1.5 million square feet of space.
- Enjoy easy access via New Jersey Route 23, U.S. Route 46, and Interstate 80.
Cost: Free to visit, but expect to pay for parking during peak shopping times.
Best time to visit: Year-round, but weekdays or early mornings are the best for a quieter shopping experience.
Local tips: Be cautious of potential flooding in the mall and surrounding areas during heavy rainstorms, especially near the Passaic and Pompton Rivers.
Distance: Located just 20 minutes from downtown Wayne, and easily accessible from surrounding highways.
How to Get to Willowbrook Mall: Conveniently located near major highways: Route 23, U.S. Route 46, and Interstate 80.
3. Skate, Play, or Watch Hockey Action at Ice Vault Arena
Location: 10 Nevins Rd, Wayne, NJ 07470, USA
Recommended For: Hockey fans, skaters, sports enthusiasts, and anyone looking for year-round ice sports and activities.
What I Love: ♥ "A multi-purpose arena with exciting hockey action, public skating, and a full-service pub!"
- Catch the New Jersey Hitmen or William Paterson University Pioneers in action at this versatile ice arena.
- Enjoy year-round public skating on two rinks, perfect for all skill levels.
- Relax at the on-site pub, In The Crease Sports Pub, or grab a bite at the cafe.
- Shop for ice hockey equipment at the pro shop and gear up for your next session.
Cost: Admission varies based on event or public skating sessions. Check the website for pricing.
Best time to visit: Year-round for public skating; check the schedule for hockey games and events.
Local tips: Call ahead to confirm event schedules or to reserve a spot for public skating, especially during weekends.
Distance: Located just 20 minutes from downtown Wayne, easily accessible from local highways.
How to Get to Ice Vault Arena: From Route 23, head toward Nevins Rd and follow signs to the arena entrance.
Address: 10 Nevins Rd, Wayne, NJ 07470
Phone: 973-628-1500
Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:
4. Relax and Enjoy a Peaceful Walk at Terhune Memorial Park
Location: 333 Terhune Dr, Wayne, NJ 07470, USA
Recommended For: Nature lovers, history enthusiasts, dog lovers, and those interested in local literary history.
What I Love: ♥ "A peaceful park with a rich literary history, honoring Albert Payson Terhune and his beloved collies!"
- Walk through a 10-acre preserve filled with pre-Revolutionary oaks, dedicated to the memory of Albert Payson Terhune.
- Learn about Terhune, a 19th-century writer who authored over 30 books about dogs, especially his beloved collies.
- Explore the history of Sunnybank, part of Terhune’s estate, preserved as a public park for future generations.
- See the mature trees and bushes planted by Terhune and his wife, still thriving in the park today.
- Discover the Terhune Collection of books and collie dog awards at the Van Riper-Hopper Historic House Museum.
Cost: Free to visit and explore the park.
Best time to visit: Year-round, with each season offering unique views of the park’s natural beauty.
Local tips: Visit the Van Riper-Hopper Historic House Museum to dive deeper into Terhune’s literary legacy and learn about his collies.
Distance: Located just off Route 202 near Oakland, on the edge of Pompton Lake.
How to Get to Terhune Memorial Park: From Route 202, turn onto Terhune Drive and follow the signs to the park entrance.
Address: Terhune Memorial Park
Phone: 973-694-1800
5. Tour a Historic Homestead at the Van Riper-Hopper House Museum
Location: 533 Berdan Ave, Wayne, NJ 07470, USA
Recommended For: History enthusiasts, architecture lovers, and those interested in early American homes and New Jersey’s history.
What I Love: ♥ "A beautifully preserved Dutch Colonial home that offers a glimpse into New Jersey’s early history and the development of Wayne!"
- Visit the Van Riper-Hopper House Museum, built in 1786 for Uriah Van Riper and his family, one of New Jersey’s oldest buildings.
- Explore the Wayne Township Museum, housed in this historic home since 1964.
- Admire the traditional Dutch Colonial style of the house, with architectural modifications made in the 1950s.
- Learn about the design, influenced by the wilderness of the property and the materials available at the time.
Cost: Admission is free; donations are welcome to support the museum.
Best time to visit: Year-round, with special events and exhibits held throughout the year.
Local tips: Take a guided tour to fully appreciate the house’s history and the unique architectural details.
Distance: About 30 minutes from downtown Wayne and easily accessible from Route 23.
How to Get to the Van Riper-Hopper House Museum: From Berdan Ave, follow signs to the museum entrance located in the historic house.
Address: 533 Berdan Ave, Wayne, NJ 07470
Phone: 973-694-7192
6. Catch a Live Show or Concert at the Shea Center for the Performing Arts
Location: 300 Pompton Rd, Wayne, NJ 07470, USA
Recommended For: Art enthusiasts, theatergoers, music lovers, and anyone looking for high-quality performances and events.
What I Love: ♥ "A premier venue for university events and world-class performances, featuring state-of-the-art technology and an intimate setting!"
- Enjoy performances in a 922-seat theater at the Shea Center for the Performing Arts, located at William Paterson University.
- Experience top-tier technology, including a computerized lighting system and a state-of-the-art sound system.
- See artists like David Crosby, Wynton Marsalis, Margaret Thatcher, and Stephen Sondheim perform on stage.
- Attend signature programs such as the Jazz Room Series and the Distinguished Lecturer Series, featuring interactive performances and lectures on current issues.
Cost: Varies by event; tickets available for purchase on the university’s website.
Best time to visit: Year-round, with signature events during the fall and spring semesters.
Local tips: Check the event calendar for upcoming performances and lecture series, as tickets can sell out quickly for popular events.
Distance: Located just 25 minutes from downtown Wayne, easily accessible by local highways.
How to Get to the Shea Center for the Performing Arts: From Pompton Rd, head toward the university campus, and follow signs to the theater entrance.
Address: 300 Pompton Rd, Wayne, NJ 07470
Phone: 973-720-2371
Where to Eat:
7. Savor Elegant Italian Dishes at Viaggio Ristorante
Location: 1055 Hamburg Turnpike, Wayne, NJ 07470, USA
Recommended For: Food lovers, those seeking authentic Italian cuisine, and anyone looking for a rustic yet modern dining experience.
What I Love: ♥ "A charming, farm-to-table Italian restaurant offering handmade dishes and a Chef's Table experience for food enthusiasts!"
- Enjoy handmade Italian dishes, including fresh seafood, house-cured salami, grilled meats, and handmade pasta.
- Relax in a rustic modern atmosphere, featuring a wall of reused wood, Italian brick arches, and a Chef’s Counter overlooking the kitchen.
- Watch renowned Chef Robbie Felice create culinary masterpieces at the exclusive Chef’s Table, where only five guests are seated at a time.
- Savor a four-course fixed-price tasting menu, offering a curated selection of dishes prepared by Chef Felice.
Cost: The menu features a four-course tasting menu at a fixed price. A la carte pricing varies by dish.
Best time to visit: Ideal for a special night out or when you want to experience the exclusive Chef’s Table (reservations required).
Local tips: Make sure to reserve early for the Chef’s Table, as seats are limited to five per evening.
Distance: Located just 15 minutes from downtown Wayne, easily accessible from local highways.
How to Get to Viaggio Ristorante: From the Hamburg Turnpike, turn into the restaurant parking lot, which is located near the intersection.
Address: 1055 Hamburg Turnpike, Wayne, NJ 07470
Phone: 973-706-7277
8. Taste Bold Sichuan Flavors at Chengdu 23
Location: 6 Willowbrook Blvd, Wayne, NJ 07470, USA
Recommended For: Fans of authentic Sichuan cuisine, those seeking flavorful Chinese dishes, and diners who enjoy traditional Chinese restaurant ambiance.
What I Love: ♥ "An award-winning Chinese restaurant serving up authentic Sichuan cuisine with bold, delicious flavors in a charming, traditional setting!"
- Indulge in authentic Sichuan cuisine with dishes like Xiao long bao (soup dumplings) and juicy buns.
- Enjoy the traditional Chinese décor, featuring a large mural, a fish tank with Blood Parrot Cichlids, and a Buddhist altar.
- Try unique dishes such as crisp green beans with fermented black beans and minced pork.
- BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle) to accompany your meal, as the restaurant does not have a bar.
Cost: Prices are reasonable for the quality of food, with a variety of dishes available at different price points.
Best time to visit: Ideal for lunch or dinner, with quieter times during weekdays and busier crowds on weekends.
Local tips: Don’t forget to try the strong green tea, a traditional Chinese beverage that pairs wonderfully with the spicy dishes.
Distance: Located just 5 minutes from Willowbrook Mall, easily accessible from the surrounding area.
How to Get to Chengdu 23: From Willowbrook Blvd, turn into the West Belt Plaza parking lot and follow signs to the restaurant.
Address: 6 Willowbrook Blvd, Wayne, NJ 07470
Phone: 973-812-2800
What to do if you are traveling with kids:
9. If You Love Gardens and Nature Walks, Explore the Beauty of Laurelwood Arboretum
Location: 725 Pines Lake Drive West, Wayne, NJ 07470, USA
Recommended For: Nature lovers, walkers, hikers, runners, and anyone looking to enjoy a peaceful day in a botanical garden.
What I Love: ♥ "A tranquil, 30-acre space filled with diverse trees, shrubs, and themed gardens—perfect for nature walks and relaxation!"
- Explore the 30-acre Laurelwood Arboretum, a botanical space featuring a wide variety of trees and shrubs.
- Walk along gravel trails that are perfect for nature lovers, walkers, hikers, and runners. Many trails are wheelchair and buggy-friendly.
- Discover the beautiful themed gardens, woodlands, ponds, and water features throughout the arboretum.
- Admire the highlights, including the Scented Garden, Pollinator Garden, Wetlands Garden, Sensory Garden, and the stunning Rhododendron and Azalea Gardens in spring.
- Enjoy free guided tours during the summer season to get the most out of your visit.
Cost: Free admission; donations are appreciated to support the arboretum's upkeep and educational programs.
Best time to visit: Year-round, but spring offers the most vibrant views, especially in the Rhododendron and Azalea Gardens.
Local tips: Be sure to take a guided tour during the summer to gain insight into the history and plants of the arboretum.
Distance: Located 20 minutes from downtown Wayne, easily accessible from surrounding areas.
How to Get to Laurelwood Arboretum: From Pines Lake Drive West, follow signs to the entrance of the arboretum.
Address: Laurelwood Arboretum
Phone: 973-831-5675
10. Play Games, Eat, and Have Fun at Dave and Buster’s Arcade
Location: 310 Willowbrook Mall, Wayne, NJ 07470, USA
Recommended For: Gamers, families, sports fans, and anyone looking for a fun dining and entertainment experience.
What I Love: ♥ "A thrilling entertainment venue where you can enjoy exciting arcade games, delicious food, and even a game of billiards—all under one roof!"
- Play all the latest video games at Dave and Buster’s Arcade, offering an immersive gaming experience for all ages.
- Watch your favorite sports on large-screen TVs while enjoying tasty food and drinks.
- Challenge your friends to a fun game of billiards in addition to arcade games.
Cost: Prices vary by game and activity; check the website or call for details on special offers and events.
Best time to visit: Ideal for a fun night out with friends or family, especially during off-peak hours for less crowded games.
Local tips: Be sure to check for promotions, especially during holidays or special events when Dave and Buster’s offers great deals.
Distance: Located inside Willowbrook Mall, easily accessible from nearby highways and parking areas.
How to Get to Dave and Buster’s Arcade: Located inside Willowbrook Mall; follow the signs to the entertainment section of the mall.
Address: Dave and Buster’s Arcade, 310 Willowbrook Mall, Wayne, NJ 07470
Phone: 973-435-9244
My favorite local events:
- For Music Fans: Wayne Summer Concert Series (July–August) – Free outdoor concerts at local parks with food vendors and family fun.
- For History Buffs: Dey Mansion Reenactments – Period costume events and educational programs offered seasonally.
- For Holiday Fun: Packanack Lake Christmas Tree Lighting – A festive community event with carols and hot cocoa by the lake.
Day Trip Itineraries Within 30 Minutes of Wayne, NJ:
- For Hikers: Ramapo Valley County Reservation (20 min) – Enjoy trails, waterfalls, and lake views just west of Wayne in Mahwah.
- For Art Lovers: Montclair (20 min) – Explore the Montclair Art Museum, indie theaters, and trendy cafés.
- For Nature Enthusiasts: Great Falls National Historical Park (25 min) – Discover the second-largest waterfall east of the Mississippi in Paterson.
- For Shoppers: Garden State Plaza (25–30 min) – Massive retail center with high-end stores, dining, and entertainment in Paramus.
- For Families: Turtle Back Zoo (30 min) – Fun-filled zoo and treetop adventure course in West Orange, perfect for kids and parents alike.
Plan Your Trip