Things To Do
in Montclair
Montclair is a charming township located in Essex County, New Jersey, United States. It is known for its tree-lined streets, historic homes, and vibrant arts scene. Residents enjoy an eclectic mix of restaurants, boutiques, and cultural events.
Montclair also boasts top-ranked schools and easy access to public transportation for those commuting to nearby metropolitan areas.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $100 - $300
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $50
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $5
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $60 - $150
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $100
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day at Brookdale Park, where you can enjoy a peaceful walk surrounded by nature. Take a moment to appreciate the scenic views and maybe have a picnic breakfast.
Visit the Montclair Art Museum to explore its impressive collection of American art. Spend some time strolling through the museum shop for unique gifts and art pieces.
Have dinner at a cozy local restaurant, sampling some of Montclair's diverse cuisine. Afterward, catch a live performance at the Montclair State University theater.
Explore the Montclair Historical Society and learn about the town's rich history. The guided tours provide fascinating insights into the area's heritage.
Head over to the Watchung Plaza for some boutique shopping. Enjoy lunch at one of the charming cafes in the area.
Dine at one of Montclair's upscale restaurants offering innovative dishes. After dinner, relax with a nightcap at a local bar known for its craft cocktails.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Diverse and vibrant community with a rich cultural scene.
- Strong emphasis on education with many good schools available.
- Proximity to New York City, making it convenient for commuters.
- Beautiful parks and green spaces for outdoor activities.
- Historic charm with well-preserved architecture.
- High cost of living compared to other areas.
- Traffic congestion, especially during peak hours.
- Potentially limited rental availability and high rental prices.
- Urban density can lead to noise and crowded public spaces.
- Cold winters and hot summers may not be appealing to everyone.
Best Activities in Montclair
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy a scenic hike at Mills Reservation, which offers several well-marked trails and beautiful views of the New York City skyline.
Visit Glenfield Park for outdoor sports, picnicking, and relaxation. The park features a playground, tennis courts, and open fields for various activities.
Explore Eagle Rock Reservation for hiking and picnicking. The reservation boasts panoramic views, serene trails, and opportunities for birdwatching.
Tours
Uncover the best of Montclair with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Montclair
Visit one of these nice places.
This park offers stunning views of the New York City skyline and is a popular spot for photography.
Known for its beautiful irises and stunning gardens, this location provides great photo opportunities, especially during the peak bloom season.
Not only does this museum offer great art for photography, but its outdoor grounds also provide nice views and photo opportunities.
Food in Montclair
Montclair Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A New Jersey classic, this sandwich is typically served on a bagel or a roll and can be found at local delis such as Watchung Deli or Egan & Sons.
Must-Try!
Similar to Taylor Ham, Pork Roll is a regional specialty often enjoyed as part of a breakfast or brunch and can be sampled at Raymond's or Toast.
A local favorite, this pizza variation features a thin crust and robust tomato sauce, available at establishments like Ah'Pizz or Star Tavern.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Montclair better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Open seasonally, the market features a variety of fresh produce, artisanal foods, and food trucks offering diverse street food options.
These food trucks offer a wide selection of global cuisines, from Mexican tacos to Korean BBQ, providing a vibrant street food scene.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Montclair, it is important to respect personal space and avoid standing too close to others, especially when engaging in conversation.
Montclair is known for its diverse community, so it is essential to be respectful and open-minded towards people from different cultural backgrounds.
When in public spaces in Montclair, demonstrating courtesy towards others, such as holding the door for someone or giving up a seat, is appreciated.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Montclair with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Montclair
Ensure a smooth experience
In Montclair, United States, it is customary to tip service providers such as waitstaff, bartenders, taxi drivers, and hotel staff. The standard tipping rate is around 15-20% of the total bill.
Payment for goods and services in Montclair, United States, is commonly made using credit or debit cards. Cash is also widely accepted, and mobile payment apps are becoming increasingly popular.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Montclair.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring is a beautiful time to visit Montclair, with blooming flowers and pleasant temperatures. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities and events such as the Montclair Film Festival.
Summer brings warm weather and plenty of outdoor activities. Visitors can explore the parks, attend outdoor concerts, and enjoy farmers markets and street fairs.
Fall is known for its breathtaking foliage in Montclair. Visitors can take scenic drives to see the changing leaves, attend fall festivals, and enjoy the cool, crisp air.
Winter in Montclair can be cold, but it offers a cozy atmosphere with holiday events, ice skating, and the opportunity to enjoy the town's historic charm.
Montclair at Night
Hiking in Montclair
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic area with trails through woodlands, offering a peaceful hiking experience while being close to Montclair.
Features paved and unpaved trails with stunning views of the New York City skyline from its lookout points.
Surrounded by nature, it offers several trails that are great for hiking and enjoying a serene environment.
A tranquil trail that winds through forests and over streams, ideal for a quiet hike away from the hustle and bustle.
A larger nature reserve with a variety of trails for different skill levels, ideal for hiking, with beautiful views and picnic areas.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Montclair through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Montclair by plane.
Located approximately 17 miles southeast of Montclair, Newark Liberty International Airport is one of the major international airports serving the New York metropolitan area.
Located about 30 miles southeast of Montclair, JFK is a major international airport in New York City, providing numerous international and domestic flights.
Approximately 25 miles southeast of Montclair, LaGuardia Airport mainly handles domestic flights and is a key airport for travel to New York City.
Located about 80 miles southwest of Montclair, Philadelphia International Airport is a significant hub for international flights in and out of the Philadelphia area.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest demographic group in Montclair, predominantly consisting of individuals identifying as Caucasian and not of Hispanic origin.
This demographic includes individuals who identify as Black or African American, representing a significant portion of Montclair's population.
A group comprising individuals from various Asian countries, contributing to the cultural diversity of Montclair.
Individuals identifying as Hispanic or Latino, including those from various Latin American backgrounds.
A demographic group that includes individuals identifying as belonging to multiple racial backgrounds.
This category includes individuals who do not fall into the specified racial or ethnic groups, encompassing various other identities.
The Soul of Montclair
Discover the essence of Montclair through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A widely played sport in Montclair, known for its strong youth leagues and community involvement.
Popular among schools and community centers, with numerous local leagues and recreational teams.
A traditional American pastime, especially enjoyed in the summer months with local teams and events.
Played recreationally at local parks and clubs, with both youth and adult leagues in the area.
Popular for fitness and competitive events, with several running clubs and annual races in Montclair.
A favored activity during the summer, supported by community pools and swim teams.
Gaining popularity among youth and high school students, with teams forming in recent years.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Montclair.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Montclair accommodates vegetarians with numerous eateries offering plant-based dishes, such as the veggie burgers at Elevation Burger.
The town provides diverse vegan options, including the flavorful offerings at Seed Burger and Veggie Heaven.
Those with gluten sensitivities can indulge in gluten-free pizzas at Ah'Pizz or savor the gluten-free baked goods at Montclair Bread Company.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Montclair with these cultural adventures.
