Things To Do
in Totowa
Totowa is a small suburban borough in Passaic County, New Jersey, located just west of Paterson and a short drive from New York City. It offers quiet residential neighborhoods, local shops and family-run restaurants, with easy access to larger regional attractions like Paterson Great Falls and Garret Mountain Reservation. The town functions as a commuter base with convenient highway connections (I-80, Route 46 and Route 23) and a mix of suburban green space and light commercial strips.
Visitors often use Totowa as a calm home base for exploring northern New Jersey outdoors and nearby urban sights in Paterson and NYC.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
After arriving in Totowa, settle into your hotel and enjoy a hearty breakfast at a local diner. Explore the surrounding area with a leisurely walk to familiarize yourself with the charm of the town. Take a moment to unwind and plan your exciting adventures ahead.
Head over to the nearby Great Falls National Historical Park to view the stunning waterfalls and take in the natural beauty. Spend some time at the visitor center to learn about the area's rich history and the significance of the falls. For lunch, grab a bite at a quaint café that offers regional specialties.
Return to Totowa and enjoy dinner at one of the family-owned restaurants known for their home-cooked meals. After dinner, take a leisurely stroll through the town square, where you can often find live music or community events. Wind down your day by sipping on a coffee at a local café under the stars.
Start your day with a visit to the beautiful Totowa Park, where you can take a refreshing walk among the trees and enjoy the calm environment. Grab a quick breakfast at a local bagel shop before your adventure. Capture some morning photos of the scenic views and wildlife.
Visit the nearby Paterson Great Falls for a picnic lunch and enjoy the majestic views up close. Spend time exploring the trails and observing the different species of birds that frequent the area. Check out the historical significance of the falls and the surrounding industrial sites that shaped the community.
Head back to Totowa and treat yourself to dinner at a popular steakhouse known for its tender cuts and vibrant atmosphere. After your meal, explore the local nightlife by visiting a bar or lounge to mingle with locals. Wind down with a nightcap and share stories from your day's adventures.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-18 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3-5 |
| 🚕Short taxi / ride-hail (5–10 miles) | $15-35 |
| 🚌Public transit one-way fare | $2.75-5.00 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $90-160 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Easy access to natural attractions like Paterson Great Falls and Garret Mountain Reservation.
- Close proximity to New York City while retaining a quieter suburban feel.
- A variety of local, family-run restaurants and diners.
- Convenient highway access for day trips around northern New Jersey and NYC.
- Limited nightlife and cultural attractions within Totowa itself—requires travel for a broader scene.
- Traffic congestion during peak commute hours on local highways.
- Weather can be hot and humid in summer and snowy in winter, affecting travel plans.
- Public transit options are more limited than in larger nearby cities; a car is helpful.
Places to Visit in Totowa
Visit one of these nice places.
Powerful waterfall and industrial-era mills provide dramatic photo opportunities—especially atmospheric in the morning or at golden hour.
Panoramic views of the Passaic River valley, sunsets, and historic castle architecture—great for landscapes and cityscape shots.
Several riverfront spots near Totowa and Paterson offer reflections, river scenes and seasonal colors in fall and spring.
Document everyday suburban life with photos of classic American diners, family-run shops and community scenes.
Food in Totowa
Totowa Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Thin to medium-crust pizza by the slice or pie from neighborhood pizzerias; try a classic cheese or pepperoni slice at a local storefront pizzeria.
Must-Try!
Large breakfast platters—eggs, home fries, pancakes and bacon—served at local diners. A Totowa morning often starts with coffee and an all-day breakfast menu.
Hearty Italian-style sandwiches from delis and bakeries, with imported cold cuts, fresh rolls and olive oil — common at Totowa and nearby Paterson delis.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small delis and bakeries scattered around Totowa offer fresh rolls, pastries and prepared sandwiches; they’re good for grab-and-go breakfast or snacks.
A short drive away, the mall offers a range of quick eats and chain options if you want variety in one place.
Nearby Paterson has concentrated ethnic markets and street-food style vendors—great for Middle Eastern, South Asian and Latin American snacks and sweets.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Casual friendliness is common—people greet with a quick hello—but respect personal space and avoid overly intrusive questions. Small talk about weather or local sports is typical.
Be on time for appointments and reservations. If running late, call ahead to notify restaurants or hosts.
Stick to public trails and park areas; don’t trespass on private land and follow posted signage and leash laws for pets.
Safety
Tipping in Totowa
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is customary in the U.S.: generally 15–20% at sit-down restaurants, $1–2 per drink at bars, $2–5 for delivery or takeout (more if groceries are heavy), and 15–20% for taxi or ride-hailing drivers. Tip service staff, bellhops and housekeeping in hotels when appropriate.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments and mobile wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are common. Carry some cash for small purchases or in smaller businesses; most places accept cards but have a minimum for card purchases occasionally.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and budding greenery—ideal for hiking and waterfall visits. Expect occasional rain; bring a light jacket and waterproof footwear for trails.
Hot and humid with July/August highs often in the upper 80s to low 90s°F (30–35°C). Outdoor activities, festivals and dining patios are popular—stay hydrated and seek shade during midday.
Crisp, cool weather and attractive fall foliage in local reservations and parks—one of the best times for hiking and scenic drives. Layered clothing is useful for fluctuating temperatures.
Cold with occasional snow and icy conditions; temperatures can drop below freezing. Roads and higher-elevation trails may be slippery—check forecasts and dress warmly.
Totowa at Night
Hiking in Totowa
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short to moderate trails with overlooks, picnic areas and access to Lambert Castle; excellent for sunset views and easy hikes close to Totowa.
More rugged trails, rocky outcrops and a scenic reservoir—suitable for longer hikes, trail running and nature photography.
Regional preserve with marked trails, unique rock formations and diverse flora; offers good day-hiking opportunities within a short drive.
A bit further out but rewarding for hikers seeking less-crowded trails, ridge walks and forested areas with panoramic vistas.
Airports
How to reach Totowa by plane.
Major international airport approximately 20–30 minutes by car depending on traffic; offers domestic and international flights and is the most convenient large airport for Totowa.
Small general aviation airport about 20–30 minutes away; used for private and charter flights—convenient for business travelers with private aircraft.
Located in Queens, NY, roughly 35–50 minutes by car depending on traffic; convenient for many domestic flights and a common alternative to Newark for trips to/from NYC.
Major international airport in New York City, about 45–70 minutes by car depending on traffic; offers the widest range of international connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many established households and families who work locally or commute to nearby cities; community-oriented with local schools and volunteer organizations.
Totowa and surrounding towns have visible Italian-American and some Eastern European heritage reflected in restaurants, bakeries and community events.
Nearby Paterson and surrounding suburbs contribute to a diverse population with Hispanic and Asian communities, adding cultural variety to food, commerce and celebrations.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
High interest in watching NFL teams (New York Giants and Jets) and local high school football; Sundays in season are prime time for viewing and community gatherings.
Community baseball and youth leagues are active during spring and summer; local fields host games and family events.
Growing participation at youth and amateur levels, reflecting diverse local communities and immigrant traditions.
Ice hockey is popular regionally, with many youth programs and nearby rinks for recreational play.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Totowa.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are commonly available at diners, pizzerias (cheese or veggie-topped pies), and many Italian restaurants; some delis offer salads and grilled vegetable sandwiches. For wider vegetarian and vegan choices, drive to larger nearby towns or Paterson’s diverse markets.
Gluten-free options are growing but limited among small eateries—call ahead to restaurants to confirm cross-contamination policies or visit larger chains/malls that list gluten-free items.
Paterson’s large immigrant communities mean Halal and some Kosher-friendly shops are available nearby; ask locally for the best ethnic markets and restaurants.