Montclair, NJ, offers natural beauty, art, museums, and fine dining, making it an ideal day trip destination.
We have some really wonderful NJ small towns, and today we’re featuring one of our favorites. Montclair is a small town in New Jersey of natural beauty, art, museums, and fine dining – which makes it the perfect spot for a day trip. It’s just half an hour away from New York City, and easy to get to from almost anywhere in the Garden State. Next time you find yourself Googling “small towns near me” for a day trip, this one’s a great option!
Be sure to visit the Montclair Art Museum while you’re in town. It’s one of the best in the Garden State, and the rotating exhibits mean there’s always something new to see.
Another fantastic museum in town is the Yogi Berra Museum.
Even if you aren’t a baseball fan, you’ll find all sorts of fascinating things on display here. Yogi was a Montclair native and led such an interesting life.
Be sure to visit on a day with good weather, because the highlight of any trip to Montclair is a stop at the Van Vleck House & Gardens.
The garden is open every day of the year from dawn to dusk, and admission is free. Though it sits on less than 6 acres of property, it’s truly a wonder that will make you feel miles away from it all. The gardens are stunning, and the 140-year-old house is absolutely gorgeous.
Stop into the Carriage House to learn about the property and its history before going on to explore the many gardens. You’ll find a beautiful butterfly garden, one packed with perennials, a forested woodland garden, and so much more as you walk around.
Another fun spot to find is Kip’s Castle. While technically it’s in the town of Verona, it’s less than a mile from downtown Montclair and well worth the detour.
This is one of the strangest places in New Jersey, and it looks straight out of a fairy tale.
If you love getting out and about, plan a short hike through Alonzo F. Bonsal Wildlife Preserve. It’s beautiful any time of year!
If you’re getting hungry, Montclair is home to a multitude of restaurants that will suit any craving. De Novo, pictured below, is a Euro-style pub in the center of town.
The menu here focuses on European cuisine, and you’ll find everything from casual bites to elegant entrees, along with an impressive brew list.
MishMish Cafe is another local favorite, with fresh Mediterranean dishes served for lunch and dinner.
Take a look at this lamb meatball shakshuka! It looks too good to be true.
There is so much to do in Montclair, New Jersey! What are you waiting for? Start planning your trip now! You can learn more about the sites listed above, along with other hidden treasures in town, on the Visit Montclair website.