Montclair is a town of natural beauty, art, museums, and fine dining — which makes it the perfect spot for a day trip in New Jersey. It’s just half an hour from New York City, and easy to get to from almost anywhere in the Garden State.

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.

Tripadvisor / duck8to

Another fantastic museum in town is the Yogi Berra Museum.

Facebook / 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.

Facebook / The Yogi Berra Museum

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.

Tripadvisor / Quent B. 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.

Tripadvisor / duck8go

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.

Tripadvisor / duck8to

If you love getting out and about, plan a short hike through Alonzo F. Bonsal Wildlife Preserve. It’s beautiful any time of year!

Google / Tamir Post

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.

Facebook / De Novo European Pub

Their menu focuses on European cuisine, and you’ll find everything from casual bites to elegant entrees, along with an impressive brew list.

Facebook / De Novo European Pub

Mishmish is another local favorite, with fresh Mediterranean dishes served for lunch and dinner.

Facebook / Mishmish Cafe

Take a look at this lamb meatball shakshuka! It looks too good to be true.

Facebook / Mishmish Cafe

If seafood is your thing, don’t pass up Crabulous. This seafood boil spot serves up some of the best shellfish around!

Facebook / Crabulous

It’s so much fun to feast on crab legs, don’t you agree?

Google Local / Crabulous Boil Seafood

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.

Tripadvisor / duck8to

Facebook / The Yogi Berra Museum

Tripadvisor / Quent B.

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.

Tripadvisor / duck8go

Google / Tamir Post

Facebook / De Novo European Pub

Facebook / Mishmish Cafe

Facebook / Crabulous

Google Local / Crabulous Boil Seafood

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Address: Montclair, NJ, USA