July 22, 2026

Things to Do Near Montclair State University: Where to Eat, Shop and Explore

Scheduling a campus tour of Montclair? Make the most of your visit and add these local restaurants, shops, parks and attractions to your itinerary

Posted in: Admissions, University

Visitors take in the Manhattan skyline view from the Eagle Rock Observation Deck. — The area surrounding Montclair State University offers visitors many sightseeing, dining and shopping opportunities, including outdoor activities like this spectacular view of New York City, a mere 12 miles away, from the Eagle Rock Observation Deck. (Photo by University Photographer Mike Peters)

Quick Summary:

The Best of Both Worlds: Montclair State University’s 252-acre campus sits in New Jersey’s top college town (WorldAtlas, 2025) and is just 12 miles from New York City via easy train or bus routes.
Vibrant Local Scene: Downtown Montclair Township provides world-class dining, iconic live music venues, cozy coffee shops, independent bookstores and rich cultural events.
Something for Every Budget: Explore budget-friendly and free nearby attractions, from breathtaking urban waterfalls to panoramic skyline views.

What to do around the Montclair campus

If you’re visiting Montclair State University, there’s still plenty to see once you’re done with the campus tour. You could hop over to NYC, of course, or explore the dynamic area of Montclair Township, founded in 1908 and recognized as one of NJ’s most desirable places to live. Here are 10 great local spots for dining, shopping, sightseeing and more.

1. Wellmont Theater (“The Wellmont”)

Two students stand in front of the Wellmont Theater. — Montclair students chat outside the Wellmont Theater, a music and comedy venue. (Photo by University Photographer Mike Peters)

A 105-year old former vaudeville venue, now a premier theater for live-music and comedy shows hosting major and indie artists. For more live music:

Just Jakes — a favorite student hangout for live music, outdoor dining, and a dog- and family-friendly vibe
Meat Locker — an institution and go-to spot for an edgier, underground live music experience.

2. Tierney’s Tavern

Patrons sit around a bar at Tierney’s. — A popular hangout among locals, Tierney’s is legendary for food, live music and game-watching. (Photo by University Photographer Mike Peters)

Established in 1934, this legendary family-owned spot is famous for big burgers, weekend live music and TV/film fame.

3. Montclair Art Museum

The Montclair Art Museum. — The Montclair Art Museum is located just three miles from campus. (Photo by University Photographer Mike Peters)

Located just 3 miles from campus, MAM is one of this country’s first art museums and features 14,000 works of art, student admission discounts and creative workshops. Similar spots:

Montclair Film — Hosts the famous, annual, celeb-studded Montclair Film Festival and operates three independent theaters screening films year-round. Montclair Film also delivers film study classes, improv, sketch-comedy writing and other workshops.
The Newark Museum of Art — Just 12 miles away, New Jersey’s largest museum holds 300,000+ works and a natural history collection. It also hosts the historic Newark Black Film Festival, the longest-running Black film festival in the country, and the four-day Newark Arts Festival.

4. Vanguard Theater

Montclair theater students perform on the Vanguard Theater stage. — Montclair theater students bring “The Quilt Keepers,” to the Vanguard Theater. (Photo by Julie Lemberger for Montclair State University)

An inclusive local theater featuring stage productions, including the Montclair Theater Festival, community partnerships and classes (with strong ties to Montclair faculty and alumni).

5. Paper Plane Coffee

Two students chat while sitting at a coffee shop’s outdoor table. — Montclair students enjoy a coffee and chat at Paper Plane Coffee. (Photo by University Photographer Mike Peters)

Rated one of the best coffee shops in the state, Paper Plane Coffee is an ideal outdoor or indoor spot to study, write that paper for class and fuel up. Bonus for classic eats:

Montclair Diner — An all-day breakfast spot serving traditional and Southern eats.
Nicolo’s Italian Bakery & Deli | Montclair NJ — Generous Italian sandwiches and baked goods.
Applegate Farms — Operating since 1848, this historic dairy farm is a must-visit for ice cream lovers.

Bonus spots for more special occasions (maybe celebrating the start of your journey at Montclair State University?):

Faubourg — Modern French dining featuring a stunning greenhouse and main dining room, great for special occasions.
Cuban Pete’s — A loud, vibrant, party-style atmosphere with authentic flavor. It’s also BYOB, common for many restaurants in town and around North Jersey.

6. Watchung Booksellers

A woman looks at books at Watchung Booksellers. — A shopper peruses the huge selection at Watchung Booksellers. (Photo by University Photographer Mike Peters)

Named Publishers Weekly Bookstore of the Year, offering author events, book clubs and a podcast featuring writers and readers. (Tip for prospective students: The bookstore offers a college essay-writing workshop in the summer. Also worth checking out is Montclair Book Center, a massive independent bookstore where you can get lost exploring thousands of new, used and rare titles.

7. White Rabbit Black Heart

The entrance to White Rabbit Black Heart shop in Montclair. — The decorative entrance to White Rabbit Black Heart hints to the treasures inside. (Photo by University Photographer Mike Peters)

A whimsical gift shop packed with unique items for loved ones back home (or maybe something for your future dorm room). This is just one option in Montclair’s vibrant retail scene. Other spots to check out:

Academy St. Thrift — Owned by a former professor, it sells clothing, jewelry, accessories and even books.
2nd STREET Montclair — Part of the Japanese-owned chain, it’s probably the largest local thrift and is chockful of American and Japanese design brands of clothes, shoes and accessories
Willowbrook Mall — Located nearby in Wayne, featuring over 170 popular retail stores.

8. Paterson Great Falls National Historic Park

The Great Falls in Paterson. — Visitors are dwarfed along a walkway at the Paterson Great Falls. (Photo by University Photographer Mike Peters)

Breathtaking, free-to-visit urban waterfalls in the heart of Paterson perfect for a quick head-clearing nature break. Learn about Alexander Hamilton’s connection to the falls while you’re there.

9. Van Vleck House & Gardens

Wisteria Courtyard, featuring columns, at Van Vleck House & Gardens. — The lovely Wisteria Courtyard at Van Vleck House & Gardens. (Courtesy Elyse Fernandez)

A quiet, 12-acre country estate built in 1868 and a “beautiful oasis in the heart of Montclair.” Free and open 365 days a year for peaceful walks, outdoor classes and concerts.

10. Eagle Rock Reservation

Visitors enjoy outdoor activities at the Eagle Rock Observation Deck against the backdrop of the Manhattan skyline. — The Eagle Rock Reservation provides spectacular panoramic views of New York City. (Photo by University Photographer Mike Peters)

A 400-acre park featuring iconic panoramic views of the NYC skyline, summer music concerts and great outdoor activities. Eagle Rock is part of Essex County Parks, also home to the nearby Turtle Back Zoo and McLoone’s Boathouse, where can you dine and rent pedal boats.