Montclair is so much more than the Newark area’s best spot for driving past stunning Victorian mansions. It’s also a cultural hub offering countless adventures.
Whether you prefer a walk through local greenery or a unique artistic experience, you’ll find it in this small yet activity-packed town.
Keep reading to discover unforgettable things to do in Montclair, NJ. Before you venture out, stop by Blue Oak Dispensary near the Montclair-Bloomfield border — or order ahead via our online menu — to elevate your journey.
Embrace botanical life at Van Vleck House & Gardens
Fall into blissful pensiveness amid colorful flowers, towering trees, and regal architecture at Van Vleck House & Gardens.
Built in 1916, the villa at the heart of the gardens is as breathtaking as the plant life that surrounds you in every direction.
You may find yourself inspired and energized as you connect with all the nature and architecture, especially if you pair this experience with RYTHM flower beforehand.
See a show at The Wellmont Theater
Located on Bloomfield Ave, which is among Montclair’s most activity-packed streets, The Wellmont Theater is the area’s go-to for a fun night of live music or stand-up comedy.
Actors and comics you’ve seen on TV, such as Ilana Glazer and Demetri Martin, have performed at this esteemed theater.
Long-active bands including UB40 and Gin Blossoms are also known to stop here on their national tours.
Enjoy a Grön edible before the show to truly let the music take you higher.
Shop and dine at Watchung Plaza
Located next to the Watchung Ave stop on the Montclair-Boonton train line, Watchung Plaza stands out as a small shopping and restaurant area in an otherwise residential neighborhood.
Browse the vast selection at Watchung Booksellers, then enjoy a gourmet Italian meal at da Pepo, one of our favorite restaurants in Montclair, located in the same building.
Take a seat on one of the benches at the small grassy area next to the train station and let your thoughts roll freely and without judgment.
Enhance this meditative moment similarly to how you might enjoy cannabis for yoga: with a CBD-dominant product that offers balance and calm. We recommend Wana gummies, some of which have a 20:1 ratio of CBD to THC.
Visit Edgemont Park’s World War I Memorial
Also located right near the Watchung Ave train station, Edgemont Park is best known for its striking World War I memorial, easily visible from most of the park.
The memorial is located on a small island within the park’s shimmering pond, which many say offers unforgettable views at sunset.
Enjoy a Hillview Farms pre-roll before your visit to feel uplifted when reflecting on the memorial and taking in the greenery and water.
Tour the historic Crane House and YWCA
Open only on Sundays from noon to 3 p.m., the Crane House and historic Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) Museum is worth blocking out your calendar for well in advance.
Take a self-guided tour through the Montclair YWCA’s history as a hub for Black women up through the peak of the civil rights movement.
Look back on a century of business and schooling at The Nathaniel Crane House, built in 1818.
Hone in on all the information you’re taking in with a puff from a Fernway vape or pre-roll.
Explore local expression at the Montclair Art Museum
When you’re in Montclair, there’s no need to travel to nearby NYC to experience a world-class art museum. The Montclair Art Museum in downtown Montclair is right there.
On the first Thursday of every month, an artist takes over the museum, there’s special programming such as live music, and admission is free.
At all other times, the museum displays work from local and Indigenous artists. Classes for all ages are also available.
Enjoy Garden Greens flower or pre-rolls ahead of your visit to match your creativity with everything you see on display.
Cozy up with a new friend at Catfé Montclair
Perhaps the most adorable thing to do in Montclair is spend time with the rescue cats at Catfé Montclair.
At this newer hallmark of Bloomfield Ave, adoptable kittens and adult cats relax on fluffy beds, play with fun toys, and eagerly await human affection.
It’s all incredibly cute to watch, and it’s even more fulfilling and relaxing to interact with the cats — sometimes, you can give them treats.
Flower from niche. can help you achieve especially deep relaxation and focus around your new feline friends.
Take a leisurely stroll through the Montclair State campus
From the stunning steps in front of the Alexander Kasser Theater to the flowers blooming near the Memorial Auditorium, Montclair State University’s campus is full of gorgeous sights.
Drift slowly through the campus to remind yourself of the unique joys of college life: foundational friendships, invaluable life lessons, mind-broadening experiences.
Achieve a similar state of mental zen and openness with Rove vapes, some of which are associated with stress-relieving effects.
Practice for the greens at Montclair Indoor Golf Club
The Garden State is big on golf, and if you’re planning on exploring New Jersey’s best public golf courses, improve your game in advance at the Montclair Indoor Golf Club.
Open 24/7, you can book one, two, or three hours of tee time and use an app to track your performance.
Choose an hour if you’re completing 18 holes alone, or two hours if you’re doing so with a small group.
To boost your focus while shaking off your nerves and keeping things social, enjoy Lily Extracts concentrates or chews before you head over.
Get the Montclair area’s best cannabis at Blue Oak Dispensary
From the verdant, calming foyer to the intimate shopping experience, Blue Oak Dispensary in neighboring Bloomfield is a must-visit when you’re ready to step just outside Montclair.
Our knowledgeable staff are always excited to help you find what you need, and our location inside a medical office — and delivery and curbside pickup options — are entirely discreet.
Plan your visit now to see a Montclair-area highlight and power your exploration of Montclair’s most exciting activities.
