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Clifton, NY: Where Fun and Adventure Await – The Ultimate Guide to the Best Things to Do and Places to Visit!

Clifton is the quieter alternative to the big city sitting just across the river. You get the parks, the diners and a train instead of the noise. The malls here beat anything in the towns immediately surrounding this city. For the culture, the arts center is the one real draw in town. Take Clifton as a base and the whole region opens up around you.

Are you planning a trip to Clifton, New Jersey and wondering what is worth the time? Look at what follows. Clifton is a busy city with plenty in it. Whether you came for the outdoor half, the culture or a slow weekend, this city covers all three.

Clifton, NJ: A Brief Overview Located in Passaic County, Clifton is a working city known for its mixed community, its history and the country around it. With easy access to New York City, Clifton pulls both locals and visitors. Whether you read history, follow art or came to eat, Clifton has a version of it.

Picnic Spots in Clifton If you want out of the traffic, Clifton runs several parks and picnic spots where you can stop for an afternoon. The popular picnic spots in Clifton include Main Memorial Park, Nash Park and Weasel Brook Park. These parks run open views, walking trails and enough space to spread a blanket out properly.

Key Takeaways

• Clifton, NJ is a vibrant city with plenty of activities and places to visit.
• Clifton has several beautiful parks and picnic spots where you can relax and unwind.
• Whether you’re a history buff, an art lover, or a foodie, Clifton has something to offer.

Clifton, NJ: A Brief Overview

Welcome to Clifton, NJ, the city that cares. Located in Passaic County, New Jersey, Clifton is a busy city with a population of about 85,000 residents.

With New York City this close, Clifton is where you go to get out of the noise of the Big Apple without leaving its reach. Whether you want a day out with the family or a weekend with somebody, Clifton works for both.

One of the city’s best-known attractions is the Clifton Arts Center and Sculpture Park, where the sculptures and the artworks are the reason to go. And if you came to eat, the city runs a properly mixed set of kitchens, everything from Italian to Mexican.

If you follow nature, Clifton runs several parks and lakes where a slow walk is the whole point. Main Memorial Park, located just off Main Avenue, holds a lake and two playgrounds where children can play.

If you want to shop, head to the Clifton Commons shopping center for the shops and the restaurants. And if you follow sport, take a game at Yogi Berra Stadium, home of the New Jersey Jackals baseball team, which sits on a campus in the next town rather than here.

So whether you live here or you are passing through, Clifton, NJ earns the stop. With the people, the spread of things to do and the pace it keeps, this city holds up.

Picnic Spots in Clifton

Are you looking for a slow afternoon with friends or family? Pack a picnic and take one of Clifton’s parks. Here are the best picnic spots in Clifton:

Zelenka Park

If you want quiet with your picnic, Zelenka Park is where you go. This small park sits in a residential neighborhood and runs a pond, a walking path and shade trees. Bring a blanket and eat slowly while the ducks work the pond.

Main Memorial Park

For a picnic with more going on, head to Main Memorial Park. This large park holds a lake and two playgrounds where children can play. Walk the loop around the lake and take the water on both sides. And if you want to be on it, rent a paddleboat and go out.

Weasel Brook Park

If you want a park with everything in it, Weasel Brook Park is the one. This large park runs picnic areas, playgrounds, tennis courts, basketball courts and a nature reserve. Walk the nature reserve first, then settle into one of the many picnic areas afterwards.

Garret Mountain Reservation

For the view, head to Garret Mountain Reservation, which sits over the city line rather than inside it. This large nature reserve looks straight out at the New York City skyline and runs hiking trails, picnic areas and, by this page’s account, a small zoo. Pack a lunch and eat it at one of the overlooks.

Whether you want somewhere quiet or a park with courts and trails in it, Clifton has the ground. So pack a lunch, take a blanket and give an afternoon to one of them.

Shopping Extravaganza

Are you ready to spend some money? Clifton has the shops for it, and more of them than the size of the city suggests.

First stop: Clifton Commons. This outdoor shopping center runs clothing stores, restaurants and a movie theater. You can lose a morning in Target, Old Navy and HomeGoods without noticing. And when you need to stop, eat at Panera Bread or Smashburger before taking a film at the AMC theater.

But Clifton Commons is only the start. Head over to the nearby Willowbrook Mall for the bigger version. With over 200 stores, Macy’s, Sephora and H&M among them, you’ll find what you came for. And when you need a break, take the carousel or eat at the food court.

Looking for something less predictable? Take the Clifton Farmer’s Market for fresh produce and food made locally. Working the stalls and talking to the people selling is the point of it. And with luck there will be live music running while you do.

No matter how you shop, Clifton covers it. So take the card and give a morning to it.

Breweries and Distilleries

You’re in Clifton and you want a drink. Luckily, Clifton runs breweries and distilleries that will sort that out.

First up is Ghost Hawk Brewing Co. This brewery runs a long list of beers, from IPAs to stouts to sours. They also keep a gluten-free beer for anybody who needs one. The room is comfortable and the staff know what they are pouring. And you can bring your own food to eat alongside it.

If you drink spirits, this page sends you to the distillery without naming it. As described, they run tours covering the distilling process and finish with a tasting. You can also buy a bottle to take home.

The distillery tours are the same unnamed operation described a second time. You get the history of distilling in Clifton and how it is done now. And the tasting at the end is the reason people book it.

Last but not least, we have the Ghost Hawk Brewing Co. This brewery has a wide variety of beers, from IPAs to stouts to sours. They even have a gluten-free beer for those of you who can’t handle the gluten. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable. You can even bring your own food to pair with your beer.

So whether you want a cold beer or a good spirit, Clifton has it. Cheers.

Cinematic Experience

Looking for an evening in Clifton? Take the local AMC theater. With comfortable seating, a proper sound system and the usual snacks, it is where the evening goes for a blockbuster or something smaller.

But why settle for the standard version? Upgrade to the AMC Dine-In option and get a full meal and drinks brought to your seat while the film runs. Plus you’ll hear nothing from the row behind, because the seats are wide and set well apart.

And if you want the biggest version of a film, take the AMC IMAX theater. With the screen size and the picture quality, the room disappears entirely. Just keep hold of the popcorn through the loud parts.

So take some friends or somebody in particular and head to the AMC theater for an evening. You won’t regret it.

Art and Culture

You don’t have to know anything about art to get something out of Clifton. The Clifton Arts Center & Sculpture Park is where to start. This center runs contemporary art exhibits and outdoor sculpture gardens that are worth walking slowly. It’s where a date or a slow afternoon goes.

If you read history, then the Vanderhoef-Westervelt House is the one. This historic house museum covers the early days of Clifton and the country around it. You get a look at how the early settlers and their families actually lived. Educational programs are also available if you want to go deeper.

This page next gives the Hamilton House Museum as a museum dedicated to Alexander Hamilton, one of America’s founding fathers, covering his life, his contributions and his death in a duel with Aaron Burr. A local house museum of that name is usually something else entirely, so confirm what the collection actually holds before you take the kids for the history lesson.

If you want something stranger, then the Sculpture at Sharon is where you go. This sculpture park runs a collection of odd, funny pieces that are hard to walk past without stopping. It’s a good hour out with the family.

No matter what you came for, Clifton has a version of it. So get out there and work through them.

The Foodie’s Paradise

You’re in for a treat if you came to eat. Note that this section and the ones after it repeatedly call the place Clifton, New York, which is a different town a long way north, so check where each business actually trades. From farm-to-table restaurants to classic diners, the range here is real.

Start at the Old Farm House. This restaurant is known for farm-fresh ingredients and cooking that respects them. Do not miss their Brussels sprouts with gorgonzola and honey, which is the dish people come back for. And if you want something lighter, their bruschetta is the one to order first.

If you want wings, head over to Tick Tock Diner. This classic diner has been serving food since 1948, and the wings are the reason to go. Order them with fries and a milkshake and stop worrying about it.

For something southern, this page names the Shrimp Po Boy Sandwich at the Irish Pub. The sandwich is built from crispy shrimp, lettuce, tomato and a spicy remoulade sauce. It’s a lunch or a dinner depending on how the day has gone.

And if you need somewhere open 24 hours a day, Tick Tock Diner is that place too. This classic diner has been serving food since 1948, and the menu runs wide enough to cover anybody. From breakfast to burgers, you can’t go wrong with Tick Tock.

So get ready to work through the eating on this page, remembering that the Clifton, New York label attached to it belongs to another town. Your taste buds will thank you.

Wellness and Spa

Now for the slower half of a trip. You’ve earned some time doing nothing, and this page lists wellness and spa centers to do it in, all of them under the Clifton, New York heading rather than this city’s own. Here are the named picks:

Hidden Journey Within Wellness Center Spas:

This spa sits in Clifton Park, New York rather than anywhere near this city. It runs facials, waxing and massages. The spa also keeps a salt cavern wellness spa aimed at asthma and allergies. So if you want somewhere quiet to reset, that is what is on offer, a long way up the road.

Saratoga Botanicals Organic Spa & Store:

This spa works with organic and natural products throughout. They run facials, massages, manicures and pedicures. The estheticians here know their trade and you will leave better than you arrived.

The Woodhouse Day Spa:

This spa is the expensive one, running facials, massages and waxing. The spa also keeps a relaxation room for before or after a treatment. The Woodhouse Day Spa is where you go when the point of the day is doing nothing.

Whether you want an hour or a full day of it, the places listed under Clifton, New York will supply it, so long as you know that is a different town from this one. So sit back and let somebody else do the work.

What you notice first about this city is how much park there is. Four of them turn up on this page before anything else does at all. The lake at Main Memorial holds paddleboats and two playgrounds beside it. Weasel Brook adds the courts and a nature reserve to that same idea. The rest of this page is the shops, the screens and one brewery.

Luxury Car Rentals

This page next suggests renting a luxury car to see Clifton, New York, which is again that other town rather than this city. There are several luxury car rental companies in that area running high-end vehicles. Whether you want a Maserati or a Lamborghini, something on the list will do it.

One of the named places to rent from is Broadway Supercars, which does not trade in Clifton. They run a wide selection of exotic cars, Ferraris, Lamborghinis and McLarens among them. Plus the service they give is the reason they appear here.

The other named option is Luxury Car Rentals. They run BMWs, Mercedes-Benzs and Audis. Plus their prices are competitive and the rental terms are flexible, so you can take a car for as long as you actually need it.

Renting a luxury car will not only look good, it changes how the driving feels. Picture yourself down a Clifton street in a low sports car, turning heads and enjoying every second of it. It stays with you longer than the rental period does.

So if you want the trip to Clifton to be memorable, rent a luxury car and take it out on the road.

Outdoor Activities

Looking for fresh air in Clifton? You’re in luck. There is plenty to do outdoors in this city.

The place to start is Morris Canal Park, a green space built for a picnic or a game of frisbee. You can also walk the trails and take the country as you go. And with luck something will move in the undergrowth while you do.

If you play sport, you’ll want the basketball and tennis courts in Clifton. Whether you play seriously or you are learning, a friendly game with friends or family works on either.

And if you want something to watch, take the concerts that run in Clifton’s parks through the year. There is nothing quite like live music outdoors after dark.

Overall, Clifton is set up for getting outside and using the daylight. So take the sunscreen, put the sneakers on and get out into it.

Local Community

Clifton calls itself the city that cares, and that is more than a slogan. The community here is close, supportive and quick to help. From community centers to local agencies, something is always running in Clifton.

If you are new to the area, there are services here to get you settled. The Clifton Community Center is where to start. They run programs and services covering fitness classes, art classes and a senior center. And if you need something more specific, local agencies will cover it. Ask around and somebody will point you at the right one.

But it is not only about getting settled. The community in Clifton is also known for its odder events. From the annual Clifton Film Festival to the Clifton Duck Race, something is always on. And if you are competitive, there is the annual Clifton Chili Cook-Off, where the competition is taken seriously.

Of course, it is not all events. The community in Clifton also puts in the work. There are volunteer opportunities here, from the local food bank to the animal shelter. And if you want to do more, the local agencies will take the help.

So whether you want to settle in, enjoy yourself or put something back, the community in Clifton covers it. Just remember that when in doubt, ask a local.

Tourist Attractions

Looking for things to do in Clifton? You’re in luck, because this city runs more attractions than you would expect.

First is Morris Canal Park and Nature Reserve. This park is where a picnic, a slow walk or an hour doing nothing goes. With the views and the quiet, it is a favorite with locals and visitors alike.

Next, this page offers the New York City skyline, which is a view rather than an attraction in Clifton. That said, the Big Apple is a short drive away, so a day trip is easy to make. From the Empire State Building to Central Park, that city covers anybody.

If you want something closer to home, look at the top-rated tourist attractions in Clifton on TripAdvisor. From historic landmarks to family activities, this city runs plenty.

And last, the Clifton Arts Center and Sculpture Park. This attraction runs contemporary art exhibits and outdoor sculptures, which puts the art and the outdoor time in the same hour.

So what are you waiting for? Get out there and work through the attractions Clifton runs.

Books and More

So you want somewhere quiet to sit with a book? Take the Clifton Public Library. With a long collection of books, magazines and newspapers, you’ll find your own thing. Plus the library runs events and programs, book clubs, author talks and children’s storytimes among them.

If you learn by doing, take the American Sewing Guild’s North Jersey Chapter. This group of sewing enthusiasts runs classes, workshops and events at every level. Beginner or expert, there will be something that catches you. And you might come out of it making things properly.

And if you want new reading material or sewing supplies, work through the local bookstores and craft shops. You never know what is on the shelves. So go ahead and give an afternoon to it. You won’t regret it.

Accommodation

Now that you have decided to visit, you need somewhere to sleep. Note again that this section is headed Clifton, New York, which is a different town, so confirm each property before booking. As listed, the options cover most budgets and preferences.

If you want somewhere comfortable, take La Quinta Inn & Suites. They run large rooms, free breakfast and a fitness center. Plus the beds are good enough that leaving in the morning takes effort. Leave anyway, because there is a day to use.

If the budget is tight, don’t worry. Clifton runs plenty of affordable motels and hotels. Take the Clifton Motor Inn or the Howard Johnson by Wyndham. They do not carry the extras of a bigger hotel, but you’ll sleep properly.

For something different, look at the Clifton House Bed and Breakfast. This historic house has been turned into a small B&B with comfortable rooms and a proper breakfast. Plus you get a piece of Clifton’s history with the stay.

No matter where you stay, book ahead, especially in the busy months. You do not want to end up sleeping in the car or on a park bench.

So go ahead and book the room. You’ll want the sleep before you start on Clifton properly.

Getting Around

Clifton is a small city, but that does not mean it is quick to cover. There are plenty of ways to get around town and see all of it.

First, driving. If you plan to drive around Clifton, a few things are worth knowing. Route 3 is the main highway through the city, so learn where it goes. And in rush hour, expect to sit in it. Bloomfield Ave and River Rd are the other roads you’ll end up using.

If you would rather not drive, don’t worry. There are other ways around. Clifton runs a solid public transportation system covering buses and trains. The NJ Transit bus system runs across the city and out to the towns around it. And if you want New York City, the train is the answer. Get on the NJ Transit train at the Clifton station and you are in the Big Apple shortly after.

Of course, you can also walk or bike around Clifton. The city runs sidewalks and bike lanes, which makes getting around on foot or two wheels straightforward. Plus you get the exercise and the air while you do it.

No matter how you get around Clifton, stay safe and enjoy it. And if you get lost, that is half of what a new place is for.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of trouble can I get into in Clifton, New York?

That depends on what you count as trouble. If you want a long night out, take the local bars and clubs. But if you mean the legal kind, stay on the right side of it. The orange jumpsuit suits nobody.

What are some unique activities to try in Clifton, New York?

If you want something out of the ordinary, try glassblowing. The Clifton Arts Center and Sculpture Park is named as running classes where you make glass objects yourself. Or, if you want the bigger version, this page offers a hot air balloon ride over the Hudson Valley, which is well north of here rather than local.

Where can I find the best pizza in Clifton, New York?

The age-old question. Everybody has their own pizza place, but we’d point you at Brickhouse Pizza & Grille. Their pies land the crust, the cheese and the toppings all at once. Just expect to wait behind the locals for a slice.

Are there any hidden gems in Clifton, New York?

Absolutely. If you want out of the traffic, take the Waterfalls on River Road. It’s a quiet spot built for a picnic or an afternoon with a book. Or, if you read history, walk through the Historic District and take the architecture.

What are some family-friendly things to do in Clifton, New York?

There are plenty of activities the whole family can take in Clifton. The Sea Life Aquarium is the named one, where the marine creatures are close enough to hold anybody’s attention. Or, if you want something more active, head to Jungle Adventure for indoor rock climbing and zip-lining.

Can you recommend any outdoor adventures in Clifton, New York?

Absolutely. This page then points you at the Adirondack Mountains, the Hudson River and the Mohawk Trail, all of which belong to that other Clifton far to the north. Take a hike, get a kayak out or drive one of those routes by all means, but plan a full day for the drive rather than an afternoon.

Frequently asked questions about Clifton, New York

Is the Garret Mountain Reservation view worth the drive out?

Yes, easily. The overlooks give you the skyline across the meadowlands, and the reservation sits over the border in the next town rather than inside the city limits. The climb up to the top is short but it is properly steep going. Go on a clear day or do not bother making the drive at all. Take the picnic up there with you, because there is nothing at all to buy.

Is Ghost Hawk Brewing the only brewery worth the stop here?

It looks so. The page lists it twice and then adds an unnamed distillery beside it, so the drinking section is thinner than the word count makes it look. What is actually there runs from the IPAs through stouts to sours. You can carry your own food in there along with you. Check the distillery exists before you plan an afternoon around the pair of them.

Is the Hamilton House Museum really about Alexander Hamilton himself?

Almost certainly not. The page says it covers his life, his work and the duel that killed him, which does not match what a house museum of that name holds. The Vanderhoef-Westervelt House named beside it is the genuine local one here. Call ahead of time, because both of them keep quite short hours. Treat the founding father claim as unverified until somebody actually checks the collection there.

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