Top 10 Things To Do In Clifton, New Jersey

1. Go on a picnic at Main Memorial Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Main Memorial Park, which is located just off Main Avenue, features a scenic lake and two playgrounds where children can play. Come for a leisurely stroll and admire beautiful views of nature. Go on an outing, pack some delicious meals, and enjoy them with loved ones in the park’s picnic area. A local flea market pops up in the park every second Saturday, from April to December. At this market, you can shop for some amazing goods and try delicious snacks offered by the Clifton community.

Main Memorial Park

Address: 1395 Main Ave, Clifton, NJ 07011

Website: Main Memorial Park

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

2. Shop or see a movie at Clifton Commons

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Clifton Commons is a popular shopping destination for everyone living and working in Clifton, New Jersey. This mall features a multi-screen AMC movie theatre, a Barnes & Noble flagship store, and Target. It also has a number of dining establishments that offer different kinds of cuisines, such as classic American, Tex Mex, and Irish pub grub.

Clifton Commons

Address: 405 Route 3 Clifton, NJ 07014

Website: Clifton Commons

3. Travel back in time at Hamilton House Museum

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

At Hamilton House Museum, you will get to travel back in time to the early 19th century. This historic farmhouse was built in the traditional Dutch style. It was a home that used to belong to the Van Wagoner family who were Dutch settlers. It is furnished with antique tools and equipment that helped make settlers’ lives easier and more comfortable.

Hamilton House Museum

Address: 971 Valley Road, Clifton, NJ 07013

Website: Hamilton House Museum

Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 10am - 5pm (closed on Mon & Tue)

Price: 5 USD onwards

4. Relish mouthwatering food at Tick Tock Diner

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Tick Tock Diner caters to guests round the clock, making it easy for customers to walk in at any time of day or night. This diner with an Art Deco style has been serving locals and tourists since 1948. It offers heavy portions, so if you feel famished but do not feel like cooking, then you can visit the establishment. Try the awesome disco fries or Panko onion rings as a starter and then dig into the delicious reuben, which is served with fries.

Tick Tock Diner

Address: 281 Allwood Road, Clifton, NJ 07012

Website: Tick Tock Diner

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

5. Immerse in visual arts at Clifton Arts Center & Sculpture Park

Clifton Arts Center & Sculpture Park resides in what used to be the U.S. Animal Quarantine Station in Clifton. This museum features artwork, photography, and traditional crafts by American artists. These works highlight the history of Passaic County and the county’s surroundings. The museum also has a sculpture garden where visual art can be enjoyed outdoors. With a nominal entrance fee, it is a great attraction to spend time at, on an afternoon. You will get to learn about America’s culture and history.

Clifton Arts Center

Address: 900 Clifton Avenue, Clifton, NJ 07013

Website: Clifton Arts Center

Opening hours: Wed - Sat: 1pm - 4pm (closed on Mon & Tue)

Price: 3 USD onwards

6. Taste the brews at Ghost Hawk Brewing Co.

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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Microbreweries have been sprouting up in many American cities and towns over the last couple of decades. Ghost Hawk Brewing Co in Clifton, New Jersey, is an example of such microbrewery. It quenches the city’s thirst for craft beer. Opened in April 2019, the microbrewery offers a selection of hand-crafted lagers and ales. Visitors can taste a wide range of signature brews in the taproom, which opens its doors every day of the week. This taproom serves signature beers you will surely love.

Ghost Hawk Brewing Co

Address: 321 River Road #6, Clifton, NJ 07014

Website: Ghost Hawk Brewing Co

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 4pm - 8pm; Fri: 4pm - 10pm; Sat: 12pm - 10pm; Sun: 12pm - 8pm

7. Recharge at Morris Canal Park and Nature Reserve

This park is a great place for a quick recharge on a sunny afternoon. It features beautiful gardens, shaded groves, and picnic and grill areas. You can go for a stroll in one of the gardens or relax on one of the benches and take in lovely views. The park is configured around the historic Morris Canal, which used to be a transportation route for local businesses and residents, using a system of locks. Over time, better built roads and railway systems replaced the canal as preferred access routes. In 1981, a committee was formed to preserve the canal for its historical significance.

Morris Canal Park and Nature Reserve

Address: 1115 Broad Street, Clifton, NJ 07013

Website: Morris Canal Park and Nature Reserve

Opening hours: 7am - 8pm (daily)

Price: Free

8. Play baseball at Lefty's Sports Academy

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Learn how to bat like a Major League Baseball player at Lefty’s Sports Academy. This facility consists of six automated cages for batting. These cages are used for both softball and baseball practice. The place also has a training area that can be rented for teams, clinics, and parties. For those not familiar with batting, the venue provides individual lessons. With these lessons, everyone can have some fun and learn how to bat like a pro.

Lefty's Sports Academy

Address: 840 Bloomfield Avenue, Clifton, NJ 07012

Website: Lefty’s Sports Academy

Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 2pm - 7:30pm; Sat - Sun: 9:30am - 5pm (closed on Mon)

9. Take a break at Weasel Brook Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

This 19-acre (7.7-hectare) park is a respite from the traffic and hubbub of Clifton. It is a place where you can escape to when you want to take a break from city life. You can wander in the woods, walk by the brook, and check out the restored Vanderhoef-Westervelt House, which was built around the 18th century. During summer, the park is used as a venue for concerts and flea markets, and Vanderhoef-Westervelt House sometimes features exhibitions on the history of Clifton. The park also comes with picnic areas, children’s playgrounds, and walking and biking trails.

Weasel Brook Park

Address: 1 Westervelt Place, Clifton, NJ 07011

Website: Weasel Brook Park

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

10. Relish hot dogs at Rutt's Hut

While in Clifton, take time out and enjoy a hot dog–or a few–at Rutt’s Hut, one of the most well-known hot dog establishments in the city. Rutt’s Hut serves “rippers,” which are deep-fried sausages with the famous sweet mustard relish and soft bun. It is a cash-only eatery, so make sure you are carrying some change before you visit. Do get in touch with the establishment to check whether there is an eat-in option available.

Rutt's Hut

Address: 417 River Road, Clifton, NJ 07014

Website: Rutt’s Hut

Opening hours: 8am - 8pm (daily)

Explore Clifton

Clifton offers a variety of tourist attractions, activities, and eateries. You can hang out at parks, learn about history, and enjoy delicious food. A vacation with family or friends in this city will definitely be memorable.