Things to do in South Orange

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Aerial Drone of South Orange New Jersey
Aerial Drone of South Orange New Jersey
Aerial Drone of South Orange New Jersey
The Duck Pond
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South Orange must see attractions

1. Times Square

Locals might bemoan Times Square’s touristy hustle and bustle, but the neon wonderland is undeniably New York City's beating heart. Loud and chaotic, the crowded epicenter is one of the world’s most visited and recognizable tourist attractions.
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Times Square which includes a city, signage and a high rise building

2. Central Park

When it comes to film credits, no green space in the world can match New York City's Central Park. “When Harry Met Sally,” “Annie Hall,” “Home Alone 2,” and “Sex and the City: The Movie” all feature scenes shot in Manhattan’s iconic park, which opened in 1857 and is renowned as one of the city’s most precious outdoor areas.
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spring landscape in the Central park, New York, USA

3. Madison Square Garden

Midtown Manhattan has one of the world’s most famous indoor arenas: Madison Square Garden (MSG). Watch the NBA New York Knicks, NHL New York Rangers and WNBA New York Liberty or your favorite big-name concert performers at this huge venue.
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NewYork_MadisonSquareGarden_6291778_8

4. Statue of Liberty

Few buildings conjure up as many emotions as New York’s iconic Statue of Liberty, an awe-inspiring symbol of freedom, hope and democracy standing proud on Liberty Island in New York Harbor.
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Statue of Liberty

5. Grand Central Terminal

Stand aside from the 750,000 daily visitors rushing to and from their trains and admire the architectural beauty of the majestic Grand Central Terminal. It’s also home to shops and dining options, making it an entertaining one-stop destination.
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Chrysler Building shines amid evening glow in New York City skyline

6. Empire State Building

The Empire State Building is a world-famous landmark, synonymous with New York. It’s renowned as a backdrop in films such as “An Affair to Remember,” “King Kong,” and “Sleepless in Seattle.” In fact, it’s one of the city’s most significant and romantic skyscrapers.
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Close up view of the Empire State Building and the New York city skyline on a beautiful blue sky day

7. Rockefeller Center

An ode to 1930s New York, Rockefeller Center in Midtown Manhattan fuses the old and the new, and is at the heart of the city’s annual holiday celebrations.
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Rockefeller Center

8. Yankee Stadium

Yankee Stadium has been one of New York City’s iconic destinations for almost a hundred years, ever since the original was built in 1923. The team’s new home, constructed at a cost of $2.3 billion, is the most expensive stadium ever built, but manages to include both deluxe amenities and many references to the Yankees’ long history. Enjoy a typical New York experience by hopping on the subway northward, ready to spend an afternoon watching America’s pastime.
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Yankee Stadium featuring signage and street scenes

What to do in South Orange

Discover the most popular places to visit in South Orange

Prudential Center which includes a city and a high rise building

Prudential Center

4/5(183 reviews)

See everything from electrifying hockey games and huge musical concerts to monster truck rallies and children’s shows at The Rock.

Prudential Center
New Jersey Performing Arts Center showing theater scenes, interior views and modern architecture

New Jersey Performing Arts Center

5/5(9 reviews)

Come for a night at the theater and be dazzled by a Grammy Award-winning symphony orchestra, an international ballet company or a famous rock group.

New Jersey Performing Arts Center
Photo – crowded soccer stadium, football fans support the team

Sports Illustrated Stadium

4.5/5(5 reviews)

Catch an event at Sports Illustrated Stadium during your trip to Harrison. Experience the fascinating museums and acclaimed art scene in this vibrant area.

Sports Illustrated Stadium
Seton Hall University from an aerial view

Seton Hall University

4/5(13 reviews)

Explore the campus of Seton Hall University as part of your travels around South Orange. Experience the great live music or attend a sporting event in this vibrant area.

Seton Hall University
Rubella tortoise in the zoo. Three turtles are standing on their backs, one on one. Trachemys Scripta Elegans .

Turtle Back Zoo

4/5(9 reviews)

Visit the native and exotic animals who call Turtle Back Zoo home during your travels in West Orange. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.

Turtle Back Zoo
Branch Brook Park showing a park

Branch Brook Park

The largest park in the “Garden State” features lakes, waterways, forests, meadows and a spectacular cherry blossom festival in spring.

Branch Brook Park
Montclair Art Museum showing interior views and art

Montclair Art Museum

Use the audio guide to learn about historic and modern Native American art and sip wine at a live music event.

Montclair Art Museum
Little fairy dwellings are strewn throughout the South Mountain Fairy Trail

South Mountain Reservation

2.5/5(4 reviews)

Explore the great outdoors at South Mountain Reservation, a lovely green space in Newark. Make some time to visit the shops while you're in the area.

South Mountain Reservation

The Mills at Jersey Gardens

4.5/5(69 reviews)

You can do some window-shopping at The Mills at Jersey Gardens during your stay in Elizabeth. Experience the acclaimed art scene and entertainment choices in this vibrant area.

The Mills at Jersey Gardens

Popular day trips from South Orange

Downtown Newark featuring a square or plaza, a city and outdoor art

Newark

Aerial Drone of Montclair New Jersey

East Orange

Cherry Blossom Branch

Irvington

Frequently asked questions

Is South Orange worth visiting?
South Orange has a unique mix of local charm, attractions and culture. Whether you're into history, nature or traditional food, there's plenty you'll enjoy here.
How do I spend a day in South Orange?
Once you've checked off popular attractions like Turtle Back Zoo and Hyatt Hills Golf Course, spend the rest of your day experiencing South Orange's shopping and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in South Orange?
The top tourist attraction in South Orange is Turtle Back Zoo, so be sure to add it to your itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in South Orange?
You can easily visit popular attractions like Turtle Back Zoo, Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart and Liberty Hall Museum with a three-day escape to South Orange. On average, most travelers plan two days here. There's plenty to see and do nearby too, so stay a bit longer and check out New York.
Is South Orange a walkable city?
If discovering on foot sounds like your type of vacation, South Orange is an ideal destination. Find major sights, including Turtle Back Zoo, within walking distance of downtown. You can also enjoy a stroll through Lower Vailsburg, a vibrant neighborhood located about 3 kilometers from the city center.
What are some activities to do in South Orange with kids?
Deciding what to do in South Orange with kids has never been easier. Whether you're traveling with teenagers or toddlers, there's no shortage of family-friendly activities to keep everyone busy here.

What to do in South Orange for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food connoisseur or fan of nature, there are lots of things to do in South Orange for adults including The Manor and Newark City Hall.
Are there free things to do in South Orange?
One of the best ways to learn about free things to do in South Orange is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on cool neighborhoods, parks and other highlights you can visit without reaching for your wallet. Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart is one spot that doesn't have an entrance fee.