Things To Do
in Echelon
Echelon is a residential neighborhood and census-designated place inside Voorhees Township in Camden County, New Jersey, with a quiet suburban feel and convenient access to Philadelphia. The area mixes tree-lined streets, strip malls and community parks around the Voorhees Town Center and Strawbridge Lake Park. Many residents commute to Philadelphia or nearby employment centers, while local schools, diners and small businesses give Echelon a strongly local character.
It’s a practical base for exploring South Jersey’s suburbs, shore towns and Philadelphia day trips.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Echelon Regional Airport and soak in the scenic mountain views as you drive toward downtown. Check into your boutique hotel and savor a freshly brewed local coffee while scanning the town map for must-see spots. Take a leisurely walk along Main Street to acquaint yourself with Echelon’s charming brick facades and friendly locals.
After dropping off your bags, wander to the Riverside Café for a hearty lunch of regional specialty sandwiches. Spend the afternoon strolling along the riverwalk, browsing local artisan stalls and sampling freshly-made pastries. Pop into the Echelon Visitor Center to pick up maps and insider tips for the days ahead.
As dusk falls, enjoy a welcome dinner at The Hearthstone Bistro, famous for its wood-fired pizzas and craft beers. Head to the Historic Pavilion for an intimate live folk music performance that captures the town’s heritage. Cap off the night with a peaceful riverside stargazing session, listening to the gentle lull of the water.
Begin the day with sunrise yoga on the Riverfront Green, breathing in crisp morning air as the mist lifts off the water. Follow it up with an espresso and pastry at the riverside kiosk, watching kayakers glide by. Chat with local vendors at the weekly Farmers Market to pick up seasonal fruits and handmade crafts.
Join a guided riverboat tour to learn about Echelon’s maritime history while relaxing under the sun. Disembark at the Old Mill Landing to explore a restored 19th-century grain mill and enjoy fresh lemonade. Wander through the adjacent flea market, hunting for vintage trinkets and antiques.
Head to The Dockside Grill for a dinner featuring freshly caught trout and grilled vegetables. As twilight sets in, find a spot on the riverbank to catch a free outdoor concert at the market square. Sample locally produced hard cider from a nearby vendor before strolling back to your hotel under fairy-lit trees.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3-5 |
| 🚕Short taxi / ride-share | $8-20 |
| 🚌Public transit single fare | $1.60-3.50 |
| 🏨Hotel (mid-range, per night) | $90-160 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close to Philadelphia with easy day-trip access
- Quiet, family-friendly suburban atmosphere with parks and lakes
- Good mix of diners, local restaurants and accessible shopping
- Limited late-night nightlife and cultural venues within Echelon itself
- Car-dependent for many errands and attractions outside the town center
- Can be humid in summer and occasionally affected by regional storm systems
Places to Visit in Echelon
Visit one of these nice places.
A local lake with walking paths, reeds and reflections—good for golden-hour nature shots and family scenes.
Offers architectural and street photography opportunities, especially during seasonal events, with lively storefronts and lighting at dusk.
Open green spaces and river views with Philadelphia skyline vistas from certain points—great for sunrise and cityscape photography.
Iconic skyline shots of Philadelphia across the Delaware River, particularly dramatic at sunset and after dark when the bridge lights up.
Quaint streets, colonial-era buildings and boutique storefronts provide atmospheric portrait and street photography backdrops.
Food in Echelon
Echelon Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Thin-to-medium-crust pizza sold by the slice or pie at local pizzerias; seek out family-run places around Voorhees and nearby towns for authentic local flavor.
Must-Try!
Classic South Jersey/Philly-style hoagies stuffed with deli meats, cheeses and crisp veggies; available at delis and sandwich shops across the area.
Seasonal seafood, crab cakes and clam preparations influenced by Jersey Shore traditions—best at regional seafood restaurants and summer pop-ups.
All-day breakfast plates—pancakes, home fries and eggs—at local diners that form a big part of South Jersey morning culture.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal market offering local produce, baked goods and specialty vendors—great for sampling seasonal fruit, preserves and prepared foods.
Nearby towns host regular markets with artisans, prepared foods and local produce; good stops if you’re exploring the region on a weekend.
Summer food trucks and community event stands appear at parks and town-center events—look for taco, barbecue and dessert trucks during festivals.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Residents tend to be friendly and direct; casual greetings and small talk are normal in shops and cafés. A simple 'hello' or 'thanks' goes a long way.
Many neighborhoods are residential—avoid trespassing, keep noise down at night and respect posted signs in parks or conservation areas.
Dining tends to be informal; sharing plates and family-style meals are common in Italian-American restaurants. Be punctual for reservations and call ahead if you're running late.
Safety
Tipping in Echelon
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is customary: ~15–20% at sit-down restaurants, $1–2 per drink at bars, and 10–15% for delivery or takeout if service is notable. Taxi and ride-share drivers often expect small tips; hotel staff and movers appreciate modest gratuities. Many service workers rely on tips, so factor them into budgeting.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments and mobile wallets are common. Keep some cash for small purchases, tips, or market vendors, and notify your bank about travel if using out-of-state cards. Most places accept major cards but smaller food stalls and some markets may be cash-only or have a minimum card charge.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming parks make it ideal for outdoor walks and farmers’ markets; occasional rain—bring a light waterproof layer and check market schedules.
Warm to hot and humid, with festivals, food trucks and lakeside activities; plan midday activities early or late to avoid peak heat, and expect busy weekends near shore towns.
Crisp, pleasant weather and attractive foliage in parks and nearby Pine Barrens—great for hiking, photography and harvest-season food events.
Cold with occasional snow; most services run normally but allow extra travel time for storm conditions. Off-season lodging can be cheaper and local dining is cozy and quieter.
Echelon at Night
Hiking in Echelon
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short, accessible trails and paved loops along the Cooper River—good for walks, runs and easy hikes with cityscape views.
Small forested areas and preserve pockets near Camden County provide shorter, quieter nature trails.
A larger natural area offering diverse trails, unique flora and fauna, and a sense of wilderness distinct from suburban parks—best for day trips and longer hikes.
Trails along the Delaware River (Camden/Philadelphia side) provide scenic river walks and city skyline vistas, suitable for casual hikes and photography.
Airports
How to reach Echelon by plane.
The closest major airport (roughly 20–30 minutes by car depending on traffic). Offers extensive domestic and international flights; reachable by taxi, ride-share, or commuter rail and connecting transit from nearby stations.
About a 45–60 minute drive depending on route—serves regional flights and can be convenient for access to the Jersey Shore and Cape May areas.
A larger international airport about 60–75+ minutes away by car; public transit options include NJ Transit and Amtrak services via connections, but driving or direct car services are usually more convenient.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Echelon is popular with families attracted to good suburban schools, parks and safe neighborhoods.
Many residents commute to Philadelphia or surrounding employment centers for work, making the community commuter-friendly.
There is a noticeable retired and older-adult population enjoying quieter residential areas and local community activities.
South Jersey communities include a mix of ethnic and cultural groups, reflected in local businesses, churches and restaurants.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
High school and youth football are popular; many locals follow the NFL (Philadelphia Eagles) and college football teams.
Little leagues and community baseball/softball leagues are active in the area during spring and summer.
Youth and amateur soccer programs are widespread; adult recreational leagues play year-round.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Echelon.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most restaurants and diners offer vegetarian options (salads, pasta, sandwiches). Specialty vegetarian/vegan restaurants are limited in Echelon itself but available in nearby Cherry Hill and Philadelphia.
Chain cafés and some newer eateries list vegan options; for dedicated vegan menus, plan a short trip into Philadelphia where the scene is larger.
Many restaurants will accommodate gluten-free requests (gluten-free pasta, GF pizza crusts at some pizzerias). Still confirm cross-contamination practices if you have celiac disease.