Things To Do
in Franklin Lakes
Franklin Lakes is an affluent, tree-lined borough in Bergen County, New Jersey, known for its large residential lots, horse farms, and small-town suburban character. The town centers around Franklin Lake and several well-maintained parks and preserves that attract walkers, families, and outdoor enthusiasts. It sits within commuting distance of New York City, giving residents easy access to urban amenities while retaining quiet neighborhoods and good schools.
Historic homes, country clubs, and seasonal farmers' markets help define the town's local culture and community calendar.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Franklin Lakes and settle into your accommodation. Spend the morning exploring the picturesque local parks, including the beautiful Franklin Lakes Nature Preserve, where you can take a leisurely stroll or enjoy a picnic by the water. Breathe in the fresh air and soak up the natural beauty surrounding you.
After lunch, continue your day by visiting the local shops and cafes in town. Sample some of the delightful treats from bakeries and grab a coffee at a quaint café while mingling with the friendly locals. Take your time exploring the unique artisan shops for thoughtful souvenirs.
As the sun begins to set, have dinner at one of the charming local restaurants that offer a variety of cuisines. Enjoy the cozy ambiance as you savor your meal, perhaps trying some fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. After dinner, take an evening stroll to appreciate the serene environment as you wind down your first day.
Start your day early with a hearty breakfast to fuel up for a hiking adventure. Head over to the nearby Ramapo Mountain State Forest for stunning trails and breathtaking views of the fall foliage. The morning sun filtered through the trees creates a magical atmosphere that will invigorate your spirit.
After hiking, have a packed lunch at a scenic lookout before continuing your outdoor adventure. Engage in activities like kayaking or fishing at one of the pristine lakes in the area. The afternoon is perfect for immersing yourself in nature’s beauty and wildlife.
Return to Franklin Lakes for dinner at a family-friendly restaurant that showcases local flavors. Keep the evening relaxed by finding a cozy spot to enjoy dessert, or simply sip hot cocoa while reflecting on the adventures of the day. Perhaps spend some time stargazing in the tranquil night sky.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-20 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3-5 |
| 🚕Short taxi or rideshare (local) | $8-20 |
| 🏨Midrange hotel (per night) | $120-220 |
| 🛒Groceries (small weekly shop) | $40-80 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Quiet, safe, and family-friendly suburban environment
- Easy access to parks, hiking and outdoor recreation
- Close enough for day trips into New York City
- High-quality local schools and community services
- Limited nightlife and cultural attractions within the borough
- Car-dependent for many activities and errands
- Can be expensive compared with regional averages
- Public transit options are more limited than in larger towns
Places to Visit in Franklin Lakes
Visit one of these nice places.
Picturesque lake views, reflections, and seasonal foliage—excellent for sunrise or golden-hour shots of water and tree-lined paths.
Elevated vistas and rocky outcrops that provide panoramic views of the region and dramatic landscapes, especially in fall.
Open fields, paddocks and classic New Jersey horse barns offer rustic, pastoral compositions—best in early morning or late afternoon light.
Historic downtown streets, brick storefronts, and seasonal decorations provide charming urban-suburban scenes for street and architectural photography.
Food in Franklin Lakes
Franklin Lakes Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Thin-crust, foldable slices from local pizzerias—order a classic margherita or a specialty pie; available at neighborhood pizza shops and family-run restaurants.
Must-Try!
Hearty deli sandwiches and fresh bagels are staples—try a smoked-salmon bagel or a classic Italian cold-cut from local delis.
Many restaurants use local produce in seasonal salads, roasted vegetables and market-driven entrees found at farm-to-table bistros and cafés.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal farmers markets (typically weekends, spring–fall) offer fresh produce, baked goods, local cheeses and prepared foods—great for picnic supplies or tasting local specialties.
On warm weekends you may find food trucks or pop-ups at parks and community events offering tacos, BBQ, ice cream and other casual fare.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Locals are typically polite and somewhat reserved—friendly small talk is common but respect personal space and privacy in residential areas.
Many homes are on large private lots; avoid trespassing on private roads, driveways or fields and obey posted signs.
Appointments and reservations are expected to start on time—arrive a few minutes early for dinner reservations or scheduled activities.
Safety
Tipping in Franklin Lakes
Ensure a smooth experience
Standard tipping in the U.S. applies: 15–20% in restaurants for table service, $1–2 per drink at bars, $2–5 for valets or coat checks and modest tips for taxi or rideshare drivers. For exceptional service consider tipping more; many places add gratuity for large groups.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are common. Small cash amounts are useful for tips, market vendors and smaller establishments that may prefer cash.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures, blossoming trees and active farmers markets—expect some rain and muddy trails early in the season; great time for birdwatching and blossoms.
Warm and humid with many outdoor activities, community events and farmers markets; parks and lakes are busy, and occasional afternoon thunderstorms are common.
Crisp air and vibrant fall foliage make this a popular time for hiking and scenic drives; cooler evenings, so pack layers and expect crowds on peak foliage weekends.
Cold with periodic snowfall—roads and sidewalks can be icy; quieter for tourism, but good for winter photography and nearby ski/biking destinations if you don't mind the cold.
Franklin Lakes at Night
Hiking in Franklin Lakes
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Offers wooded trails, rocky overlooks and scenic views—good variety of easy to moderate hikes within a short drive.
Popular for lakeside hikes, waterfalls and historic sites; Ramapo Lake Loop is scenic and family-friendly.
Provides paved and unpaved paths along the Saddle River—ideal for walking, jogging and cycling with multiple access points in Bergen County.
Large park with multiple trails, historic manor house and varied terrain—offers longer hikes and good fall foliage viewing.
Airports
How to reach Franklin Lakes by plane.
A small general aviation airport just a short drive away, commonly used by private and charter flights; not a major commercial hub.
The nearest major international airport (30–40 minutes by car depending on traffic) with domestic and international flights; accessible by rideshare, car or regional transit connections.
Located in New York City, both are reachable within an hour or more depending on traffic—these airports offer many domestic and international options and are alternatives to Newark.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Franklin Lakes has a large population of families with children attracted by good schools, parks and quiet residential neighborhoods.
Many households are high-income professionals who commute to New York City or work locally in the region.
The borough includes multi-generational families and long-term residents who are active in community organizations and local government.
The town includes growing Asian and Hispanic communities, as well as other diverse groups typical of suburban New Jersey.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Youth and high school sports are popular, with community support for football, lacrosse and soccer programs and seasonal games drawing local crowds.
Golf is popular among residents, with private and semi-private courses and country clubs in and around the borough.
Horseback riding and equestrian activities are part of the local recreational scene, reflecting the area's horse farms and riding facilities.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Franklin Lakes.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available at cafés, bistros and many diners—look for salads, pasta dishes, and seasonal vegetable plates. Several restaurants accommodate customization; farm-to-table spots often highlight plant-forward dishes.
Vegan choices are growing but may be limited at traditional delis and pizza places—call ahead or check menus online for vegan entrées, dairy-free alternatives and plant-based proteins.
Many restaurants can provide gluten-free pasta or pizza crust on request; bakeries and delis may have limited gluten-free baked options, so ask staff about cross-contamination if highly sensitive.