Things To Do
in Parsippany-Troy Hills

Parsippany-Troy Hills is a diverse suburban community in Morris County, New Jersey, just west of Morristown and about 30 miles from New York City. It blends leafy residential neighborhoods with parks, lakes, and corporate campuses that contribute to a practical yet relaxed atmosphere. The area offers convenient access to major highways, making it a good base for exploring northern New Jersey and the Hudson Valley region.

Expect family-friendly activities, a variety of cuisines, and easy day trips to historic towns and natural areas.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the historic sites in the center of Parsippany-Troy Hills, such as the local library and the nearby parks. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a quaint café, sampling local pastries and freshly brewed coffee. As you stroll through the area, take in the charming architecture and vibrant community life.

afternoon
:

After lunch, head over to the Parsippany Museum to learn about the rich history of the area through engaging exhibits. Participate in a guided tour that reveals hidden gems and stories of the town's past, making the experience truly immersive. Spend some time relaxing in the nearby parks, where you can enjoy a peaceful walk or have a picnic.

evening
:

As the sun sets, find a cozy restaurant in the historic district for dinner, savoring dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. After your meal, take a leisurely stroll along the well-lit streets, soaking in the atmosphere of the evening. Cap off your night by enjoying live music or a local art event at one of the community venues.

day 2
Nature Walks and Scenic Views
morning
:

Begin your day with a refreshing hike at the nearby Tourne County Park, where you can enjoy the beauty of nature and crisp morning air. The trails offer a variety of scenic views, including beautiful landscapes and serene ponds. Bring your camera to capture the stunning vistas as you trek through the woods.

afternoon
:

After your hike, enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by nature, perhaps at one of the park's designated areas. Spend the afternoon birdwatching or exploring the trails further, taking in the diverse flora and fauna. If you're feeling adventurous, consider renting a kayak at a nearby lake for some time on the water.

evening
:

As evening approaches, return to Parsippany for a delightful dinner at a local restaurant known for its farm-to-table cuisine. After your meal, unwind at a nearby café with a warm beverage, reflecting on the day's adventures. You may also want to check out any seasonal outdoor movie screenings or community events happening in the area.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$10-15
Coffee or tea$3-5
🧺Groceries (weekly, 1 person)$60-100
🏨1-night at mid-range hotel$120-180
🚗Gas (per gallon)$3-4

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Diverse dining options and easy access to NYC and nearby towns
  • Variety of parks and outdoor activities nearby
  • Less nightlife compared to bigger cities
  • Traffic can be heavier on peak commuting days around I-287 and Routes 24/202

Places to Visit in Parsippany-Troy Hills

Visit one of these nice places.

Lake Parsippany

A tranquil, scenic lake with reflections, especially at sunrise and sunset.

Frelinghuysen Arboretum (Morris Township)

Lush gardens, seasonal blooms, and formal plantings offering colorful photography opportunities.

Washington's Headquarters and Morristown Green (Morristown)

Historic backdrop with colonial buildings and greens; nice urban-suburban contrast.

Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area (Boonton)

Rugged terrain with sandstone outcrops and panoramic views across the valley; great for landscape shots.

Loantaka Brook Reservation Trails (Morris Township)

Wooded trails and small streams provide shaded nature photography and wildlife shots.

Culinary Guide

Food in Parsippany-Troy Hills

Parsippany-Troy Hills offers a wide range of cuisines thanks to its diverse population, from Indian and Middle Eastern to Italian, Asian and classic American

Parsippany-Troy Hills Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Taylor ham, egg, and cheese on a Kaiser roll

Iconic New Jersey breakfast sandwich commonly found at local delis and diners.

Must-Try!

Paneer tikka masala

Creamy, spiced Indian curry best enjoyed with naan at one of the area’s Indian restaurants.

Butter chicken with garlic naan

Popular North Indian dish widely available in Indian eateries.

Italian hoagie

Classic deli staple, perfect for a quick lunch from local delis.

New Jersey bagel with lox

Fresh bagels and toppings from local bakeries for a hearty breakfast or snack.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Parsippany Farmers Market

Seasonal market offering local produce, prepared foods, and crafts; check local listings for opening days.

Climate Guide

Weather

The climate is humid subtropical to humid continental, with warm summers and cold winters; spring and fall bring mild temperatures and turning foliage; snow is possible in winter and rainfall is fairly evenly spread throughout the year.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Politeness and greetings

Acknowledge staff with 'please' and 'thank you'; polite small talk is common.

Tipping culture

Tipping is customary for service staff; if service is exceptional, adjust accordingly.

Photography consent

Ask permission before photographing people, especially children, in public or private spaces.

Transit and driving

Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks; use turn signals and obey posted speed limits.

Safety Guide

Safety

Parsippany-Troy Hills is a generally safe suburban area with typical common-sense safety precautions. Stay aware of weather alerts, lock vehicles, and use well-lit areas at night. For emergencies, dial 911; non-emergency police contacts and local urgent care centers are widely available.

Tipping in Parsippany-Troy Hills

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Restaurant servers: 15-20% of the bill before tax; bartenders: 10-15%; taxi/ride-shares: 10-15%.

Payment Methods

Most places accept cash and major credit/debit cards; contactless payments popular; some small venues may be cash-only.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Warmer days begin, flowers bloom, and trails become lush; bring layers for cool mornings.

Summer

Hot and humid; plan early morning or late afternoon activities, stay hydrated, seek shade in wooded trails.

Autumn

Seasonal foliage peak often in October; crisp air and vibrant colors—perfect for landscape photography.

Winter

Cold with possible snow; winter hikes require warm gear and traction; indoor museums offer alternatives.

Nightlife Guide

Parsippany-Troy Hills at Night

Parsippany has a modest nightlife scene with bars, lounges, and family-friendly venues; you’ll also find more options in nearby Morristown and Livingston for live music, breweries, and upscale lounges. Expect casual atmosphere, pub-style menus, and occasional live music or trivia nights.

Hiking in Parsippany-Troy Hills

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area (Boonton)

Rugged terrain with sandstone outcrops and scenic overlooks; popular for moderate hikes.

Loantaka Brook Reservation Trails (Morris Township)

Extensive network of forested trails along creeks; great for hiking and nature photography.

Washington's Headquarters and Jockey Hollow (Morristown National Historical Park)

Historic trails and viewpoints with historical context; easy to moderate hikes set in parklands.

Airports

How to reach Parsippany-Troy Hills by plane.

Morristown Municipal Airport (MMU)

Small regional airport 5-10 miles from Parsippany for private and limited commercial flights.

Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)

Major international airport about 25-30 miles away; extensive domestic and international connections.

LaGuardia Airport (LGA)

Major city airport about 30-40 miles away; quick access to New York City.

Teterboro Airport (TEB)

Relatively close, primarily for private and corporate flights.

Getting Around

Walkability

Parsippany itself is largely car-focused, with walkable pockets around the Lake Parsippany area and the town center; most errands and park visits are easier by car, but several parks have well-maintained trails for pedestrians and cyclists.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Diversity

A diverse suburban community with significant Indian, Hispanic, East Asian, and White populations; families, professionals, and students contribute to a vibrant cultural mix.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Basketball

Popular in schools and community centers across Morris County.

Baseball and Softball

Seasonal youth and adult leagues with multiple local fields.

Soccer

Strong participation at youth and adult levels with local clubs.

Tennis

Many public and private courts; seasonal leagues and pick-up play.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic mainly concentrates around I-287, US-202, and Route 24, with heavier congestion during weekday rush hours; NJ Transit and local buses provide connections to Morristown and other towns, but car travel remains the dominant mode. Parking is usually straightforward in most shopping and dining areas, with some metered and lot options.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Parsippany-Troy Hills.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian travelers can expect numerous Indian, Italian and Asian options; look for paneer, dal, chana or veggie curries, and adaptable sides; many restaurants can accommodate dairy-free needs with careful ordering.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Quality healthcare is accessible in Morris County with major hospitals in nearby Morristown (Morristown Medical Center) and Saint Clare's in Denville; there are multiple urgent care clinics in Parsippany and surrounding towns for non-emergency needs.

Discover United States

Read more in our United States 2025 Travel Guide.

United States Travel Guide