Things To Do
in Ridgewood

Ridgewood, New Jersey is an affluent suburban village in Bergen County known for a lively, walkable downtown, tree-lined residential streets, and well-preserved historic architecture. The downtown core around East Ridgewood Avenue features independent shops, cafes, and a popular farmers market, while frequent NJ Transit trains make Manhattan a short commute. Ridgewood offers easy access to parks and county reservations for hiking, biking, and year-round outdoor recreation.

The community combines small-town charm with upscale dining and family-friendly amenities, making it appealing for day trips and short stays.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the stunning Ridgewood Village Hall, where you can appreciate the beautiful architecture and learn about the town's history. After taking some pictures, stroll through the quaint streets lined with charming boutiques and cafes, stopping for a delicious breakfast at a local favorite café. Don’t forget to grab a cup of coffee to energize your morning explorations.

afternoon
:

Spend your afternoon at the Ridgewood Historical Society, where you can immerse yourself in the rich history of the area through exhibits and artifacts. Following the visit, head over to Memorial Park for a leisurely walk or a picnic lunch while enjoying the serene surroundings. You can also visit the nearby Ridgewood Art Institute for a glimpse of local artistry and exhibitions.

evening
:

As the sun sets, treat yourself to a delightful dinner at one of Ridgewood's renowned restaurants known for their farm-to-table cuisine. After your meal, take a stroll through the vibrant downtown area, where you can experience local music or art events that frequently occur. End your evening with a sweet treat from a local ice cream shop, enjoying the warm night air.

day 2
Nature Trails and Outdoor Adventures
morning
:

Begin your day with a refreshing hike at the nearby Saddle River County Park, where you can explore the scenic trails surrounded by lush greenery. Pack a hearty breakfast to enjoy at one of the park's picnic spots, soaking in the tranquil atmosphere. The fresh air and gentle sounds of nature will invigorate you for the adventures ahead.

afternoon
:

Continue your outdoor experience with a guided bike tour along the Saddle River, where you can learn about the local ecosystem and enjoy the beauty of the waterway. After the ride, stop at a local deli for a satisfying lunch, fueling up for the afternoon ahead. If you're up for it, rent a kayak or canoe for a peaceful paddle on the river.

evening
:

As the day winds down, return to Ridgewood for a casual dinner at a local pizzeria or grill, where the friendly atmosphere complements the delicious food. After dinner, visit a nearby park for an outdoor movie screening or community event, immersing yourself in local culture. Wrap up your evening with a leisurely stroll through the neighborhood, appreciating the historic homes illuminated by soft street lights.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-20
Coffee (regular)$3-5
🚕Short taxi / rideshare (5–10 mi)$15-30
🏨Mid-range hotel (per night)$120-250
🥪Deli sandwich / takeaway lunch$8-15

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Charming, walkable downtown with good shops and restaurants
  • Easy commuter access to New York City via NJ Transit
  • Close to parks and outdoor recreation for hiking and cycling
  • Family-friendly community with strong local services
  • Can be expensive compared with other nearby towns
  • Limited late-night nightlife compared with larger cities
  • Seasonal weather (snow in winter) can affect travel plans

Places to Visit in Ridgewood

Visit one of these nice places.

East Ridgewood Avenue & Village Green

Historic downtown streetscapes, seasonal flower displays, and the Village Green offer classic small-town photos, especially during golden hour.

Historic Residential Districts

Tree-lined avenues with Victorian and Colonial Revival homes make for charming architectural and street photography, particularly in spring and fall.

Saddle River County Park

Riverside trails, bridges, and parkland provide nature shots, reflections, and wildlife opportunities throughout the year.

Local Farmers Market

Vibrant stalls, colorful produce, and artisan goods produce lively market scenes and candid portraits of vendors and shoppers.

Culinary Guide

Food in Ridgewood

Ridgewood’s food scene combines classic American suburban dining with an increasing number of contemporary bistros, international options, and specialty cafes. The village supports independent restaurants, bakeries, and a seasonal farmers market that highlights local produce and artisanal foods.

Ridgewood Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Classic Deli Sandwich

Hearty, well-made deli sandwiches are a staple—visit neighborhood delis for fresh, generous portions and local favorites like corned beef and turkey; great for a quick, satisfying lunch.

Must-Try!

Seasonal Farmers Market Finds

Fresh pies, heirloom tomatoes, cheeses, and artisanal breads from the farmers market are must-tries in season; markets run spring through fall and offer excellent picnic supplies.

American Bistro Fare

Many local restaurants serve elevated comfort dishes—think roasted chicken, burgers with local toppings, and seasonal salads—often paired with craft beers or regional wines.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Ridgewood Farmers Market

A seasonal market (typically spring through fall) near the Village Green offering produce, baked goods, flowers, and prepared foods—ideal for sampling local specialties and picking up picnic items.

Downtown Café Stands and Pop-ups

Occasional pop-up vendors and specialty food stalls appear at events and weekends; look for artisanal pastries, rotisserie, and ethnic food trucks at festivals.

Climate Guide

Weather

Ridgewood has a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons—warm, humid summers, cool to cold winters with occasional snow, pleasant springs, and colorful, crisp autumns. Seasonal extremes are moderated by the region’s proximity to the Atlantic, but snowstorms and heat waves can occur; layers are recommended year-round.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Polite Small Talk

People are generally friendly and appreciate polite, brief small talk—greetings and thank-yous go a long way in shops and restaurants.

Respect for Private Property

Ridgewood is a residential community—avoid trespassing on private lawns or properties and keep noise down in residential areas, especially at night.

Queueing and Orderliness

Line up politely at cafes and shops; staff expect orderly queues and clear transactions.

Safety Guide

Safety

Ridgewood is considered a safe community with relatively low crime rates compared with national averages, but standard precautions apply: lock cars and homes, avoid poorly lit isolated areas at night, and secure valuables. In winter, watch for icy sidewalks and limited visibility; during storms, follow local alerts and snow emergency rules.

Tipping in Ridgewood

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Standard tipping in the U.S. applies: 15–20% at full-service restaurants, $1–2 per drink at bars or $3–5 for table service, and a few dollars for taxi or rideshare drivers; tip more for exceptional service.

Payment Methods

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are common. Carry some cash for small vendors, farmers market stalls, or tips where cards aren’t accepted.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild temperatures and blooming trees make spring ideal for walking and outdoor markets; occasional rain means a compact umbrella is useful.

Summer

Warm to hot weather encourages outdoor dining, pool visits, and park activities—expect occasional humidity and plan mid-day indoor breaks if needed.

Fall

Crisp air and vibrant foliage are highlights—this is a popular time for scenic walks and photography, and many towns host fall festivals and harvest events.

Winter

Cold temperatures and periodic snow make for cozy indoor dining and holiday events; if traveling in winter, be prepared for icy sidewalks and possible snow removal delays.

Nightlife Guide

Ridgewood at Night

Ridgewood’s nightlife is relaxed and community-oriented: think wine bars, neighborhood pubs, craft-beer spots, and occasional live acoustic performances or open-mic nights. For a busier late-night scene or larger concert venues, Manhattan or nearby larger towns are a short train or drive away.

Hiking in Ridgewood

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Saddle River County Park

Linear park with paved and unpaved trails along the Saddle River—great for walking, biking, and family outings, with multiple access points near Ridgewood.

High Mountain Park Preserve

Rugged preserve offering steeper hikes, varied terrain, and scenic overlooks—suitable for moderate hikers seeking woodland trails and views.

Ramapo Valley County Reservation

Larger park with looped trails, streams, and rocky outcrops—popular for hiking, fishing, and seasonal foliage viewing, a short drive from Ridgewood.

Norvin Green State Forest

Extensive forested trails and ridgelines for day hikes and more remote nature experiences; offers solitude and diverse terrain within driving distance.

Airports

How to reach Ridgewood by plane.

Teterboro Airport (TEB)

About 20–30 minutes by car—used mainly for general aviation and private flights; convenient for private arrivals and departures.

Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)

Major international airport roughly 25–40 minutes by car depending on traffic; accessible by taxi, rideshare, or car and connected to New York City and regional transit hubs.

LaGuardia Airport (LGA)

Approximately 35–60 minutes by car (varies with traffic) and serves many domestic flights—an alternative for flights into the New York City area.

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

About 50–75 minutes by car depending on traffic; major international airport with extensive flight options, best reached by car or public transit connections.

Getting Around

Walkability

Ridgewood’s village center is highly walkable with sidewalks, crosswalks, and clustered shops and eateries; many errands and dining options are within easy walking distance, though residential and park areas may require a bicycle or car for full exploration.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families

Ridgewood attracts many families drawn to good public schools, parks, and community services.

Commuters

A significant portion of residents commute to New York City for work, shaping the village’s schedule and amenities.

Older Adults

Long-term residents and retirees contribute to community stability and local civic life.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Youth and High School Sports

Community-supported youth sports such as soccer, baseball, softball, and lacrosse are very popular, with active local leagues and school teams.

Running and Road Racing

Local road races and charity runs are common; many residents enjoy running clubs and organized 5Ks through parks and village streets.

Recreational Tennis and Golf

Tennis courts and nearby golf courses attract recreational players, especially in spring and summer.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic can be congested during weekday commuting hours to and from New York City and on main arteries; parking in the downtown can be limited during peak times. Public transportation is convenient: NJ Transit trains provide regular service to Manhattan, and local bus routes connect Ridgewood with neighboring towns.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Ridgewood.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Most cafés and many restaurants offer vegetarian salads, grain bowls, and pasta; request modifications and you’ll generally find satisfying options.

Vegan

Vegan options are available but more limited than vegetarian; look for dedicated vegan-friendly cafés or menu items clearly marked, and consider farmers market offerings for plant-based snacks.

Gluten-free

Gluten-free choices are commonly accommodated—many restaurants offer GF bread and pasta alternatives, and bakeries sometimes stock gluten-free items; always mention your restriction when ordering.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Ridgewood has local clinics, primary-care practices, and urgent-care centers; for full hospital services, several larger hospitals are a short drive away in Bergen County and nearby cities. Emergency services are responsive—call 911 for emergencies, and use urgent care or scheduled appointments for non-life-threatening needs.

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