Things To Do
in Short Hills
Short Hills is an affluent, leafy suburban community in Millburn Township, Essex County, New Jersey, known for its large homes, tree-lined streets and proximity to New York City. It’s anchored by The Mall at Short Hills and a compact, walkable downtown in nearby Millburn with good restaurants and a respected regional theater. Residents enjoy easy rail access to Manhattan, excellent public and private schools, and abundant parks and preserved open space nearby.
The area blends quiet residential character with convenient upscale shopping and cultural amenities.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your journey with a refreshing hike at the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. The crisp morning air and the sounds of nature awaken the senses as you traverse through the beautiful trails. Keep an eye out for local wildlife and enjoy the serenity of this natural escape.
After your morning adventure, pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at one of the scenic spots within the refuge. Take your time to relax, reflect, and appreciate the lush surroundings. This peaceful setting is perfect for some quiet contemplation or casual conversation with friends.
As the sun sets, head to a nearby restaurant for a delightful dinner, savoring local cuisine. The cozy atmosphere and warm service provide a wonderful end to your first day. Take a leisurely stroll around the area, soaking in the charming ambiance of Short Hills.
Wake up refreshed and prepare for a day of shopping at the Mall at Short Hills. This upscale shopping destination offers a variety of high-end retailers and boutiques to explore. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at one of the mall's popular cafés before diving into some retail therapy.
Continue your shopping spree in the afternoon, discovering unique items and perhaps indulging in a little luxury. Don't forget to treat yourself to a spa session at one of the mall's wellness establishments. Take time to recharge with a refreshing drink at a trendy café before heading out.
Conclude your day with a dinner at an exquisite restaurant within the mall, known for its elegant dining experience. Enjoy a delectable meal while discussing the highlights of your shopping adventures with your companions. Wander through the mall to admire its stunning architecture, beautifully lit for the evening.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-25 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3-5 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (pub) | $5-8 |
| 🚕Short taxi or rideshare (local) | $10-25 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $120-250 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close, fast rail access to Manhattan
- Affluent, safe and well-maintained residential neighborhoods
- Good schools and cultural amenities (theater, parks)
- Abundant green space and nearby nature reserves
- High cost of living and limited budget accommodation
- Suburban layout can be car-dependent outside downtown Millburn
- Limited late-night entertainment within Short Hills itself
- Some attractions require a car or train to reach
Places to Visit in Short Hills
Visit one of these nice places.
Historic gated-community landscaping, old stone walls, mature trees and charming homes — best photographed from adjacent public sidewalks for architectural and seasonal foliage shots.
Wooded trails, the reservoir, lookout points and small waterfalls provide nature scenes especially striking in fall and spring.
Open marshland and wildlife vistas are ideal for birding and wide, tranquil landscape photography at sunrise or golden hour.
Quaint downtown storefronts, cafés and streetscape scenes that capture suburban life and local color, particularly lively on weekends.
Upscale retail architecture and landscaped plazas that photograph well in good light; interior shots can show stylish retail displays.
Food in Short Hills
Short Hills Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Hearty pastas, veal or chicken parmigiana and brick-oven pizzas — available at family-owned restaurants in downtown Millburn and surrounding neighborhoods.
Must-Try!
Generous deli sandwiches, egg and bagel breakfasts and local bakery items available at neighborhood delis and cafés; great for a quick, satisfying meal.
Farm-to-table salads, seared fish and steakhouse-style entrées served at local bistros and hotel restaurants catering to a discerning suburban clientele.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Millburn and nearby towns host seasonal farmers markets offering local produce, baked goods and prepared foods — excellent for picnic supplies and local specialties in spring through fall.
Upscale supermarkets and independent delis stock imported cheeses, charcuterie, prepared salads and sushi; ideal for take-away or casual meals.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Residents tend to be polite and businesslike—greetings and basic courtesy go a long way. Keep noise levels moderate in residential neighborhoods.
Many homes sit on private lots; stick to public paths and respect signage, especially around gated communities and private estates.
Being on time for bookings, tours and restaurant reservations is expected—commuters and locals value schedules.
Safety
Tipping in Short Hills
Ensure a smooth experience
Standard tipping in the U.S. applies: 15–20% at sit-down restaurants, $1–2 per drink at bars or $3–5 for table service, $2–5 for valets or hotel porters, and around 10–15% for taxi/rideshare drivers depending on service. Tipping is expected for service workers who rely on tips.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are common. Carry some cash for small purchases, tips or vendors that don’t accept cards.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild, often wet; parks and gardens bloom and farmers markets open. Bring a light rain jacket and waterproof footwear for muddy trails.
Warm to hot and humid; outdoor dining and weekend events are common. Use sunscreen, stay hydrated and expect afternoon thunderstorms occasionally.
Cooler temperatures and brilliant foliage make it a popular time for hiking and photography. Layer clothing for variable temperatures between morning and evening.
Cold with regular chances of snow and ice; dress in warm layers, wear good boots, and allow extra travel time during snowstorms.
Short Hills at Night
Hiking in Short Hills
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A network of trails, overlooks, the reservoir and Hemlock Falls; accessible and scenic for short hikes and family outings.
Wooded trails with ridgelines and valleys, suitable for hikers and mountain bikers who want a longer, more varied route.
Boardwalks and open marsh trails ideal for wildlife viewing and easy, flat walking routes; bring binoculars for birding.
A linear park with paved and unpaved paths following the Rahway River; good for walking, running and casual cycling.
Airports
How to reach Short Hills by plane.
The closest major airport, about 20–30 minutes by car depending on traffic; accessible by taxi, rideshare or a combination of NJ Transit and AirTrain connections.
Located in Queens, NYC, roughly 45–60 minutes by car in normal traffic; primarily serves domestic flights and is reachable by taxi/rideshare and public transit.
Major international gateway in Queens, typically 60–90 minutes by car depending on traffic; accessible by public transit and airport shuttles.
Small general aviation airport serving private and charter flights; convenient for private aviation but not commercial airlines.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A significant portion of residents are high-income families and professionals who commute to NYC for work; many households are family-oriented with children in local schools.
There are long-term homeowners and retirees attracted to the quiet residential character and amenities.
While historically majority White, the area has grown more diverse with a notable Asian-American professional community and other ethnic groups contributing to cultural and culinary variety.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Youth and high school athletics are active locally, with lacrosse and soccer particularly popular in spring and fall.
Tennis and golf are common recreational pursuits among residents, with private clubs and public facilities available nearby.
Many locals follow New York professional teams (baseball, football, basketball, hockey) and attend games in the city.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Short Hills.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available at cafes and bistros—look for salads, pasta with vegetable sauces and grain bowls. Many restaurants will accommodate requests to omit meat or substitute plant-based proteins.
Vegan and gluten-free choices are increasingly common at contemporary restaurants and specialty bakeries; call ahead if you need strict cross-contamination precautions. Grocery stores also carry vegan and GF packaged items.