Westfield, New Jersey encapsulates the hustle and bustle of a city while still having the picturesque magic of a small town. With unique architecture dating back to the 1700s, numerous dining options and one-of-a-kind experiences, it is no surprise that Westfield is one of New Jersey’s best towns for a day trip. In high school, whenever my friends and I wanted to make plans for the weekend, we always found ourselves in Westfield. We knew that no matter what activity we were in the mood for, this Union County town had it.

Looking forward to a mini-getaway but don’t know where to start? Read on for a guide to how to spend the perfect day in Westfield, New Jersey.

Take a Morning Stroll

Waking up early can be a challenge for many, but the benefits of an early morning stroll often outweigh the cons. Breathe in some fresh air, people watch and get a headstart on the day at these Westfield parks.

Gumbert Park

This park is kid-friendly and houses several basketball courts, Little League baseball fields, a playground and a jogging path. If you happen to take a trip to Westfield in the winter, you can still visit Gumbert Park. It’s home to a seasonal ice rink and offers lessons, public skate and family hockey sessions.

Tamaques Park

Spanning over 100 acres, Tamaques Park has facilities for everyone. Play tennis at one of the park’s eight tennis courts or take a spin at any of the pickleball, shuffleboard and handball courts. If you’re looking for something a little more relaxing, take a stroll along the .8-mile jogging path, and enjoy the views and local wildlife while stopping at the pond.

Mindowaskin Park

With a gazebo, large pond, and memorial trees and gardens, the scenic views at Mindowaskin Park lend themselves to a photo shoot. Couples often obtain permits to take their wedding photos at this park. This location is also kid-friendly and has jungle gyms for children to play the day away.

Get Breakfast

Of course, you can grab a classic Taylor ham (or is it pork roll?), egg and cheese sandwich at any local deli in Westfield. But if you’re in the mood for a sit-down breakfast, Westfield has several breakfast spots waiting to please your palate.

Turning Point

Turning Point’s owners originally opened their doors in 1998 in Little Silver and have expanded to several locations since. Westfield is lucky to call itself home to this award-winning restaurant. With an extensive list of offerings ranging from waffles, omelets and vegan dishes, you’re bound to find a meal that excites your taste buds. We recommend the OMG—French toast topped with chopped bacon, candied walnuts, caramel and a sweet cream drizzle—for a meal that exceeds your expectations.

Westfield Diner

At first glance, the menu at Westfield Diner may be daunting. But regardless of your choice, you can rest assured that your meal is just as fresh and delicious as described. You can never go wrong with a classic omelet or French toast plate, but the campfire pancakes steal the show for those who wish to indulge in a dessert-like breakfast.

Vicki’s Diner

If you’re looking to be transported to the retro days of yore, Vicki’s Diner is the place to eat. This beloved diner is a staple of the Westfield, New Jersey community with over 70 years of history. It is no surprise that community members rallied behind the establishment amidst the shuttering of small businesses during the 2020 pandemic. This 1950s style diner—chrome exterior, blue booths and all—is not going anywhere anytime soon. Make sure to try the traditional chocolate chip pancakes or seasonal pumpkin pancakes to understand why this diner is a must-visit.

Patricia & Paul

Fan of all things olive? Take yourself to 20 Elm St. in Westfield to sample a large selection of extra-virgin olive oils and balsamic vinegars. Partners Patricia and Paul Hanigan pride themselves on teaching the nutritional benefits of olives while offering the best selection of domestic and imported oils. In addition to their oil offerings, the pair source award-winning pasta, Spanish pottery and natural fruit spreads to share with guests.

The French Martini

While at dinner, friends Brandi Muzzy Wotanowski and Angela Kurze spotted a woman wearing an eye-catching necklace. This necklace would inspire the pair to create their own jewelry, and by the end of the year, friends were asking for their own unique pieces. In 2015, the duo opened their brick-and-mortar location in Westfield. Today, The French Martini is Westfield’s destination for distinct homemade finds; handmade necklaces, accessories and vintage discoveries curated alongside contemporary pieces line the shelves of this one-of-a-kind shop.

Psychic Boutique

Are you a witch-in-training? Do you seek spiritual healing? If so, Psychic Boutique is your one-stop-shop for all things spiritual. You can purchase healing crystals, chakra-aligning candles, tarot cards and even get a reading from the owner at this mystic haven.

Grab Lunch

Whether you’re in the mood for Cuban, Indian, Japanese, or Italian—Westfield has your back for lunchtime. Finding a restaurant of your desired fare is easy. The hard part is choosing just one to visit.

Farinolio

Farinolio takes its name from two key ingredients of the Mediterranean diet: flour (farina) and oil (olio). Its Tuscan specialties are prepared with high-quality fresh ingredients. The restaurant’s setting pays homage to the piazza, an open-air meeting point for Italians to build community and friendship. If you’re looking for an authentic Italian restaurant, Farinolio is your destination.

Akai Lounge

Akai Lounge has a full bar and fresh sushi delivered daily, incorporating both traditional and innovative dishes. The ambiance in this dimly lit, laid-back restaurant alone is sure to call anyone’s attention. The smell of the food, as you walk by, is what reels you in. And the taste is what keeps you coming back for more.

Spice Bazaar

Spice Bazaar is shaking things up in Westfield. This restaurant pushes the culinary envelope by taking traditional Indian cuisine and elevating it using modern techniques. Spice Bazaar also brings a one-of-a-kind experience to your table as the chef prepares the dish tableside. This restaurant is reservation-only, so make sure to call ahead to experience this innovative dining experience.

Visit These Attractions & Activities

Everyone knows you have to visit the best restaurants and locally-owned shops when you visit a new town. But what makes each town special is the different attractions and activities they have to offer. Here are our picks for the most unique experiences Westfield, New Jersey has to offer.

Evalyn Dunn Gallery

The Evalyn Dunn Gallery in Westfield displays artwork from artists around the world. Some exhibitions are specifically designed for the space and artists often make personal appearances. Renowned artists like Graciela Rodo Boulanger, Roy Fairchild-Woodard and Henri Plisson display their work at the gallery.

Blende Beauty

Are you a makeup junkie? Celebrity makeup artist, Keira Karlin, owns Blende Beauty on Elm St. Some of the offerings include custom blended makeup, wedding makeup, discontinued makeup matching and custom facials. If you’re in the area with other makeup fanatics, Blende Beauty also offers a Sip and Blende party. Grab your friends for this one-of-a-kind event as a team of professionals guide you through the creation of customized makeup while you sip on their signature cocktails (or juice boxes, Blende is a kid-friendly location).

YESTERcades

If you’re looking to partake in some nostalgic fun reminiscent of your childhood, YESTERcades is a must-visit. Traditional Nintendo and Pacman games line the walls of YESTERcades. Pool tables and more modern video games are also available to play. Whether you’re a gaming veteran or trying to entertain your children, this location is a worthwhile stop for all gamers.

Wine and Dine

Westfield nightlife is rather tame, so if you’re looking for a laid-back dining experience to end your day, you’re in luck. Grab a bottle of your favorite wine, expand your flavor palette and listen to some soft tunes at these dining locales.

16 Prospect Wine and Bistro

Timothy and Christopher Boyle, Westfield natives and culinary school graduates, own 16 Prospect Wine and Bistro. The pair sought to bring the feel of a lower Manhattan jazz club to Westfield—without the exorbitant prices. Indeed, 16 Prospect is all that and more. For five nights a week, the locale hosts live musicians on a stage area towards the front of the restaurant. In the back, a 72-seat dining room hosts the restaurant’s guests. The owners pride themselves on their eclectic dishes—each a modern take on traditional cuisine. All items are made in-house, from the bread to the bar snacks.

1958 Cuban Cuisine

Specializing in Cuban Cuisine, this restaurant is dubbed the “Havana Heaven.” Traditional and more innovative dishes are available at this laid-back establishment. Be advised, this location is so popular that there is often a line of patrons standing outside the door. We recommend calling ahead to reserve your seating. Trust us, you don’t want to miss your chance at tasting their ropa vieja and selection of boutique wines.

Addams Tavern

The Grabowski family began Harvest Restaurant Group in 1996. Today, they have 11 restaurants throughout New Jersey. Addams Tavern—named after former Westfield resident and the Addams Family creator, Charles Addams—specializes in traditional American cuisine and is a well-known local spot. Go for the filet mignon or indulge in comfort food with the Addams mac and cheese. The restaurant also caters to dietary restrictions, offering gluten-free and vegetarian options. Pair your meal with bottled wine from the eatery’s lengthy drink menu.

Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

Well-known dessert locales like Coldstone Creamery, Kilwins and Surreal Creamery are located in Westfield’s downtown area. Stop by any of these locally-owned dessert shops for a distinctive dessert experience.

The Chocolate Bar

After managing a chain of gourmet chocolate stores in Boston, MA, Neil Grote, Jr. decided to found The Chocolate Bar. Grote returned to his hometown of Westfield, New Jersey to achieve his dream. Located in the heart of downtown Westfield, this quaint shop sells authentic Italian gelato, hand-dipped chocolate treats, and specialty cappuccino and espresso beverages to the surrounding community.

Bohemian Raspberry

Located just off Westfield’s central downtown area sits a quaint frozen yogurt shop whose namesake is a pun on Queen’s hit song. Lovingly known as Boraz by locals, the establishment offers soft-serve ice cream, a full-service espresso bar, sorbet and over 70 topping options.

Bovella’s Pastry Shoppe – 101 E. Broad. St.

Westfield is home to one of New Jersey’s premier bakeries. For over 60 years, Bovella’s Pastry Shoppe has called the attention of treat-lovers far and wide. Despite new ownership and location expansions, the standard of culinary artistry remains Bovella’s top priority. Stop by the original Bovella in Westfield to attest to its excellence (and devour some outstanding Italian cookies).

Have any must-visit Westfield spots to add to our list? Let us know how you would spend your day in Westfield, New Jersey in the comments below!

Main photo by Logan Swenson