Visit Branch Brook Park in Forest Hill

Branch Brook Park

The largest park in the “Garden State” features lakes, waterways, forests, meadows and a spectacular cherry blossom festival in spring.

Come to Branch Brook Park and enjoy the scenery as you walk or jog the network of trails that wind around lakes, through woodland and across the fields. Bring a picnic and take in the park’s natural beauty as you relax on the grass. In the springtime, see a breathtaking array of cherry trees in full bloom.

Branch Brook Park dates back to the late 19th century and was the first county park to be opened to the public in the United States. Explore 360 acres (145 hectares) of parkland stretching north to south in a narrow 4-mile (6-kilometer) strip through central Newark.

Visit in spring and be dazzled by the bright pink cherry trees in magnificent bloom. There are over 4,000 cherry trees in Branch Brook Park. Hordes of visitors come to the cherry blossom festival each year to marvel at the fantastic colors.

Come here at any other time of year to enjoy the park without the crowds. Spend an afternoon by the calm waters of Branch Brook Lake. Try your luck at fishing for trout. You’ll also find a narrow river and several smaller ponds as you explore the park. See how many of the 19 bridges you can find as you follow the stream.

Head to the southern end of the park and you’ll find the Branch Brook Roller Skating Center. Towering above the trees here, you’ll see the high Gothic features of the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, which adjoins the park. The cathedral makes a great backdrop for photos, especially with the blooming cherry trees in the foreground.

A number of cafés and restaurants can be found along Bloomfield Avenue, which dissects the center of the park. Summertime in the park sees a series of outdoor concerts and cinema showings. Take your seat on the grass or dance under the stars to the sounds of a local band. Branch Brook Park is free to enter and is open year-round.

Guide to Exploring around Branch Brook Park

Prudential Center

See everything from electrifying hockey games and huge musical concerts to monster truck rallies and children’s shows at The Rock.

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Newark Museum

With extensive art collections, fascinating science exhibits and exciting interactive displays, you could easily spend the whole day in New Jersey’s largest museum.

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New Jersey Performing Arts Center

Come for a night at the theater and be dazzled by a Grammy Award-winning symphony orchestra, an international ballet company or a famous rock group.

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Newark City Hall

Gaze up at the sparkly 24-carat gold dome that juts out from the roof of this stately and historic city hall.

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Military Park

Inspect the array of military sculptures and see the sword from above in this scenic park in the downtown area.

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Thomas Edison National Historic Site

Take a guided tour of the beautiful home of one of the greatest inventors in the history of the United States.

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Downtown Newark

Join local residents at a fun event, look around the impressive city hall and admire the statues and flowers in Military Park.

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Cathedral of the Sacred Heart

Add your name to a guestbook that includes Pope John Paul II when you visit this stunning Gothic cathedral in the heart of Newark.

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Map

Best Lodging Options Near Branch Brook Park

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Private 1br/1ba Easy Access to Prudential Center Njpac NYC Ironbound

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Private 1br/1ba Easy Access to Prudential Center Njpac NYC Ironbound

Newark, NJ

0.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Located in Upper Roseville, this apartment building is 2.7 mi (4.4 km) from New Jersey Performing Arts Center and 2.8 mi (4.5 km) from Military Park. Prudential Center and Red Bull Arena are also within 6 mi (10 km). Davenport Avenue Station is 5 minutes by foot and Silver Lake Station is 9 minutes.

Charming Private Bloomfield Gem Close to City, Hosp. & More

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Charming Private Bloomfield Gem Close to City, Hosp. & More

Bloomfield, NJ

0.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Located in Upper Roseville, this apartment building is within 6 mi (10 km) of New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Prudential Center, and Military Park. Red Bull Arena and Seton Hall University are also within 6 mi (10 km). Grove Street Station is 8 minutes by foot and Davenport Avenue Station is 15 minutes.

EntireHouse Belleville 4Bedroom 2Bath Parking NJ 8 $150

Per night/room

Jun 21 - Jun 22

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EntireHouse Belleville 4Bedroom 2Bath Parking NJ 8

Newark, NJ

0.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Situated in Newark, this vacation home is within 6 mi (10 km) of New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Prudential Center, and Military Park. Red Bull Arena and Journal Square are also within 9 mi (15 km).

Close to NYC * FAST WiFi * King Bed * Free Parking

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Close to NYC * FAST WiFi * King Bed * Free Parking

Bloomfield, NJ

0.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Situated in Bloomfield, this vacation home is within 6 mi (10 km) of New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Prudential Center, and Military Park. Red Bull Arena and Seton Hall University are also within 6 mi (10 km). Bloomfield Station is 14 minutes by foot and Bloomfield Watsessing Ave Station is 14 minutes.

Comfort Suites Newark - Harrison $84

Per night/room

Jun 7 - Jun 8

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Comfort Suites Newark - Harrison

1348 Mccarter Hwy, Newark, NJ

2.5 out of 5.0 Stars

Located in the heart of Newark, this hotel is within 2 mi (3 km) of New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Prudential Center, and Military Park. Red Bull Arena is 2.3 mi (3.7 km) away. Newark Broad St Station is 14 minutes by foot and Atlantic Street Station is 16 minutes.

Cozy 3 Bedroom 2 Bathroom $90

Per night/room

Jun 1 - Jun 2

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Cozy 3 Bedroom 2 Bathroom

Newark, NJ

0.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Situated in Newark, this apartment building is within 3 mi (5 km) of New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Prudential Center, and Military Park. Red Bull Arena and Seton Hall University are also within 6 mi (10 km). Park Avenue Station is 8 minutes by foot and Bloomfield Avenue Station is 19 minutes.

Cosy one bedroom apartment in quiet neighbourhood, close to new york city.

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Cosy one bedroom apartment in quiet neighbourhood, close to new york city.

East Orange, NJ

0.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Situated in East Orange, this apartment building is within 3 mi (5 km) of New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Prudential Center, and Military Park. Seton Hall University and Red Bull Arena are also within 6 mi (10 km). Park Avenue Station is 18 minutes by foot and East Orange Station is 18 minutes.

Subicca Newark - Apt#3 - 2 Bedroom Private APT Newark NJ NYC 35 min $600

Per night/room

Jun 1 - Jun 2

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Subicca Newark - Apt#3 - 2 Bedroom Private APT Newark NJ NYC 35 min

Newark, NJ

0.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Situated in Newark, this apartment building is within 3 mi (5 km) of Military Park, Prudential Center, and New Jersey Performing Arts Center. Red Bull Arena and Seton Hall University are also within 6 mi (10 km). Park Avenue Station is 12 minutes by foot and Orange Street Station is 17 minutes.

Branch Brook Park Vacation Packages (Flight + Hotel)

Branch Brook Park