Things to do in South Orange

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Visit South Orange

South Orange must see attractions

1. Times Square

Locals might bemoanTimes Square’s touristy hustle and bustle, but the neon wonderland isundeniably New York City's beating heart. Loud and chaotic, the crowdedepicenter is one of the world’s most visited and recognizable touristattractions.

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Times Square which includes a city, signage and a high rise building

2. Broadway

Broadway is called the “Great White Way” for the dazzling lights surrounding the popular Times Square portion of this avenue. Take a moment to look in all directions from your spot at the center of Times Square. Every December 31, about 1 million people crowd into this space to watch the 12-foot (3.6-meter) ball drop from One Times Square in celebration of the New Year.

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Motion blur effect,Times square with illuminated buildings and advertise on front crowded streets and yellow cabs for transportation tourists,midtown in New York with busy traffic and taxi cars moving

3. Central Park

When it comes to film credits, no green space in the world can match New York City's Central Park. “When Harry Met Sally,” “Annie Hall,” “Home Alone 2,” and “Sex and the City: The Movie” all feature scenes shot in Manhattan’s iconic park, which opened in 1857 and is renowned as one of the city’s most precious outdoor areas.

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spring landscape in the Central park, New York, USA

4. Madison Square Garden

Midtown Manhattan has one of the world’s most famous indoor arenas: Madison Square Garden (MSG). Watch the NBA New York Knicks, NHL New York Rangers and WNBA New York Liberty or your favorite big-name concert performers at this huge venue.

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5. Rockefeller Center

An ode to 1930s NewYork, Rockefeller Center in Midtown Manhattan fuses the old and the new, and isat the heart of the city’s annual holiday celebrations.

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6. Grand Central Terminal

Stand aside from the 750,000 daily visitors rushing to and from their trains and admire the architectural beauty of the majestic Grand Central Terminal. It’s also home to shops and dining options, making it an entertaining one-stop destination.

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Chrysler Building shines amid evening glow in New York City skyline

7. Empire State Building

The Empire StateBuilding is a world-famous landmark, synonymous with New York. It’s renowned asa backdrop in films such as “An Affair to Remember,” “King Kong,” and“Sleepless in Seattle.” In fact, it’s one of the city’s most significant andromantic skyscrapers.

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Close up view of the Empire State Building and the New York city skyline on a beautiful blue sky day

8. Statue of Liberty

Few buildings conjure up as many emotions as New York’s iconic Statue of Liberty, an awe-inspiring symbol of freedom, hope and democracy standing proud on Liberty Island in New York Harbor.

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Recommended things to do in South Orange

Number of things to do	25
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia	Creative Cranford Scavenger Hunt: $22
Top 5 things to do	New Jersey Devils Ice Hockey Game at Prudential Center New York City Night Lights Helicopter Tour from New Jersey New York: Corning Museum, Finger Lakes & Niagara Falls Tour New York City Skyline Helicopter Tour from New Jersey Manhattan: Bus Transfer from/to Newark Airport
Under $25	Creative Cranford Scavenger Hunt Magical Madison, NJ Scavenger Hunt
With kids	NYC Evening Helicopter Flight American Dream 1-day Tour Manhattan Night Views Experience BAYONNE, BIARRITZ and SAINT JEAN DE LUZ - Private Cultural Adventure

What to do in South Orange

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in South Orange? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

Discover the most popular places to visit in South Orange

Prudential Center

4/5(183 reviews)

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

New Jersey Performing Arts Center

5/5(9 reviews)

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.

This is where they shot the pool scene in Cocoon movie. This chateau is a divine estate for a wedding!

Pleasantdale Chateau

5/5(1 review)

You can learn about the history of West Orange when you stop by Pleasantdale Chateau. Experience the acclaimed theater scene or attend a sporting event in this family-friendly area.

Branch Brook Park

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

Montclair Art Museum

Use the audio guide to learn about historic and modern Native American art and sip wine at a live music event.

Military Park

4.5/5(7 reviews)

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

Little fairy dwellings are strewn throughout the South Mountain Fairy Trail

South Mountain Reservation

2.5/5(4 reviews)

Explore the great outdoors at South Mountain Reservation, a lovely green space in Newark. Make some time to visit the shops while you're in the area.

The Mills at Jersey Gardens

4.5/5(69 reviews)

You can do some window-shopping at The Mills at Jersey Gardens during your stay in Elizabeth. Experience the acclaimed theater scene and entertainment choices in this vibrant area.

Sports Illustrated Stadium

4.5/5(5 reviews)

Catch an event at Sports Illustrated Stadium during your trip to Harrison. Experience the acclaimed art scene and entertainment choices in this vibrant area.

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

Popular day trips from South Orange

Newark

Thomas Edison National Historic Site showing heritage elements and interior views

West Orange

Orange

Millburn

Maplewood

Frequently asked questions

Is South Orange worth visiting?

Whether you're coming to experience the local charm and cultural highlights or sample regional foods and explore in nature, there are plenty of things to do in South Orange.

How do I spend a day in South Orange?

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Turtle Back Zoo and Hyatt Hills Golf Course. Then, tour other areas of South Orange for tasty eats and a little retail therapy.

What is the top tourist attraction in South Orange?

You can't go home without visiting Turtle Back Zoo, ranked the top tourist attraction in South Orange.

Is three days enough to stay in South Orange?

Three days will be enough time to tick off many city attractions, such as Turtle Back Zoo, Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart and Liberty Hall Museum. The average stay in South Orange is two days. If you have the urge to extend your escape, New York isn't far away.

Is South Orange a walkable city?

It comes down to what you want to see and do in South Orange. Several leading attractions, including Turtle Back Zoo, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a stroll through one of South Orange's vibrant neighborhoods, Lower Vailsburg is 2 miles away from the city center.

What are some activities to do in South Orange with kids?

Whether you're vacationing with young explorers or adventure-seeking teens, a schedule filled with fun activities is the key to a stress-free getaway. Browse our ideas for what to do in South Orange with kids.

What to do in South Orange for adults?

Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food lover or thrill seeker, there are lots of things to do in South Orange for adults including The Manor and Newark City Hall.

Are there free things to do in South Orange?

From enjoying parks to wandering around exciting neighborhoods, it's easy to discover free things to do in South Orange. If you're stuck for ideas, ask a local tour guide for recommendations. Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart is a great spot for anyone wishing to save on their travel adventures.