Things to do in Livingston, New Jersey
- The township is named after William Livingston, the first governor of New Jersey and a signer of the United States Constitution.
- During the American Revolutionary War, the area now known as Livingston served as a critical vantage point for Continental Army troops observing British movements in the region.
- The community historically functioned as an agricultural center before transitioning into a major residential suburb in the mid-20th century.
- Riker Hill, located within the township, was once a Nike missile base during the Cold War before being repurposed into an art park.
- Livingston maintains a unique municipal governance structure as a township under the Faulkner Act.
About Livingston, New Jersey
Livingston is a prominent township in Essex County, New Jersey, characterized by its historical significance and proximity to significant regional green spaces. The township serves as a residential hub that offers residents and visitors access to diverse outdoor environments, including the expansive South Mountain Reservation. Cultural life is anchored by institutions like the Paper Mill Playhouse, which serves as a major regional theater destination. Additionally, the area maintains a commitment to preservation through sites such as the Cora Hartshorn Arboretum and Bird Sanctuary. Livingston provides a suburban atmosphere defined by its institutional landmarks and easy access to the greater metropolitan landscape.
Highlights of Livingston, New Jersey
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Zoos
Explore one of the oldest and most visited zoos in New Jersey, featuring a wide range of exotic animals.
Parks
Navigate over 2,000 acres of protected wilderness perfect for hiking and outdoor recreation.
Venues
Experience professional Broadway-caliber stage productions in an intimate, historic theater setting.
Parks
Stroll through formal gardens and diverse woodland trails known for their seasonal botanical displays.
Parks
Observe local bird species within a preserved natural habitat that features specialized ecological trails.
Parks
Visit a repurposed Cold War missile site that now serves as a creative hub for local artists.
Museums
Examine a collection of artifacts documenting the evolution of American craftsmanship and early industrial trades.
Parks
Discover a unique geological site known for its prehistoric fossil findings embedded in the landscape.
Top things to do in Livingston, New Jersey
The 45 highest-rated places in Livingston, New Jersey, ranked by travellers.
1
Zoos
Essex County Turtle Back Zoo is a 20-acre zoological park located within the South Mountain Reservation in West Orange,...
2
Parks
South Mountain Reservation is a 2,110-acre nature reserve managed by Essex County, situated primarily in West Orange, Ne...
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Parks
Garrett Mountain Reservation is a 568-acre park located on the First Watchung Mountain in Passaic County, New Jersey. Th...
4
Historical places
Eagle Rock Reservation is a 408-acre forest reserve situated along the First Watchung Mountain in Essex County, New Jers...
5
Parks
The Watchung Reservation is a 2,142-acre nature preserve in Union County, New Jersey, serving as the largest park in the...
6
Venues
Paper Mill Playhouse is a regional theater in Millburn, New Jersey, renowned for producing Broadway-caliber musicals and...
7
Parks
Morristown Green is a 2.5-acre historic park serving as the central hub of Morristown, New Jersey. It functioned as the...
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Parks
The Frelinghuysen Arboretum is a 127-acre property in Morristown, New Jersey, serving as the headquarters for the Morris...
9
Parks
Nomahegan Park is a 70-acre public park managed by the Union County Parks system, anchored by the man-made Nomahegan Lak...
10
Zoos
Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge is a 7,800-acre complex of marshes, woodlands, and fields in Morris County, New Jer...
11
Museums
Morristown National Historical Park marks the site of the Continental Army's winter encampment during the harsh winter o...
12
Parks
Reeves-Reed Arboretum is a 13.5-acre public garden and historic estate located in Summit, New Jersey, featuring both for...
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Parks
Loantaka Brook Reservation is a 574-acre Morris County park located in Morris Township, New Jersey. The reservation feat...
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Parks
Grover Cleveland Park is a 41-acre public recreation area managed by the Essex County Park System. The landscape was ori...
15
Historical places
The Deserted Village of Feltville is a preserved 19th-century mill town located within the Watchung Reservation in Berke...
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Museums
The Morris Museum is a Smithsonian Affiliate institution located in Morristown, New Jersey, featuring a diverse collecti...
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Parks
Verona Park is a 54-acre Essex County park designed by the Olmsted Brothers, the firm founded by the designers of Centra...
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Venues
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Historical places
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Museums
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Temples
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Parks
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Parks
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Historical places
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Parks
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Museums
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Places of interest
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Livingston, New Jersey on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Livingston, New Jersey
May to October, when the regional arboretums and parks are in full bloom and the weather is suitable for outdoor exploration.
2-3 days, sufficient to explore the local park system and attend a performance at regional venues.
A car is essential for navigating Livingston, as public transportation is limited compared to the nearby New York City transit network.
Visitors typically look for hotels located along the Route 10 corridor, which provides convenient access to local attractions and regional transport routes.
Mid-to-high range, reflecting the affluent nature of Essex County and the cost of regional amenities.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 45 curated attractions in and around Livingston, New Jersey, ranked by traveller ratings.
Essex County Turtle Back Zoo is the highest-rated place to visit in Livingston, New Jersey right now.
The largest category is parks, with 19 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Bayonne, New Jersey, Downtown Los Angeles, Washington, D.C..
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