The Complete Guide to Visiting Summit, NJ | Things to Do, Eat & See
The Complete Guide to Visiting Summit, NJ: Things to Do, Eat, Shop & See
Planning a visit to Summit, New Jersey? Whether you're coming for a weekend getaway, visiting family, traveling for business, heading into New York City, or simply looking for a charming New Jersey town to explore, Summit offers a convenient combination of walkable downtown streets, locally owned restaurants and shops, parks and gardens, cultural attractions, and easy train access to Manhattan.
Located in Union County, Summit is particularly appealing to travelers who want access to New York City without staying in the middle of Manhattan. The DeBary Inn is located at 265 Springfield Avenue, just one block from downtown Summit and within walking distance of the Summit NJ Transit station. The inn is also less than one mile from The Mall at Short Hills. Learn more about staying at The DeBary Inn.
If you're planning your first visit, here's what to know about Summit, NJ.
Quick Answer: What Is Summit, NJ Known For?
Summit is known for its historic character, walkable downtown, restaurants and independent shops, beautiful residential neighborhoods, cultural attractions, green spaces, and convenient NJ Transit access to New York City.
For visitors, one of Summit's biggest advantages is that you can combine a small-town New Jersey experience with easy access to Manhattan. Summit is served by NJ Transit's Morris & Essex line, with service toward New York. Check current NJ Transit information before traveling.
Where Is Summit, NJ?
Summit is located in Union County in northern New Jersey, approximately 20 miles west of Midtown Manhattan.
Its location makes it convenient for both local and regional travelers. Summit can be reached by car via major roads including Routes 24, 78 and 287, while NJ Transit provides rail service between Summit and New York City. Summit Downtown also notes access to the area from Newark Liberty International Airport.
For travelers coming from New York, Summit can be particularly convenient because you don't necessarily need a car once you arrive.
Is Summit, NJ Worth Visiting?
Yes. Summit is worth visiting if you're looking for a walkable New Jersey town with restaurants, shopping, parks, cultural attractions and convenient access to New York City.
Summit's appeal is less about one giant tourist attraction and more about the combination of experiences available within a relatively compact area.
You can start your morning with coffee downtown, spend the afternoon exploring a garden or shopping, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, and still have the option of taking the train into New York City.
For visitors staying overnight, that combination makes Summit an especially useful home base.
10 of the Best Things to Do in Summit, NJ
1. Explore Downtown Summit
Downtown Summit is the natural starting point for a visit.
The downtown area includes restaurants, cafés, specialty shops, professional services and local businesses. Summit Downtown maintains a searchable directory of the area's businesses, including dozens of restaurants and more than 100 shopping-related businesses.
Spend some time walking the downtown streets, browsing local shops and choosing a restaurant for lunch or dinner.
Tip for visitors: Don't treat downtown as simply a place to eat. Allow some time to explore the independent businesses and historic character of the area.
Explore the Summit Downtown directory and current businesses.
2. Visit Reeves-Reed Arboretum
One of Summit's most distinctive attractions is Reeves-Reed Arboretum, located at 165 Hobart Avenue.
The 13.5-acre property includes historic gardens, woodland trails, lawns and the historic Wisner House. The property is listed on both the National and State Registers of Historic Places.
The arboretum is particularly appealing during spring, summer and fall, when the gardens and landscape provide a beautiful setting for a leisurely walk.
Admission to the grounds is free, with a suggested donation.
Plan your visit to Reeves-Reed Arboretum.
Good for: couples, photographers, gardeners, families, nature lovers and anyone looking for a peaceful break from a busy itinerary.
3. Shop in Downtown Summit
If shopping is part of your trip, give yourself time to explore Summit's independent stores.
The downtown business district includes clothing and accessories, specialty foods, gifts, jewelry, home furnishings, salons, specialty shops and other locally owned businesses.
Summit's shopping experience is quite different from visiting a large suburban shopping center. Many of the businesses are integrated into the downtown streets, making it easy to combine shopping with coffee, lunch or dinner.
For visitors looking for a larger luxury-shopping experience, The Mall at Short Hills is also nearby.
The DeBary Inn is less than one mile from The Mall at Short Hills, making it a convenient option for guests planning a shopping-focused visit.
Explore Summit's downtown shopping directory.
4. Visit the Summit Farmers Market
If your visit falls between spring and late fall, check the schedule for the Summit Farmers Market.
For 2026, the market is scheduled for Sundays from April 19 through December 20, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine. The market features farmers and other purveyors exclusively from New Jersey.
It's an easy addition to a Sunday morning itinerary and a good way to experience the local side of Summit.
Check the current Summit Farmers Market schedule and details.
5. See a Show at Summit Playhouse
For visitors interested in theater and local culture, The Summit Playhouse is another worthwhile stop.
The Playhouse has a long history in Summit and describes itself as one of the oldest continuously operating community theaters in the United States. It produces main-stage plays as well as youth theater productions.
The theater is located in downtown Summit, making it easy to combine a performance with dinner.
See the Summit Playhouse's current season and performances.
Good for: date nights, couples, theater lovers and visitors looking for an evening activity beyond restaurants and shopping.
6. Explore Summit's History
Summit has a history that can be appreciated simply by walking through its downtown and residential neighborhoods.
Summit Downtown offers a historical tour that uses images and audio to highlight historic buildings, residences, landmarks, shops and restaurants throughout the community.
If you enjoy architecture and historic neighborhoods, consider setting aside an hour to explore some of the area's older streets.
7. Enjoy Summit's Restaurants and Cafés
One of the easiest ways to experience Summit is through its food scene.
The downtown district includes restaurants representing a wide range of cuisines, along with coffee shops, bakeries, delis and specialty food businesses. Summit Downtown's current directory categorizes dozens of local food businesses by cuisine and type.
You can find options ranging from casual meals and coffee to more formal dinners.
Rather than recommending one restaurant for everyone, consider choosing based on the kind of experience you're looking for:
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Romantic dinner: Look for one of Summit's more intimate restaurants.
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Casual meal: Downtown has several relaxed dining options.
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Coffee and breakfast: Explore the local cafés and bakeries.
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Family meal: Look for casual restaurants with flexible menus.
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Special occasion: Consider one of the area's more upscale dining rooms.
Browse the current Summit restaurant directory.
Coming soon from The DeBary Inn: The Best Restaurants in Summit, NJ: A Local Guide for Visitors.
8. Attend a Local Summit Event
One of the best ways to experience Summit is to visit when something is happening downtown.
The Summit Downtown events calendar includes seasonal festivals, live music, the farmers market, arts events, shopping events and other community activities.
For example, the 2026 calendar includes Summit Street Sounds Fall Edition, taking place on Friday evenings during September and October, as well as the Arts & Cars event scheduled for September 20, 2026.
Because event dates change from year to year, check the official calendar when planning your trip.
See what's happening in Summit now.
9. Take a Day Trip Into New York City
One of Summit's biggest advantages for visitors is its connection to New York City.
Summit Station is served by NJ Transit's Morris & Essex lines, with service toward New York.
That means visitors can build very different kinds of trips around the same stay.
You could spend:
Day 1: Exploring Summit
Day 2: Taking the train into Manhattan
Or you could spend the day in New York and return to Summit for dinner and a quieter evening.
If you're planning to visit NYC from Summit, check the current NJ Transit schedule before leaving, as service and schedules can change.
Read our complete guide to getting from Summit to New York City by train.
10. Slow Down and Enjoy the Neighborhoods
Perhaps the easiest thing to overlook when planning a Summit visit is simply enjoying the town itself.
Summit has tree-lined residential streets, historic homes, local businesses and a community atmosphere that can feel very different from a typical large-city visit.
Instead of filling every hour with attractions, leave some time to walk, have coffee, browse a shop or sit down for an unhurried meal.
That's part of what makes Summit appealing as an overnight destination.
What Can You Do in Summit Without a Car?
A lot.
For visitors staying near downtown, many of Summit's restaurants, shops and local attractions can be reached on foot.
The DeBary Inn is located one block from downtown Summit and within walking distance of Summit's NJ Transit station.
That makes it possible to create a trip around walking and public transportation rather than driving everywhere.
A car-free Summit itinerary might look like this:
Morning
Breakfast at or near the inn → walk downtown → coffee and shopping
Afternoon
Walk or take local transportation to an attraction such as Reeves-Reed Arboretum
Evening
Dinner downtown → Summit Playhouse or another local event
Next Day
Summit Farmers Market → brunch → NJ Transit into New York City
For visitors who want to combine Summit and NYC in one trip, this can be particularly convenient.
Learn more about transportation from The DeBary Inn.
Where Should You Eat in Summit, NJ?
Summit has a surprisingly diverse restaurant scene for a relatively compact downtown.
The current Summit Downtown directory includes restaurants, cafés, bakeries, delis and specialty food businesses representing cuisines including Italian, Asian, Greek, Mexican, Middle Eastern and American food.
Rather than choosing a restaurant based only on a generic "best restaurants" list, consider what you want from your evening.
Want a romantic dinner? Choose an intimate restaurant and combine it with a walk downtown.
Want something casual? There are numerous relaxed restaurants and cafés.
Want breakfast or coffee? Downtown has several coffee shops and bakeries.
Want a special occasion? Summit has restaurants suitable for more formal dinners.
The DeBary Inn team is also happy to help guests choose restaurants based on their preferences during their stay.
Browse the current Summit restaurant directory.
What Is the Best Time to Visit Summit, NJ?
There isn't one single "best" season because Summit changes considerably throughout the year.
Spring
Spring is ideal for gardens, walking and outdoor activities. Reeves-Reed Arboretum is a particularly good choice when the gardens are coming into bloom.
Summer
Summer is a good time for outdoor dining, local events, farmers markets and exploring the downtown area.
Fall
Fall brings cooler temperatures, changing foliage and seasonal events. It's an especially attractive time for a weekend getaway.
Winter
Winter is a good time for restaurant weekends, shopping, theater and combining a Summit stay with holiday activities or a trip into New York City.
Holiday Season
Visitors can combine Summit's local holiday atmosphere with Christmas shopping, seasonal events and a day or evening in New York City.
How to Get to Summit, NJ
By Train
Summit Station is on NJ Transit's Morris & Essex line. Current NJ Transit information lists Summit Station at Union Place near Broad and Elm Streets.
For current schedules and service alerts, use the official NJ Transit Summit Station page.
By Car
Summit is accessible from several major New Jersey roads, including Routes 24, 78 and 287. Summit Downtown also provides information about local parking.
Guests staying at The DeBary Inn have access to complimentary off-street parking. See parking and driving directions to the inn.
From Newark Liberty International Airport
Summit is also conveniently located for travelers flying into Newark Liberty International Airport. Summit Downtown identifies Newark International Airport among the area's major access points.
Where Should You Stay in Summit, NJ?
For visitors who want to experience Summit rather than simply sleep near it, location matters.
The DeBary Inn is located at 265 Springfield Avenue in Summit's historic North End, one block from downtown. The inn has 16 rooms and suites and offers complimentary continental breakfast, Wi-Fi and parking.
The Summit Train Station is within walking distance, while The Mall at Short Hills is less than one mile away.
That makes the inn particularly convenient for several types of travelers:
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Couples planning a weekend getaway
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Visitors exploring Summit
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Travelers visiting New York City
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Business travelers
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Families visiting the area
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Guests attending local events
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Visitors shopping at The Mall at Short Hills
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Guests attending events or visiting organizations in the Summit area
Explore rooms and amenities at The DeBary Inn.
A Sample 2-Day Summit, NJ Itinerary
If it's your first visit, here's an easy way to structure a weekend.
Day 1: Discover Summit
Morning
Start with breakfast and coffee before exploring downtown.
Late Morning
Walk through downtown Summit and browse the local shops.
Lunch
Choose one of Summit's many casual restaurants or cafés.
Afternoon
Visit Reeves-Reed Arboretum and spend some time exploring the gardens and grounds.
Evening
Return downtown for dinner.
If there is a performance or community event taking place, consider making it part of your evening.
Overnight
Stay in Summit and enjoy the quieter atmosphere after downtown winds down.
Day 2: Summit + New York City
Morning
Have breakfast and take a final walk through downtown.
Late Morning/Afternoon
Take NJ Transit from Summit into New York City.
Spend the afternoon exploring Manhattan, visiting a museum, seeing a Broadway show or simply enjoying the city.
Evening
Return to Summit by train.
Enjoy dinner locally rather than having to navigate Manhattan at the end of a long day.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Summit, NJ
Is Summit, NJ a good place to stay when visiting New York City?
Yes. Summit combines a walkable downtown and local restaurants with NJ Transit rail service to New York City, making it an appealing alternative for travelers who don't want to stay in Manhattan.
Is Summit, NJ walkable?
Downtown Summit is very walkable, with restaurants, shops and services concentrated in the downtown area. Staying near downtown makes it easier to explore without relying on a car.
How far is Summit from New York City?
Summit is west of Manhattan, and NJ Transit provides rail service connecting Summit with New York. Always check the current NJ Transit schedule when planning your trip.
What are the best things to do in Summit, NJ?
Popular choices include exploring downtown, shopping, dining, visiting Reeves-Reed Arboretum, attending Summit Playhouse performances, visiting the farmers market and participating in seasonal community events.
What is Summit, NJ known for?
Summit is known for its historic residential character, vibrant downtown, independent businesses, restaurants, cultural attractions, green spaces and convenient transportation connection to New York City.
Can you visit Summit without a car?
Yes. Visitors staying near downtown can walk to many restaurants and shops, and Summit's NJ Transit station provides rail transportation to New York City.
What is there to do in Summit on a weekend?
A weekend could include downtown shopping and dining, Reeves-Reed Arboretum, the Summit Farmers Market, a theater performance, a local event and a trip into New York City.
Where is a good place to stay in Summit, NJ?
The DeBary Inn is located one block from downtown Summit and within walking distance of the train station. It offers 16 rooms and suites, complimentary continental breakfast, free parking and Wi-Fi.
Ready to Visit Summit?
Summit is the kind of destination that rewards travelers who don't try to rush through it.
Spend a morning exploring downtown. Have lunch at a local restaurant. Visit a garden. Browse independent shops. Catch a show. Take the train into New York City. Or simply enjoy a quiet evening in a historic New Jersey neighborhood.
And if you're looking for a place to stay that puts you close to the center of it all, The DeBary Inn offers a convenient home base for exploring Summit, Short Hills and New York City.
See directions and parking information
Plan transportation and local trips
Useful Visitor Resources
Summit Downtown — Current events, local businesses, restaurants, shopping and historical information:
Visit Summit Downtown
NJ Transit — Current Summit train schedules, service alerts and station information:
Visit NJ Transit
Reeves-Reed Arboretum — Hours, admission, directions, events and visitor information:
Visit Reeves-Reed Arboretum
Summit Playhouse — Current productions and ticket information:
Visit Summit Playhouse
