Looking for a relaxing weekend getaway in New Jersey? Summit, NJ offers an easy combination of walkable downtown streets, locally owned restaurants, shopping, green spaces, and convenient train access to New York City.

Whether you're planning a romantic weekend, visiting friends or family, attending an event, or simply looking for a change of scenery, you can experience quite a bit of Summit in two days—without spending your entire weekend in the car.

And if you're staying at The DeBary Inn, you're especially well positioned to explore the area. The inn is located near downtown Summit and within walking distance of Summit's NJ Transit station, making it possible to combine a small-town New Jersey getaway with an easy trip into New York City.

Here's our suggested two-day Summit itinerary.

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Your Summit, NJ Weekend at a Glance

Day 1

• Check in at The DeBary Inn

• Explore downtown Summit

• Enjoy coffee or lunch

• Browse local shops

• Visit a local park or garden

• Have dinner downtown

• Enjoy an evening stroll

Day 2

• Start with breakfast

• Visit the Summit Farmers Market or another local attraction

• Explore more of downtown Summit

• Visit Reeves-Reed Arboretum

• Enjoy lunch

• Take the train to New York City—or continue exploring Summit

• Return to The DeBary Inn for a relaxing evening

The beauty of this itinerary is that you can easily adjust it based on the season, weather, and what interests you most.

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Day 1: Discover Downtown Summit

Morning: Arrive in Summit and Settle In

Start your weekend by checking in at The DeBary Inn.

One of the advantages of staying at a historic inn in Summit is that you can leave your car behind and explore much of the downtown area on foot.

If you're arriving by train, Summit is served by NJ Transit, and the downtown area is easily accessible from the station. Summit Downtown also highlights NJ Transit access as one of the ways visitors can reach the city.

Once you've settled in, take some time to walk around the neighborhood surrounding the inn.

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Late Morning: Explore Downtown Summit

Head toward downtown and give yourself some time to explore without a strict schedule.

Summit's downtown district offers a mixture of independent shops, restaurants, cafés and professional businesses. Summit Downtown maintains a directory of local businesses and also offers a historical walking tour for visitors interested in learning more about the community's past.

This is one of those destinations where wandering is part of the experience.

Take a walk along Springfield Avenue and the surrounding downtown streets. Stop into a shop that catches your eye, grab a coffee, or simply enjoy the architecture and atmosphere.

If you're visiting with someone else, this is also a good time to decide what you'd like to come back to later in the weekend.

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Lunch: Choose a Local Summit Restaurant

After exploring downtown, stop for lunch.

Summit has a surprisingly diverse restaurant scene for a town of its size.

Depending on your mood, you might choose a casual lunch, a classic New Jersey diner experience, Italian food, international cuisine, or a café-style meal.

For a quick and classic Summit experience, Summit Diner is located at 1 Union Place, directly across from the Summit train station. It's a traditional New Jersey diner that makes a fun stop for breakfast or lunch.

For something different, downtown Summit also has Italian, Indian, Mediterranean, Argentine, Asian and contemporary American options.

Summit NJ Restaurants Nearby The Hotel | The DeBary Inn

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Afternoon: Shop, Stroll and Explore

After lunch, spend the afternoon exploring Summit at your own pace.

Downtown Summit is compact enough that you can combine shopping, coffee and sightseeing without constantly getting back into your car.

If you're interested in Summit's history, consider following the Historical Tour of Summit, which Summit Downtown describes as a self-guided tour through the business district and surrounding neighborhoods.

It's a good way to see some of the historic character that makes Summit different from a typical suburban shopping district.

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Late Afternoon: Visit Reeves-Reed Arboretum

For a change of scenery, head to Reeves-Reed Arboretum.

Located at 165 Hobart Avenue, the arboretum is a nonprofit public garden and historic estate in Summit. Its grounds offer visitors an opportunity to slow down and enjoy gardens, paths and seasonal plantings.

Plan on spending roughly an hour or two here rather than treating it like an all-day attraction.

It's particularly appealing for:

• Couples

• Garden lovers

• Photographers

• Families

• Visitors who enjoy walking

• Anyone looking for a quieter afternoon

The experience also changes throughout the year, making Reeves-Reed worth visiting during different seasons.

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Evening: Dinner in Downtown Summit

Return to downtown for dinner.

This is where you can turn your weekend into whatever type of getaway you want.

For a special occasion

Consider one of Summit's more upscale restaurants.

For a romantic evening

Choose a restaurant with a cozy atmosphere and then take a leisurely walk through downtown afterward.

For something casual

There are also plenty of relaxed restaurants where you can enjoy dinner without making the evening feel formal.

Some downtown options include:

• Roots Steakhouse

• Summit House Restaurant + Bar

• Fiorino Ristorante & Bar

• Four Monkeys Indian Bistro

Restaurant hours and menus change, so check with the restaurant before heading out.

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End Day 1 With a Relaxing Evening

After dinner, head back toward The DeBary Inn.

One of the advantages of a weekend in Summit is that you don't need to keep driving from attraction to attraction.

You can have dinner, take a walk, browse downtown and return to your accommodations without turning the evening into a transportation project.

That's part of what makes Summit appealing for a short getaway.

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Day 2: Experience More of Summit

Morning: Start With Breakfast

Begin your second day with breakfast and coffee.

For a classic local experience, consider Summit Diner, or explore one of the downtown cafés and bakeries.

Coffee options around downtown include:

• Serra Doce

• Gregorys Coffee

• Ahrre's Coffee Roastery

• Boxwood Coffee Catering New Jersey

If you're visiting on a Sunday during market season, there's another option that's especially worth building into your morning.

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Sunday Morning: Visit the Summit Farmers Market

The Summit Farmers Market takes place at Park & Shop Lot #1 near the corner of DeForest Avenue and Woodland Avenue.

For 2026, Summit Downtown lists the market every Sunday from April 19 through December 20, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine.

The market is a great place to browse local and specialty food vendors while experiencing one of Summit's recurring community traditions.

Depending on the season, you may find produce, baked goods, prepared foods, specialty products, flowers and other items.

Tip: If you're visiting specifically for the Farmers Market, check the official schedule before your trip because event details and vendors can change.

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Late Morning: More Downtown Shopping

After the Farmers Market, walk through downtown Summit and explore some of the shops you may have missed on Saturday.

You can also grab another coffee or pastry before continuing your day.

If you're visiting during a special event weekend, check Summit Downtown's event calendar before your trip. Downtown events vary throughout the year, and the calendar can help you plan your weekend around festivals, music, markets and seasonal activities.

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Option A: Spend Sunday Exploring Summit

If your goal is a quiet weekend getaway, there's no need to leave Summit.

You can spend the rest of the morning visiting another local attraction, enjoying lunch and taking one more walk through downtown before heading home.

This is the best option if you want your weekend to feel unhurried.

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Option B: Take the Train to New York City

Want to combine your Summit getaway with some time in Manhattan?

You can also use Summit as a home base for a day in New York City.

Summit is served by NJ Transit, and the downtown station provides rail access toward New York. That means you can spend Saturday exploring Summit and use Sunday—or another day of your stay—for NYC.

This can be particularly appealing for travelers who want access to Manhattan without spending the entire weekend staying in the city.

How to Get From Summit, NJ to New York City by Train

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Lunch: One More Taste of Summit

Before heading home, have one more meal in town.

You could keep it casual or choose a restaurant you didn't have time to try on Saturday.

For a classic diner-style meal, Summit Diner is conveniently located near the train station.

For a more substantial lunch or early dinner, downtown offers several additional choices.

The goal isn't to check every restaurant off a list. It's to leave with a favorite place you'll want to return to on your next visit.

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How to Customize This Summit Weekend Itinerary

One of the best things about Summit is that you don't have to follow a rigid schedule.

Planning a romantic weekend?

Prioritize:

• Downtown shopping

• Reeves-Reed Arboretum

• A leisurely dinner

• Coffee and pastries

• An evening walk

• A relaxing stay at The DeBary Inn

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Traveling with kids?

Consider:

• The Farmers Market

• Parks and open spaces

• Casual restaurants

• A visit to Reeves-Reed Arboretum

• Downtown exploration

Give yourself plenty of flexibility rather than scheduling every hour.

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Visiting Summit without a car?

You can build your entire weekend around:

• The DeBary Inn

• Downtown Summit

• Restaurants

• Shopping

• Summit Train Station

• Local attractions

The Summit Farmers Market and much of downtown can also be incorporated into a walking-focused visit.

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Want to include New York City?

Consider spending one day in Summit and one day in Manhattan.

The combination gives you two very different experiences during the same trip: a walkable suburban downtown and the energy of New York City.

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When Is the Best Time for a Summit Weekend?

There isn't one perfect season to visit Summit.

Each season offers something different.

Spring

Ideal for gardens, outdoor walks and exploring the downtown area as the weather warms.

Summer

A good time for outdoor events, restaurants with outdoor seating and leisurely evenings downtown.

Fall

A particularly attractive time for walking, seasonal scenery and exploring Summit's gardens and parks.

Winter

A quieter option for dining, shopping, holiday events and cozy weekends away.

Holiday season

Combine Summit's downtown shopping and seasonal activities with a day trip into New York City for holiday attractions.

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Why Stay at The DeBary Inn for a Summit Weekend?

Where you stay can make a significant difference in a short getaway.

The DeBary Inn offers a historic, intimate alternative to a conventional chain hotel, while putting you close to the experiences that make Summit appealing.

Staying at the inn gives you a convenient starting point for exploring:

• Downtown Summit

• Local restaurants

• Shopping

• Summit Train Station

• Reeves-Reed Arboretum

• Seasonal events

• The surrounding communities

And if you decide to add New York City to your itinerary, Summit's NJ Transit connection gives you another transportation option.

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A Simple 2-Day Summit Itinerary

If you don't want to overthink your weekend, here's the short version:

Saturday

Morning

• Arrive in Summit

• Check in at The DeBary Inn

• Explore downtown

Afternoon

• Lunch

• Shopping

• Visit Reeves-Reed Arboretum

Evening

• Dinner downtown

• Walk through Summit

• Return to The DeBary Inn

Sunday

Morning

• Breakfast and coffee

• Visit the Summit Farmers Market if it's operating

Late morning

• Explore more of downtown

Afternoon

• Lunch

• Either continue exploring Summit or take NJ Transit into New York City

Evening

• Return to The DeBary Inn or head home

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Frequently Asked Questions About a Weekend in Summit, NJ

Is Summit, NJ a good weekend getaway?

Yes. Summit combines a walkable downtown, restaurants, shopping, green spaces and NJ Transit access to New York City, making it possible to enjoy either a relaxing local weekend or a trip that combines Summit with Manhattan.

Can you visit Summit, NJ without a car?

Yes. Downtown Summit, the train station, restaurants and many local activities can be incorporated into a walking-focused visit. NJ Transit also provides access to Summit for visitors arriving from New York and other parts of New Jersey.

How many days do you need in Summit, NJ?

A weekend is enough to experience many of Summit's highlights without rushing. Two days gives visitors time for downtown, dining, a local attraction such as Reeves-Reed Arboretum and, if desired, a trip into New York City.

What is there to do in Summit on a Sunday?

Depending on the season, visitors can explore downtown, visit local restaurants and shops, spend time outdoors, and visit the Summit Farmers Market. The 2026 Farmers Market runs Sundays from April 19 through December 20, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Can you take a train from Summit to New York City?

Yes. Summit is served by NJ Transit rail service, providing a convenient option for visitors who want to combine a Summit stay with time in New York City.

What are the best things to do in Summit for couples?

Couples can explore downtown, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, visit Reeves-Reed Arboretum, browse shops and cafés, and create a relaxed weekend itinerary around staying at a local inn.

Where should I stay for a weekend in Summit, NJ?

For visitors who want convenient access to downtown, restaurants and transportation, The DeBary Inn provides a historic lodging option near the center of Summit.

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Plan Your Summit Weekend

A great weekend getaway doesn't have to require a long drive or a packed schedule.

In Summit, you can spend a morning browsing downtown shops, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, visit a beautiful garden in the afternoon, have dinner downtown and finish the evening at a historic inn.

And if you're looking for more, New York City is only a train ride away.

Ready to plan your Summit getaway? Explore The DeBary Inn and make Summit your home base for your next New Jersey weekend.