If you have found yourself with a layover or flight delay at Newark Airport and trying to figure out how to make the most of your time there, instead of just waiting, you are at the right place.
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is a major international airport in Newark and Elizabeth, New Jersey, and the second-busiest airport in the New York airport system.
However, it isn’t just a point of arrival or departure; Nestled just a stone’s throw away from Manhattan, it offers proximity to various attractions and hidden gems that can turn your layover or stay in the area into an unforgettable adventure.
In today’s guide, we’ve rounded up the best things you can do near Newark Airport during a layover or flight delay.
Without further ado, let’s dive into it!
There is not a shortage of adventurous things a traveler can do near Newark Airport during a layover since the opportunities are endless in this magnificent city!
Below, we present you with our list starting with no other than exploring the Newark Museum of Art.
1) Explore the Newark Museum of Art
Located in downtown Newark, the Newark Museum of Art offers a variety of art collections and is nestled just 15-20 minutes from the airport.
If you have some spare time near Newark Airport, then It’s a great place to spend a few hours exploring.
After all, who wouldn’t like to visit one of New Jersey’s largest museums, featuring American art, decorative arts, natural sciences exhibits, and a planetarium?
Operating hours:
Thursday – Sunday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Museum Admission:
- Adults: $10
- Children, Seniors 65+, Teachers & Students with valid IDs: $8
Address: 49 Washington St, Newark, NJ 07102, United States
Proximity to Newark Airport: 5 miles from Newark Airport
2) Unwind at Branch Brook Park
Branch Brook Park is a beautiful historic park with some unique highlights, including its cherry blossom trees.
Actually, the park is famous for having the largest collection of cherry blossom trees in the United States, with over 5,000 trees in more than eighteen different varieties!
If you visit this majestic place, especially in spring, you can enjoy a variety of activities such as walking and picnicking with your family.
Address: & Park Avenue, Lake St, Newark, NJ 07104, United States
Proximity to Newark Airport: 7 miles from Newark Airport
3) Grab Some Delicious Food at Ironbound District
The Ironbound District is a vibrant neighborhood in Newark mostly known for its diverse community and fantastic dining options.
Besides its several historic landmarks, including St. Stephan’s Church and the Murphy Varnish Works, the Ironbound District is the perfect spot to grab a bite at one of its many Portuguese and Spanish restaurants.
Address: Ironbound, Newark, NJ, USA
Proximity to Newark Airport: 4.5 miles from Newark Airport
4) Spend a Few Hours at the Mills at Jersey Gardens
The Mills at Jersey Gardens is New Jersey’s largest outlet and value retail center, located in Elizabeth, NJ.
It features over 200 stores, so rest assured that you’ll have plenty of options to choose from.
Plus, it’s located just 10 minutes from the airport, making it a great spot to spend a few hours either for some retail therapy at discounted prices or for some window shopping.
Operating hours: Daily from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Address: 651 Kapkowski Rd, Elizabeth, NJ 07201, United States
Proximity to Newark Airport: 3 miles from Newark Airport
Without a doubt, having fun at The Mills at Jersey Gardens is a must-do on your trip to Newark, and one of the most convenient experiences since it’s that close to Newark Airport.
But, dragging your luggage and precious belongings through this mall can quickly dampen the experience.
This is where Stasher comes in, offering a convenient, secure, and affordable luggage storage solution.
Although we’ll elaborate on our services later, Stasher provides a comprehensive network of secure luggage storage locations near Newark Airport.
Also, it is super easy to use and store your bags and you can book a location either through our platform or app (Android or iOS) in under 2 minutes!
Go ahead and give it a go yourself in the interactive demo below.
Let’s move on to the next adventure on our list.
5) Enjoy Scenic Views at Liberty State Park
In case of a longer layover, you shouldn’t miss out on visiting Liberty State Park.
This expansive urban park offers breathtaking views of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline and is the only location in New Jersey with a ferry service to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty.
Moreover, apart from sightseeing, you can enjoy a variety of activities such as walking, jogging, biking, and picnicking.
Opening hours: Open daily from 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Address: 1 Audrey Zapp Dr, Jersey City, NJ 07305, United States
Proximity to Newark Airport: 10 miles from Newark Airport
6) Visit Liberty Hall Museum
Liberty Hall Museum is a 23-acre National Historic Landmark that dates back to 1772.
The museum hosts numerous events throughout the year and offers guided tours to take a glimpse into the mansion’s beautifully preserved rooms, decorative arts, and clothing from different eras.
Plus, it provides a variety of educational programs suited to all ages, that include hands-on learning experiences in history, art, and science.
Tour prices:
- Adults: $14
- Seniors, Children, and College Students: $10
- Members, Kean Staff/Students, and Children under 3: Free
Address: Liberty Hall Museum, 1003 Morris Ave, Union, NJ 07083, United States
Proximity to Newark Airport: 6 miles from Newark Airport
7) Catch a Performance at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center
The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) in Newark is a premier venue for a wide range of performances and events including concerts, theater productions, dance performances, and comedy acts.
Additionally, its convenient location in downtown Newark makes it easily accessible by public transportation, including trains and buses.
So, if you happen to have a longer layover in New Jersey you should definitely give it a shot.
Address: New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), 1 Center St, Newark, NJ 07102, United States
Proximity to Newark Airport: 4 miles from Newark Airport
Now that we covered some adventurous things to do near Newark Airport, let’s see how easy it is to get around Newark Airport.
Getting Around Newark Airport
Getting around Newark Airport is generally straightforward since there are numerous transportation options to choose from.
Newark Airport has three main terminals (Terminals A, B, and C), with each of them offering a variety of dining and shopping options.
Travelers can easily leave the airport and go back to it, through transport means such as train, bus, car, and taxi.
More specifically, if you are looking for an easy transportation option, then AirTrain, a monorail system that connects all three terminals (A, B, and C) is your best bet.
It’s free for use within the airport and runs 24/7, with trains arriving approximately every 3-5 minutes.
Plus, it’s the best and cheapest choice if you plan to get from Newark Airport to Manhattan.
There are also airport shuttle buses that provide transportation between parking lots, car rental centers, and terminals.
Newark Airport permits taxis and rideshare services such as Lyft or Uber which are available 24/7 from the airport for pickups and drop-offs.
And, if the above options don’t suit your needs, then you can opt to rent a car.
How to Store Your Luggage Near Newark Airport
As we previously mentioned, dragging your luggage around while immersing yourself in unique adventures in Newark, is not a piece of cake.
That’s where Stasher is stepping in!
At Stasher, we’ve partnered with hotels, cafes, and local shops, in over 890 cities worldwide to cater to the needs of every traveler, looking to store their luggage for a few hours or days safely.
Let’s walk you through the simple step-by-step process of how to store your bags near Newark Airport with the help of Stasher.
After selecting Newark Airport, you need to choose the date or dates and the amount of bags that you’ll carry with you.
Next, all you have to do is press the search button and a map will be presented to you along with the available nearby hotels, Airbnbs, shops, etc.
Moving on, you can choose the desired place to store your bags (we call them “Stashpoints”) and then press the “book” button.
Up next, it’s time for your checkout; move forward with your payment and you are ready to go!
Based on the above facts, if you feel that Stasher is the best fit for you, you can head over to our homepage or download our app for Android or iOS, and store your luggage anywhere with Stasher!
