What to do in South Orange, NJ

Activities, attractions and tours

An aerial view of a town with a train track, parking lots, and various buildings.
An aerial view of a residential area with houses, roads, and autumn-colored trees.
A calm lake with reflections of trees and a clear sky.

South Orange Attractions

Let Expedia help you experience the best that South Orange has to offer! If you’re looking for fun itinerary ideas, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Activities and Tours

South Orange is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay, and make it a breeze to explore the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in South Orange to make sure that you enjoy your experience to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights.

South Orange Attractions

Expedia has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions to keep you entertained. In addition to scheduling local tours, booking reservations and scoring advance event tickets, Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, all on one consolidated travel itinerary, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of South Orange.

Looking for things to do can be time consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to South Orange attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season.

Things to do

Tyrannosaurs rex skeleton in the American Museum of Natural History in New York

American Museum of Natural History Tickets

CA $57
per adult
82% of travellers recommend
American Museum of Natural History Tickets
American Dream: SEA LIFE New Jersey Aquarium

American Dream: SEA LIFE New Jersey Aquarium

CA $36
per traveller
88% of travellers recommend
American Dream: SEA LIFE New Jersey Aquarium
American Dream Sesame Street Learn and Play Ticket

American Dream Sesame Street Learn and Play Ticket

CA $33
per adult
American Dream Sesame Street Learn and Play Ticket
American Dream - World Cup Fan Fest Celebration Ticket

American Dream - World Cup Fan Fest Celebration Ticket

CA $35
per adult
American Dream - World Cup Fan Fest Celebration Ticket
Take a ride through the NYC Skyline!!

The Conquer NYC Tour: 4-Day Self-Guided City Adventure Experience

CA $42
per traveller
The Conquer NYC Tour: 4-Day Self-Guided City Adventure Experience
See all activities in South Orange
  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    Members save % or more when you book activities.

Top places to visit

1. Times Square

Locals might bemoan Times Square’s touristy hustle and bustle, but the neon wonderland is undeniably New York City's beating heart. Loud and chaotic, the crowded epicenter is one of the world’s most visited and recognizable tourist attractions.
Learn more
Times Square with large billboards and skyscrapers.

2. 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.
Learn more
A cityscape with a large park and a river.

3. 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.
Learn more
A cityscape with prominent skyscrapers, including the Empire State Building, and a large circular building with a dome.

4. Rockefeller Center

An ode to 1930s New York, Rockefeller Center in Midtown Manhattan fuses the old and the new, and is at the heart of the city’s annual holiday celebrations.
Learn more
A Christmas tree, illuminated sculptures, and a statue in an urban setting.

5. 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.
Learn more
A spacious train station with high ceilings, large arched windows, and an American flag.

6. 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.
Learn more
A busy urban street with yellow taxis, pedestrians, and tall buildings with illuminated signs.

Recommended things to do in South Orange

Number of things to do
19
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
New Jersey: Unlimited USA Internet with eSIM Mobile Data Plan: CA $4
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in South Orange

Stay near popular South Orange attractions

Seton Hall University

8.0/10 (22 reviews)
Explore the campus of Seton Hall University as part of your travels around South Orange. Experience the entertainment choices or attend a sporting event in this vibrant area.
See properties

 

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.

 

 

Day trip destinations from South Orange

A city square with a dinosaur statue, brick buildings, and a modern skyscraper.

Newark

Frequently asked questions

Is South Orange worth visiting?
South Orange has a unique mix of local charm, attractions and culture. Whether you're into history, nature or traditional food, there's plenty you'll enjoy here.
How do I spend a day in South Orange?
Once you've checked off popular attractions like Turtle Back Zoo and Hyatt Hills Golf Course, spend the rest of your day experiencing South Orange's shopping and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in South Orange?
The top tourist attraction in South Orange is Turtle Back Zoo, so be sure to add it to your itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in South Orange?
You can easily visit popular attractions like Turtle Back Zoo, Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart and Liberty Hall Museum with a three-day escape to South Orange. On average, most travellers plan two days here. There's plenty to see and do nearby too, so stay a bit longer and check out New York.
Is South Orange a walkable city?
If discovering on foot sounds like your type of vacation, South Orange is an ideal destination. Find major sights, including Turtle Back Zoo, within walking distance of downtown. You can also enjoy a stroll through Lower Vailsburg, a vibrant neighbourhood located about 3 kilometres from the city centre.
What are some activities to do in South Orange with kids?
Deciding what to do in South Orange with kids has never been easier. Whether you're travelling with teenagers or toddlers, there's no shortage of family-friendly activities to keep everyone busy here.

What to do in South Orange for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food connoisseur or fan of nature, 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?
One of the best ways to learn about free things to do in South Orange is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on cool neighbourhoods, parks and other highlights you can visit without reaching for your wallet. Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart is one spot that doesn't have an entrance fee.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia