Location: Oakland
Top Things to do in Oakland
The 10 Best Things to Do in Oakland, United States
Oakland is a borough in Bergen County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the borough's population was 12,754, reflecting an increase of 288 (+2.3%) from the 12,466 counted in the 2000 Census, which had in turn increased by 469 (+3.9%) from the 11,997 counted in the 1990 Census.
Restaurants in Oakland
1. Campgaw Mountain
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 98 reviews
Fifteen acres of ski-able terrain at 850-foot elevation cater to beginner and intermediate skill levels.
Reviewed By Scarlettcal
Took group lessons with my kids and husband. Good trainers( I can’t remember both there’s name. I believe it was Elly and josh maybe ) Very understanding and patient with us. First snowboarders ( floridians). But the bill could diffidently rack up, gear Rental and lessons. Not sure if the actual place was worth what we paid but what can I say, we were there and it’s not like you can find a ski resort in every corner.
2. Skylands New Jersey Botanical Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 135 reviews
Reviewed By ddaborn - West Orange, New Jersey
Skylands New Jersey Botanical Gardens is a wonderful place to visit in spring, summer, and fall. The sprawling grounds contain formal gardens of annuals and perennials, an area of gardens integrated with the natural environment, interesting stone buildings (including Skyland Manor with its own garden and lily pond), and quirky statuary scattered throughout. One can take photos galore, take a pleasant stroll, or have a picnic. It is well worth the $5 state park parking fee. There are restrooms on the grounds as well as a vending machine for drinks, but no food, so pack some snacks. Located in Ringwood, it is a few minutes drive from Ringwood Manor (another great stop; you can combine the two during your day trip).
3. Rhino Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 31 reviews
Rhino Theatre Group, LLC proudly announces its new, second location. Both Rhino Theatre Mainstage (247 Wanaque Avenue) and Rhino Studio 237 (237 Hamburg Turnpike) offer unlimited types of entertainment for adult, seniors, teens and children. Our Mainstage shows, like Beauty and the Beast, Shrek, Spamalot, Les Miserables and more always exceed our audiences expectations. Our new Rhino Studio 237 is home to our black box performance space, where plays, musicals, open mics, comedy nights are regular occurrences! We are always looking for new, fresh ideas, so bring them on.... Also, now available for rental our Mainstage, Black Box and 4 Rehearsal Studios, plus lesson rooms and more. Rent hourly, daily, weekly. Visit our website for details.
Reviewed By duck8to - Montville, New Jersey
Loved the high energy performance of "FOOTLOSE". The performance, costumes and staging were of a high standard. The performances at the theater run the gamut from professional to local talent which at times is impressive. It's a relatively small intimate theater. The main stage is upstairs on the second floor. They have a call ahead system for stair climbing which must be reserved but no elevator. Seats are close but acceptably comfortable. The audience seems to be generally made up of local supporters. I was invited by a local. Performances range from about $20-$25 which is quite reasonable. There is no food permitted in the theater but they do have a dinner and show package which includes Monica's Italian Restaurant which is nearby and must be reserved..The Black Box theater downstairs is used for Comedy Nights and Open Microphone performances. The Black Box is totally handicapped accessible. Free parking is available in the municipal lot or in back of the theater. Wonderful choice for local theater.
4. Ramapo Mountain State Forest
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 29 reviews
Reviewed By robcurtross - New York City, New York
Thanks to Daniel Chazin for scoping out a very nice, scenic hike that took us about two hours with plenty of contemplation time.
This relatively short loop hike passes through the sites of two former Boy Scout camps – Camp Tamarack and Camp Todd. Each of these camps was situated on a lake, and the hike runs along the shore of both Lake Tamarack and Todd Lake. A number of relics from Camp Tamarack, which closed in the early 1990s, are visible along the way. Although the hike begins and ends in Ramapo Mountain State Forest, both lakes are located on property owned by Bergen County.
From the parking area, cross Skyline Drive. You will see a triple orange blaze on a telephone pole, marking the start of the Schuber Trail, as well as a triple white blaze, which marks the start of the Todd Trail. The Todd Trail will be your return route, but for now, follow the orange blazes of the Schuber Trail, which turn right onto the gravel road that leads into the former Camp Tamarack, then immediately turn left and proceed downhill on a winding footpath.
At the base of the descent, the trail skirts the ruins of the former camp rifle range. Just ahead, with the ruins of the former archery range visible on the left, a triple-purple-blaze on the right marks the start of the Tamarack Trail, which was blazed in the fall of 2016 by volunteers of the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference. Turn right onto the Tamarack Trail, which follows a level footpath and soon reaches the shore of Lake Tamarack. A rock ledge on the left affords a view over the lake, with a triangular building (the former camp chapel) visible across the lake on the left and the concrete-and-steel foundations of the former waterfront docks on the right.
The trail continues along the lakeshore, soon passing the concrete-and-stone foundations of the former camp waterfront buildings, with more views over the lake. After passing a balanced boulder, you’ll come to a third viewpoint over the lake. The trail now moves away from the lake, joining a woods road. Be alert for a turn where the Tamarack Trail bears left, leaving the road, and continues on a footpath.
A short distance beyond, the Tamarack Trail ends at a junction with the Yellow Trail (blazed with yellow diamonds) near the shore of Todd Lake. Turn right onto the Yellow Trail, which soon goes by a stone wall on a rock ledge at water level, with a view over the lake, and continues to parallel the lake. Near the lake’s south end, the Yellow Trail turns right and soon ends at a woods road, the route of the white-blazed Todd Trail.
Turn right, now following the white blazes. As another woods road joins from the left, the Todd Trail bears right, then almost immediately turns left and follows a footpath into the woods. It soon begins to climb, first rather steeply, then more gradually. After a level stretch, it descends to cross a seasonal stream in a shallow ravine, then ascends on a winding, rocky footpath, with several switchbacks. When it reaches Skyline Drive, the trail turns right and continues for about 200 feet to the triple white blaze marking the terminus of the Todd Trail, opposite the parking area where the hike began.
5. The Celery Farm
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 59 reviews
Reviewed By cararro - New York City, New York
Beautiful natural area to walk and bird. Easy trail around the lake, about 2 mikes, platforms to observe, and many side trails.
6. Franklin Lakes Nature Preserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By Valerie H - Oakland
Living in Oakland for 16 years I just now discovered the Preserve. I was recovering from a hip replacement and looking for a level easy path and the trails there were perfect. One exception, I choose never to do the full circle around the lake as there is a long stretch alongside the road that is noisy. the Nicer option for me is the "cu-through" at the top of the lake.
7. Abma's Farm
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 35 reviews
Reviewed By anthonybender923 - Clifton, New Jersey
Ok, it's an actual farm with a well supplied market of fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and any other freshly made treats you can think of. AND they have animals (separate from the farmer's market of course) that you can feed and pet. It's just a good time wandering around and checking out what they offer. AND the freshly made donuts are to die for
8. High Mountain Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By robcurtross - New York City, New York
The newly named Franklin Lakes Nature Preserve has splendid views of High Mountain -- about a mile and a half of walking on level trails including a very nice accessible area -- car top boating permitted.
The High Mountain Park is accessible from there, a fairly strenuous series of hikes, perhaps 3.5 miles altogether, featuring a mountain top with excellent views of Manhattan on a clear day. The nearby college has a second parking lot with even better access to the trails.
9. Goffle Road Poultry Farm
Overall Ratings
5 based on 20 reviews
Reviewed By MaeB70 - Wyckoff, New Jersey
Great place to get REALLY FRESH chicken. No hormones, no antibiotics & the best tasting chicken. Once you've had it, you'll never want to purchase chicken from the supermarket again. The fresh eggs taste like the ones I used to have as a child (50 yrs ago) You can definitely tell the difference. incredibly friendly staff.
10. Ramapo Valley County Reservation
Overall Ratings
5 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By robcurtross - New York City, New York
Ramapo Valley County Reservation is Bergen County's largest park area and is located on the edge of the Highlands Region. With the recent additions of Camp Glen Gray, Camp Tamarack and Camp Todd, the park has grown to over 4,000 acres. Visitors can hike the hills and valleys and enjoy the Ramapo River and several ponds.
Hiking and camping are available. Several tent campsites are available around Scarlet Oak Pond. Tent camping is allowed in designated areas.
Fishing permitted on the reservation/special rules apply. (A valid NJ fishing license is required, no license is required under age 14). Cross-country skiing is also available during the winter.
There are 21 miles of trails altogether; Newly completed (2016) is a network of five loop trails, all beginning within a 2-mile radius of the Reservation’s parking lot. One of them, the Vista Loop Trail, includes three panoramic views from Hawk Rock, Cactus Ledge, and Ridge Overlook. Good maps are available at a kiosk in the parking lot.
The park entrance is on Ramapo Valley Road (US 202) in Mahwah, just south of its intersection with Darlington Avenue and about two miles south of NJ 17.
This is a personal favorite of many people in the area, particularly dog lovers. I have spent many happy hours hiking in this park; the weather was perfect on my last hike on the Havemeyer Trail. And the Trail Conference Headquarters is a frequent stopping point.
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