Overview
The Borough of Highland Park is a charming residential community in Middlesex County, New Jersey. It lies between the county seat of New Brunswick and Edison Township and has an area of less than two square miles and a population of approximately 14,000 people (2019). It was first settled by Europeans in the 17th century but began to develop in the late 19th century.
1 sights · 2 things to do · 9 places to eat · 2 bars & cafés · 1 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Highland Park
The Castle
Constructed in 1926 for J. Seward Johnson and his first wife and children. The architect won a silver medal in 1928. The Castle is now headquarters of a private business.
The Fallout Shelter
The only comic book and trading card store in town. The Fallout Shelter holds Friday Night Magic, Board Game Nights, and has numerous comic books. Hours are various, with the standard M Th noon-8PM, W 11AM-8PM, F noon-7P…
Studio @ 808
As the only “Gym” in town, there is no surprise why this place has become so popular. Throughout the day, there are people constantly coming in and out, and this individually owned workout facility has become well known …
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Oct. Summer highs reach about 84°F; winter lows dip to about 25°F. Wettest: Aug and Dec. (climate data from nearby Long Branch)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- EWR Newark Liberty International Airport, Newark — 19 mi away (major hub). Directions
- TTN Trenton Mercer Airport, Ewing Township — 26 mi away. Directions
Highland Park is normally visited by crossing the Albany Street Bridge from neighboring New Brunswick. The main street through town is Raritan Avenue, also designated NJ Route 27. The nearest train station is less than a mile away in New Brunswick. Parking is plentiful along streets and in municipal lots in the shopping district. Regular bus service is provided by New Jersey Transit via the 810 bus from New Brunswick to Woodbridge Center Mall and 814 from North Brunswick to Middlesex County College.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning The Castle, The Fallout Shelter
- Lunch Pithari Taverna
- Afternoon Studio @ 808
- Dinner The Italian Bistro
- Evening Park Pub
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Get in
Highland Park is normally visited by crossing the Albany Street Bridge from neighboring New Brunswick. The main street through town is Raritan Avenue, also designated NJ Route 27. The nearest train station is less than a mile away in New Brunswick. Parking is plentiful along streets and in municipal lots in the shopping district. Regular bus service is provided by New Jersey Transit via the 810 bus from New Brunswick to Woodbridge Center Mall and 814 from North Brunswick to Middlesex County College.
Get around
Because of its small size, almost everything in Highland Park is within walking distance. Alternatively, personal auto or the bus are other means of transportation.
See
- Donaldson Park along the Raritan River makes for a great family outing with boating, bicycle riding, baseball/softball, and picnic groves among the attractions. It is reached by traveling south on either South Second or South Third Avenues. There is no admission charge.
- Johnson Park, also along the Raritan River, makes for a similar family outing with bike riding, baseball/softball, tennis, five permit-needed picnic grove and several free ones. Playgrounds are provided along with a large petting zoo and a food stand to get snacks. There is no admission charge and access is available along River Road and Cedar Lane.
- Livingston Homestead is a Greek Revival house with Colonial Revival modifications. It was built around 1843 by relatives of the Reverend John H. Livingston, the president of Queens College (now Rutgers University). The grand house is located on a quiet, tree-lined street in a residential neighborhood at 81 Harrison Avenue. Listed in the New Jersey and National Registers of Historic Places.
- Livingston Manor Historic District is an early 20th century, planned development of houses created by Watson Whittlesey on the former farmlands around the Livingston Homestead. Bounded by River Road, Cleveland, Madison, and Lawrence Avenues, the district is listed in the New Jersey and National Registers of Historic Places.
See The Castle
Constructed in 1926 for J. Seward Johnson and his first wife and children. The architect won a silver medal in 1928. The Castle is now headquarters of a private business.
Do
Do The Fallout Shelter
The only comic book and trading card store in town. The Fallout Shelter holds Friday Night Magic, Board Game Nights, and has numerous comic books. Hours are various, with the standard M Th noon-8PM, W 11AM-8PM, F noon-7PM, Sa 10AM-6PM
Do Studio @ 808
As the only “Gym” in town, there is no surprise why this place has become so popular. Throughout the day, there are people constantly coming in and out, and this individually owned workout facility has become well known in the area. Also available at the Studio are a wide assortment of beverages, including nutritional supplements, and shakes to be enjoyed before, during, and after your workout.
Buy
Shop Academy of Art of Highland Park & Gallery
Shop GEMS Gallery
Shop B. Beamesderfer Gallery
- Judaica Gallery bookstore, 300 Raritan Avenue, +1 732 828-7722
- Through the Moongate artisan gallery and gift store, 440 Raritan Avenue, +1 732 729-9344
- Over the Moon Toys specialty toy store, 440 Raritan Avenue, +1 732 729-9344
Eat
Eat Park Deli
Deli, groceries, coffee, take-out or eat-in. Well known for the infamous “fat” sandwiches. On the corner of South Second and Raritan Ave, the corner store is seen by everybody driving through Highland Park.
Eat Highland Pizza
On the corner of North 6th Ave, Highland Pizza has great neighborhood pizza. Being right in the center of town, there is no surprise as to why this little pizzeria is so popular. Competing with Highland Pizza is a challenge, since it is in sight from the High School. The place is packed during lunch and after school, and it has even become somewhat of a hangout. The best part of the restaurant is the man behind the counter, Chico. He just about everyone in town.
Drink
Sleep
- The Heldrich Hotel, 10 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ, is about 1/2 mile southwest of the borough.
Nearby
New Brunswick
City / town · 14 listings · 1 mi away
Piscataway
City / town · 4 listings · 1 mi away
Somerset
City / town · 4 listings · 3 mi away
Edison
City / town · 20 listings · 4 mi away
North Brunswick
City / town · 3 listings · 4 mi away
Metuchen
City / town · 2 listings · 4 mi away
East Brunswick
City / town · 25 listings · 5 mi away
Woodbridge
City / town · 8 mi away
My experience
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